McIntosh CS7500

$12,500.00

2-Channel Streaming Preamplifier

To Order this product, call us: 800-838-1812

No Sales Tax in Delaware

Talk to our product specialists:  302-478-6050

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Product Description

The McIntosh 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.

 

The McIntosh CS7500 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 audio inputs
  • HDMI (ARC) input for enhanced TV audio performance
  • Multiple balanced and unbalanced outputs with subwoofer connectivity options
  • Quad Balanced 8-channel, 32-bit DAC
  • Elevated chassis materials: polished stainless steel and hairline brushed black Titanium stainless steel

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 Input
    2
  • Digital Optical Input
    2
  • Digital MCT Input
    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 & 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)

Brand

McIntosh

Viewed as the standard bearer by recording artists and producers, McIntosh has come to represent performance and reliability. All components include that iconic blue Watt output meter synonymous with high-end sound. Ready to unleash the magic behind some of the most iconic moments in music history including Woodstock and The Grateful Dead's Wall of Sound?

Get the best sound performance for 2-channel, theaters or distributed audio with McIntosh. Its handcrafted products include amplifiers, preamplifiers, phono preamplifiers, receivers and home theater processors. The company has offered its revered electronics since 1949 and expanded its range with speakers in the 1970s. And in recent years, it's added an even more intimate approach to high-end audio with its headphone amplifiers featuring built-in DACs.

Their various products make it easy to design systems that best match your listening preferences and budgets. However you like to listen or wherever your music lives, it's possible to listen just as the artist intended with the help of McIntosh components. Enjoy the purest sound reproduction with two-chassis preamplifier designs like the C12000 the perfect pair for your vinyl records. Take control of your digital sound to new heights with their DACs featuring Hybrid Drive solid state and vacuum tube technology.

As a nationally recognized leader in the field of high-end audio and home theater, Overture is a proud dealer of McIntosh audio components, selling customers the best audio components from McIntosh in Sales Tax Free Delaware. Interested in purchasing a new McIntosh product? You can trade-in any component towards a McIntosh component by filling out Overture's Trade-In Form.

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