Michi X5 Series 2 Reference Integrated Amplifier & DAC

The Michi X5 Series 2 is what happens when you want the simplicity of an integrated amplifier without giving up the kind of power normally associated with large separates.

Delivering 350 watts per channel into 8 ohms and up to 600 watts per channel into 4 ohms, the X5 Series 2 combines massive Class AB amplification with an ESS SABRE DAC, high-resolution digital playback, balanced analog inputs and both Moving Magnet and Moving Coil phono stages.

For a serious two-channel system where you want fewer boxes but very few compromises, the X5 Series 2 is an impressive place to start.

600 Watts Per Channel Into 4 Ohms

The X5 Series 2 delivers:

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

That's serious power for an integrated amplifier.

More importantly, the X5 has the current reserves and headroom necessary to maintain control over large or difficult loudspeakers when the music becomes demanding.

Deep bass, large dynamic swings and complex musical passages are exactly where that additional amplifier capacity starts to matter.

Dual Toroidal Power Supply

The heart of the X5 Series 2 is its oversized linear power supply.

Michi uses two massive, low-noise toroidal transformers manufactured in-house, giving the amplifier substantial reserves for both channels.

The transformers are shielded to help reduce unwanted noise and interference, allowing the X5 to combine enormous output capability with the low-noise performance expected from a high-end integrated amplifier.

ESS SABRE 32-Bit DAC

Digital conversion is handled by a premium ESS SABRE 32-bit 8-channel DAC.

Rather than treating digital playback as a secondary convenience, Michi engineered the digital section to make the X5 Series 2 a legitimate hub for high-resolution digital sources.

A dedicated external DAC isn't automatically necessary to build an extremely capable digital system around the X5.

32-Bit / 384kHz & Quad DSD

The PC-USB input supports high-resolution playback up to:

32-bit / 384kHz PCM

The X5 Series 2 also supports:

• Quad DSD up to 11.2MHz
• DoP
• MQA
• MQA Studio
• Roon Tested

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

Whether your source is a music server, computer, digital transport or streamer, the X5 is equipped to handle it.

MM & MC Phono Stage

The X5 Series 2 is also unusually well equipped for vinyl.

Its built-in phono stage supports both:

Moving Magnet (MM)
Moving Coil (MC)

MM input impedance is 47k ohms, while the MC input provides a 100-ohm load.

That means a wide range of turntables and cartridges can connect directly to the X5 without automatically adding an external phono preamplifier.

Balanced XLR Inputs

For higher-end analog sources, the X5 Series 2 provides balanced XLR connectivity in addition to conventional RCA inputs.

This makes it easy to pair the X5 with a reference streamer, DAC, CD player or external phono stage while maintaining a balanced signal connection.

aptX HD Bluetooth

Sometimes you just want to connect your phone and play something.

The X5 Series 2 includes Bluetooth with:

• aptX HD
• AAC

It's a convenient option for casual listening without changing the serious wired-source capability of the system.

High-Current Speaker Control

With a damping factor of 350, the X5 Series 2 is designed to maintain firm control over loudspeaker drivers.

That becomes especially important with larger floorstanding speakers and demanding low-frequency sections where amplifier control can have a major impact on bass definition and overall dynamics.

Key Specifications

• Type: Integrated Amplifier / DAC
• Amplifier Design: Class AB
• Continuous Power: 350W Per Channel into 8 Ohms
• Maximum Power: 600W Per Channel into 4 Ohms
• FTC Power Output: 390W Per Channel into 8 Ohms
• Power Supply: Dual In-House Toroidal Transformers
• DAC: ESS SABRE 32-Bit 8-Channel DAC
• PC-USB: Up to 32-Bit / 384kHz
• DSD: Up to Quad DSD / 11.2MHz
• DoP: Supported
• MQA / MQA Studio: Supported
• Roon Tested: Yes
• Coaxial / Optical: Up to 24-Bit / 192kHz
• Bluetooth: aptX HD & AAC
• Phono Stage: Moving Magnet & Moving Coil
• Balanced Analog Inputs: XLR
• Unbalanced Analog Inputs: RCA
• Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.009%
• Intermodulation Distortion: <0.03%
• Damping Factor: 350
• Channel Separation: >65dB
• 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
• RCA Input Sensitivity: 380mV
• XLR Input Sensitivity: 580mV
• MM Input Sensitivity: 5.7mV
• MC Input Sensitivity: 570µV
• RCA Input Impedance: 100k Ohms
• XLR Input Impedance: 100k Ohms
• MM Input Impedance: 47k Ohms
• MC Input Impedance: 100 Ohms
• Preamp Output: 1V
• Tone Controls: ±10dB at 100Hz / 10kHz
• Power Consumption: 850W
• Standby Consumption: <0.5W
• Dimensions: 19" W × 7-5/8" H × 17-3/4" D
• Weight: 96.56 lbs.

X5 Series 2 or X3 Series 2?

Both Michi integrated amplifiers follow the same idea: high-end amplification, serious digital capability and extensive connectivity in one chassis.

The X3 Series 2 delivers 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 350 watts into 4 ohms. It's already more than enough amplifier for many high-performance loudspeakers.

The X5 Series 2 takes a significant step up:

350W vs. 200W per channel into 8 ohms
600W vs. 350W per channel into 4 ohms

It also adds Moving Coil phono capability alongside Moving Magnet.

For larger speakers, more difficult loads, bigger listening rooms or systems where you simply want substantially more amplifier headroom, the X5 is the clear choice.

Integrated Without Feeling Like a Compromise

This is really the appeal of the X5 Series 2.

You get a massive Class AB power amplifier, high-quality analog preamplifier, ESS SABRE DAC and MM/MC phono stage in a single chassis.

Add a turntable, streamer and a great pair of loudspeakers and you can build a genuinely reference-level system without filling the room with electronics.

And at nearly 97 pounds, the X5 is very different from the typical all-in-one integrated amplifier.

Experience the Michi X5 Series 2 at The Grid HiFi

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

With an amplifier this capable, speaker matching becomes particularly important.

The Grid can help determine whether the X5 Series 2 is the right amplifier for your loudspeakers, room and listening habits, then match it with the right digital source, turntable and cartridge, cabling and power solution.

For vinyl systems, we can also properly match your cartridge to the X5's MM or MC phono input and professionally set up and align your turntable.

The idea isn't simply to put a powerful amplifier in the system. It's to make sure every component works together.

Contact The Grid HiFi to experience the Michi X5 Series 2 and let us help build the right two-channel system around it.