CNC CD mechanism and ESS DAC for a reference digital source
Michi Q5 is a CD player and Transport DAC with a top-loading CNC-machined aluminium mechanism, 8-channel ESS ES9028PRO DAC, XLR outputs and digital inputs up to 32-bit/384 kHz.
Q5 combines a mechanism built as a structural element, high-precision conversion and PC-USB, coaxial and optical inputs for external sources. Balanced circuitry and dual toroidal transformers power the sensitive sections, while the TFT display can also show album artwork during CD playback.
Key features
- Top-loading CD mechanism in CNC-machined aluminium.
- 8-channel, 32-bit/768 kHz ESS SABRE ES9028PRO DAC.
- Fully balanced circuitry with XLR outputs.
- Dual toroidal transformers.
- PC-USB up to 32-bit/384 kHz with MQA and DSD 4X.
- Coaxial and optical inputs up to 24-bit/192 kHz.
- Roon Tested certification.
- Colour TFT display with album artwork.
Top-loading mechanism
The disc mechanism uses top loading and a CNC-machined aluminium structure. Its greater rigidity helps contain vibration while the disc rotates and distinguishes Q5 from a conventional front-loading drawer mechanism.
ESS ES9028PRO DAC
Conversion is handled by an 8-channel, 32-bit/768 kHz ESS ES9028PRO. Four channels are dedicated to the left side and four to the right, a configuration used to improve precision and signal-to-noise ratio.
Balanced circuitry
The analogue signal path is fully balanced and terminates in differential XLR outputs alongside RCA. Declared output level is 4.9 V on XLR and 2.3 V on RCA, suiting different preamplifiers and integrated amplifiers.
Dual transformers
Two toroidal transformers power the different sections of Q5. Separating the demands of the mechanism, digital circuits and analogue signal path helps reduce internal noise and interference during playback.
PC-USB
The PC-USB input operates up to 32-bit/384 kHz and supports native DSD up to 11.2 MHz, as well as DoP and MQA/MQA Studio. Q5 can therefore also be used as a DAC for computers and software-based sources.
Coaxial and optical
The coaxial and optical inputs accept LPCM up to 24-bit/192 kHz. The internal DAC can therefore serve several digital sources in addition to the CD mechanism, avoiding duplicate conversion in the system.
Conversion performance
Declared THD on the CD and digital inputs is below 0.0006%, with signal-to-noise ratio above 115 dB. Channel separation exceeds 104 dB at 10 kHz and declared dynamic range is above 99 dB.
TFT display
The front panel includes a colour TFT display capable of showing album artwork during playback. Information therefore remains available directly on the source without requiring external screens.
Control and integration
The Michi remote control, RS232 and Ethernet facilitate operation and integration with automation systems. Q5 measures 485 x 150 x 452 mm and weighs 23.5 kg, figures consistent with the CNC mechanism and internal power supply.