Rotel Michi P5 Series 2

Presentation of the Rotel Michi P5 Series 2 Preamplifier

The Michi P5 Series 2 is the latest iteration of Rotel’s high-end stereo preamplifier. This enhanced version continues the revival of the Michi series, launched in 2019 to delight the most demanding audiophiles. The P5 Series 2 retains the refined aesthetics of its predecessor while bringing significant improvements internally, particularly in the digital-to-analog conversion stage.

Optimized Audio Performance

The heart of the Michi P5 Series 2 has been completely redesigned to deliver exceptional audio performance. One of the major changes involves the digital-to-analog conversion stage, which now uses two 8-channel ESS SABRE ES9028PRO DACs in a dual-mono configuration. These high-end converters ensure remarkable precision and impeccable musical fidelity, preserving the rhythm and timing essential to all musical genres.

The power supply of the P5 Series 2 plays a crucial role in its performance. Two toroidal transformers, manufactured in-house by Rotel, power 16 independent power supply circuits, effectively isolating all sensitive circuits. This design significantly reduces distortion and optimizes the signal-to-noise ratio, while providing substantial energy reserves to handle all types of audio signals, even the most demanding ones.

The circuits of the P5 Series 2 use carefully selected components, including wire-wound resistors and polystyrene or polypropylene capacitors for the most critical sections. The circuit boards adopt a symmetrical trace design, ensuring perfect synchronization of the musical signal and optimal reproduction.

Digital and Analog Connectivity

The Michi P5 Series 2 offers optimal connectivity to suit all high-end audio systems. The digital section includes a USB-B port compatible with PCM signals up to 32-bit/384 kHz, DSD files up to 11.2 MHz, and the MQA format. Three coaxial inputs and three optical inputs complete the digital options.

On the analog side, the preamplifier features two balanced XLR inputs and four RCA line-level inputs. A versatile phono input, compatible with both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, allows for connecting a turntable without the need for an external phono preamp.

The outputs are equally comprehensive, with RCA and XLR options for connection to a power amplifier, as well as dedicated outputs for two subwoofers. Optical and coaxial digital outputs are also available for use with an external DAC if desired.

Advanced Features

The P5 Series 2 includes a Bluetooth receiver with support for AAC, SBC, and aptX HD codecs, offering increased flexibility for wireless playback from smartphones, tablets, or computers. A high-quality headphone amplifier is also integrated, accessible via a 6.35 mm jack on the front panel.

The user interface of the P5 Series 2 is intuitive, with a central display and an elegant remote control for navigating the menus. Options include adjusting the display brightness, selecting the phono cartridge type, renaming inputs, and bypassing tone settings.

Elegant Design and Meticulous Construction

The Michi P5 Series 2 boasts a sleek and sophisticated design, characteristic of the Michi range. Its chassis, measuring 485 x 150 x 452 mm (w x h x d), features clean lines, rounded edges, and a glossy black finish that gives it a decidedly high-end look. The minimalist front panel includes only two rotary knobs for source selection and volume control, along with a central display for information and menus. This aesthetic simplicity contrasts with the more industrial approach of other Rotel ranges, making the P5 Series 2 an exceptional piece in an audiophile interior.

Technical specifications

Certifications and compatibility

• “Roon Tested” certified
• Compatible with MQA and MQA Studio
• Bluetooth with aptX HD and AAC
• Dual ESS Sabre ES9028PRO DAC

Audio performance

• Total harmonic distortion (20 Hz – 20 kHz): < 0.002%
• Intermodulation distortion (60 Hz : 7 kHz, 4:1): < 0.002%
• Tone control: ± 10 dB at 100 Hz / 10 kHz

Frequency response

• Line inputs: 10 Hz - 100 kHz (± 0.3 dB)
• Digital inputs: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (± 0.3 dB)
• Phono input: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (± 0.3 dB)

Signal-to-noise ratio (IHF “A” weighted)

• Line inputs: 116 dB
• Digital inputs: 100 dB
• Phono input: 80 dB

Output level and impedance

• Line (RCA): 1 V, 470 Ω
• Balanced (XLR): 2 V, 100 Ω

Channel separation

• Line inputs: > 85 dB
• Phono input: > 55 dB

Input characteristics

Sensitivity

• Line inputs (RCA): 160 mV
• Line inputs (XLR): 250 mV
• Phono input (MM): 2.5 mV
• Phono input (MC): 250 µV
• Digital inputs: 0 dBFS

Impedance

• Line inputs (RCA): 47 kΩ
• Line inputs (XLR): 100 kΩ
• Phono input (MM): 47 kΩ
• Phono input (MC): 100 Ω
• Digital inputs: 75 Ω

Overload threshold

• Line (RCA): 12 V
• Balanced (XLR): 12 V
• Phono input (MM): 199 mV
• Phono input (MC): 22 mV

Digital specifications

• Linear PCM (LPCM) up to 24-bit / 192 kHz
• USB port for computer:
  • USB Audio Class 1 (up to 24-bit / 96 kHz)
  • USB Audio Class 2 (up to 24-bit / 384 kHz)
  • Driver installation required
• DSD compatible with DoP
• MQA compatible with MQA Studio
• “Roon Tested” certified

Connectivity

• Analog inputs: 4 stereo RCA, 1 MM/MC phono, 2 stereo XLR
• Analog outputs: 1 RCA line, 2 subwoofers, 2 RCA pre-outs, 2 XLR
• Digital inputs/outputs: 3 S/PDIF (optical/coaxial), 1 S/PDIF output (optical/coaxial)
• Other connections: 6.35 mm headphone, RJ45, USB-B, 12 V trigger (in/out), RS232

Physical characteristics

• Dimensions (W × H × D): 485 × 150 × 452 mm
• Panel height: 132 mm
• Net weight: 22.9 kg

Power supply and consumption

• Power supply: 230 V, 50 Hz
• Power consumption: 40 W
• Standby consumption: normal < 0.5 W, network < 2 W
• Heat dissipation: 87 BTU/h