Mcintosh CS7500 2-Channel Streaming Preamplifier

State-Of-The-Art Streaming & Premium Preamplification For High-End Two-Channel Audio

The McIntosh CS7500 is a new-generation 2-channel streaming preamplifier designed to bring virtually every modern and traditional music source together in one uncompromising component. Combining sophisticated McIntosh preamplification with high-resolution network streaming, a Quad Balanced DAC and a dedicated MM/MC phono stage, the CS7500 is designed to become the central control centre of a high-performance stereo system.

From vinyl and traditional analogue sources to Qobuz, Spotify, TIDAL, AirPlay, Google Cast, Bluetooth and Roon, the CS7500 brings today's diverse listening options together while retaining the flexibility to choose the power amplifier and loudspeakers that best suit your system. It also adds HDMI ARC for high-quality two-channel playback from a compatible television.

Key Features

• 2-Channel Streaming Preamplifier – Combines premium analogue preamplification with an advanced network streaming platform.

• Quad Balanced 8-Channel DAC – Uses an 8-channel, 32-bit/384kHz Quad Balanced digital-to-analogue architecture.

• Comprehensive Streaming – Supports Apple AirPlay, Bluetooth, Google Cast, Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect.

• Roon Ready & Roon Tested – Designed for seamless integration with Roon-based music systems.

• Dedicated MM/MC Phono Input – Provides configurable Moving Magnet and Moving Coil phono connectivity for turntables.

• 12 Analog & Digital Inputs – Six analogue inputs and seven digital inputs provide extensive system connectivity.

• HDMI ARC – Brings television audio into the high-performance two-channel system.

• Multiple Balanced & Unbalanced Outputs – Provides flexible connections for power amplifiers and subwoofer systems.

• Built-In Headphone Amplifier – Includes McIntosh High Drive headphone output with Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®).

• Iconic McIntosh Blue Watt Meters – Provides the instantly recognisable McIntosh visual signature while displaying musical output levels.

• Premium Chassis Construction – Combines black glass, polished stainless steel and hairline-brushed black titanium stainless steel.

Everything Connects

The CS7500 is designed around the way modern listeners actually use their audio systems. Vinyl collections, digital libraries, streaming services, television and personal devices can all be integrated through a single premium preamplifier.

Six analogue inputs include two balanced inputs, three unbalanced inputs and one dedicated configurable MM/MC phono input. Seven digital inputs include USB, coaxial, optical, MCT and HDMI ARC connections, giving the CS7500 the flexibility to serve as the central source and control component of a sophisticated two-channel system.

High-Resolution Streaming

The CS7500 integrates a comprehensive network streaming platform without requiring a separate network streamer. Native support includes Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast and Bluetooth.

For Roon users, the CS7500 is both Roon Ready and Roon Tested, allowing it to become a high-quality endpoint within a Roon-based music library and streaming environment.

Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect allow compatible music services to stream directly to the CS7500 while the user's phone or tablet acts as the control interface.

Quad Balanced Digital Architecture

At the heart of the CS7500's digital section is a next-generation Quad Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit DAC architecture.

The DAC supports PCM and DSD playback, with USB accepting PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz as well as DSD64, DSD128, DSD256 and DXD up to 384kHz. Coaxial and optical inputs support PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz, while the network input supports resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz.

Bring Your Tv Into The System

The HDMI ARC input allows a compatible television to become another source within the CS7500-based stereo system.

Dolby® and DTS® multichannel audio formats can be converted to two-channel audio, allowing movies, concerts, sports and television programming to benefit from the quality and scale of a dedicated McIntosh stereo system rather than relying on the television's built-in speakers or a conventional soundbar.

Analogue Precision & Dedicated Phono Stage

The CS7500 retains the analogue character expected from a dedicated McIntosh preamplifier while providing the flexibility required by modern systems.

Its dedicated phono input can be configured for either Moving Magnet or Moving Coil cartridges, with selectable phono gain settings of 40dB, 46dB, 52dB, 58dB or 64dB. High-level analogue inputs provide 15dB of voltage gain and can be individually level-matched by up to ±6dB for more consistent volume when switching between sources.

Flexible Output Configuration

The CS7500 provides two pairs of balanced variable outputs and two pairs of unbalanced variable outputs, along with a fixed unbalanced output.

The second set of variable outputs can be configured for low-frequency reinforcement, supporting either a single subwoofer or a pair of stereo subwoofers. This gives the CS7500 considerable flexibility when building a full-range stereo system with dedicated low-frequency support.

Mcintosh High Drive Headphone Amplifier

For personal listening, the CS7500 includes a 1/4-inch High Drive headphone output with McIntosh's Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®).

HXD is designed to introduce a controlled amount of channel interaction that can provide a more natural and spacious headphone presentation, while the High Drive headphone amplifier is designed to accommodate a wide range of headphones.

