Michi X3 Series 2 Integrated Amplifier & DAC

The Michi X3 Series 2 brings much of Michi's flagship engineering into a powerful integrated amplifier that can serve as the center of an entire high-end two-channel system.

Delivering 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms and up to 350 watts per channel into 4 ohms, the X3 Series 2 combines serious Class AB amplification with an ESS SABRE ES9028PRO DAC, high-resolution USB audio, balanced XLR inputs, Moving Magnet phono and aptX HD Bluetooth.

For someone who wants Michi performance without building a system around separate preamplifiers and power amplifiers, the X3 Series 2 makes a lot of sense.

Serious Class AB Power

The X3 Series 2 delivers:

200 watts per channel into 8 ohms
350 watts per channel into 4 ohms

That gives the X3 enough power and current capability to comfortably drive a wide range of high-performance loudspeakers.

More importantly, the available headroom allows the amplifier to maintain control through demanding bass passages and large dynamic swings without sounding strained.

ESS SABRE ES9028PRO DAC

The Series 2 receives a serious digital front end built around an ESS SABRE ES9028PRO 32-bit 8-channel DAC.

This gives the X3 Series 2 a genuinely high-performance digital section rather than treating the onboard DAC as a convenience feature.

Digital sources can be connected directly to the amplifier without automatically requiring a separate external DAC.

32-Bit / 384kHz USB Audio

The X3 Series 2 supports high-resolution playback through its PC-USB input at resolutions up to:

32-bit / 384kHz PCM

It also supports:

• DSD
• DoP
• MQA
• MQA Studio
• Roon Tested

Coaxial and optical digital inputs support PCM signals up to 24-bit / 192kHz.

That makes the X3 Series 2 easy to build around a computer, music server, CD transport or dedicated digital streamer.

Moving Magnet Phono Stage

Vinyl listeners aren't left out.

The X3 Series 2 includes a dedicated Moving Magnet phono input, allowing a compatible turntable and cartridge to connect directly to the amplifier.

For systems using a low-output Moving Coil cartridge, The Grid can help match the X3 Series 2 with an appropriate external MC phono stage or step-up solution.

Balanced XLR & RCA Analog Inputs

The X3 Series 2 provides both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog connectivity.

That gives you plenty of flexibility for adding high-end source components such as a streamer, DAC, CD player or external phono stage.

aptX HD Bluetooth

For convenient wireless listening, the X3 Series 2 supports:

• aptX HD Bluetooth
• AAC

Bluetooth isn't intended to replace a reference digital source, but it's useful when you simply want to connect a phone or tablet and start listening.

High-Current Speaker Control

The X3 Series 2 has a damping factor of 350, helping the amplifier maintain control over loudspeaker drivers—particularly in the lower frequencies.

Combined with its 350-watt maximum output into 4 ohms, the X3 Series 2 is capable of driving speakers that demand considerably more from an amplifier than their sensitivity rating might suggest.

More Than an Integrated Amplifier

The X3 Series 2 can handle a surprisingly complete audio system from one chassis.

Connect a turntable through the MM phono input. Add a streamer or transport through the digital inputs. Connect a computer through USB. Use XLR or RCA for high-end analog sources. And when convenience matters, Bluetooth is already onboard.

The X3 Series 2 also provides preamplifier outputs, giving the system additional flexibility as it evolves.

Key Specifications

• Type: Integrated Amplifier / DAC
• Amplifier Design: Class AB
• Continuous Power: 200W Per Channel into 8 Ohms
• Maximum Power: 350W Per Channel into 4 Ohms
• FTC Power Output: 235W Per Channel into 8 Ohms
• DAC: ESS SABRE ES9028PRO
• DAC Architecture: 32-Bit / 8-Channel
• PC-USB: Up to 32-Bit / 384kHz
• Coaxial / Optical: Up to 24-Bit / 192kHz
• DSD / DoP: Supported
• MQA / MQA Studio: Supported
• Roon Tested: Yes
• Bluetooth: aptX HD & AAC
• Phono Stage: Moving Magnet
• Balanced Analog Inputs: XLR
• Unbalanced Analog Inputs: RCA
• Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.008%
• Intermodulation Distortion: <0.03%
• Damping Factor: 350
• Line-Level Frequency Response: 10Hz–100kHz
• Digital Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz
• Phono Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz
• Line-Level S/N Ratio: 102dB
• Digital S/N Ratio: 102dB
• Phono S/N Ratio: 80dB
• MM Input Sensitivity: 5.2mV
• MM Input Impedance: 47k Ohms
• XLR Input Sensitivity: 540mV
• RCA Input Sensitivity: 340mV
• XLR Input Impedance: 100k Ohms
• RCA Input Impedance: 100k Ohms
• Preamp Output: 1.9V
• Tone Controls: ±10dB at 100Hz / 10kHz
• Power Consumption: 500W
• Standby Consumption: <0.5W
• Dimensions: 19" W × 6" H × 17.75" D
• Weight: 63.7 lbs.

X3 Series 2 or Michi Separates?

That's really the question with the X3 Series 2.

A Michi P5 Series 2 paired with an S5 or M8 takes the system considerably further in terms of power, power-supply capacity and ultimate system flexibility.

But separates aren't necessary for every system.

The X3 Series 2 puts 200 watts per channel, high-current Class AB amplification, an ESS SABRE DAC, MM phono and extensive analog and digital connectivity into one chassis.

For many high-end two-channel systems, that's exactly the appeal: fewer components, fewer cables and a cleaner installation without giving up serious amplification.

Experience the Michi X3 Series 2 at The Grid HiFi

The Grid HiFi is your Michi and high-performance two-channel audio expert in Houston, Texas.

The right integrated amplifier isn't simply about buying the one with the biggest power number.

Speaker sensitivity and impedance, room size, listening distance, source components, turntable and cartridge, cabling and the way you actually listen all matter.

The Grid can help match the X3 Series 2 with the right loudspeakers, digital source, turntable, cartridge, cabling and power solution to create a complete system rather than simply assembling components.

For vinyl systems, we can also professionally set up and align your turntable and determine whether the X3's built-in MM phono stage or an external phono stage makes the most sense for your cartridge.

Contact The Grid HiFi to experience the Michi X3 Series 2 and let us help build the right two-channel system around it.