Conclusion

I started this review by posing a question. What makes a component truly great and at what point does a component pass from being great into “overkill” for the sake of charging a lot more money?

High-end audio components don’t require 3-inch-thick faceplates and any attempt by a reviewer to convince you that they improve the sound quality of a component and justify charging you the price of a decent car – should be met with a healthy dose of derision. After mocking said person for taking you for a fool, your first reaction should be to turn on your system and enjoy listening to music. That’s what your stereo is there for.

The Rotel Michi X3 Integrated Amplifier is a rare component; even in 2021 with so many excellent high-end components available for sale. Not only was it designed to offer the highest levels of musical playback in a package that is not overkill, but it’s surprisingly affordable when one compares its performance to other high-end components that sell for substantially more.

If you ever doubted that Rotel could design components that compete with the top 1% in the world – erase all of those doubts.

The Rotel Michi X3 cuts through the hype and delivers an orgiastic feast of musical pleasure that is more than anyone could ever need; both in terms of power, features, and the ability to elevate musical expression to another level.

Six and a half grand is an enormous amount of money to spend on a component; it’s rare that I would ever call such a thing a “bargain” – but the Michi X3 is just that in an industry filled with overpriced schlock.

An audio classic in the making. Both now and in the distant future when it will be considered among the best of its kind.

For more information: rotel.com/product/x3