McIntosh CS7500 Streaming Preamplifier - New

Ideal for Streaming Music with 2-Channel Audio Systems

Click here to schedule an appointment to visit our store or call 201-879-0000.

Please note this item must be purchased in store and we will not ship under any circumstances. Click here for more information about this policy.

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KEY FEATURES
• State‑of‑the‑art streaming and expert preamplification in one uncompromising component
• Works with Apple® AirPlay®, Bluetooth®, Google Cast™, Qobuz Connect, Spotify® Connect, TIDAL® Connect 
• Roon Ready and Roon Tested
• 12 analog and digital inputs
• Multiple balanced and unbalanced outputs with subwoofer connectivity options
• HDMI (ARC) input for enhanced TV audio performance
• Quad Balanced 8-channel, 32-bit DAC

EVERYTHING CONNECTS
The CS7500 Streaming Preamplifier brings together state‑of‑the‑art streaming and expert preamplification in one uncompromising component – combining the roles of a dedicated preamplifier and network streamer in an unmistakable McIntosh design. Serving as the centerpiece of your system, the CS7500 lets you choose the power amplifier that best suits your needs today while providing the freedom to grow and refine your system over time.

Whether rediscovering a classic or streaming something entirely new, the CS7500 ensures each listening session feels intentional and connected – between artist, system, and listener. Every detail, every part, every element of its design exists to preserve what matters most: music's ability to move, inspire, and connect us.

CONNECTED TO EVERYTHING THAT MOVES YOU
Streaming is more than just convenience, it’s about connection – connection to the world, to music, to culture. The CS7500 integrates modern digital ecosystems with effortless precision, giving you instant access to the music that moves you without sacrificing fidelity.

Built-in support for Qobuz Connect, Spotify® Connect (including Spotify Lossless), and TIDAL® Connect (including TIDAL Max) allows music to stream directly from each service to the CS7500. This direct connection bypasses your phone or smart device and avoids unnecessary audio compression, ensuring that the highest available audio signal reaches your system. Your smart device becomes a simple, intuitive remote control, with no need for additional complex apps – just use the Connect option in the native Qobuz, Spotify, or TIDAL app interfaces you already know.1, 2 In addition, music stored on your devices can be streamed via Apple® AirPlay®, Bluetooth®, or Google Cast™, bringing all of your streaming sources together in one cohesive platform.

Streaming over Bluetooth is elevated through a suite of advanced technologies engineered for performance. The CS7500 supports high-bitrate Advanced Audio Coding (AAC), along with Qualcomm® aptX™ HD for high-resolution playback, and Qualcomm aptX Adaptive for consistently stable, high-quality streaming.

The CS7500 has received Roon Ready certification from Roon, making it an endpoint device for use with the Roon music player. Roon Ready network devices have Roon streaming technology built in and are certified by Roon to provide the highest level of quality and performance in network streaming. It has also received Roon Tested certification to ensure simple setup and effortless daily use.

BUILT TO BRING EVERYTHING TOGETHER
A comprehensive suite of physical inputs ensures seamless integration with your audio system. The CS7500 features 6 analog inputs consisting of 2 balanced, 3 unbalanced, 1 dedicated phono input for turntables, plus 7 digital audio inputs. Each digital input is engineered for high-resolution playback – the USB input supports native DSD512 and DXD up to 384kHz, while the coaxial and optical inputs handle up to 24-bit / 192kHz, delivering exceptional fidelity across formats.

At the heart of its digital performance is an audiophile-grade digital-to-analog converter (DAC) designed to extract the full potential from every file. This next-generation, Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit architecture delivers expansive dynamic range with extremely low distortion. The result is a level of clarity, depth, and precision that brings digital music to life with remarkable realism.

Elevate every moment on screen with the HDMI (ARC) input, seamlessly connecting your TV to a higher standard of sound.3 Experience your favorite shows and movies with a level of clarity, depth, and presence that built-in TV speakers and conventional soundbars simply cannot match. Popular multi-channel audio formats from Dolby® and DTS® are expertly converted to two-channel audio, preserving the integrity of the original mix while delivering a refined and immersive listening experience.

The CS7500 outputs are designed for both flexibility and performance. It features 2 pairs of balanced and unbalanced variable outputs, along with a fixed unbalanced output, allowing seamless connection to your system’s power amplifier(s). The second set of balanced and unbalanced outputs can be dedicated to low-frequency reinforcement, supporting either a single subwoofer or a pair of stereo subwoofers – delivering greater depth, weight, and authority to every note.

A VISUAL SIGNATURE OF PERFORMANCE
The iconic blue meters on the CS7500 do more than indicate output levels – they become an integral part of the listening experience. Beyond their visual presence, they capture the movement and intensity of the music, deepening the connection between system and listener. The result is a performance that resonates on multiple levels, where sound is not only heard, but visibly expressed with a sense of authority that defines the entire experience.

The CS7500’s aesthetics matches its elevated performance. It features a stainless steel lower chassis polished to a mirror finish, paired with a hairline-brushed black titanium stainless steel upper chassis. All of this creates a striking balance of depth, contrast, and refinement – designed to be proudly displayed.

