McIntosh streaming and preamplification in one high-performance control center
The McIntosh CS7500 2-Channel Streaming Preamplifier combines a dedicated two-channel preamplifier, network music streamer, and high-resolution DAC in a single McIntosh component. Designed to serve as the control center of a premium stereo system, it brings analog sources, vinyl playback, network streaming, digital audio, and TV sound together while keeping your choice of power amplifier completely open.
Built-in support for Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Bluetooth, and Roon gives the CS7500 broad access to modern music libraries without requiring a separate streamer. Its Quad Balanced 8-channel, 32-bit DAC, configurable MM/MC phono input, HDMI ARC connection, and flexible balanced and unbalanced outputs make it equally at home in a modern streaming system or a mixed analog-and-digital setup.
McIntosh CS7500 highlights
- 2-channel solid-state streaming preamplifier with integrated network streamer and DAC
- Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, and Bluetooth streaming
- Roon Ready and Roon Tested
- 6 analog inputs: 2 balanced XLR, 3 unbalanced RCA, and 1 configurable MM/MC phono input
- 7 digital inputs: 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 MCT, 1 USB, and 1 HDMI ARC
- Quad Balanced 8-channel, 32-bit/384kHz DAC
- USB audio supports PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD64/128/256, and DXD 352.8/384kHz
- Coaxial and optical digital inputs support up to 24-bit/192kHz
- 2 pairs of balanced variable outputs and 2 pairs of unbalanced variable outputs, plus a fixed unbalanced output
- Second variable output set can be configured for a single subwoofer or stereo subwoofers
- HDMI ARC for compatible TV audio with supported Dolby and DTS multichannel formats converted for two-channel playback
- 1/4-inch High Drive headphone output with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD)
- Home Theater PassThru, input level matching, bass and treble controls, RS232 control, and McIntosh Power Control
- Signature McIntosh black glass front panel, illuminated logo, and blue output meters
Built for analog, digital, streaming, and vinyl
The CS7500 is designed to eliminate the compromise between traditional hi-fi sources and current streaming platforms. Its six analog inputs include balanced and unbalanced line-level connections plus a dedicated phono input that can be configured for either moving magnet or moving coil cartridges. Seven digital inputs provide connections for computers, disc transports, televisions, and other digital sources.
For system integration, the CS7500 provides two pairs each of balanced and unbalanced variable outputs, along with a fixed unbalanced output. The second variable output set can be assigned to low-frequency duties, making it possible to integrate either one subwoofer or a stereo pair while preserving a conventional separate-power-amplifier system architecture.
High-resolution network streaming and digital conversion
Direct support for Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, and TIDAL Connect lets compatible services stream directly to the CS7500, while Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, and Bluetooth add convenient playback from phones, tablets, and computers. Bluetooth support includes AAC, Qualcomm aptX HD, and aptX Adaptive. The CS7500 is also both Roon Ready and Roon Tested for integration into a Roon-based music system.
Digital conversion is handled by a Quad Balanced 8-channel, 32-bit DAC. USB supports PCM audio up to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, and DXD at 352.8kHz or 384kHz. Coaxial and optical inputs support resolutions through 24-bit/192kHz, while the MCT input provides a direct digital connection for compatible McIntosh disc transports.
HDMI ARC for two-channel TV audio
An HDMI ARC input allows a compatible television to use the CS7500 and the main stereo system for television, film, concert, and sports audio. Supported Dolby and DTS multichannel audio formats are converted for two-channel playback, making the CS7500 a practical way to integrate premium TV sound without turning a dedicated stereo system into a full surround processor.
Technical specifications
| Channels | 2 |
|---|---|
| Design | Solid-state streaming preamplifier |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.005% |
| Frequency Response | +0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz; +0, -3dB from 15Hz to 100kHz |
| Maximum Output | 16V RMS balanced / 8V RMS unbalanced |
| High-Level Sensitivity | 900mV balanced / 450mV unbalanced |
| Phono Sensitivity | 0.45mV moving coil / 4.5mV moving magnet |
| High-Level Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 100dB |
| Phono Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 80dB moving coil / 82dB moving magnet |
| Analog Inputs | 2 balanced, 3 unbalanced, 1 configurable MM/MC phono |
| Digital Inputs | 2 coaxial, 2 optical, 1 MCT, 1 USB, 1 HDMI ARC |
| Streaming | Apple AirPlay, Bluetooth, Google Cast, Qobuz Connect, Roon, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect |
| Bluetooth | AAC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive |
| DAC | Quad Balanced 8-channel, 32-bit/384kHz PCM/DSD |
| USB Audio | PCM 32-bit/44.1kHz to 384kHz; DSD64/128/256; DXD 352.8/384kHz |
| Coaxial / Optical | 24-bit/44.1kHz to 192kHz |
| Network / Wi-Fi Audio | 24-bit/44.1kHz to 192kHz |
| Variable Outputs | 2 balanced pairs; 2 unbalanced pairs |
| Fixed Output | 1 unbalanced |
| Headphone Output | 1/4-inch High Drive with HXD |
| Home Theater PassThru | Yes |
| Tone Controls | Bass and treble with tone bypass |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 17.5 × 6 × 17 in. (44.45 × 15.2 × 43.2 cm) |
| Weight | 25 lb (11.3 kg) |
| Power Consumption | 30 watts |
| Warranty | 3 Year Limited Warranty |
Authorized McIntosh dealer support
Audio Exchange in Richmond, Virginia can help you pair the McIntosh CS7500 with the right power amplifier, loudspeakers, subwoofers, turntable, and network sources for your system. Contact us to confirm availability, discuss system compatibility, explore trade-in options, or arrange a demonstration.
