@@jd8866The owner at my audio shop said all the guys there listened to both the series one and series two and could hear no difference. They have plenty of higher end gear so if they say they can’t hear a difference then I think it’s correct.
I have this same unit Michi X3 (AKM DAC) and am super happy with it. I have used it with the Tekton Enzo XL speakers (excellent match), as well as the Pioneer HPM-100B vintage speakers. I typically use the optical input from a Cambridge CXNv2 streamer, but have also tried the XLR inputs, and then the other streaming features like Bluetooth input (for playing from Phone). My favorite phone setup is running Deezer Hi-Fi over chromecast to the streamer, then optical to the Michi. The Michi is maybe the quietest and smoothest Amp I have owned, although I have several McIntosh amps that are pretty stellar (C50/MC452, etc.). I originally was trying to get a nice solid modern integrated amp, to sort of use where I was using an Accuphase E-202 integrated amp (~100W per Ch 8 Ohms). The Accuphase, Luxman, and McIntosh comp units were all 2X or more the Michi X3 price... I have also owned many Rotel components and have really liked all of them, especially considering performance and value per cost. All in All the Michi is an amazing integrated amp for the money, with tons of modern features. For younger folks just starting out with audio, they could literally get this unit, a pair of speakers, and start Rocking, right from a phone.
Hey @jd8866. I am a fellow X3 owner and LOVE IT! Hoping I can ask you a question about your interface. I have my speakers properly connected, and I send a test tone/signal to one channel, but the spectrum analyzer shows activity on the opposite channel. So when I send a signal to my left channel (left facing my speakers from LP), the Spectrum Analyzer shows activity on the right. It's almost as if the Spectrum Analyzer is treating speaker direction facing the listening position. Wanted to see if this is common. Thanks and happy listening! Also have you upgraded to a standalone dac or still happy with the AKM?
@@uclaxab Hi, yes I have noticed the Spec An seems to be backwards (i.e. when listening from the front of amp Left/Right is flipped).. I think the power VU meters are the same way. there may be a setting to change this, but I have not found it. This bothered me and I contacted Michi about this, not helpful. also the Power VU meters are really not real power, e.g., the 2/4/8 settings are just relative (not calibrated for speaker Ohm load). So really they are just cool to look at :) Yes I am still listening to the built-in AKM DAC, it is really good. It is one of AKM's highest performance (differential DAC's AK4490) from their velvet sound lineup. I really think they moved to the ESS DAC on their Michi X3 version 2, due to supply chain issues (The AKM factory burnt down a while back..). Same to you, I hope you are enjoying your Michi, I know I am :)
@@jd8866 thank you so much for the quick reply. Good to know I wasn't going crazy here. Definitely nice to look at the SA dancing around, albeit not necessarily accurately. I never use the Power VU meters myself for the same reason you identified. I am debating trying out a R2R Dac as well; looking at the Denafrips Pontus II or Holo Audio Spring 3, although leaning towards the Pontus. Are you still using the Tektons with your Michi?
@@uclaxab Nice! yes, the R2R DAC could be the lowest noise option (and of interest the highest performance AKM DAC in that same lineup is R2R based,..). I am intrigued, but don't really spend $$$ on an external DAC.. that AK4490 is a differential signal DAC, right down on the PC board, so should really outperform most external DACs. Yes I am still really liking these Tekton Enzo XL2 speakers, they are finally broken in, so I can crank the bass up. I also have a pair of JBL S3900s on my Mac equipment, sometime I will try those on the Michi. If you happen to try the R2R DAC, definitely let me know how it goes !
@@TheSourceAVDesignGroup I have the Original Michi X3, which has the AKM 4490 DACs, which are very near the top-of-line AKM DAC.. 32-bit, 768KHz, upsampling, differential DAC.(this is like having tiny XLR cables on the printed circuit board). this is very near the state-of-art, did the change to the ESS happen because AKM supply chain issues? the AKM factory burnt down in 2018 or 2019... the AKM velvet sound DAC portfolio was the premier at the time. I don't know how I got the Michi X3 in 2022, with the AKM4490 DACS, but I suspect that Rotel had procured them before the disaster. I run all my sound to the Michi on the internal DACs over optical, and it is phenomenal.
I've enjoyed watching your McIntosh MA352 and Michi videos. Are the MA352 and Michi X3 (or X5) similar in value? Is one a clear winner in your opinion? Is the additional power on the Michi noticeable? These integrated amps are on my shortlist, but leaning towards the McIntosh based on the resale value I'll be starting my 2 channel system with one of the amps noted above and buying speakers to suit. On my shortlist are Martin Logan ESL 11's and B&W 804's. I've listened to both, very different, but appreciated both. Also hoping to find a Focal Kanta 2 or 3 for review. Thanks
I don't like to say one thing is a clear winner over another, as everything comes down to preference. The Michi X3 is the best value for the money, I believe, but the MA352 is spectacular as well and a good value for McIntosh.
