McIntosh CS7500 Streaming Preamplifier (In Store Purchases Only)

McIntosh CS7500 Streaming Preamplifier

High-end streaming, serious preamplification and the flexibility to build the system your way.

The McIntosh CS7500 combines a dedicated two-channel preamplifier, network streamer and high-resolution DAC in one component. It is designed to sit at the centre of a modern reference system, giving you direct access to streaming services, traditional analog sources, digital playback and television audio while leaving power amplification entirely up to you.

Streaming without the extra boxes

Your favourite streaming services are built directly into the CS7500.

Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect allow music to stream straight to the preamplifier while your phone or tablet simply acts as the controller. Apple AirPlay, Google Cast and Bluetooth are also supported, giving you an easy way to play from almost any device without adding a separate network streamer to your system.

Built for high-resolution digital playback

A serious digital section gives streamed and locally stored music the treatment you would expect from a dedicated McIntosh source component.

At its heart is an 8-channel, 32-bit Quad Balanced DAC architecture designed to lower noise and distortion while preserving fine detail and dynamic range. USB, coaxial, optical and MCT connections provide plenty of options for computers, transports and other digital sources, making the CS7500 equally comfortable with a streaming library or a carefully built collection of physical media.

Roon ready from day one

The CS7500 fits naturally into a Roon-based music system.

Roon Ready certification allows it to operate as a certified network endpoint, while Roon Tested status helps ensure straightforward setup and compatibility. For listeners with large digital libraries or multiple streaming services, it gives you one organized interface without compromising the quality of the playback chain.

Analog is still part of the experience

The CS7500 may be built for modern streaming, but it has not forgotten traditional hi-fi sources.

Six analog inputs include balanced and unbalanced connections along with a dedicated configurable MM/MC phono input. That means a turntable, CD player, tuner or other analog components can remain an important part of the system while the CS7500 handles switching, volume control and preamplification.

Bring your TV into the main system

HDMI ARC lets your two-channel system handle more than music.

Connect a compatible television directly to the CS7500 and enjoy movies, concerts, sports and everyday viewing through your main speakers. Dolby and DTS multichannel formats can be converted for two-channel playback, giving you a much more involving presentation without requiring a separate soundbar or full surround system.

Flexible enough to grow with your system

The CS7500 gives you room to change amplifiers, add subwoofers and refine the system over time.

Balanced and unbalanced variable outputs allow it to pair with a wide range of power amplifiers, while a second set of outputs can be configured for one or two subwoofers. Home Theater PassThru adds another layer of flexibility for systems that combine dedicated stereo listening with a larger home theatre setup.

Private listening, done properly

Headphone listening gets its own dedicated McIntosh treatment.

The High Drive headphone output includes Headphone Crossfeed Director technology, designed to create a more natural and speaker-like presentation when listening through headphones. It gives the CS7500 another way to serve as the control centre of a system, even when the speakers need to stay quiet.

Unmistakably McIntosh

The technology is modern, but the visual identity is pure McIntosh.

A black glass front panel, illuminated logo, precision rotary controls and iconic blue meters give the CS7500 the unmistakable look of a McIntosh component. Polished stainless steel, black titanium stainless steel and machined end caps add a more contemporary finish while keeping it immediately recognizable in a serious audio system.

Who the CS7500 is for

For listeners who want modern streaming without giving up the flexibility and performance of traditional separates, the CS7500 brings both worlds together.

It is especially well suited to someone building a high-end two-channel system who wants one component to handle streaming, digital conversion, vinyl, television audio and system control while still being free to choose the power amplifier and speakers that best match their listening preferences. Visit Audio Excellence to experience the McIntosh CS7500 in a properly matched system.