Michi Amplifiers
Client
Rotel
Year
2019
Type of Work
Design development
Design for manufacture
User interface
Branding
In 2017 we were approached by Rotel to develop a new flagship range of audiophile amplifiers. Building on 55 years of experience, and with a tireless attention to detail, the acoustic engineers at Rotel developed the internal electronics. We led the development of the industrial design, the mechanical design, the digital and physical user interface, the packaging and the branding.
Taking our inspiration from their celebrated 1990s range, we encouraged Rotel to create a new high-end brand, Michi, because these amplifiers stand apart from Rotel’s other products in every way: the design, the acoustics, the construction, the experience. The monolithic Michi range is defined by its simplicity of form, elegant user interface and beautiful detailing.
The heatsinks are meticulously machined to complement the full glass fascia and OLED display. And, unlike other amplifiers, with Michi, the rear panel and remote have been as carefully considered as all other parts of the design.
Following the initial launch of the pre-amplifier, stereo power amp and monoblock, we extended the range with two integrated amplifiers, the X3 and X5, using the scalable design language and extrusion construction.