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  1. Home
  2. Michi Amplifiers
  3. Integrated Amplifiers
  4. Michi X3 Series 2
Michi X3 Series 2 Review
Michi X3 Series 2 - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 235 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • 2-channel
  • Class A/B
  • Minimum impedance: 4 ohms
  • Built-in DAC (ESS SABRE ES9028PRO, 8-channel)
  • Phono Input
  • USB Input
  • Bluetooth
  • Weight: 63.70 lbs / 28.89 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):5-7/8 x 19-1/8 x 17-13/16 inch
MSRP: $7,499 (list price)
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Michi X3 Series 2 Review
Michi X3 Series 2 Michi X3 Series 2
Check price atAmazon›

Made by Michi · Japan · since 1991 · sold through dealers

The X3 Series 2 is an integrated amplifier with built-in DAC by Michi that delivers 235 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms (FTC). Rotel also quotes 200 watts x 2 into 8 ohms continuous and a 350 watts x 2 into 4 ohms maximum, which is the figure Michi uses in its marketing. It was released in 2024. 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. It has a built-in DAC (ESS SABRE ES9028PRO, 8-channel), so you can play digital sources directly with no separate DAC unit needed. It also has a phono input, so a turntable can connect straight to it. The Michi X3 Series 2 has an MSRP of $7,499.

There are 3 Michi amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.

Michi Integrated Amplifier Series
Model Watts (8Ω) Min. Impedance DAC Bluetooth
Michi Prestige X430
Compare
2204ΩYesYes
Michi X3 Series 2
2354ΩYesYes
Michi X5 Series 2
Compare
3904ΩYesYes

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 X3 Series 2 is rated at 235 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:

  • 235 watts into 8-ohms (10 Hz-100 kHz) at 0.008%
  • 350 watts into 4-ohms
  • 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
  • 102dB Signal to Noise Ratio

How loud will 235 watts actually play in your room? →

Wiring more than one pair of speakers to it? Check the load first →

Which speakers suit the Michi X3 Series 2?

235 W into 8 ohms, 350 W into 4, rated down to 4 ohms. We rank every passive speaker we cover against it on power, impedance safety and current delivery.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Need more power?

Michi X3 Series 2 is rated at 235 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 X3 Series 2 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 X3 Series 2 Amplifier good for?

An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the Michi X3 Series 2 amplifier. Here, taking into account its maximum power parameters, we analyzed its applicability to various size environments:

Listening Environment Suitability
Near-fieldAre you nuts?
Small RoomBad
Mid-size RoomPoor
Large RoomGood
Very Large RoomGood

Inputs and Outputs

Besides the performance specs of the Michi X3 Series 2, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers. Michi X3 Series 2 has total of 5 Analog inputs .

Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 5
  • Phono Input
  • Yes Optical Digital Input
  • Yes Coaxial Digital Input
  • USB Input:
    • PC-USB
    • USB Audio Class 2 up to 32-bit/384kHz

Outputs
  • Speaker Outputs
  • Stereo RCA pre out Preamp Outputs
  • Subwoofer Output

Bluetooth Connectivity

Michi X3 Series 2 features built-in Bluetooth for wireless music streaming from your Bluetooth-enabled devices such as Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad, Android smartphone/tablet, Windows PC, Mac computers/laptops.

Among the amps in the same price range, these are the 5 amps that have Bluetooth Connectivity:

  • Naim Nova PE - MSRP 9999$ - Compare w/ X3 Series 2
  • Naim Uniti Star - MSRP 5699$ - Compare w/ X3 Series 2
  • Naim Uniti Nova - MSRP 6899$ - Compare w/ X3 Series 2
  • Mark Levinson No.5802 - MSRP 8500$ - Compare w/ X3 Series 2
  • Cambridge Audio Edge A - MSRP 6499$ - Compare w/ X3 Series 2

Michi X3 Series 2 supports the following Bluetooth Codecs when used with supported devices:

  • aptX HD
  • AAC
  • SBC

Phono Input

Michi X3 Series 2 features two Phono Inputs which are compatible with MM (Moving Magnet) type of phono cartridges, you can connect your turntable with MM cartridges directly to this amp without the need for a phono preamp. If you are using an MC cartridge on your turntable, you need to use a phono preamp that has MC phono stage such as the Cambridge Duo or the iFi ZEN Phono.

Subwoofer Output

Michi X3 Series 2 has a dedicated subwoofer output which can be used to connect it directly to a powered subwoofer via an LFE(Low Frequency Effects) cable.
Check our Powered Subwoofers page to find a subwoofer that will work with Michi X3 Series 2 amp and your speakers.

Balanced connections

Michi X3 Series 2 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.

DAC and Digital Music

The Michi X3 Series 2's built-in DAC allows the connection of digital sources directly, eliminating the need for an external DAC. The DAC chip that is used in the X3 Series 2 is the ESS SABRE ES9028PRO, 8-channel, and supports resolutions up to 32-bit, 384KHZ.

Michi X3 Series 2 Pros and Cons

Drawn from the published figures on this page, not from listening.

