Michi X5 Review | Rotel's High End Integrated Amplifier

[@Beats-ln8ps]

Manufacturers such as Nikon have moved their manufacturing facilities to Taiwan like the way Michi is produced in China. I don’t think anyone can say that the Michi X5 is cheap but the equivalent Mark Levinson, McIntosh or Accuphase will set you back at least 12000 plus to compete. The sound is utterly refined and detailed at the same time. So much so that on a good recording it sounds like a live performance, this combined with the build quality demonstrates that Rotel didn’t cut any corners.

[@ronbackal]

There’s something about what you say. Some might feel even like mistrust of anything Chinese because of low quality products . But I have to admit I’m also biased- even admittedly if I don’t know that all American manufacturers actually make 100% in USA or 50% in China and shipped to USA . In some point these thoughts get people like me with OCD to a loop, because trying to avoid anything Chinese is almost impossible

[@geohof]

Awesome video!! There wasn’t a lot of reviews on the X5. Keep them coming!

[@pietwentzel007]

Awesome review like usual. Keep it coming.

[@connorduke4619]

Great review. Have you had the chance to compare the X5 with the X3. If so, which one is better and why?

[@GramophoneMD]

Hi Connor, X 5 is physically bigger, at 7 5/8" tall, because it is more powerful - 600 W into 4 ohms, 350 W into 8 ohms - vs the X3 at 350 W into 4 ohms, 200 W into 8 ohms. The extra power in the X 5 is audible, translating into extra headroom on dynamic music peaks, especially with speakers that are power hungry. You may not even notice it with a super efficient speaker. The X 5 also has both MM and MC phono stages, so you have more flexibility in phono cartridge choices vs the X 3 which is MM only. If you need more input, reach out to us at [e-mail]

[@magicnorvidus355]

Is there any way to connect the michi x5 with an amplifier marantz 7013 so they can work in tandem to enjoy home cinema? Thanks for any advice and answer to my concerns.

[@GramophoneMD]

Hello Magic, we're not seeing a home theater by-pass feature that would enable you to use them together that way. Please reach out to us if you want to discuss further: [e-mail]

[@gokcenk]

Thanks for the review! I am going to audition this amp in couple of days in the UK. Can this drive B&W 800 D3 properly?

[@GramophoneMD]

We had it driving 801 D4s for a time, and all of us were pleasantly surprised with how well it handled them.

[@gokcenk]

Thank you very much! Checked Aavik i280 it was a very big surprise! Please do a review on it too!

[@slawek6829]

Is this a good buy for 702 s2 ,i own rotel 1582mk2 with topping 90se ..?

[@GramophoneMD]

Hello Slawek, the X 5 is a superb integrated amplifier, and if you are thinking of moving up in electronics, you can't go wrong with this product. Feel free to reach out to us: [e-mail]

[@amse9297]

I'm very interested in the X3, but it's nowhere to be found. Maybe because it uses AKM chips?

[@hopebyron8271]

Are you using a Rotel Michi X5 series 2

[@GramophoneMD]

We've just recently received the Michi X3 Series 2 and put it on display in our Timonium MD location. It sounds great!

[@isaiasgonzalez1533]

Fantastic video. Does the P5 have an input for AV bypass to be able to use the main speakers in a home theater?

[@GramophoneMD]

It does not.

[@isaiasgonzalez1533]

@@GramophoneMD thank you. In any case, I'm going to buy the P5 because I love that preview.

[@adammusic1124]

What is the warranty on Michi products?

[@GramophoneMD]

5 years.

[@pauldoyle8986]

Can you connect to your internet wired or just wireless?

[@GramophoneMD]

Hi Paul - yes, you can connect wired as there is a network port on the back panel. Here's a link to the owner's manual: www.rotel.com/sites/default/files/product/manuals/x5%20s2_om_en.pdf

[@pauldoyle8986]

Where online can you buy this?

[@GramophoneMD]

Hello Paul, you can shop SKY by Gramophone: skybygramophone.com/collections/michi

[@hopebyron8271]

Excellent review Godbless 😊

[@GramophoneMD]

Thanks Hope, we appreciate your kind comments

[@DrBroncanuus]

can anyone compare / contrast the Michi / McIntosh amp sound signature ?

[@GramophoneMD]

Mac is slightly darker, and a tad more forgiving, though when you get into the top shelf of Mac offerings they do become more transparent. Michi is pretty much neutral with a tiny tilt into warm as you would generally expect with a Class A/B versus something like a high end Class D such as a GaN based amp.

[@brentcollins9727]

I’m sure it’s very nice but I can’t get past the Chinese aspect of it. Widgets, washers, dryers, etc are just about unavoidable but I wouldn’t plunk down $7,500 to have to look at that under my TV for the next 20 years.

[@randycook6500]

I plunked it down with no hesitation. The room it sits in doesn't have a television. I describe the sound as stunningly accurate and any volume level that I care to listen at sounds effortlessly created.

[@GramophoneMD]

I generally would agree however China does not always automatically mean bad. There are some state of the art manufacturing facilities in China that do superb work. It all depends on who owns the factory and what they are doing with it. I know a handful of companies that for example are US or EU based and produce mostly in China but own the entire factory and have staff managing it from the original company back home. Rotel is an example of doing it right, especially Michi. The fit and finish are impeccable.

[@tonesbones502]

Brett you're stuck in the past mate. Mercedes built in Turkey are magnificent, Toyota's out of Thailand will get you across the outback of Australia no problem and Michi's will continue to out perform McIntosh and Hegel. The reason is the parts are brought into a Japanese facility in China for assembly and the Chinese are very good at assembly. The workers are happy that they get above the local wage and everyone wins.

[@Finn_2187_Binks]

Rotel owns their own factory in China also, not assembled by some small time 3rd party company.