The Rotel Michi Q5 Transport DAC is set to hit the shelves in early March 2025, and it's packing some serious upgrades since its initial showcase. When we first heard about the Michi Q5 back in September 2024, it already sounded promising, but the final version seems to have taken things up a notch.

At the heart of the Michi Q5 is the premium ES9028PRO DAC chip from ESS Technology. This isn't just a standard implementation; Rotel has optimized it with a fully balanced differential circuit. What does that mean? Essentially, you'll get an even lower noise floor and a cleaner signal through both the XLR and RCA analog outputs. It's a move that enhances the audio performance, making an already impressive DAC even better.

The top-loading CD transport is a nod to precise engineering. Crafted from CNC-machined aluminum, the mechanism now sits on a floating spring suspension system. This added isolation minimizes vibrations, ensuring that the disc reading is as accurate as possible. Plus, the addition of glass slots on the CD loader's cover lets you watch your CDs spin, which is a nice touch for those who appreciate the beauty of physical media.

Power supply is another area where the Michi Q5 shines. It features dual in-house toroidal transformers dedicated to separately powering the digital and analog circuits. On top of that, the power supply for the CD transport's motor is completely isolated. This separation prevents interference with the sensitive audio circuits, contributing to a purer sound output.

But the Michi Q5 isn't just a high-end CD player; it's also a versatile external DAC. It comes equipped with various digital inputs, including a USB-B port that supports PCM streams up to 32-bit/384kHz, MQA, and even DSD 4X. The coaxial and optical inputs handle audio resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz, broadening the range of digital sources you can connect.

Visually, the final version maintains Michi's minimalist aesthetic. The high-resolution TFT display on the front panel now offers enhanced album art visualization, adding a bit more flair to the user experience. Control options are plentiful, with the included remote offering convenience and automation capabilities available through RS232 and Ethernet ports.

The Rotel Michi Q5 Transport DAC will be available in March 2025, priced at $6,999 USD or €5,999. It's a significant investment, but for those who value top-tier audio performance and meticulous engineering, it promises to be a worthy addition to any high-end audio setup.

The Rotel Michi Q5 Transport DAC is set to hit the shelves in early March 2025, and it's packing some serious upgrades since its initial showcase. When we first heard about the Michi Q5 back in September 2024, it already sounded promising, but the final version seems to have taken things up a notch.

At the heart of the Michi Q5 is the premium ES9028PRO DAC chip from ESS Technology. This isn't just a standard implementation; Rotel has optimized it with a fully balanced differential circuit. What does that mean? Essentially, you'll get an even lower noise floor and a cleaner signal through both the XLR and RCA analog outputs. It's a move that enhances the audio performance, making an already impressive DAC even better.

The top-loading CD transport is a nod to precise engineering. Crafted from CNC-machined aluminum, the mechanism now sits on a floating spring suspension system. This added isolation minimizes vibrations, ensuring that the disc reading is as accurate as possible. Plus, the addition of glass slots on the CD loader's cover lets you watch your CDs spin, which is a nice touch for those who appreciate the beauty of physical media.

Power supply is another area where the Michi Q5 shines. It features dual in-house toroidal transformers dedicated to separately powering the digital and analog circuits. On top of that, the power supply for the CD transport's motor is completely isolated. This separation prevents interference with the sensitive audio circuits, contributing to a purer sound output.

But the Michi Q5 isn't just a high-end CD player; it's also a versatile external DAC. It comes equipped with various digital inputs, including a USB-B port that supports PCM streams up to 32-bit/384kHz, MQA, and even DSD 4X. The coaxial and optical inputs handle audio resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz, broadening the range of digital sources you can connect.

Visually, the final version maintains Michi's minimalist aesthetic. The high-resolution TFT display on the front panel now offers enhanced album art visualization, adding a bit more flair to the user experience. Control options are plentiful, with the included remote offering convenience and automation capabilities available through RS232 and Ethernet ports.

The Rotel Michi Q5 Transport DAC will be available in March 2025, priced at $6,999 USD or €5,999. It's a significant investment, but for those who value top-tier audio performance and meticulous engineering, it promises to be a worthy addition to any high-end audio setup.