The Michi Q5 is a CD player with hi-res support, and in case you weren’t aware yet, this brand is the high-end division of Rotel.
While CDs may be considered “on their way out,” there are still many in circulation—both old and new. If you’d like to enjoy those well-known silver discs once again, a good CD player is indispensable. The new Michi Q5 could be just the player for that. Technically speaking, the correct description of the device is a “transport-DAC,” which means it not only has digital outputs and inputs, but also an analog output. The digital input supports hi-res formats, including DSD and—where still relevant—MQA. The DAC chip used is the 8-channel ESS ES9028PRO, set up in a 2 x 4 configuration.
The Q5 is fully balanced in design and includes two toroidal transformers. If you want to take a Michi Q5 home, you’ll need to pay €5999.