Rotel's X Appeal
Hi-Fi Choice|May 2021
The up-market Michi series makes a welcome return with two new integrated amplifiers overflowing with power, but can they match up to their EISA-award winning predecessors?
Rotel's X Appeal

As years go, 1993 was a fairly inauspicious 12 months for the British music industry. With the nadir reached as Meat Loaf’s I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That) became the biggest-selling single, Take That scored their first number one with Pray and Mr Blobby breezed to the Christmas number one spot, it was perhaps a year to forget. However, over in the world of hi-fi a quiet revolution was occurring and Rotel was right at the heart of it.

Massive power, ruthless control, unfettered dynamics and crisp cleanliness

Up until this point the family-run Japanese company was known for producing a series of solid performing components with a reputation for wallet-friendly pricetags. However, in 1993 it decided to take a leap into the unknown and introduce a series of money-no-object components giving its engineers free reign and telling them to set aside the idea of hitting an affordable pricepoint in favour of producing the very best product that money could buy. The resulting Michi range grew to include an active preamp, tuner and CD player, but more importantly cast Rotel in a new light. Suddenly the hi-fi equivalent of Aldi or Lidl was mixing it in the rarified company of Waitrose and Fortnum and Mason.

This story is from the May 2021 edition of Hi-Fi Choice.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the May 2021 edition of Hi-Fi Choice.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HI-FI CHOICEView All
Old boys network
Hi-Fi Choice

Old boys network

As the lineups start to emerge for this summer's festivals, Nigel Williamson investigates where the problem lies for the continuing dearth of female headliners

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2023
DESTINATION: LEITH
Hi-Fi Choice

DESTINATION: LEITH

Welcome to a friendly haven of Californian cool in the creative heart of a former Edinburgh port. Simon Berkovitch samples the sunshine on Leith

time-read
8 mins  |
May 2023
Core values
Hi-Fi Choice

Core values

Apple’s revamped HomePod smart speaker off ers attractive sound quality, but its Apple-centric focus remains frustrating for Cliff Joseph

time-read
4 mins  |
May 2023
Forty something
Hi-Fi Choice

Forty something

Creek Audio is celebrating its big four-o with the release of the new 4040 A integrated. Nick Tate lights the candles and listens in

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2023
One for all
Hi-Fi Choice

One for all

German high-ender AVM wants to make top all-in-one performers. David Vivian takes a listen to its all-singing integrated amp

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2023
Three for all
Hi-Fi Choice

Three for all

The 700 Series receives a helping of tech from the flagship 800 models. Ed Selley sees how the smallest speaker fares

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2023
All in one
Hi-Fi Choice

All in one

DAP, DAC, amplifier and streaming device, is there anything A&K’s new Acro can’t do? Cliff Joseph finds out

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2023
Wooden wonder
Hi-Fi Choice

Wooden wonder

Better known for its speakers, ELAC’s range of electronics now has a new flagship turntable. Ed Selley takes it for a spin

time-read
4 mins  |
May 2023
System matching
Hi-Fi Choice

System matching

Why finding the perfect synergy between your chosen integrated amplifier and favourite speakers holds the key to maximising your system’s potential

time-read
6 mins  |
May 2023
Game on!
Hi-Fi Choice

Game on!

At times the hi-fi and gaming industries might seem like they’re worlds apart, but Cliff Joseph reckons they both share a love of high-quality sound

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2023