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MICHI 8 Amp(s)

Michi 8 Amp(s) Review

For reference, previous to the Michi 8 I owned Bob Carver M 350, Pass Labs X350.8.350.5, Atmosphere M60-3.3, Krell amps and several others.

I was interested in these amps after reading Michael Fremer’s review in which he compared these to his $ 170,000 darTZeel NHB-468 amps. Rotel Michi M8 monoblock power amplifier | Stereophile.com

Now, I know due to the extreme cost difference’s they cannot be a one-on-one exchange, but this review definitely got my attention. I mean these amps output almost 2000 watts per channel @ 4 ohms!

So, I ordered a pair, with a 60-day money back guarantee!

Once I received them, some of the things I noticed:

First off, man are these amps heavy! About 140 lbs. each! And the build quality, though not necessarily jewelry like were mighty fine looking (to this ole’ audiophile anyway).

So, I connected them up with my previous speaker cables and fired them up, they sounded pretty good, but I was wondering if they could sound better. So as any self-described audiophile would do I set out to experiment.

What I found was these amps need heavy gauge speaker cables, I mean after all they can produce 1800 watts per channel! So, I bought 2 pairs (bi-wire) of Goertz M-3 Divinity cables. These cables are 7 gauge each. And oh, ah, much better, so, no wimpy thin cables need apply.

And long breakin is required. Out of the box (s), they sounded ok, but they didn’t produce the sound or bass that I thought amps of this power rating should. After 200 hours they were better, but 400 hours were much better. I guess when you consider the massive power supplies used in the design, they needed time to develop. Today, after many hours on them, I am convinced these amps are awesome. Thus, my review.

The soundstage is very wide, deep, dynamic, and inviting. I am again enjoying my audio music collection. Beit cd’s, files or streaming, everything sounds so different and lively.

The Michi name is part of the Rotel family and that in its self made me first think of mi-fi quality. But boy have I been impressed.

These amps must be the best bang for the bucks this century.

ozzy

128x128ozzy

Showing 3 responses by zmocsary

zmocsary
6 posts
 

I also own a pair of M8 monoblocks and they are mighty impressive.

My experiences are similar to Ozzy’s.

They drive my MBL 101E mk2s, known for needing high current and the amps do not even break a sweat by pushing them to beyond concert levels.

I also have 4 Parasound JC5s, which I used in bridged mode to drive the MBLs and these also served the speakers justice but were not so musical and sounded thinner/brighter than the Michis.

(The Parasounds are spectecular for the bass only, when they are bridged)

The sound is drop-dead gorgous with the Michis -- sweet with holographic imaging (major characterictic of MBL but if driven with subpar electronics, can sound bright and metallic).

None of the harshness and brightness heard at the shows on many a system--just a sweet, musical presentation.

Call me crazy but I have a second pair of MBL101s for a smaller listening room  and the Michi S5 (stereo version) and this can drive the MBLs alone without any problems but the speakers do benefit from biamping (bass is more robust with 2 Michi monos).

The Michis are a great alternative to, and compete with most of the mega-priced amps, often seen at shows. I am curious to hear more opinions and experiences about Michis!

Zoltan

zmocsary
6 posts
 

I find the reviews on the Michi amps to be very informative and accurate.

Interestingly, I have found the matching P5 preamp underwhelming.

It has a smooth, velvety sound but is not as dynamic as the Parasound JC2 (which is a little grainy and bright, though).

I heard that the P5 may be a passive preamp, which may explain the lack of dynamics.

I also did not care for the built-in DAC in the P5.

I have experimented with several preamps and the Italian Goldnote P1000 Mk2 is the best I ever heard and a fantastic match with the Michi monos--extremely dynamic, detailed, yet supremely musical without grain. The Luxman c-900U has similar qualities, although a little bit more laid-back. I currently own both.

Anybody knows how much class A power do the Michi amps produce?  I know they are class AB but they sound like full class A to my ears.  There is no disclosure about this on their website or in the reviews.

Zoltan

zmocsary
6 posts
 

That's great if you can get by with the server only. I need the preamp between the server and the amps because my MBL speakers need the extra drive, otherwise the system lacks the dynamics.

I can see that you may be using electrostatic speakers?   Are they high enough sensitivity that they sound better without an active preamp?

Zoltan

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