August 2025

600 Watts Of Musical Bliss: Rotel Michi X5 Series 2 Integrated Amplifier Review
A modern Swiss Army Knife stereo integrated amplifier for music lovers.
Review By Brett Rudolph

   A few months ago, I had the pleasure of attending the Florida International Audio Expo 2025. It was an incredible show, and the week I got home, I got even better news. My editor had arranged for me to review the new Rotel Michi X5 Series 2 solid-state stereo integrated amplifier with phono stage and Hi-Res Audio DAC here at Enjoy the Music.com. Michi is a designation that represents a flagship series of components within Rotel's family of products. Originally introduced to the market in 1993, it showcased all the best that Rotel had to offer. However, the components as we know them today were reintroduced to the market in 2019. These latest incarcerations continue to showcase the best Rotel has to offer while keeping audiophile values alive.

Of course, all the labels aside, the thought of getting an integrated amplifier excited me personally. It had been quite some time since I had personally had an integrated amplifier in my system, and something new is always a treat. Interestingly, the X5 integrated amplifier was not part of the original roll-out of components when the Michi products were reintroduced. Instead, it was one of the most requested products. It was released later, having been designed from the ground up to contain two individual components within one chassis: a preamplifier and an amplifier, thereby defining an integrated amplifier.

Setup
Rotel's Michi X5 Series 2 Integrated Amplifier is an absolute breeze to set up. The back panel is laid out exceptionally well. The integrated amplifier features four unbalanced analogue inputs, one balanced analogue input, three unbalanced digital inputs, three optical digital inputs, a phono input, and a USB input, among other notable features. If the number of inputs was not enough to excite even the most critical customer, the Rotel X5 S2 also has four platinum-plated five-way binding posts for speaker connections per channel. This means that you can connect speakers in almost any way you can imagine, traditionally bi-wire, or even by connecting two complete runs to the speakers, one for the bass and one for everything else, like bi-amp'ing. Still, in this case, both connections carry the same signal.

In this review, Rotel's X5 S2 Integrated Amplifier was connected to my Cambridge CxN V2 Streamer via both balanced and unbalanced analog connections, as well as unbalanced digital connections. Utilizing these multiple connection types allowed me to evaluate different connection types and determine how each functioned. This proved to be the case before too long, as I didn't have to worry about using the balanced connection to achieve the best sound; the unbalanced connection worked just as well. This made it substantially easier, as the only connection without more than one is the balanced analogue one.

The connections were made, and the remainder of the setup was straightforward, as there was no further setup required. The Michi X5 Series 2 Integrated Amplifier offers a range of customization options, including the ability to adjust the volume at startup and change the display panel's brightness, which are controlled via a built-in menu structure that is easily navigated from the remote control. The entire process took only an hour or so, though going through the menus took longer as the exploration took a bit of time.

Once everything was completed and my initial urges to explore sated, the actual break-in period began. There is always an argument about how long it takes for the component to sound its best once it comes to its final resting place. It is true that if you plug a component in after it arrives, you will get sound, but that sound will change over the next several hours to days. I usually like to wait at least three days before listening to a component, and if I have the luxury, a week. Working with Lucette was a blessing because, although the Rotel Michi X5 S2 arrived early, they arranged for me to have more time, allowing me the luxury of letting the integrated amplifier break in.

The Fun Begins
In truth, the music began the moment the Rotel Michi X5 S2 Integrated Amplifier was hooked up to the speakers and my streamer. There was absolutely no way at all that it was going to sit idle while I waited for the entire break-in to occur. However, and here is my cautioning note, you must wait; the time spent is worth it. That does not mean that it sounds awful in the beginning, like some components, but rather if you hear it right out of the box, so to speak, you are likely to get a skewed first impression. This is something you do not want, especially with an audio component; it is tough to undo the damage.

However, warning aside, I did just that and was impressed from the beginning. Although it was, as I mentioned earlier, certainly not yet at its ultimate potential, it already had quite a bit of extension and energy. Without naming specific selections, it did not matter what type of music was played; each had the same sort of energetic and poignant musical reproduction. As if by magic or design, my words above were echoed by the component itself. The longer the Michi X5 broke in, the more coherent and expansive the music became, until, without giving it all away, the X5 stole the show, so to speak, and it was ready to evaluate. It took nearly a week, right on schedule.

