Michi preamplification with dual ESS DACs and a balanced signal path
Michi P5 Serie 2 is a reference preamplifier with two ESS ES9028PRO DACs, XLR inputs, PC-USB, Bluetooth aptX™ HD and a selectable MM/MC phono stage.
The second generation of P5 brings analogue, digital and vinyl sources together in one chassis, keeping sensitive signal paths separated and assigning conversion to two ESS DACs configured in mono. The dedicated power supply and balanced topology support a high-level system, while PC-USB, MQA, Roon Tested and Bluetooth extend compatibility with contemporary sources.
Key features
- Two 8-channel ESS SABRE ES9028PRO DACs configured in mono.
- Analogue RCA and balanced XLR inputs.
- Selectable phono stage for MM and MC cartridges.
- PC-USB up to 32-bit/384 kHz with DSD via DoP and MQA.
- Coaxial and optical digital inputs up to 24-bit/192 kHz.
- Bluetooth with aptX™ HD and AAC.
- Roon Tested certification.
- RCA and XLR preamplifier outputs for stereo or mono power amplifiers.
Dual ESS DACs
P5 Serie 2 uses two 8-channel ESS SABRE ES9028PRO DACs, one dedicated to the left side and one to the right. The mono configuration uses several converter sections in parallel to reduce noise and distortion.
Balanced analogue signal path
The XLR inputs maintain a balanced connection with compatible sources alongside conventional RCA. The line section has a declared response from 10 Hz to 100 kHz within ±0.3 dB and signal-to-noise ratio up to 116 dB, figures suited to a preamplifier designed for reference power amplification.
MM and MC phono
The phono stage can be switched for moving-magnet or moving-coil cartridges, with sensitivities of 2.5 mV and 250 µV respectively. A turntable therefore connects directly to P5 Serie 2 without an external phono preamplifier.
PC-USB and high resolution
The PC-USB input operates in USB Audio Class 2 up to 32-bit/384 kHz and supports DSD via DoP, as well as MQA and MQA Studio. Computers and streamers can therefore use the internal conversion directly.
Digital inputs
Coaxial and optical connections accept LPCM signals up to 24-bit/192 kHz. Together with PC-USB, they centralise players, streamers and other sources on the dual ESS DACs.
Bluetooth and Roon
Bluetooth supports aptX™ HD and AAC for wireless listening from compatible devices, while Roon Tested certification verifies integration with Roon. Wireless functions complement the wired connections.
Outputs and control
The preamplifier outputs operate at a nominal 1 V on RCA and 2 V on XLR, allowing stereo or monoblock power amplifiers to be connected. Tone controls offer ±10 dB adjustment and can be bypassed when a more direct path is preferred, retaining flexible control of tonal balance.
Power supply and construction
The chassis measures 485 x 150 x 452 mm and weighs 22.9 kg. The power supply separates the analogue and digital sections, while Michi construction uses a rigid structure with a colour front display, keeping control, conversion and preamplification within a mechanically stable component.
Integration in the Michi range
P5 Serie 2 is designed to drive Michi power amplifiers such as S5 or a pair of M8s, using the balanced outputs for a fully XLR signal chain. Its comprehensive connectivity also allows integration into mixed systems.