The S5 is a stereo power amplifier by Michi that delivers 580 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms (FTC). Rotel also quotes 500 watts continuous into 8 ohms and 800 watts into 4 ohms, and Michi leads its marketing with the 500 figure. It was released in 2020. It is a 2-channel design using a Class A/B output stage. Speakers connect via binding posts. A minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes it compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. The Michi S5 has an MSRP of $9,499.
There are 3 Michi amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.
Michi Power Amplifier Series
Performance Specs
One of the most important factors when deciding on an integrated amplifier is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements. The Michi S5 is rated at 580 watts RMS into 8-ohms. Michi provides this wattage at a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.008% which is an important indicator of distortion at the given values (lower THD is better).
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
- 580 watts into 8-ohms (10 Hz-100 kHz) at 0.008%
- 800 watts into 4-ohms
- 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
- 120dB Signal to Noise Ratio
How loud will 580 watts actually play in your room? →
Wiring more than one pair of speakers to it? Check the load first →
Which speakers suit the Michi S5?
580 W into 8 ohms, 800 W into 4, rated down to 4 ohms.
We rank every passive speaker we cover against it on power, impedance safety and current
delivery.
Need more power?
Michi S5 is rated at 580 watts into 8 ohms, which puts it in our Over 180 watts band. That is the top band we cover, so there is no step up from here - if it is not enough, the answer is more sensitive speakers or a smaller room, not more watts.
When pairing the Michi S5 with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels.
Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.
What size of room is the Michi S5 Amplifier good for?
An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the Michi S5 amplifier. Here, taking into account its maximum power parameters, we analyzed its applicability to various size environments:
| Listening Environment |
Suitability |
| Near-field | Are you nuts? |
| Small Room | Bad |
| Mid-size Room | Poor |
| Large Room | Good |
| Very Large Room | Good |
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the Michi S5, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
Michi S5 has total of 2 Analog inputs .
Inputs
- Total Number of Analog Inputs: 2
Outputs
Bluetooth Connectivity
Michi S5 doesn't have bluetooth connectivity feature. In order to stream your music via bluetooth, the easiest way is to connect an external bluetooth receiver to your Michi S5. Two bluetooth receivers that we recommend are the
iFi Zen Blue V2 and the
Audioengine B1.
Among the amps in the same price range, these are the 5 amps that have Bluetooth Connectivity:
Phono Input
Michi S5 doesn't have a phono input so in order to play your vinyl albums, Michi S5 has to be paired with a Phono Preamp that is MM (Moving Magnet) or/and MC (Moving COil) depending on your cartridge type.
Balanced connections
Michi S5 has a balanced XLR input. A balanced cable carries the signal twice, on two conductors of opposite polarity. Interference picked up along the way lands on both equally and cancels when the two are recombined at the far end, so the longer the cable run and the noisier the surroundings, the more the connection is worth. Whether a balanced connection also yields more power depends on how the amplifier is built inside - some are balanced end to end, others convert to single-ended internally and deliver the same power either way, so it is worth reading the maker's own wording rather than assuming.
Michi S5 Pros and Cons
Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.
- ✓580 watts per channel into 8 ohms is more than most rooms and most speakers will ever ask for.
- ✓Dual-mono construction, with the two channels kept separate through the power supply.
- ✓Signal-to-noise ratio of 120dB, so the amplifier itself should be inaudible between tracks.
- ✓Distortion is specified at 0.008%, an order of magnitude below what is generally held to be audible.
- ✓Balanced XLR inputs, worth having on a long cable run.
- ✓5-year parts warranty, longer than most of the market.
- ✗A power amplifier has no volume control and no input selection - it needs a preamplifier, or a source with a variable output, in front of it.
- ✗It weighs 59.9kg - check the shelf, and plan on a second pair of hands.
Michi S5 External Dimensions and Weight
Michi S5 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 9-3/8 x 19-1/8 x 18-5/16 inch (238 x 485 x 465 mm ). The unit weighs
59.92 kg (132.1 lbs).
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of an integrated amplifier may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of the Michi S5 is approximately 2255.3cm2 / 349.6inch2.
- Width: 485.0mm (19-1/8")
- Height: 238.0mm (9-3/8")
- Depth: 465.0mm (18-5/16")
- Weight: 59.92 kg (132.1 lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~2255.3cm2 / 349.6inch2
- Volume: ~53.7 liter / 14.2 gallon
Available colors
Michi S5 is available in Black color options.
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the Michi S5 Integrated Amplifier can be found below:
Official Product Page for Michi S5
Warranty
5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided for the Michi S5 by the manufacturer.
| General |
| Brand |
Michi |
| Full Model Name |
Michi S5 |
| Release Date |
2020 |
| Amplifier Type |
Power Amplifier |
| Number of Channels |
2 |
| Amp Class |
Class A/B |
| Amplifier Technology |
Solid State |
| Performance |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms |
580 watts |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms |
N/A |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms |
800 watts |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
10 Hz-100 kHz |
| THD |
0.008% |
| Minimum Impedance |
4 |
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
120 dB |
| Digital Music |
| Built-in DAC |
No |
| Bluetooth |
No |
| WiFi |
No |
| CONNECTIONS |
| Total Analog Inputs |
2 |
| Phono Input |
No |
| Headphone Output |
No |
| Removable Power Cord |
|
| Speaker Connectors |
Binding posts |
| Level Controls |
Gain 28 dB unbalanced, 24 dB balanced |
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
238.0mm (9-3/8") |
| Width |
485.0mm (19-1/8") |
| Depth |
465.0mm (18-5/16") |
| Weight |
59.92 kg (132.1 lbs) |
| Available Colors |
Black |
| OTHER |
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
How much power does the Michi S5 have?
The Michi S5 delivers 580 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms (FTC). Rotel also quotes 500 watts continuous into 8 ohms and 800 watts into 4 ohms, and Michi leads its marketing with the 500 figure. It increases its output into 4 ohms, so it has some headroom for harder-to-drive speakers.
Does the Michi S5 use vacuum tubes?
No. The Michi S5 is a solid-state amplifier - there are no vacuum tubes in it.
What amplifier class is the Michi S5?
The Michi S5 uses a Class A/B amplifier design. Class A/B is the traditional linear design: it runs warmer and is less efficient than Class D, but it is long valued for its natural, low-distortion sound.
Does the Michi S5 have a built-in DAC?
No. The Michi S5 has no built-in DAC, so a digital source such as a streamer or CD transport needs its own converter, or you connect it over analogue.
Can I connect a turntable to the Michi S5?
No. The Michi S5 has no phono input, so a turntable needs an external phono preamp (or a deck with one built in) before it can be connected.
Does the Michi S5 have Bluetooth?
No. The Michi S5 does not have Bluetooth built in; you would need an external Bluetooth receiver connected to one of its inputs.
Does the Michi S5 have a headphone output?
No. The Michi S5 does not have a headphone output, so headphone listening needs a separate headphone amplifier.
How much does the Michi S5 cost?
The Michi S5 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $9,499.
Was this amplifier review useful?
Tell us what is missing or wrong and we will fix it.