Introduction

The Michi Q5 is a flagship transport and DAC, marrying a precision-machined CD mechanism with a state-of-the-art ESS ES9028PRO converter. Designed for the discerning audiophile, it delivers rock-steady disc playback and ultra-low-jitter digital conversion in a single, elegant chassis.

Design

Encased in a rigid CNC-machined aluminum front panel and robust chassis, the Q5 isolates its top-loading CD drawer on a spring-suspended assembly with hydraulic damping to eliminate vibration and noise. Dual toroidal transformers and fully balanced circuit boards for both the transport and DAC sections ensure that mechanical and electrical systems remain acoustically and electrically isolated.

Application

Use the Q5 as your system’s digital centerpiece. It reads SACD and CD discs with precision, then routes the data through its ESS-based DAC to balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA outputs. Additional coaxial and optical outputs make it suitable as a pure transport, while its USB-PC input (32-bit/384 kHz, MQA, DSD 4×) and 24-bit/192 kHz coaxial/optical inputs allow it to serve as a versatile digital hub for all your sources.

Technology Overview

• Advanced DAC Engine
  Four ES9028PRO converter chips per channel operate in parallel for exceptionally low distortion and high dynamic range.
• Precision Reclocking & Isolation
  Deep-buffer memory and a low-jitter crystal clock deliver immaculate timing, while galvanic isolation on every I/O prevents ground-loop and EMI artifacts.
• Dual Power Supplies
  Separate, high-current toroidal transformers feed the transport and DAC sections, keeping noise fully compartmentalized.

Key Features

• Top-loading, spring-suspended CD mechanism with hydraulic damping
• ESS ES9028PRO eight-channel DAC (32-bit/768 kHz architecture)
• USB-PC Input: PCM up to 384 kHz, MQA decoding, native DSD64/128/256 & DoP DSD256
• Coaxial & Optical Inputs: PCM up to 192 kHz
• Coaxial & Optical Outputs (CD transport mode)
• Balanced XLR Outputs: 4.9 V RMS; Unbalanced RCA Outputs: 2.3 V RMS
• Full-color TFT display with CD album art
• Roon Tested and Certified via USB
• RS-232 and Ethernet ports for automation integration
• Infrared remote control

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