McIntosh CS7500 Streaming Preamplifier
The McIntosh CS7500 Streaming Preamplifier brings high-performance stereo preamplification, advanced network streaming, premium digital conversion, and vinyl-ready flexibility into one elegant McIntosh component. Designed as the source-control center for a modern two-channel audio system, the CS7500 combines the convenience of streaming with the flexibility of separates, allowing listeners to choose the power amplifier that best fits their speakers, room, and future upgrade path.
Built-in support for Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Bluetooth, and Roon gives the CS7500 instant access to today’s most popular music platforms using the apps listeners already know. Its Quad Balanced 8-channel, 32-bit DAC supports high-resolution digital playback, including native DSD512 and DXD up to 384kHz through USB, while coaxial and optical inputs support up to 24-bit/192kHz audio. For vinyl playback, the adjustable MM/MC phono stage allows cartridge matching with adjustable capacitance, resistance, and gain.
With 13 total inputs, 5 analog output sets, HDMI ARC for TV audio, Home Theater PassThru, HXD headphone technology, and subwoofer-capable outputs, the CS7500 is built to bring streaming, analog, digital, vinyl, television, and home theater sources together in one refined chassis. Its signature McIntosh design includes blue output meters, an illuminated black glass front panel, precision rotary controls, polished stainless steel, brushed black titanium stainless steel, and custom-machined end caps for unmistakable visual presence.
What It's Good At:
- Simplifying a high-performance two-channel system by combining a streaming platform, stereo preamplifier, DAC, and phono stage in one chassis.
- Streaming from familiar apps with Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Bluetooth, and Roon Ready support.
- Preserving system flexibility by letting listeners choose or upgrade their preferred McIntosh power amplifier.
- Delivering high-resolution digital playback through a Quad Balanced 8-channel, 32-bit DAC with support for DSD512 and DXD up to 384kHz.
- Supporting serious vinyl playback with an adjustable MM/MC phono stage for cartridge-specific setup.
- Adding unmistakable McIntosh presence with blue meters, black glass, polished stainless steel, and brushed black titanium stainless steel.
McIntosh CS7500 Streaming Preamplifier Full Specifications:
- Product Name: McIntosh CS7500 Streaming Preamplifier
- Product Type: Stereo streaming preamplifier
- Model Status: New model
- Chassis Count: 1
- Preamplifier Topology: Solid-state
- Total Inputs: 13
- Analog Inputs: 6 total
- Balanced Analog Inputs: 2 XLR
- Unbalanced Analog Inputs: 3 RCA
- Phono Input: 1 dedicated phono input
- Phono Stage: MM/MC configurable
- Phono Adjustments: Adjustable capacitance, resistance, and gain
- Adjustable Phono Gain: 40–64 dB
- Digital Inputs: 7 total
- Digital Input Types: USB-B, MCT, HDMI ARC, 2 optical, 2 coaxial
- USB Resolution Support: Native DSD512 and DXD up to 384kHz
- Coaxial Input Resolution Support: Up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Optical Input Resolution Support: Up to 24-bit/192kHz
- DAC Architecture: Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit DAC
- DAC Operating Mode: Stereo quad-balanced mode
- Maximum Digital Resolution: DSD512
- Streaming Services and Protocols: Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Bluetooth, Roon
- Spotify Support: Spotify Connect, including Spotify Lossless
- TIDAL Support: TIDAL Connect, including TIDAL Max
- Roon Certification: Roon Ready and Roon Tested
- Bluetooth Version: Bluetooth 5.0
- Bluetooth Codec Support: AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
- Supported File Formats: MP3, AAC, FLAC, ALAC, WMA, Ogg Vorbis, WAV, M4A, AIFF
- Network Connectivity: Ethernet and dual-band 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi
- Wireless Setup Note: McIntosh Cast Connect app is required for Android wireless network setup and Google Cast functionality
- Analog Outputs: 5 analog output sets
- Balanced Outputs: 2 balanced XLR output sets
- Unbalanced Outputs: 2 variable unbalanced RCA output sets
- Fixed Output: 1 fixed unbalanced output set
- Subwoofer Support: Second output set can be dedicated to low-frequency reinforcement for subwoofer integration
- HDMI ARC: Compatible TV audio input
- HDMI ARC Audio Note: Converts supported Dolby and DTS multichannel TV audio formats to two-channel audio
- HDMI ARC Limitation: Audio only from a compatible TV; does not pass video and does not play audio from non-TV HDMI sources
- Home Theater PassThru: Allows front left/right channels from a home theater processor to pass through to the amplifier
- PassThru Assignable Inputs: BAL 1–2 or UNBAL 1–3
- Headphone Output: Front-panel headphone output
- Headphone Technology: HXD Headphone Crossfeed Director
- Headphone Optimization: Designed for 100–600 ohm headphones
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005%, 20Hz–20kHz
- Frequency Response: +0 / -0.5 dB, 20Hz–20kHz
- Power Supply: Linear analog power supply
- Control Connections: RS232, Power Control, Data Out x4, IR In, PassThru
- Front Panel Controls: Input knob, volume knob, power button
- Front Panel Display: VFD display
- Network Status Indicator: NET LED
- Output Meters: Peak-responding blue output level meters with dB scale and illumination toggle
- Front Panel Design: McIntosh black glass front panel
- Visual Design Elements: Illuminated McIntosh logo, iconic blue meters, precision rotary knobs, elevated chassis, custom-machined brushed end caps
- Chassis Materials: Mirror-polished stainless steel lower chassis and hairline-brushed black titanium stainless steel upper chassis
- Service Availability Note: Streaming services may vary by region and may require subscriptions
McIntosh CS7500 Streaming Preamplifier Q&A:
- What makes the McIntosh CS7500 different from using a separate streamer and preamplifier?
- The CS7500 combines expert McIntosh preamplification and advanced streaming in one chassis, reducing rack space and system complexity while preserving high-performance two-channel flexibility.
- Can the CS7500 stream music from popular apps?
- Yes. It supports Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Bluetooth, and Roon, allowing listeners to stream from familiar services and apps.
- Does the CS7500 support high-resolution digital audio?
- Yes. Its Quad Balanced 8-channel, 32-bit DAC supports high-resolution playback, with USB handling native DSD512 and DXD up to 384kHz, while coaxial and optical inputs support up to 24-bit/192kHz.
- Can the CS7500 be used with a turntable?
- Yes. It includes a dedicated MM/MC-configurable phono input with adjustable capacitance, resistance, and 40–64 dB gain for cartridge matching.
- Can the CS7500 handle two turntables?
- The CS7500 includes one dedicated phono input. A second turntable can be added with an external phono preamplifier, or a two-box McIntosh preamp solution can be considered for dual built-in phono inputs.
- Does the CS7500 work with a TV?
- Yes. The HDMI ARC input connects to a compatible TV’s HDMI ARC output for two-channel audio playback and can convert supported Dolby and DTS multichannel TV audio formats to stereo.
- Can the CS7500 be used in a home theater system?
- Yes. Home Theater PassThru allows front left/right channels from a home theater processor to pass through to the amplifier, making it easier to share a speaker system between two-channel music and theater use.
- Is the CS7500 a good upgrade from a McIntosh C49?
- It is not a strict upgrade; it is a different system approach. The CS7500 is ideal for users who want one-box streaming and preamp integration, while a separate streamer may be better for someone who wants to keep an existing C49.
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