The Iconic Mcintosh Design

The CS7500 brings McIntosh's instantly recognisable visual identity into a contemporary chassis design.

The signature black glass front panel, illuminated McIntosh logo, precision rotary controls and iconic blue output meters are combined with an elevated chassis, custom-machined brushed end caps, a mirror-polished stainless-steel lower chassis and a hairline-brushed black titanium stainless-steel upper chassis.

The blue meters are more than a visual signature—they provide a real-time representation of the musical signal and become part of the listening experience.

Built To Grow With Your System

The CS7500 is designed to provide the control and connectivity of a flagship preamplifier while leaving the power-amplification stage open to future system changes.

This separation allows the listener to choose a McIntosh power amplifier according to the requirements of the loudspeakers and room, while retaining the CS7500 as the central analogue, digital and streaming hub as the system evolves.

Features

• New McIntosh 2-channel streaming preamplifier.

• Network music streaming.

• Apple AirPlay.

• Bluetooth.

• Google Cast.

• Qobuz Connect.

• Spotify Connect.

• TIDAL Connect.

• Roon Ready.

• Roon Tested.

• 2 balanced analogue inputs.

• 3 unbalanced analogue inputs.

• 1 configurable MM/MC phono input.

• 2 coaxial digital inputs.

• 2 optical digital inputs.

• 1 MCT digital input.

• 1 USB digital input.

• 1 HDMI ARC input.

• 2 pairs balanced variable outputs.

• 2 pairs unbalanced variable outputs.

• 1 unbalanced fixed output.

• Dedicated subwoofer output configuration.

• Quad Balanced 8-channel, 32-bit DAC.

• USB PCM support up to 32-bit/384kHz.

• Native DSD64, DSD128 and DSD256 via USB.

• DXD support up to 384kHz.

• 1/4-inch High Drive headphone output.

• Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®).

• Bass and Treble tone controls.

• Home Theater PassThru.

• Input level matching ±6dB.

• RS232 control.

• 1 main power-control output and 2 trigger outputs.

• Iconic blue McIntosh output meters.

• Black glass front panel.

• Polished stainless-steel and black titanium stainless-steel chassis.

Specifications

• Model: CS7500

• Type: 2-Channel Streaming Preamplifier

• Channels: 2

• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.005%

• Frequency Response: +0, -0.5dB from 20Hz–20kHz; +0, -3dB from 15Hz–100kHz

• Maximum Output: 16V RMS balanced / 8V RMS unbalanced

• High-Level Sensitivity: 900mV balanced / 450mV unbalanced

• Phono Sensitivity: 0.45mV MC / 4.5mV MM

• High-Level Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 100dB

• Phono Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 80dB MC / 82dB MM

• High-Level Voltage Gain: 15dB

• Phono Voltage Gain: Selectable 40dB / 46dB / 52dB / 58dB / 64dB

• Input Impedance: 44kΩ balanced / 22kΩ unbalanced

• Balanced Inputs: 2

• Unbalanced Inputs: 3

• Phono Input: 1, configurable MM or MC

• Coaxial Inputs: 2

• Optical Inputs: 2

• MCT Input: 1

• USB Input: 1

• HDMI ARC Input: 1

• Balanced Variable Outputs: 2 pairs

• Unbalanced Variable Outputs: 2 pairs

• Unbalanced Fixed Output: 1

• Headphone Output: 1/4-inch High Drive with HXD®

• DAC Architecture: 8-channel, 32-bit/384kHz PCM/DSD, Quad Balanced

• Coaxial / Optical: Up to 24-bit/192kHz

• USB: Up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM; DSD64, DSD128, DSD256; DXD352.8kHz and 384kHz

• MCT: 16-bit/44.1kHz CD and DSD64 SACD

• Network / Wi-Fi: Up to 24-bit/192kHz

• Tone Controls: Bass and Treble

• Home Theater PassThru: Yes

• Input Level Match: ±6dB

• Power Control: 1 main output, 2 trigger outputs

• Output Meters: Yes

• Construction: Solid-state, single two-layer chassis

• Power Consumption: 30W

• Dimensions: 44.45 × 15.2 × 43.2cm (W × H × D)

• Weight: 11.3kg (25lb)

In The Box

• McIntosh CS7500 Streaming Preamplifier

• Remote Control

• Power Cable

• User Documentation

Why Buy From Soundtrails

The CS7500 is designed for listeners who want one sophisticated control centre for a serious two-channel system without compromising the flexibility of separate components.

At SoundTrails, our Audio Video Architects can help you build a complete McIntosh system around the CS7500, from selecting the appropriate power amplifier and loudspeakers to integrating turntables, digital sources, streaming platforms, subwoofers and television audio. With professional system design, installation and after-sales support, we focus on creating a properly matched listening environment rather than simply supplying individual components.