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Among the kit making its public debut at the recent UK Hi-Fi Show Live! was Japanese brand Rotel’s new Michi Q5 Transport DAC. According to the company: “The Q5 redefines the CD player experience by merging state-of-the-art technology with unmatched craftsmanship to deliver unparalleled sound quality”.

At the core of the Q5 is its premium ESS ES9028PRO chipset, an eight-channel digital-to-analogue converter. Rotel has implemented the DAC in a fully balanced, fully differential circuit design to offer precision audio reproduction with an extremely low noise floor in a bid to ensure pristine sound with minimal distortion to both its XLR and RCA analogue outputs.

The Q5 dedicates four channels within the DAC to each of the left and right audio signal paths in pursuit of extraordinary detail retrieval and an expansive soundstage. For additional installation flexibility it also delivers CD audio to both coaxial and optical outputs allowing the unit to act as a transport.

The bespoke, top-loading CD mechanism is constructed with a precision optical laser pick-up housed in a premium CNC-machined aluminium chassis. The CD mechanism is further mounted on a custom floating spring assembly, which reduces unwanted vibrations and provides a stable platform for playback.

The Q5 is equipped with bespoke, dual in-house manufactured toroidal transformers that isolate both digital and analogue voltage supplies, reducing noise and interference. The drive motor’s voltage and current supplies are electrically isolated from the sensitive audio signals, preventing any potential motor noise from affecting sound quality.

Rotel says that beyond its CD playback capabilities, the Q5 can be used as a digital music hub. It supports a wide range of additional audio inputs, including PC-USB (up to 32-bit/384kHz) with MQA and DSD256 support, plus 24-bit/192kHz coaxial and optical inputs.

The front panel features a full-colour TFT display that showcases CD album artwork and there’s a remote control, while RS232 and Ethernet ports enable integration with other popular automation systems.

Available to buy now for £5,500, you can find out more about the Michi Q5 Transport DAC here.