Michi - Q5 CD Transport/DAC
Your CD Collection. Given Its Due.
The Michi Q5 CD Transport/DAC combines a top-loading CD mechanism, ESS ES9028PRO conversion and fully balanced circuitry in a dedicated digital source component. A familiar recording should offer more than familiar background sound. The bass line, the character of a voice and the quieter parts of a busy mix all deserve your attention.
The Q5 brings physical playback and external digital sources together, with a substantial mechanical design and a digital stage built around eight-channel conversion. It gives your CD collection a dedicated place in the system without limiting you to discs.
A Dedicated Approach to Disc Playback
A Top-Loading Mechanism
A top-loading CD mechanism crafted from CNC-machined aluminum gives the Q5 a substantial mechanical foundation. The design pairs a deliberate disc-loading experience with the understated appearance of the Michi range.
Conversion With Four Channels per Side
The ESS ES9028PRO eight-channel DAC dedicates four conversion channels to the left audio channel and four to the right. This is a stereo playback design, not an eight-channel surround component. Fully balanced circuitry and dual toroidal transformers support the Q5’s focus on low noise and precise digital-to-analog conversion.
More Than a CD Source
Connections for External Digital Playback
PC-USB supports up to 32-bit/384kHz playback, with MQA rendering and DSD 4x support. Optical and coaxial inputs support up to 24-bit/192kHz, allowing compatible external digital sources to use the Q5’s conversion stage alongside its CD mechanism.
Display and System Control
A full-color TFT display presents CD album artwork, while the Michi remote control handles everyday operation. RS232 and Ethernet ports provide additional options for integration with compatible automation systems.
Tech You Can Hear
| Feature | What It Means for Your System |
|---|---|
| CD transport and DAC | Disc playback and conversion for compatible external digital sources in one component. |
| Top-loading mechanism crafted from CNC-machined aluminum | A substantial mechanical design for physical CD playback. |
| ESS ES9028PRO eight-channel DAC | Four conversion channels dedicated to each side of the stereo signal. |
| Fully balanced circuitry | A circuit architecture focused on reducing noise and interference. |
| Dual toroidal transformers | A dedicated power-supply foundation for the component. |
| PC-USB up to 32-bit/384kHz; MQA rendering and DSD 4x | High-resolution playback support from compatible computer sources. |
| Optical and coaxial inputs up to 24-bit/192kHz | Additional digital sources can use the Q5’s DAC. |
| Full-color TFT display with CD album artwork | Visual information alongside disc playback. |
| Michi remote control, RS232 and Ethernet | Everyday control and compatible system-integration options. |
Experience It For Yourself
If you would rather trust your ears than take our word for it, we would expect nothing less. Visit us at 5910 Malden Road, LaSalle, Ontario or call 519.979.7101 to reserve your private listening session. Come in skeptical. Leave certain.