Gary SteelThe X3 and X5 integrated amplifiers are to expand Rotel’s reference-quality Michi product series.
Rotel is adding two new amps to its re-introduced Michi range, adding what the acclaimed Japanese hi-fi company claims to be “hallmark reference-quality performance and exceptional value.”
Having met international approval for the re-rubbed Michi brand with the award-winning P5 Preamplifier and S5 Stereo Amplifier, Rotel reckon they’ve created “a new category in the high-end audio market” that combines premium features with exceptional value.
“The Michi X3 and X5 build upon the established Michi formula of offering the best-in-class audio engineering, via the exhaustive, critical evaluation of every circuit, signal path and component in combination with the in-house development of key technologies and components”, says the company’s product blurb.
The new integrated amplifiers also share the exceptional industrial design and finish of the recently launched P5, S5 and M8 models.
“We are very excited about the introduction of the X3 and X5 Michi amplifiers”, said Daren Orth, Chief Technology Officer of Rotel. “The X3 and X5 are a natural extension of the ground-breaking work we have achieved with the relaunch of the Michi brand. These integrated amplifiers represent the best of Rotel and represent nearly six decades of engineering excellence, with products manufactured to the highest quality standards and offered with unsurpassed value.”
The X5 Integrated amplifier is fully featured, supporting an array of 14 source inputs including Analogue, Digital, XLR, PC-USB with DSD 2X decoding plus MQA rendering, Bluetooth with apt-X and AAC high-quality wireless streaming and both Moving Magnet and Moving Coil Phono Stage. Digital to analogue conversion utilizes an AKM 32 bit, 768KHz DAC achieving meticulous accuracy and timing of the audio.
The X5 closely follows the architecture of the existing Michi P5/S5 pre/power combination and is similarly powered by dual in-house manufactured oversized toroidal transformers, allowing the X5 to deliver 600 Watts of output power into 4 ohms and 350 Watts to 8-ohm loads with near limitless, controlled bass energy.
Isolation of the power supplied to all sensitive circuits also eliminates unwanted noise and distortion, further refining the audio signature.
The front panel graphic display provides easy access to all setup options using the included custom-designed signature Michi remote control. The display is configurable to show operating status, or a 12-band graphic EQ or a Peak Power Meter. The RS232 and Ethernet connection ensures simple integration with automation systems.
The X3 Integrated Amplifier delivers 350 Watts of robust power into 4 ohms and 200 Watts to 8-ohm loads, driven by a high-efficiency, oversized in-house manufactured toroidal transformer feeding independent analogue, digital and power amplifier voltage regulator circuits for optimal power isolation.
The X3 architecture is all about continuous, high-quality performance with all circuits designed to optimize the signal path to each of the 13 source inputs, including XLR, Analog, Digital, PC-USB, Bluetooth apt-X wireless streaming and a Moving Magnet Phono Stage.
Utilizing direct-path circuit topology, the X3 further isolates sensitive audio signals and processing from the high current amplification stage lowering the noise floor and delivering an improved sound field.
The X3 high-resolution screen ensures quick setup of all features and multiple user-selectable configuration options of the run-time display. Ethernet and RS232 connectivity provide integration with all popular control systems.
- The Michi X3 will be available in October with the X5 scheduled to arrive in November. New Zealand price is still to be announced.
This product news contains elements of Rotel’s press release.