Once the Michi X5 series 2 was finally broken in, the first thing that was to be evaluated was the Bluetooth connectivity. Although Bluetooth does suffer from some of the issues that many wireless connection protocols do, it is the only wireless protocol that can be used with the X5. It does not have Apple or Google streaming capabilities, but it does support Roon. Therefore, my first tests were conducted using Bluetooth to assess its compatibility with Bluetooth materials.

My first selection was Simon Snake Hoist the Colors (A Cappella) by Qobuz.  I got acquainted with this track at the last audio show and am a serious fan. If you're looking for a workout to get your system going, look no further—this is the track. I have heard it through my Martin Logan Request speakers before, but the clarity was exceptional. There was a lifelike quality that was almost surreal, and something that up until this point had been lacking. It was indeed a pleasure to discover, or rediscover. The only complaint, if there was one, was a slight lack of harmony in the upper bass. Unfortunately, the speakers are somewhat known for it, although it is typically not a problem.

A second selection, Francine Thirteen Queen Mary by Qobuz, was another great-sounding track on the X5 integrated amplifier. Somewhat of a cross between singing and electronic sounds, it is hard on an amplifier. The track requires a great deal of energy for the speakers to sound correct and handle the rapid changes, especially the electrostatics that were in my review system. The Michi handled it like a champion without any noticeable challenges or change in fidelity. The X5 did not even get slightly warm, and the volume was not exactly low.

The third selection and final Bluetooth mentioned in this review will be Frank Sinatra's I've Got the World on a String (Remastered 2000) " from the "Ultimate Sinatra" by Qobuz. Frank Sinatra is one of my favorite male vocalists, and when he sounds good, he sounds great, but he's not easy. The Rotel Michi X5 S2 Integrated Amplifier was impressive in its ability to reproduce the track fairly successfully. This was not the best reproduction I've ever heard; in fact, it is not the best I've ever heard from the Michi X5 S2, a bit of foreshadowing perhaps. However, it was probably the best one that I've listened to via Bluetooth in the recent past.

After spending the first few weeks using the Bluetooth connection almost exclusively, I finally switched to the Cambridge Audio CxNv2 network streamer connection. The network streamer allowed me to connect it in four different ways: balanced analogue, unbalanced analogue, unbalanced digital, and optical. The balanced analogue and optical inputs are not included in this review, as mentioned earlier, but the results of the rest follow.

The first thing evaluated after completing the Bluetooth part of the review was to assess the same three selections with both digital and analogue inputs. The results were impressive. Firstly, the sheer amount of increased information was staggering. It was almost like listening to the same tracks for the first time. The increase in fidelity, depth, and presence was simply beyond imagination. For example, in Hoist the Colors, there was a slight loss of detail at the low midrange and high bass, but it was not present with the digital or analogue connection. Additionally, on the Frank Sinatra track, and indeed all the Frank Sinatra tracks, there was a far more lifelike quality to them. The depth added more character and feeling to the vocals, giving them a more impressive feel. It certainly was nothing physical, but it was nevertheless there.

Finally, I got down to testing the analog and digital connections. The first to be tested were the analog connections, and this review will only contain two selections. The reason for this is simple. In testing the analogue connections, one thing became clear: the X5 was capable of reproducing whatever analogue signal could be produced in the Cambridge Audio streamer to such a degree that it seemed limited by the streamer and not the integrated amplifier. The first selection was James Taylor's "Moon River" via Qobuz. James Taylor again happens to have a fantastic voice. It also tends to be somewhat difficult to reproduce correctly and with all the detail needed to do it justice. Luckily again, the Rotel X5 S2 was indeed up to the challenge. There was no loss of fidelity, and his voice was crystal clear. The amplifier had more than enough power to handle the transients without any difficulty, even on the most challenging passages.

A second selection, Danny Elfman's Multiverse of Madness from "Doctor Strange" by Qobuz, is a music score from the movie. This orchestral selection has all sorts of highs and lows, but none of them are the least bit lost when heard through the Rotel Michi X5 S2 Integrated Amplifier. Some parts seem more energetic and majestic than heard in previous listening sessions.