I think so, I also played this Michi x3 series 1 - on a pair of Dahlquist DQ-20s (new in 1990) and it was a very nice match. the DQ-20s (4 Ohm) are notoriously difficult to drive due to their relative lower efficiency, dense crossovers, and sealed bass enclosure design. I did notice that the DQ-20s seem best matched to higher current amps, like the Accuphase E-202, which is the best match I have found so far (for them). I know this Michi amp has no problem driving these 4-Ohm Tekton Enzo XL speakers (with all upgrades). I had a difficult time matching pre/power amps to these Tektons, until I got this Michi. I tried many amps: Kenwood KA8006 and KA9100, Sansui G8000, Pioneer SX-1050, Accuphase E-202, Kyocera A-710 and was never quite happy with the match until this Michi.
I had this at home, paired it with my Sonus Venere 3.0. I was quite impressed, but then I tried my loudspeakers with Technics SU-R 1000, it was even more amazing. Due to the current price deal and sale, I paid slightly more for Technics, so I went with that one. Having said that, I think X3 is a beautiful and amazing piece of gear. Sound, design, remote is a piece of art. But Technics just sounded better.
I still own my Michi X3 and I am holding on to it as I like the AKM DAC Sound with the OG version. I think they are both great see if you can listen to both at a dealer if possible.
Worth is always such a subjective thing when it comes to money. However, I bought it for myself for a reason, and I did research other Rotel integrated amps before doing so. I still think it is one of the best-sounding and built amps in its price range. @maxter000
Will you be reviewing the Michi X-5 Version 2 said to have replaced 95 parts including an upgraded ESS DAC; hope so. The X-3 accepts only MM in the phono stage
@@TheSourceAVDesignGroup I hope so too: sooner rather than later; I am not into measurements per se but SoundStage network did an extensive suite of tests and the results exceeded the manufacturer’s claims for the better. Secrets of Home Theater (Dr Johnson’s channel) also measured the piece with very positive results.
Great review. I don't know though if I should get the X3 or the S5. Here in Greece the X3 is about the same price as the S5, about 500€ difference. But the S5 has double the power. If I pair the S5 with my Marantz Cinema 50 as the DAC will I be losing anything in terms of quality compared to the X3?
I normally dislike rotel but michi i like,rotel gives me back memories when i was teen in a hifi shop i wanted to get a processor for my home cinema i wanted or arcam or meridian but sales man tryed to sell me the rotel i sayd a bad world and i don,t want rotel very loud lol some people hear it i was like 16
for audio purists, there is a static display setting Normal, that just has the volume level in 2 digits, and the input, and the DAC sample rate. I have not found a setting that turns the LED panel off completely.
Nice video thanks, How do the Klipsch H4 speakers sound with this X3 is it a good match in your opinion ? also, which McIntosh integrated amp would you have to step up to to best the X3 without going too crazy. thanks
Thanks @Alwyn Roberts, I thought it paired great with the Heresey IV especially when you take into account it's tone control to tune up the bass some or reduce treble for your preferences. For a cheaper option, this is what stays married with my Heresy IV currently thesourceav.com/products/marantz-model-40n for the Klipsch a couple of my top amps I would love to have from McIntosh for the H4 since they are efficient speakers would be the following thesourceav.com/products/mcintosh-ma252-2-channel-hybrid-integrated-amplifier or honestly the classic thesourceav.com/products/mcintosh-mc275-2-channel-vacuum-tube-amplifier which you would need a pre for but pairs so well. If you really wanted to go with a McIntosh Integrated that some would say bests the Michi X3 and others would say is just a different flavor is the thesourceav.com/products/mcintosh-mac7200
*Michi + Sonus Faber...very specific set...nothing more needed !!!* 👍👌
Just got my Michi X3 Series 2. It’s an amazing product
Congrats!
Excellent, did you ever hear the series 1? I am curious.
@@jd8866The owner at my audio shop said all the guys there listened to both the series one and series two and could hear no difference. They have plenty of higher end gear so if they say they can’t hear a difference then I think it’s correct.
@@aussie8114the owner than must be def as it has completely different dac section and dac ic plus had some changes around the amp as well.
