Rotel Michi S5 POWER AMPLIFIER

It took some time to figure out why, in the middle of auditioning Rotel’s Michi S5 stereo power amplifier ($7499.99) with the room-shaking opening of Richard Strauss’s Also Sprach Zarathustra, Ravel’s far subtler and perfumed setting of Tristan Klingsor’s lyrics from Shéhérazade came to mind. And then the pathway opened: As mundane a task as reviewing a component may be—listen to this, listen to that, compare to your reference, take copious notes, ponder, and proceed—we music lovers perpetually long for more. We want to be seduced by music and soar aloft on its wonder. We want to transcend routine, rise above the commonplace, and experience the beauty that can rise amidst the ashes. We want to fly.

- JASON VICTOR SERINUS

Like an immense night bird aloft in the gold’n sky. I should like to sail off towards islands of flow’rs While list’ning to the perverse sea singing In its old and bewitching rhythm.

SPECIFICATIONS

Description Solid state, dualmono class-AB power amplifier. Inputs: 1 balanced (XLR), 1 single-ended (RCA). Outputs: 2 pair custom binding posts. Input impedance, balanced (XLR): 100k ohms; single-ended (RCA): 12.5k ohms. Voltage gain, balanced (XLR): 24dB; single-ended (RCA), 28dB. Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz (+0dB, –0.15dB); 10Hz–100kHz (+0dB, –0.4dB). Input sensitivity, balanced (XLR): 4.2V at full rated output; unbalanced (RCA): 2.6V. THD: <0.008%. Damping factor: 350. S/N ratio (A-weighted): 120dB. Continuous output power: 500Wpc into 8 ohms (27dBW), 800Wpc into 4 ohms (26dBW). Channel separation: >65dB. Intermodulation distortion (60Hz: 7kHz, 4:1): <0.03%. Power consumption: 1200W. Standby power consumption, normal: <0.5W; network wakeup: <2W.

Dimensions 19" (485mm) W × 9.375" (238mm) H × 18.25" (465mm) D. Weight: 132lb (59.9kg).

Finish Matte black anodized aluminum with black acrylic front panel.

Serial number of unit reviewed 254-948-1007. Manufactured in China.

Price $7499.99. Approximate number of US dealers: 25. Warranty: 5 years parts and labor.

Manufacturer The Rotel Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. Web: rotel.com. US distributor: Sumiko, 6655 Wedgwood Rd. N, Suite 115, Maple Grove, MN 55311-2814. Tel: [phone]. Web: sumikoaudio.net.