McIntosh is continuing its rapid transition to connected hi-fi. After launching its first streaming amplifier, the McIntosh MSA5500, the American manufacturer is now applying the same philosophy to its separate components. The new McIntosh CS7500 is therefore the brand’s first connected preamplifier. A network player, Quad Balanced DAC, MM/MC phono preamp, and true analog and digital control center, it promises to combine everything needed to build a modern hi-fi system centered around the power amplifier of your choice.
McIntosh steps up its game in connected hi-fi
For decades, McIntosh has embraced a fairly traditional approach to high-fidelity audio, with preamplifiers, power amplifiers, players, and converters designed as standalone components. This philosophy naturally remains at the heart of its product lineup, but the brand is gradually adapting it to new uses.
A first major turning point came recently with the McIntosh MSA5500, the American manufacturer’s first streaming amplifier. This model combines stereo amplification, a DAC, and a network player in a single unit, with support for AirPlay, Google Cast, Bluetooth, Roon, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and now Qobuz Connect. It delivers 100 W per channel into 8 ohms and 160 W into 4 ohms.
With the CS7500, McIntosh builds on this philosophy but eliminates the power amplifier stage. The new unit is therefore designed for those who want to retain the flexibility of a system made up of separate components while enjoying an integrated streaming experience. McIntosh positions it as an intermediate solution between the all-in-one MSA5500 and more complex setups that combine, for example, a McIntosh C55 preamplifier with a McIntosh DS200 network player/DAC.
Above all, this architecture offers complete freedom in choosing an amplifier. The CS7500 can be paired with either a relatively compact stereo amplifier or much more powerful mono amplifiers, and can be upgraded independently if the speakers or the system’s requirements change.
All the MSA5500’s streaming capabilities in a separate preamp
To develop the CS7500, McIntosh built on a proven foundation. The manufacturer is reusing the comprehensive streaming solution first introduced on the MSA5500, with an open approach that allows users to keep their usual music apps to enjoy their content under the best conditions. The preamplifier is directly compatible with Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect. In each case, users can keep the service’s official app on their smartphone, tablet, or computer. Simply select the CS7500 as the playback device, and the stream is sent directly to the preamplifier. The phone essentially becomes a remote control.
The McIntosh CS7500 also supports Apple AirPlay and Google Cast streaming, as well as the Roon ecosystem. It is both Roon Ready-certified for network playback and Roon Tested to ensure seamless integration with the software. It can connect to the network via Ethernet or dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz).
Finally, Bluetooth 5.0 remains available for instant streaming from any compatible source, with support for the aptX HD and aptX Adaptive codecs; the latter can dynamically adjust its performance to maintain a good balance between quality, stability, and latency.
8-channel 32-bit Quad Balanced DAC
Like the MSA5500, the McIntosh CS7500 preamplifier features a digital-to-analog converter based on an 8-channel, 32-bit architecture configured in a Quad Balanced setup. In this configuration, four DAC channels are used for each stereo channel to reduce noise and distortion while maximizing dynamic range. This architecture is now routinely used in McIntosh’s high-end digital components.
The USB-B input allows for a direct connection to a computer and supports PCM files up to 32-bit/192 kHz, as well as DSD streams up to DSD512. DXD files are supported up to 352.8 and 384 kHz. The two optical inputs and the two coaxial inputs support PCM streams up to 24-bit/192 kHz.
Ultra-comprehensive connectors
McIntosh announces no fewer than 13 physical inputs, divided among six analog and seven digital connections. On the analog side, the CS7500 offers two balanced XLR inputs and three unbalanced RCA inputs, plus a phono input compatible with both MM and MC cartridges, featuring precise adjustment of capacitance, resistance, and gain. The digital section includes two optical inputs, two coaxial inputs, a USB-B port, an MCT input, and an HDMI ARC input. The latter makes it easy to connect a TV and supports Dolby Audio and DTS formats, which are then converted to stereo.
The output panel is just as generous. The McIntosh CS7500 features two sets of adjustable balanced XLR outputs and two sets of adjustable RCA outputs, in addition to a fixed-level RCA output. The second set of outputs can be used, for example, to power one or two subwoofers. McIntosh also caters to systems that combine stereo listening and home theater use with its PassThru mode. An analog input can be assigned to the front left and right outputs of a home theater processor. The signal then passes through the CS7500 without any change in level.
The iconic McIntosh front panel
To complement this technological modernization, McIntosh remains, however, extremely conservative in terms of design. And that’s probably exactly what fans of the brand want. The CS7500 features the famous black glass front panel, the illuminated green logo, and, most notably, a pair of blue analog VU meters that display the preamplifier’s output level. Between them is a screen that shows the active input, the volume level, and the various setup menus. Two large metal knobs are used to select inputs and adjust the volume. The build quality is also particularly luxurious, featuring a mirror-polished stainless steel lower chassis topped by a brushed black titanium-finished stainless steel section.
With this first network preamplifier, McIntosh demonstrates that streaming is no longer considered a peripheral feature in its product lineup. Following the MSA5500 and dedicated digital solutions like the DS200, network connectivity is now directly integrated into one of the central components of a traditional hi-fi system. This is the manufacturer’s way of combining its long-standing approach to separate hi-fi components with uses where Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify, and Roon now play just as important a role as CDs or vinyl. This new model is now available for pre-order on Son-Vidéo.com for €16,000.