I have this same unit Michi X3 (AKM DAC) and am super happy with it. I have used it with the Tekton Enzo XL speakers (excellent match), as well as the Pioneer HPM-100B vintage speakers. I typically use the optical input from a Cambridge CXNv2 streamer, but have also tried the XLR inputs, and then the other streaming features like Bluetooth input (for playing from Phone). My favorite phone setup is running Deezer Hi-Fi over chromecast to the streamer, then optical to the Michi. The Michi is maybe the quietest and smoothest Amp I have owned, although I have several McIntosh amps that are pretty stellar (C50/MC452, etc.). I originally was trying to get a nice solid modern integrated amp, to sort of use where I was using an Accuphase E-202 integrated amp (~100W per Ch 8 Ohms). The Accuphase, Luxman, and McIntosh comp units were all 2X or more the Michi X3 price... I have also owned many Rotel components and have really liked all of them, especially considering performance and value per cost. All in All the Michi is an amazing integrated amp for the money, with tons of modern features. For younger folks just starting out with audio, they could literally get this unit, a pair of speakers, and start Rocking, right from a phone.
Hey @jd8866. I am a fellow X3 owner and LOVE IT! Hoping I can ask you a question about your interface. I have my speakers properly connected, and I send a test tone/signal to one channel, but the spectrum analyzer shows activity on the opposite channel. So when I send a signal to my left channel (left facing my speakers from LP), the Spectrum Analyzer shows activity on the right. It's almost as if the Spectrum Analyzer is treating speaker direction facing the listening position. Wanted to see if this is common. Thanks and happy listening! Also have you upgraded to a standalone dac or still happy with the AKM?
@@uclaxab Hi, yes I have noticed the Spec An seems to be backwards (i.e. when listening from the front of amp Left/Right is flipped).. I think the power VU meters are the same way. there may be a setting to change this, but I have not found it. This bothered me and I contacted Michi about this, not helpful. also the Power VU meters are really not real power, e.g., the 2/4/8 settings are just relative (not calibrated for speaker Ohm load). So really they are just cool to look at :) Yes I am still listening to the built-in AKM DAC, it is really good. It is one of AKM's highest performance (differential DAC's AK4490) from their velvet sound lineup. I really think they moved to the ESS DAC on their Michi X3 version 2, due to supply chain issues (The AKM factory burnt down a while back..). Same to you, I hope you are enjoying your Michi, I know I am :)
@@jd8866 thank you so much for the quick reply. Good to know I wasn't going crazy here. Definitely nice to look at the SA dancing around, albeit not necessarily accurately. I never use the Power VU meters myself for the same reason you identified. I am debating trying out a R2R Dac as well; looking at the Denafrips Pontus II or Holo Audio Spring 3, although leaning towards the Pontus. Are you still using the Tektons with your Michi?
@@uclaxab Nice! yes, the R2R DAC could be the lowest noise option (and of interest the highest performance AKM DAC in that same lineup is R2R based,..). I am intrigued, but don't really spend $$$ on an external DAC.. that AK4490 is a differential signal DAC, right down on the PC board, so should really outperform most external DACs. Yes I am still really liking these Tekton Enzo XL2 speakers, they are finally broken in, so I can crank the bass up. I also have a pair of JBL S3900s on my Mac equipment, sometime I will try those on the Michi. If you happen to try the R2R DAC, definitely let me know how it goes !
@@jd8866 did you ever try a different power cable with your X3 or stick with the stock cable?
Series 2 coming out this month. Internal upgrades including upgrade DAC.
I saw that! I will try to get one in for review to compare for everyone.
@@TheSourceAVDesignGroup I have the Original Michi X3, which has the AKM 4490 DACs, which are very near the top-of-line AKM DAC.. 32-bit, 768KHz, upsampling, differential DAC.(this is like having tiny XLR cables on the printed circuit board). this is very near the state-of-art, did the change to the ESS happen because AKM supply chain issues? the AKM factory burnt down in 2018 or 2019... the AKM velvet sound DAC portfolio was the premier at the time.
I don't know how I got the Michi X3 in 2022, with the AKM4490 DACS, but I suspect that Rotel had procured them before the disaster. I run all my sound to the Michi on the internal DACs over optical, and it is phenomenal.
Have you gotten a chance to compare yet? Very interested to hear your tought on the Michi x3 v2 before i buy. Tks
@@jacquesmcintyre4184 No I haven’t listened to it. I’m happy with my system I have at the moment but might check out the Michi early next year.
I've enjoyed watching your McIntosh MA352 and Michi videos. Are the MA352 and Michi X3 (or X5) similar in value? Is one a clear winner in your opinion? Is the additional power on the Michi noticeable?
These integrated amps are on my shortlist, but leaning towards the McIntosh based on the resale value
I'll be starting my 2 channel system with one of the amps noted above and buying speakers to suit.
On my shortlist are Martin Logan ESL 11's and B&W 804's. I've listened to both, very different, but appreciated both.
Also hoping to find a Focal Kanta 2 or 3 for review.
Thanks
I don't like to say one thing is a clear winner over another, as everything comes down to preference. The Michi X3 is the best value for the money, I believe, but the MA352 is spectacular as well and a good value for McIntosh.
