MICHI P5
The MICHI P5 brings dynamic musical flow to a remarkably complete analogue-and-digital control centre. Stereophile found it deeply engaging across digital and analogue playback, while Future Audiophile praised its formidable DAC performance. With MM/MC phono, balanced connections and high-resolution digital versatility, it is a serious hub for ambitious systems.
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Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
87/100
Build Quality
83/100
Features Connectivity
92/100
Value for Money
85/100
Pros
Engaging, dynamic presentation across both digital and analogue recordings.
DAC performance compared very well in direct A/B listening against the Anthem STR preamp.
Cons
Digital outputs may see limited real-world use for many owners.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 87/100
The available listening comments are positive, describing a highly capable DAC and a flowing, involving presentation across both digital and analogue material. Dynamics are especially well documented, while tonal character and spatial performance receive less direct coverage.
Transparency Resolution
89/100
Future Audiophile calls the Series 2 DAC “a force to be reckoned with” and reports that it compared very well with the DAC section of Anthem’s STR preamp in direct A/B listening. That is persuasive evidence of strong digital clarity and resolving ability, although the supplied reviews do not deeply address low-level detail or noise floor.
Tonal Balance Musicality
86/100
Stereophile found the P5/Mytek pairing consistently engaging, describing music as flowing across every digital and analogue recording played. The supplied comments do not offer a detailed account of warmth, neutrality, treble balance, or timbral color.
Dynamics
91/100
Stereophile explicitly describes the presentation as “flowing, dynamic music” that remained engaging from recording to recording. This is the clearest and strongest documented sonic attribute in the supplied listening evidence.
Soundstage Imaging
82/100
The reviews supplied do not directly discuss stage width, depth, image placement, or layering. The engaging and unconstrained overall presentation offers no indication of a spatial problem, but buyers seeking a detailed account of imaging should consult fuller listening reports.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
83/100
The P5 is a substantial 22.9kg component with measured low distortion, wide line-level bandwidth, and high specified signal-to-noise performance. The supplied reviews offer little direct commentary on chassis execution, controls, internal layout, or long-term reliability.
Features Connectivity
92/100
This is an unusually comprehensive control preamp, with balanced and unbalanced line connections, an MM/MC phono stage, and a high-resolution DAC section supporting PCM, DSD, MQA, USB audio, and Roon Tested operation. Tone controls and extensive digital connectivity broaden its usefulness, though Future Audiophile questions how often owners will need its digital outputs.
Value for Money
85/100
At the supplied asking price of 7,549, the P5 combines analogue line-stage duties, MM/MC phono capability, balanced connectivity, and a sophisticated DAC in one component. None of the supplied reviews directly compares its price with competing preamps or offers a clear verdict on value.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
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Specifications
- Dimensions (W × H × D)
- 485 × 150 × 452mm 19" × 6" × 17.75"
- Front Panel Height
- 132mm (5.25")
- Power Requirements
- 120V, 60Hz
- Power Consumption
- 40W
- Standby Power Consumption
- Normal: <0.5W Network Wakeup: <2W
- Net Weight
- 22.9kg (50.5lbs.)
- BTU Rating
- 87 BTU/h (4Ω, 1/8th power)
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
- (20Hz–20kHz) <0.002%
- Frequency Response
- Line Level Inputs: 10Hz - 100kHz (±0.3dB) Digital Inputs: 20Hz - 20kHz (±0.3dB) Phono Input: 20Hz - 20kHz (±0.3dB)
- S/N Ratio
- Line Level Inputs: 116dB Digital Inputs: 100dB Phono Input: 80dB
- Intermodulation Distortion
- (60Hz:7kHz, 4:1) <0.002%
- Input Sensitivity
- Line Level Inputs (RCA): 160mV Line Level Inputs (XLR): 250mV Phono Input (MM): 2.5mV Phono Input (MC): 250uV Digital Inputs: 0dBFs
- Input Impedance
- Line Level Inputs (RCA): 47kΩ Line Level Inputs (XLR): 100kΩ Phono Input (MM): 47kΩ Phono Input (MC): 100Ω Digital Inputs: 75Ω
- Input Overload
- Line Level Inputs (RCA): 12V Line Level Inputs (XLR): 12V Phono Input (MM): 199mV Phono Input (MC): 22mV
- Output Level
- Unbalanced (RCA): 1V Balanced (XLR): 2V
- Output Impedance
- Unbalanced (RCA): 470Ω Balanced (XLR): 100Ω
- Channel Separation
- Line Level Inputs: >85dB Phono Input: >55dB
- Tone Controls
- ±10dB at 100Hz / 10kHz
- Coax/Optical Digital Input Signals
- LPCM (Up to 24-bit/192kHz)
- PC-USB
- USB Audio Class 1 (up to 24-bit/96kHz) USB Audio Class 2 (up to 32-bit/384kHz)* *Driver Installation Required DSD and DoP Support MQA Support Roon Tested Support
Manufacturer's Description — MICHI
The Michi P5 Control Amplifier delivers the ultimate culmination of audio performance with a full complement of source inputs. The meticulous circuit design, critical component selection and over 3 years in the making ensures the P5 meets the highest of standards allowing this preamplifier to proudly wear the Michi logo.
The Michi P5 Control Amplifier delivers the ultimate performance in audio processing with a full complement of analog and digital source inputs. Over 3 years in the making, every aspect of the P5 has been carefully crafted including the power supply, circuit design and critical component selection to ensure the highest integrity of the audio signal eliminating unwanted noise and distortion.
The Dual AKM 32-bit DACs feed the Class-A preamplifier circuit ensuring detail, accuracy and the highest musical fidelity while maintaining crucial rhythm and timing for all musical genre regardless of your listening style. These circuits are supported by an array of 17 independent voltage regulators driven from 2 custom designed and factory built toroidal transformers with low ESR smoothing capacitors to deliver ripple free current to all critical circuits.
Accuracy and detail are essential in reproducing audio and equally important is delivering music that is enjoyable and entertaining. The P5 excels in all aspects building on over 55 years of audio design experience. The bespoke in-house manufacturing facility ensures this preamplifier is built to highest of quality standards allowing it to proudly wear the Michi logo.
Automation and control system integration is easily supported with RS232 and Ethernet connections.
The Michi P5 includes MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) technology, which enables you to play back MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the original master recording.
Verified Dealers
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Authorized dealers for MICHI P5
- Resolution A/V — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- Aalen Hifi — in-store — Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Wurtemberg, Germany (website)
- Acoustica — online and in-store — Chester, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Aris Audio — in-store — Salt Lake City, Utah, United States (website)
- Audible Images — in-store — Melbourne, Florida, United States (website)
- Audio Connection — online and in-store — Verona, New Jersey, United States (website)
- Audio Venue — online and in-store — London, England, United Kingdom (website)
- AUDIO VIDEO TODAY — in-store — Laguna Hills, California, United States (website)
- Audiocompagniet — online and in-store — Odense C, Denmark (website)
and 22 more verified dealers