Finally, last but not least, the evaluation turned to the digital inputs. These are the most impressive. One of the most significant design improvements was the switch to the ESS chipset for the DAC. Although I never had the opportunity to try the older version of the X5, the newest version is exceptional in terms of digital reproduction. There is nothing more that can be said; this reviewer is suitably impressed. Once again, before beginning with a new selection, the last two selections from Danny Elfman and James Taylor were retried, and the results were significant. There was a definite increase in fidelity, possibly due to the better chipset and software. Whatever the case, small details became readily apparent, and hidden information emerged. There were a couple of things that surfaced that had never been heard of in the past.

It would be remiss of me not to include at least one track specifically for the digital inputs in this review, even though so many were used that it would be impossible to include all of them in this review. The one selected is Pink Floyd's Us and Them by Qobuz. It is one of my favorite recordings to use in reviews, as you may know. It is challenging to reproduce in a way that captures all the "hidden" gems while maintaining accuracy. The Rotel's Michi X5 S2 Integrated Amplifier did it without any difficulty. The passages were clean, crisp, and full of the life and character that one would expect: a joy and a delight to hear.

The Conclusion
This could be one of the most difficult conclusions of my career, believe it or not. The Rotel Michi X5 S2 Integrated Amplifier is undoubtedly worthy of being a flagship component. It leaves virtually nothing for any audiophile to crave. It has enough inputs to make even the most discerning reviewers happy, except perhaps for balanced interconnects, which are often a matter of personal choice and taste. Rotel's Michi X5 S2 Integrated Amplifier also adheres to most of the audiophile standards, including those here at Enjoy the Music.com. For example, less is more. The component does not have Apple Play or Google Play, by design. It lacks app control or any of the more modern conveniences, but it does have a well-designed remote. It can also work with Roon; it is Roon Tested via the PC-USB connection and is compatible with most systems due to its available connections. Essentially, it has almost everything but the kitchen sink.

Of course, all this so far is the same as every other review. The difference is that this is one of the only components that has ever been in my evaluation system where everyone, to the person, who has heard it, has commented positively. Even my parents commented and said it was perhaps the best they had ever heard from my system sound. That is a ringing endorsement unto itself and one not usually given.

Ultimately, the choice to buy a component such as Rotel's Michi X5 S2 Integrated Amplifier is always the consumer's responsibility. They should audition for a few roles until they find the one that is right for them, which is standard for us here at Enjoy the Music.com. Typically, my advice would be to purchase separate components, as this would provide the consumer with the most flexibility to grow over time. However, there are exceptions in my book. I wholeheartedly recommend the Rotel Michi X5 S2 Integrated Amplifier. You would be hard-pressed to find anything remotely close to the performance, even at a similar price, if you could find one at all! It is also easily one of the top solid-state stereo integrated amplifiers I have reviewed in the last 20 years.

Specifications
Type: Type: Stereo integrated amplifier with DAC and phono stage.

Power Output: 600 Watts per channel @ 4 Ohms (350W @ 8 Ohms)
Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.009% 

Frequency Response
Line Level Inputs: 10Hz to 100kHz 
Digital Inputs: 20Hz to 20kHz
Phono Input: 20Hz to 20kHz

Tone Controls
+/- 10dB at 100Hz / 10kHz

Coax / TosLink Optical Digital Inputs
S/PDIF LPCM (Up to 24-bit/192kHz)

PC-USB
USB Audio Class 1 (up to 24-bit/96kHz)
USB Audio Class 2 (up to 32-bit/384kHz)
MQA, DSD and DoP support
Roon Tested support

Input Sensitivity
Line Level Inputs (RCA): 380mV
Line Level Inputs (XLR): 580mV
Phono Input (MM): 5.7mV
Phono Input (MC): 570 uV

Net Weight: 96.56 lbs.
Dimensions: 19" x 7.675 x 17.75" (WxDxH)
Warranty: Five Years
Price: $9499

Company Information
Rotel-Clear Wave Ventures, LLC
9719 FM 2920
Tomball, TX 77375

E-mail: info@rotel.com 
Website: Rotel.com