Sounds like this amp would pair well with Dynaudio loudspeakers!
I think so, I also played this Michi x3 series 1 - on a pair of Dahlquist DQ-20s (new in 1990) and it was a very nice match. the DQ-20s (4 Ohm) are notoriously difficult to drive due to their relative lower efficiency, dense crossovers, and sealed bass enclosure design. I did notice that the DQ-20s seem best matched to higher current amps, like the Accuphase E-202, which is the best match I have found so far (for them). I know this Michi amp has no problem driving these 4-Ohm Tekton Enzo XL speakers (with all upgrades). I had a difficult time matching pre/power amps to these Tektons, until I got this Michi. I tried many amps: Kenwood KA8006 and KA9100, Sansui G8000, Pioneer SX-1050, Accuphase E-202, Kyocera A-710 and was never quite happy with the match until this Michi.
I just brought a x3 s2 is the olympica nova 1 be a good match or should i tru another set of stand mount speakers
This spectrum hz is this like graphic equalize ?
I had this at home, paired it with my Sonus Venere 3.0. I was quite impressed, but then I tried my loudspeakers with Technics SU-R 1000, it was even more amazing. Due to the current price deal and sale, I paid slightly more for Technics, so I went with that one. Having said that, I think X3 is a beautiful and amazing piece of gear. Sound, design, remote is a piece of art. But Technics just sounded better.
OK. Great review of an amplifier I've had my eye on. Buy what my question is. Where did you get that great Cube.
Wonderful !
Thanks!
@@TheSourceAVDesignGroup 👍🎶
Hi, is it worth buying X3 used at discounted price or better to buy X3 Series 2 new?
I still own my Michi X3 and I am holding on to it as I like the AKM DAC Sound with the OG version. I think they are both great see if you can listen to both at a dealer if possible.
Currently running the Rotel RC-1572MK2 and RB-1582MK2 with kef r3 I'm thinking to get this one what do you think worth the extra money ??
Worth is always such a subjective thing when it comes to money. However, I bought it for myself for a reason, and I did research other Rotel integrated amps before doing so. I still think it is one of the best-sounding and built amps in its price range. @maxter000
Will you be reviewing the Michi X-5 Version 2 said to have replaced 95 parts including an upgraded ESS DAC; hope so. The X-3 accepts only MM in the phono stage
I would like to review it. I have reached out to Michi so hopefully soon.
@@TheSourceAVDesignGroup I hope so too: sooner rather than later; I am not into measurements per se but SoundStage network did an extensive suite of tests and the results exceeded the manufacturer’s claims for the better. Secrets of Home Theater (Dr Johnson’s channel) also measured the piece with very positive results.
Great review.
I don't know though if I should get the X3 or the S5. Here in Greece the X3 is about the same price as the S5, about 500€ difference. But the S5 has double the power. If I pair the S5 with my Marantz Cinema 50 as the DAC will I be losing anything in terms of quality compared to the X3?
I have not tried that combo with the Marantz and the Cinema 50 but surely love the X3!
Not sure what you mean about the Node. I’m using its USB out and it works perfectly.
Are you using it with Roon?
I normally dislike rotel but michi i like,rotel gives me back memories when i was teen in a hifi shop i wanted to get a processor for my home cinema i wanted or arcam or meridian but sales man tryed to sell me the rotel i sayd a bad world and i don,t want rotel very loud lol some people hear it i was like 16
Can the display be turned off?
for audio purists, there is a static display setting Normal, that just has the volume level in 2 digits, and the input, and the DAC sample rate. I have not found a setting that turns the LED panel off completely.
@@jd8866 great, cheers :)
Nice video thanks, How do the Klipsch H4 speakers sound with this X3 is it a good match in your opinion ? also, which McIntosh integrated amp would you have to step up to to best the X3 without going too crazy. thanks
Thanks @Alwyn Roberts, I thought it paired great with the Heresey IV especially when you take into account it's tone control to tune up the bass some or reduce treble for your preferences. For a cheaper option, this is what stays married with my Heresy IV currently thesourceav.com/products/marantz-model-40n for the Klipsch a couple of my top amps I would love to have from McIntosh for the H4 since they are efficient speakers would be the following thesourceav.com/products/mcintosh-ma252-2-channel-hybrid-integrated-amplifier or honestly the classic thesourceav.com/products/mcintosh-mc275-2-channel-vacuum-tube-amplifier which you would need a pre for but pairs so well. If you really wanted to go with a McIntosh Integrated that some would say bests the Michi X3 and others would say is just a different flavor is the thesourceav.com/products/mcintosh-mac7200
Np HDMI ?..... why ?...why?...!
Connecting the TV (sound) via Toslink works beautifully 😊