Featuring the signature McIntosh black glass front panel, iconic blue meters, illuminated logo, precision rotary knobs, an elevated chassis, and custom-machined brushed end caps, the CS7500 stands out and makes a statement even before the music begins.

BUILT FOR HOW YOU LISTEN
The CS7500 is a statement of intent – a streaming preamplifier that unites analog with digital while elevating both. It is designed for those who expect connection, presence, and meaning in every note. With the authority of McIntosh engineering, it reveals layers in your music you didn’t know existed – deeper textures, wider staging, and a sense of control that transforms listening into immersion.

With comprehensive connectivity and seamless streaming integration, the CS7500 brings modern access to a legacy of performance. 

Manual:
Click Here

Sales Brochure:
Click Here

Specifications:
ELECTRONIC SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Channels
2

Total Harmonic Distortion
0.005%

Frequency Response
+0, -0.5dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
+0, -3dB from 15Hz to 100kHz

Maximum Volts Out (Balanced / Unbalanced)
16V RMS / 8V RMS

Sensitivity High Level (Balanced / Unbalanced)
900mV / 450mV

Sensitivity Phono
Moving Coil: 0.45mV
Moving Magnet: 4.5mV

Signal To Noise Ratio (High Level)
100dB

Signal To Noise Ratio (Phono)
Moving Coil: 80dB
Moving Magnet: 82dB

Voltage Gain (High Level)
15dB

Voltage Gain (Phono)
Selectable 40dB, 46dB, 52dB, 58dB, or 64dB

Input Impedance (Balanced / Unbalanced)
44K ohm, 22K ohm

CONNECTIVITY
Streaming Services
Apple AirPlay, Bluetooth, Google Cast, Qobuz Connect, Roon Ready, Roon Tested, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect

Balanced Input
2

Unbalanced Input
3

Phono Input
1 (configurable as either Moving Coil or Moving Magnet)

Digital Coaxial Inputs
2

Digital Optical Inputs
2

Digital MCT Inputs
1

Digital USB Input
1

HDMI (ARC) Input
1

Balanced Variable Output
2

Unbalanced Fixed Output
1

Unbalanced Variable Output
2

Headphone Output
1/4" High Drive with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®)

Input Level Match
Yes, +/- 6dB

Home Theater PassThru
Yes

Unbalanced Analog Connector Type
Standard

Service Port
1

Network Connections
1

DIGITAL AUDIO SPECIFICATIONS
Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) Type
8-channel, 32-bit/384kHz PCM/DSD, Quad Balanced

Digital Coaxial Input Sample Rate
24-bit/44.1kHz to 192kHz

Digital Optical Input Sample Rate
24-bit/44.1kHz to 192kHz

Digital MCT Input Sample Rate
16-bit/44.1kHz (CD)
DSD64 (SACD)

Digital USB Input Sample Rate
32-bit/44.1kHz to 384kHz (PCM)
DSD64, DSD128, DSD256, DXD352.8kHz, DXD384kHz

Digital Network/Wi-Fi Input Sample Rate
24-bit/44.1kHz to 192kHz

CONTROL
Tone Controls
Bass and Treble

Tone Bypass and Input Assign
Yes

RS232 Control Inputs
Yes

Power Control Outputs
1 Main, 2 Trigger

Rear Panel Data Ports
4

Rear Panel IR Sensor Inputs
Yes

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Multi-Chassis or Single
Single, two layer

Output Meters
Yes

Vacuum Tube or Solid State
Solid State

Power Consumption (On)
30 Watts

WEIGHTS AND DIMENSIONS
Unit Dimensions (W x H x D)
17.5" (44.45cm) x 6" (15.2cm) x 17” (43.2cm)

Unit Weight
25 lbs (11.3 kg)

Shipping Dimensions (W x H x D)
27" (68.6cm) x 12" (30.5cm) x 25" (63.5cm)

Shipping Weight
40.5 lbs (18.4 kg)

 

Click here to schedule an appointment to visit our store or call 201-879-0000.

Please note this item must be purchased in store and we will not ship under any circumstances. Click here for more information about this policy.

Please support your local McIntosh Dealer.

 

1) To connect the CS7500 to your wireless network via an Android device, or to enable Google Cast functionality from any type of device, you will need to use our McIntosh Cast Connect app that is available for both Android and Apple devices.
2) All services may not be available in all regions; certain services may not yet be enabled for all apps; subscriptions may be required.
3) The HDMI (ARC) input will only play audio from a compatible TV. It will not pass video to or from a TV, or play audio from any non-TV source. TV must have an HDMI (ARC) output.
Non-McIntosh-Provided Services: Embedded and/or non-embedded services, e.g. those listed above, are necessary for full functionality, are provided by companies unrelated to McIntosh, and are beyond McIntosh’s control. McIntosh cannot and does not warrant against interruption, discontinuance, unsatisfactory performance, reduced Product functionality, or damages of any kind attributable to such services or their providers.