MICHI Q5
The Q5 pairs a deep black background with tuneful, powerful bass, expansive three-dimensional imaging and smooth, extended treble. Craig Chase found this substantial CD transport/DAC exceptionally revealing yet natural, while balanced outputs, high-resolution USB and robust construction make it a commanding digital centerpiece.
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
96/100
Build Quality
91/100
Features Usability
88/100
Value for Money
96/100
Pros
Deep, authoritative bass remains tuneful and controlled, with strong low-frequency impact on music and film.
Exceptionally quiet background, clear fine-detail retrieval and expansive three-dimensional soundstage.
Substantial CNC-machined chassis, balanced XLR outputs and versatile USB, coaxial and optical digital connectivity.
Cons
No onboard streaming capability.
Does not play SACDs.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 96/100
The Q5 is described as unusually natural, powerful and involving, combining deep, tuneful bass with expansive three-dimensional staging and treble that remains extended without harshness. The review also reports a notably black background, lifelike vocal presence, excellent dynamic expression and consistently clear retrieval of fine musical information.
Tonal Balance Musicality
96/100
The reviewer hears powerful yet tuneful low frequencies, natural piano decay and high notes with the right degree of bite rather than glare. Its analog-like warmth, believable female vocals and "closer to live" presentation make it especially appealing for extended, emotionally engaged listening.
Resolution Detail
96/100
The review says the Q5 removes the last veils between listener and music, bringing light touches through with crystal clarity while retaining full-scale dynamic impact. Percussion is described as pitch-perfect, quiet dialogue remains intelligible, and the reviewer found no hint of lost detail on demanding material.
Digital Performance
96/100
A markedly deeper, blacker background than the comparison Yamaha CD-2100 is one of the clearest reported improvements. The Q5's DAC section is credited with delivering exceptional authority, control and clarity across both subtle passages and large cinematic crescendos, without an overtly digital character.
FEATURES USABILITY PERFORMANCE 88/100
As a CD player and DAC, the Q5 offers extensive digital-source flexibility and both balanced and single-ended analog outputs. Its color display, supplied remote and automation provisions support straightforward use, although it is not a network-streaming player with a dedicated streaming ecosystem.
Streaming Software
85/100
The Q5 is designed around disc playback and external digital sources rather than onboard streaming software. Within that remit, the reviewer notes a full-color TFT screen with album art, along with remote, Ethernet and RS232 control for system integration, but provides no detailed assessment of interface responsiveness or software operation.
Features Connectivity
94/100
The Q5 is equipped to serve as a digital hub, with PC-USB supporting high-resolution PCM, MQA and DSD, plus coaxial and optical digital inputs. Balanced XLR and RCA analog outputs, CD digital outputs, and automation connectivity add meaningful installation flexibility.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
91/100
The reviewer found the 52-pound Q5 immediately impressive in person, describing it as feeling like a stout power amplifier with no chassis flex. Its CNC-machined aluminum enclosure makes a convincing case for a substantial, carefully engineered physical package, though long-term durability is not discussed.
Value for Money
96/100
At $6,999, the Q5 is plainly expensive, but the reviewer repeatedly considers it a bargain in the high-end market. It is described as a world-class component at a compelling price and as a challenge to the best CD player/DAC combinations irrespective of price.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
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Specifications
- Dimensions
- 485 x 150x 452 mm 19 x 6 x 17.75
- Front Panel Height
- 132 mm (5.25")
- Power Requirements
- 120 V, 60 Hz
- Power Consumption
- 25 W
- Standby Power Consumption
- <0.5 W
- Net Weight
- 23.5 kg (51.8 lbs.)
- Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)
- CD/Coaxial/Optical/PC-USB Input: <0.0006%
- Frequency Response
- 20 Hz - 20k Hz, +0 dB, -0.1 dB 10 Hz - 70k Hz, +0 dB, -3 dB
- S/N Ratio
- >115 dB
- Dynamic Range
- >99 dB
- Digital to Analog Converters
- ESS ES9028PRO (32bit/768 kHz DAC)
- Channel Balance
- ± 0.5 dB
- Channel Separation
- >104 dB @ 10k Hz
- Intermodulation Distortion
- <0.002%
- Analog Output Level
- Unbalanced (RCA): 2.3 V Balanced (XLR): 4.9 V
- Analog Output Impedance
- Unbalanced (RCA): 100 Ω Balanced (XLR): 4kΩ
- Input Sensitivity
- 0 dBfs / 75 Ω
- Digital Output
- 16-Bit/44.1 kHz format only CD Audio Only
- Coax/Optical Digital Input Signals
- LPCM (Up to 24-bit / 192 kHz)
- PC-USB
- USB Audio Class 2.0 (up to 32-bit / 384 kHz)* *Driver installation required Support native DSD (up to 4X, 11.2 MHz) and DoP (up to 2X, 5.6 MHz) Support MQA and MQA Studio (up to 24-bit / 384 kHz) Roon Tested
Manufacturer's Description — MICHI
Experience unrivaled audio quality with the Michi Q5 Transport DAC. This high-performance CD player features a premium CNC aluminum design CD Mechanism, an advanced ESS ES9028PRO DAC for precise sound, and versatile connectivity including 32-bit/384k Hz PC-USB and 24-bit/192k Hz coaxial and optical source inputs. Enjoy impeccable audio and the ultimate performance with the Michi Q5.
Elevate your audio experience with the Michi Q5 Transport DAC, a high-performance CD player blending cutting-edge technology with superior craftsmanship.
Featuring a top-loading CD mechanism crafted from CNC aluminum, it ensures durability and sleek design.
The Q5 is powered by the premium ESS ES9028PRO 8-Channel DAC dedicating 4-channels each to the Left and Right audio for precise digital-to-analog conversion, delivering exceptional sound quality with minimal distortion.
Its fully balanced circuitry and dual toroidal transformers reduce noise and interference for pristine CD audio playback. The Q5 further supports 32-bit/384k Hz PC-USB (rendering MQA and DSD 4x) and 24-bit/192k Hz optical and coaxial offering versatility for your audio system digital sources.
The front panel includes a full-color TFT display with CD album artwork enhancing your listening experience with visual appeal.
The Michi remote control, RS232, and Ethernet ports ensure seamless operation and integration with all popular automation systems.
Designed for discerning audiophiles, the Michi Q5 promises unmatched performance and aesthetic elegance for your audio system.
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- 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