Rotel Michi X3 S2
Rotel Michi X3 S2 stereo integrated amplifier, fitted with an ESS Sabre ES9028PRO DAC, an MM/MC phono stage and a range of analogue and digital connections.
Description
The Michi X3 S2 is a stereo integrated amplifier from Rotel, designed to combine power amplification, digital-to-analogue conversion and phono preamplification within a single unit. It allows speakers to be driven directly without the need for a separate power amplifier, while accepting analogue, digital and wireless sources alike.
The class AB2 power stage delivers 2x 200 watts into 8 ohms, and more into 4 ohms depending on the source. A damping factor of 350 (measured between 20 Hz and 20 kHz into 8 ohms) reflects good control over driver movement, while total harmonic distortion below 0.008% and intermodulation distortion below 0.03% indicate a clean signal reproduction. Channel separation, greater than 55 dB, and the signal-to-noise ratio of 102 dB on line input (80 dB on phono) further enhance sonic clarity, particularly at low volume.
Digital conversion is handled by an 8-channel ESS Sabre ES9028PRO DAC, compatible with 32-bit/384 kHz, DSD and MQA, paired with a USB-PC input, optical and coaxial inputs, as well as Bluetooth aptX HD for wireless streaming. A balanced XLR input rounds out the digital panel, alongside three RCA line inputs. A built-in phono preamplifier, compatible with MM and MC cartridges, caters directly to vinyl enthusiasts without requiring an external phono stage.
This model is aimed at a user wishing to centralise several sources, turntable, PC, digital sources, Bluetooth streaming, around a single amplifier capable of driving demanding speakers. Its 6.35 mm headphone output and mono subwoofer output also make it a central piece suited to both headphone listening and a subwoofer setup.
Technical specifications
| Power output | 2x 200 Watts (8 ohms) / 2x 350 Watts (4 ohms) |
| Total harmonic distortion | <0.008% |
| Intermodulation distortion (60 Hz 7 kHz, 4:1) | <0.03% |
| Damping factor (20 Hz 20 kHz, 8 ohms) | 350 |
| Channel separation | >55 dB |
| Output level | 1 V |
| Output impedance | 470 Ω |
| Frequency response (Line) | 10 Hz - 100 kHz |
| Signal to noise ratio (IHF A weighted) | 102 dB |
| Signal to noise ratio (Phono) | 80 dB |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 485 x 150 x 452 mm |
| Weight | 28.9 kg |
| Connections | 1x balanced XLR stereo input, 1x RCA phono stereo input, 3x RCA line stereo inputs, 3x optical S/PDIF digital inputs, 3x coaxial digital inputs, 1x RCA Pre Out, 1x mono subwoofer output, 1x USB input, 1x 6.35 mm headphone output |
What to check before buying used
On this feature-dense Rotel integrated amplifier, systematically test each digital input (optical, coaxial, USB) and the Bluetooth aptX HD, as well as the phono preamplifier, which was often little used by the previous owner. Check that the ESS Sabre DAC correctly recognises DSD and MQA streams without dropouts or interference, and operate the motorised volume dial to rule out any crackling that would indicate a dirty potentiometer. A check of the headphone output and subwoofer output completes the inspection, as these circuits are sometimes overlooked during in-store testing.
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