Description
Take, for example, the Michi X5 we have here. Its the big brother of Rotels £2000-more-affordable X3 model [HFN Apr 21], and outwardly seems to be the same amplifier literally writ large. It occupies the same 485x452mm footprint, but is 45mm more imposing, at 195mm tall, while the weight is up a hefty 14.9kg, from the substantial 28.9kg of the lesser model to a full 43.8kg. In every respect, this is a big and impressive-looking integrated amplifier, even by the standards set by the imposing but svelte X3. Power On Tap In return for all this you get some added facilities, which well come to shortly, and even more impressive power output specifications: the X3 claims 200W/8ohm and 350W/4ohm and the X5 promises 350W/8ohm, rising to a whopping 600W/4ohm, all comfortably exceeded in practice. The X5 has an additional unbalanced analogue line-in, bringing the total to four, plus one set of balanced inputs. The extra input is labelled Aux 2 though, as before, all inputs can be relabelled for the front panel display via the extensive menu system. Theres also MC phono capability as well as the MM included on the junior amp. 821rotel.bac The X5 offers MM/MC phono, one balanced (XLR) and four RCA line ins; sub and pre outs; three optical, three coaxial and one USB-B digital ins; trigger, RS232 and network control ports plus two sets of substantial 4mm speaker cable binding posts Again, this switching is carried out deep in the menus, along with the ability to skip unused inputs when scrolling through them, to decide whether or not tone controls will be applied to a specific input, and set a fixed level for a particular input. In the old days we would have said this was useful when using the amplifier with the front left/right pre outs of an AV receiver or processor to integrate it into a surround system. These days its just as relevant if the amp is paired with a component that has its own volume control, such as a smartphone or tablet used to stream music. Yes, the Michi X5 may be aimed high, as that price-tag suggests, but its also designed with all the flexibility required of modern audio systems. Full Moody So, along with a raft of digital inputs, including USB-B for computer connection plus three optical and three coaxial, theres also a little slab-shaped antenna on the rear panel offering Bluetooth wireless connectivity, with AAC and aptX compatibility. 821rotel.bac2 In fact, the only disappointment – for some – will be the thwarted promise of its USB-A and Ethernet ports. These update the X5s firmware, the USB-A also offering 5V power for external devices and the Ethernet control of the amp over a network, but neither supports music playback. An external IR receiver is also supported, should you wish to hide away all the amps black gloss loveliness, while 12V trigger ports can switch external devices, and theres also an RS232 port for more custom-installation control. As on the X3 the two sets of speaker terminals are paralleled and designed to bi-wire a single pair of suitable speakers. A pair of pre-outs are provided should you wish to add an external amplifier for bi-amping your speakers, and there are two mono subwoofer outputs, plus a headphone socket on the front panel. Also retained from the X3 is that simple fascia, with little more than source and volume controls, and a big, ultra-clear display complete with fripperies – all defeatable – such as VU meters and spectrum analyser readouts. Should you want to go for the full moody black look, the display can be dimmed or turned off from the excellent remote common to all Michi integrateds and the P5 preamp [HFN May 20]. Its a solid little device, and a masterpiece of clarity – you can even temporarily adjust tone and balance without leaving your listening seat. sqnoteDark Star As the X3 had proved so impressive, Ill admit to approaching the X5 with both anticipation and some trepidation. PM lays out the key differences but the nagging thought remained in my mind that the X3 may be so good that any notional gains offered by the X5 might be merely incremental, rather than revelatory. Take, for example, the Michi X5 we have here. Its the big brother of Rotels £2000-more-affordable X3 model [HFN Apr 21], and outwardly seems to be the same amplifier literally writ large. It occupies the same 485x452mm footprint, but is 45mm more imposing, at 195mm tall, while the weight is up a hefty 14.9kg, from the substantial 28.9kg of the lesser model to a full 43.8kg. In every respect, this is a big and impressive-looking integrated amplifier, even by the standards set by the imposing but svelte X3. Power On Tap In return for all this you get some added facilities, which well come to shortly, and even more impressive power output specifications: the X3 claims 200W/8ohm and 350W/4ohm and the X5 promises 350W/8ohm, rising to a whopping 600W/4ohm, all comfortably exceeded in practice. The X5 has an additional unbalanced analogue line-in, bringing the total to four, plus one set of balanced inputs. The extra input is labelled Aux 2 though, as before, all inputs can be relabelled for the front panel display via the extensive menu system. Theres also MC phono capability as well as the MM included on the junior amp. The X5 offers MM/MC phono, one balanced (XLR) and four RCA line ins; sub and pre outs; three optical, three coaxial and one USB-B digital ins; trigger, RS232 and network control ports plus two sets of substantial 4mm speaker cable binding posts Again, this switching is carried out deep in the menus, along with the ability to skip unused inputs when scrolling through them, to decide whether or not tone controls will be applied to a specific input, and set a fixed level for a particular input. In the old days we would have said this was useful when using the amplifier with the front left/right pre outs of an AV receiver or processor to integrate it into a surround system. These days its just as relevant if the amp is paired with a component that has its own volume control, such as a smartphone or tablet used to stream music. Yes, the Michi X5 may be aimed high, as that price-tag suggests, but its also designed with all the flexibility required of modern audio systems. Full Moody So, along with a raft of digital inputs, including USB-B for computer connection plus three optical and three coaxial, theres also a little slab-shaped antenna on the rear panel offering Bluetooth wireless connectivity, with AAC and aptX compatibility. In fact, the only disappointment – for some – will be the thwarted promise of its USB-A and Ethernet ports. These update the X5s firmware, the USB-A also offering 5V power for external devices and the Ethernet control of the amp over a network, but neither supports music playback. An external IR receiver is also supported, should you wish to hide away all the amps black gloss loveliness, while 12V trigger ports can switch external devices, and theres also an RS232 port for more custom-installation control. As on the X3 the two sets of speaker terminals are paralleled and designed to bi-wire a single pair of suitable speakers. A pair of pre-outs are provided should you wish to add an external amplifier for bi-amping your speakers, and there are two mono subwoofer outputs, plus a headphone socket on the front panel. Also retained from the X3 is that simple fascia, with little more than source and volume controls, and a big, ultra-clear display complete with fripperies – all defeatable – such as VU meters and spectrum analyser readouts. Should you want to go for the full moody black look, the display can be dimmed or turned off from the excellent remote common to all Michi integrateds and the P5 preamp [HFN May 20]. Its a solid little device, and a masterpiece of clarity – you can even temporarily adjust tone and balance without leaving your listening seat. Dark Star As the X3 had proved so impressive, Ill admit to approaching the X5 with both anticipation and some trepidation. PM lays out the key differences but the nagging thought remained in my mind that the X3 may be so good that any notional gains offered by the X5 might be merely incremental, rather than revelatory. Pictures sell! Auctiva offers Free Image Hosting and Editing. The complete eBay Selling Solution.
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Der MICHI X3 Vollverstärker bietet eine kompromisslose Audio-Performance und eine Vielzahl von analogen und digitalen Quelleingängen. Zu den Eingängen gehören analoge Cinch, XLR, Phono MM - digitale Coax, SPDIF, PC-USB und Bluetooth apt-X. Mit dem eleganten und zeitlosen Industriedesign und der kraftvollen Class-AB-Verstärkung erzielt er eine Leistung von 350 Watt pro Kanal an 4 Ohm, wobei die musikalische Präzision mit außergewöhnlicher Detailreinheit erhalten bleibt. Highlights: 2 x 350 Watt Dauerleistung Class-AB-Verstärkung Bluetooth mit apt-X™ und AAC
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