Lewis CaliburnMichi is expanding its lineup of audiophile-grade components with the launch of the Michi Q5 Transport DAC. The Q5 is said to redefine the CD player experience by merging state-of-the-art technology with what the manufacturer is calling “unmatched craftsmanship” to deliver sound quality demanded by the most discerning of audiophiles.
The Michi Q5 Transport DAC is engineered to elevate the audio experience to new heights. At its core lies the premium ESS ES9028PRO DAC, an eight-channel digital-to-analogue converter. Michi has implemented the DAC in a fully balanced, fully differential circuit design to offer precision audio reproduction with an extremely low noise floor, ensuring pristine sound with minimal distortion to both XLR and RCA analogue outputs.
The Q5 dedicates four channels within the DAC to each of the left and right audio signal paths, ensuring extraordinary detail retrieval and an expansive soundstage that brings every nuance of music to life. For additional installation flexibility the Q5 also delivers CD audio to both coaxial and optical outputs, allowing the unit to act as a CD Transport.
The bespoke, top-loading CD mechanism is constructed with precision optical laser pickup housed in a premium CNC-machined aluminium chassis that offers durability in a sleek, modern aesthetic. The CD mechanism is further mounted on a custom floating spring assembly, reducing unwanted vibrations and providing a stable platform for CD playback.
To further ensure audio purity, the Q5 is equipped with bespoke, dual in-house manufactured toroidal transformers that isolate digital and analogue voltage supplies, significantly reducing noise and interference. The CD drive motor’s voltage and current supplies are also electrically isolated from the sensitive audio signals, preventing any potential motor noise from affecting the sound quality.
Beyond its CD playback capabilities, the Michi Q5 is a versatile digital music hub. It supports a wide range of additional audio inputs, including PC-USB (up to 32-bit / 384kHz) with MQA and DSD 4X support, plus 24-bit / 192kHz coaxial and optical inputs. These features make the Q5 compatible with various digital sources as an ultra-high-performance DAC for an entire audio system.
The elegant front panel of the Q5 is a testament to Michi’s minimalist design philosophy, featuring a full-colour TFT display that showcases CD album artwork. The included Michi remote provides intuitive, seamless operation, while RS232 and Ethernet ports enable integration with popular automation systems.
The Michi Q5 Transport DAC is crafted for those who demand the best in both performance and aesthetics. Its premium construction, audio quality, versatile connectivity and advanced control options make it the ultimate CD player for high-end audio systems, claims the manufacturer.
The Michi Q5 Transport DAC will be available through authorised Michi dealers starting in November 2024.
The new models are available in the global markets beginning in November 2024 for £5,499 / $6,999 / €5,999.