Michi Q5 Transport DAC
The Michi Q5 Transport DAC is a reference-grade CD player, CD transport, and high-resolution DAC engineered for audiophiles who demand exceptional clarity, ultra-low distortion, and modern digital flexibility. Its top-loading, CNC-machined aluminum CD mechanism is built for precision and durability, while the ESS SABRE ES9028PRO 8-channel DAC delivers a clean, detailed, and dynamic sound. With support for PC-USB up to 32-bit/384 kHz plus DSD and MQA/MQA Studio, the Q5 excels with both discs and high-resolution digital libraries. A full-color TFT display, along with remote, Ethernet, and RS232 control options, completes a premium source component designed to anchor a high-end audio system.
The Michi Q5 is part of ListenUp's Rotel CD Players Collection.
What It's Good At:
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Extracting maximum detail from CDs with a high-precision, top-loading aluminum mechanism
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Delivering ultra-clean DAC performance via the ESS ES9028PRO with extremely low distortion
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High-resolution playback versatility (PC-USB, coaxial, and optical digital sources supported)
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Premium system matching with fully balanced XLR outputs and audiophile-grade analog stage
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Modern ecosystem compatibility including Roon Tested support
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Seamless control & integration with remote operation plus Ethernet and RS232 connectivity
Michi Q5 Full Specifications:
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Type: Transport DAC / CD Player
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Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): < 0.0006% (CD/Coaxial/Optical/PC-USB input)
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Intermodulation Distortion: < 0.002%
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Frequency Response:
- 20 Hz – 20 kHz (+0 dB, −0.1 dB)
- 10 Hz – 70 kHz (+0 dB, −3 dB)
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Signal-to-Noise Ratio (IHF A-weighted): > 115 dB
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Dynamic Range: > 99 dB
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Channel Balance: ± 0.5 dB
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Channel Separation: > 104 dB @ 10 kHz
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Input Sensitivity / Impedance: 0 dBFS / 75 ohms
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Digital-to-Analog Converter: ESS ES9028PRO (32-bit / 768 kHz DAC)
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Digital Output: 16-bit / 44.1 kHz format only (CD audio only)
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Analog Output Level / Impedance:
- Unbalanced (RCA): 2.3 V / 100 ohms
- Balanced (XLR): 4.9 V / 4K ohms
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Coaxial/Optical Digital Input Signals: SPDIF LPCM (up to 24-bit / 192 kHz)
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PC-USB: USB Audio Class 2.0 (up to 32-bit / 384 kHz) *Driver installation required
- Supports native DSD (up to 4X, 11.2M)
- Supports DoP (up to 2X, 5.6M)
- Supports MQA and MQA Studio (up to 24-bit / 384 kHz)
- Roon Tested support
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Power Requirements:
- USA: 120 volts, 60 Hz
- EC: 230 volts, 50 Hz
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Power Consumption: 25 watts
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Standby Power Consumption: < 0.5 watts
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Dimensions (W x H x D): 485 x 150 x 452 mm (19 x 6 x 17 3/4 in.)
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Front Panel Height: 132 mm (5 1/4 in.)
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Net Weight: 23.5 kg (51.8 lbs.)
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Finish: Black
Michi Q5 Q&A:
- What is the Michi Q5—CD player, transport, or DAC?
- The Michi Q5 is all three: a high-performance CD player/transport plus an integrated high-resolution DAC for external digital sources.
- Does the Q5 support balanced outputs?
- Yes. It includes fully balanced XLR outputs as well as RCA analog outputs (use one connection method at a time).
- What digital inputs does the Q5 include for external sources?
- It supports coaxial and optical SPDIF (up to 24-bit/192 kHz) plus PC-USB up to 32-bit/384 kHz.
- Can the Q5 play DSD files?
- Yes. Over PC-USB it supports native DSD up to 4X (11.2M) and DoP up to 2X (5.6M).
- Does the Q5 support MQA and MQA Studio?
- Yes. It supports MQA and MQA Studio up to 24-bit/384 kHz via PC-USB (USB Audio Class 2.0).
- Is the Michi Q5 compatible with Roon?
- Yes. The Q5 is Roon Tested, designed to work smoothly with Roon via PC-USB.
- What is the digital output used for?
- The Q5 provides a CD digital output in 16-bit/44.1 kHz format (CD audio only), useful when feeding an external DAC or a digital input on an amplifier.
- What are the power and standby power specs?
- Power consumption is 25 W, and standby power is < 0.5 W, with mains support for 120V/60Hz (USA) and 230V/50Hz (EC).
Michi Q5 Downloads:
Michi Q5 Manual
Michi Q5 Specifications Sheet
