ROTEL tries to repackage the Digital Realm. The new MICHI Q5 “TRANSPORT DAC” is here to prove that.

Dear reader, Rotel just released a new CD-Player, the Michi Q5! This is an interesting piece of news, as we do not see any interest as of late in the realm of CD-playing. Nevertheless, the Q5 is an audiophile’s dream, having a top loading mechanism, dual toroidal transformers and a DAC that can handle high-resolution! DSD? Of course! The Q5 joins the Michi family, having an identical footprint as Michi X3 and X5. Also, an interesting fact is that Rotel calls the Q5 a “Transport DAC”, stating that this is more than a CD-Player, so let’s dig in and understand how this is possible.

As you can see from its backside, there are RCA and balanced XLR outputs, along with coaxial and optical inputs and outputs. This makes the Q5 a DAC rather than just a CD-Player or CD-Transport, however, the Q5 is capable of these functions also. So, Q5 is a CD-Player, a CD-Transport and a DAC. 3-in-1, just like flavored instant coffee shots.

As you can see there is also a USB host plug on the backside and an ethernet port. These ports are used to connect another digital source to the Q5 and use it as a DAC, you can use the USB, optical and coaxial ports for that. The ethernet port is only used as a means of connecting the Q5 to the network for downloading album artwork to be displayed on its main screen. Unfortunately, the Q5 cannot be used as a standalone streamer. That would be too good, isn’t it?

Under the hood you will find an ESS ES9028PRO 8-channel DAC (the same that is present in Rotel amplifiers), for each channel four DACs of the eight are used. Inside you will notice a clean architecture together with the dual toroidal transformers I mentioned before.

So, this device tries to combine a top-notch CD-Transport with a very good DAC, making the Q5 a very interesting package for a lot of us who still spin CDs but also listen to streaming from a capable external streamer.

The new Q5 will cost $6999 and will be available globally this November. In Romania you can purchase the Q5 from our local Rotel dealership, AVstore.ro, while for all other countries please visit rotel.com.