- The latest addition to the Rotel MICHI Series from Rotel Co. Ltd, the Rotel MICHI Q5 Transport DAC, is a high-end CD player and modern D/A converter.
It seems a little strange at first when Rotel Co. Ltd. refers to the latest addition to the outstanding Rotel MICHI Series as a so-called CD transport, as this term normally defines a solution that is dedicated solely to reading audio CDs, but leaves the signal conversion from digital to analogue to external specialists. In this respect, Rotel Co. Ltd. may surprise some people by presenting the new Rotel MICHI Q5 Transport DAC.
On closer inspection, however, it quickly becomes clear why the renowned Japanese High-end HiFi manufacturer chose exactly this description, as it is clearly intended to indicate that ultimately two specialists – a high-precision CD mechanism and a DAC optimised for precise signal conversion – have been combined in one device.
A CD player and DAC that combines state-of-the-art technology and traditional craftsmanship
The so-called Rotel MICHI Series is a particularly outstanding product line from the traditional Japanese High-end HiFi manufacturer Rotel Co. Ltd. Regardless of the product in question, every solution in this series can be taken as a prime example of what has always characterised solutions from Rotel Co. Ltd.
The latest addition to the range, the Rotel MICHI Q5 Transport DAC, is a solution that utilises the latest technologies and combines them masterfully with traditional craftsmanship.
At first glance, the new Rotel MICHI Q5 Transport DAC gives the impression that you are once again looking at an outstanding product that clearly belongs to the premium segment.
The device presents itself in the tried and tested manner with an elegant front, on which a TFT colour display not only shows all relevant information, but also album cover artwork, for example. Aluminium cooling elements on the sides not only look elegant, they also effectively dissipate waste heat and there is a drive on the top of the device. The Rotel MICHI Q5 Transport DAC is therefore designed as a top-loader.
With dimensions of 485 x 150 x 452 mm, the system weighs in at an impressive 23,5 kg, clear evidence of the proven solid workmanship and a first indication that only the finest components with a complex structure can be found inside.
Top loader with solid drive
The CD transport itself also contributes to the impressive weight, as it is a drive designed as a top loader with a CNC-milled aluminium chassis, making it particularly robust and stable. When Rotel Co. Ltd. speaks of a high-precision CD mechanism, this is no coincidence…
8-channel DAC and balanced signal processing
At the heart of the new Rotel MICHI Q5 Transport DAC is an 8-channel ESS ES9028PRO DAC from specialist ESS Technology Inc. with four channels used for the left channel and the remaining four for the right channel. This guarantees signal conversion with an enormous dynamic reserve, maximum precision and free from any sound-damaging influences, as the manufacturer promises, whereby signals in Linear PCM with up to 32 bits and 192 kHz as well as DSD up to DSD256 and also MQA can be processed.
The full spectrum is of course available via the USB-B port of the Rotel MICHI Q5 Transport DAC, which can be used to connect a PC or Mac as a source with asynchronous data transfer. According to the manufacturer, the new Rotel MICHI Q5 Transport DAC can be used as Roon Tested.
The new Rotel MICHI Q5 Transport DAC only supports signals in Linear PCM with up to 24 bit and 192 kHz via the optical and coaxial S/PDIF interfaces, for the sake of completeness.
The analogue output stage is fully balanced, so in addition to unbalanced RCA sockets, balanced XLR analogue outputs are also available.
It should also be mentioned that the new Rotel MICHI Q5 Transport DAC has a deliberately generously dimensioned power supply based on toroidal transformers and, in addition to 12 V trigger connections, also has an RS232 interface and an RJ45 interface for integration into various control solutions on its rear panel.
Prices and availability
The new Rotel MICHI Q5 Transport DAC should be available soon, the manufacturer is talking about November 2024, with a target price of US$ 6.999,-.
Getting to the point
The new Rotel MICHI Q5 Transport DAC is a solution from the Rotel MICHI Series that stands for flawless sound and ultimate performance, according to the Japanese High-end HiFi manufacturer Rotel Co. Ltd. The Rotel Michi Q5 Transport DAC was developed for discerning audiophiles and is intended to impress with unrivalled performance and aesthetic elegance and thus prove itself as a flexible digital hub in a fine audio system.
| PRODUCT | Rotel MICHI Q5 Transport DAC |
|---|---|
| Price | US$ 6.999,- |
| Brand | ROTEL |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Rotel Co. Ltd. |
| Distribution Austria | Audio Tuning Vertriebs GmbH |
| Distribution Germany | Audio-Trade Hi-Fi Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH |
| Distribution Switzerland | Audio-Trade Hi-Fi Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH |
| More about this manufacturer at HIFI BLOG |