  • ✓235 watts per channel into 8 ohms is more than most rooms and most speakers will ever ask for.
  • ✓Damping factor of 350 means a low output impedance and firm control over a woofer.
  • ✓Signal-to-noise ratio of 102dB, 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.
  • ✓5 analogue inputs, enough for a full rack of sources.
  • ✓Built-in DAC handling 32-bit / 384, DSD and MQA, so a TV, computer or streamer can connect digitally with nothing in between.
  • ✓Phono stage built in (MM), so a turntable needs no separate preamplifier.
  • ✓Bluetooth (aptX HD,AAC,SBC) for playing straight from a phone.
  • ✓Pre-outs (Stereo RCA pre out) leave room to add a power amplifier or an active subwoofer later.
  • ✓Balanced XLR inputs, worth having on a long cable run.
  • ✓Has tone controls.
  • ✓5-year parts warranty, longer than most of the market.
  • ✗The phono stage is moving-magnet only; a moving-coil cartridge would need a step-up or an external stage.
  • ✗It weighs 28.9kg - check the shelf, and plan on a second pair of hands.

Michi X3 Series 2 External Dimensions and Weight

Michi X3 Series 2 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 5-7/8 x 19-1/8 x 17-13/16 inch (150 x 485 x 452 mm ). The unit weighs 28.89 kg (63.7 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 X3 Series 2 is approximately 2192.2cm2 / 339.8inch2.

  • Width: 485.0mm (19-1/8")
  • Height: 150.0mm (5-7/8")
  • Depth: 452.0mm (17-13/16")
  • Weight: 28.89 kg (63.7 lbs)
  • Base Surface Area: ~2192.2cm2 / 339.8inch2
  • Volume: ~32.9 liter / 8.7 gallon

Available colors

Michi X3 Series 2 is available in Black and Silver color options.

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Michi X3 Series 2 Integrated Amplifier can be found below:
Official Product Page for Michi X3 Series 2

Warranty

5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided for the Michi X3 Series 2 by the manufacturer.

Michi X3 Series 2 Detailed Specifications

General
Brand Michi
Full Model Name Michi X3 Series 2
Release Date 2024
Amplifier Type Integrated Amplifier
Number of Channels 2
Amp Class Class A/B
Amplifier Technology Solid State
Performance
Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms 235 watts
Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms N/A
Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms 350 watts
Frequency Bandwidth 10 Hz-100 kHz
Damping Factor 350
THD 0.008%
Minimum Impedance 4
Signal to Noise Ratio 102 dB
Signal to Noise Ratio (MM) 80 dB
Digital Music
Built-in DAC Yes
DAC Specs ESS SABRE ES9028PRO, 8-channel
Bluetooth Yes
WiFi No
Ecosystem
Apple AirPlay
Apple AirPlay2
DTS Play-Fi
Chromecast built-in
Roon Tested
HEOS
BluOS

CONNECTIONS
Total Analog Inputs 5
Phono Input Yes
Optical Digital Inputs Yes
Coaxial Digital Inputs Yes
USB Input Yes
USB Type PC-USB, USB Audio Class 2 up to 32-bit/384kHz
Preamp Outputs Stereo RCA pre out
Subwoofer Output Yes
Removable Power Cord
Speaker Connectors Binding posts
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height 150.0mm (5-7/8")
Width 485.0mm (19-1/8")
Depth 452.0mm (17-13/16")
Weight 28.89 kg (63.7 lbs)
Available Colors Black,Silver
OTHER
Tone Controls Yes, +/-10dB at 100Hz and 10kHz
Screen Yes
Parts Warranty 5 Years
Labor Warranty 5 Years
Michi X3 Series 2 Alternatives in No Streaming Amplifiers
Model Watts (8Ω) Min. Impedance DAC Phono
Michi Prestige X430
Compare
2204ΩYesMM
Michi X5 Series 2
Compare
3904ΩYesMM and MC
Cambridge Audio Edge A
Compare
1004ΩYesNo
Naim Uniti Star
Compare
704ΩYesNo
Naim Uniti Nova
Compare
804ΩYesNo
Mark Levinson No.5802
Compare
1252ΩYesNo
Naim Nova PE
Compare
1504ΩYesNo
Frequently Asked Questions about Michi X3 Series 2

How much power does the Michi X3 Series 2 have?

The Michi X3 Series 2 delivers 235 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms (FTC). Rotel also quotes 200 watts x 2 into 8 ohms continuous and a 350 watts x 2 into 4 ohms maximum, which is the figure Michi uses in its marketing. It increases its output into 4 ohms, so it has some headroom for harder-to-drive speakers.

Does the Michi X3 Series 2 use vacuum tubes?

No. The Michi X3 Series 2 is a solid-state amplifier - there are no vacuum tubes in it.

What amplifier class is the Michi X3 Series 2?

The Michi X3 Series 2 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 X3 Series 2 have a built-in DAC?

Yes. The Michi X3 Series 2 has a built-in DAC (ESS SABRE ES9028PRO, 8-channel), so you can feed it a digital source directly without buying a separate converter.

Can I connect a turntable to the Michi X3 Series 2?

Yes. The Michi X3 Series 2 has a built-in phono stage for MM cartridges, so a turntable can be connected directly without a separate phono preamp. It is voiced for moving-magnet cartridges; a moving-coil cartridge would need an extra step-up stage.

Does the Michi X3 Series 2 have Bluetooth?

Yes. The Michi X3 Series 2 supports Bluetooth (the aptX HD,AAC,SBC codec), so you can stream straight from a phone, tablet or laptop.

Can I connect a subwoofer to the Michi X3 Series 2?

Yes. The Michi X3 Series 2 has a Yes subwoofer output, so you can add a powered subwoofer to extend the low end below what your main speakers manage.

How much does the Michi X3 Series 2 cost?

The Michi X3 Series 2 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $7,499.

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