McIntosh has introduced the new CS7500 Streaming Preamplifier, combining network streaming with a full-featured analog preamplifier, DAC, phono stage and TV connectivity in a single chassis. It preserves the flexibility of a traditional separates-based hi-fi system while allowing one component to handle most analog and digital source duties.
McIntosh officially announced the CS7500 on August 26, 2026. As streamer, DAC and preamplifier combinations continue to establish themselves as a distinct category in high-end audio, the CS7500 represents McIntosh’s interpretation of this increasingly popular system architecture.
A McIntosh Preamplifier with Integrated Streaming
The defining feature of the CS7500 is the integration of network streaming directly into the preamplifier. It supports Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect, along with Apple AirPlay, Google Cast and Bluetooth. The unit is also both Roon Ready and Roon Tested.
Spotify Connect includes support for Spotify Lossless, while TIDAL Connect supports TIDAL Max. Music can therefore stream directly from the services to the CS7500 while a smartphone or tablet acts primarily as the controller, eliminating the need for a separate network transport in many systems.
Bluetooth connectivity supports AAC as well as Qualcomm aptX HD and aptX Adaptive, providing additional options for playback from mobile devices alongside wired and Wi-Fi network streaming.
The CS7500 is not an all-in-one amplifier with onboard power amplification. Instead, it combines the preamplifier, streamer and DAC while keeping the power amplifier separate. Owners remain free to choose the power amplifier and loudspeakers that best suit their system and upgrade them independently over time.
8-Channel 32-Bit Quad Balanced DAC
The digital section is built around McIntosh’s Quad Balanced 8-channel, 32-bit DAC architecture, using multiple DAC channels in a balanced configuration to achieve wide dynamic range and low distortion.
The USB input supports PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, along with native DSD512 and DXD up to 384kHz. The coaxial and optical inputs support PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz, while McIntosh’s MCT connection handles 16-bit/44.1kHz from CD and DSD64 from SACD.
With six analog inputs and seven digital inputs in total, the CS7500 can serve as the central connection point for music servers, computers, disc transports, televisions and a wide range of other sources.
HDMI ARC Integrates TV Audio
The CS7500 also includes an HDMI ARC input, allowing a television to connect to the two-channel audio system through a single HDMI cable.
Dolby and DTS multichannel formats can be converted to two-channel audio, making it possible to reproduce movies, concert videos, sports and other television content through the main stereo system without requiring a separate AV receiver. The feature reinforces the CS7500’s role as more than a dedicated music streamer, extending its reach into the broader living-room entertainment system.
Six Analog Inputs and MM/MC Phono
Despite its extensive digital capabilities, the CS7500 remains a fully equipped analog preamplifier. Its six analog inputs consist of two balanced XLR connections, three unbalanced RCA inputs and a dedicated phono input.
The phono stage supports both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges, with selectable gain settings of 40, 46, 52, 58 and 64dB to accommodate cartridges with different output levels.
Outputs include two pairs of balanced variable outputs, two pairs of unbalanced variable outputs and one fixed unbalanced output. The second balanced and unbalanced variable outputs can be assigned to bass reinforcement, allowing the use of either a single subwoofer or a pair of stereo subwoofers in 2.1- or 2.2-channel systems.
A 6.35mm headphone output is also provided on the front panel and incorporates McIntosh’s HXD Headphone Crossfeed Director technology.
A Contemporary Interpretation of Classic McIntosh Design
The exterior retains the elements closely associated with McIntosh, including the black glass front panel, illuminated green logo, precision rotary controls and a pair of iconic blue meters.
The chassis introduces a more contemporary treatment. The lower section uses mirror-polished stainless steel, while the upper chassis is constructed from hairline-brushed black titanium stainless steel. Custom-machined brushed end caps and an elevated chassis design further distinguish the CS7500 from more traditional McIntosh components.
Dimensions are 444.5 × 152 × 432mm (W×H×D) and weight is approximately 11.3kg.
Designed to Become the Center of a Modern Separates System
The CS7500 reflects a broader change in high-end digital audio. Network transports, DACs and preamplifiers were traditionally purchased as separate components, but increasingly these functions are being consolidated while power amplification remains separate.
Rather than simply being a conventional preamplifier with streaming added, the CS7500 is effectively a system hub combining an analog preamplifier, network player, DAC, phono stage and HDMI interface. For existing McIntosh power amplifier owners in particular, it offers a way to add modern network playback without requiring separate streamer and DAC components.
The McIntosh CS7500 is priced at $12,500 in the United States and C$17,750 in Canada.
Specifications
- Type: 2-channel network streaming preamplifier
- DAC: Quad Balanced 8-channel, 32-bit DAC
- Streaming: Qobuz Connect, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect
- Network/Wireless: Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Bluetooth
- Bluetooth codecs: AAC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
- Roon Ready / Roon Tested
- Analog inputs: XLR × 2, RCA × 3, MM/MC phono × 1
- Digital inputs: Coaxial × 2, Optical × 2, USB × 1, MCT × 1, HDMI ARC × 1
- USB: up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM, native DSD512, DXD 384kHz
- Coaxial/Optical: up to 24-bit/192kHz
- MCT: CD 16-bit/44.1kHz, SACD DSD64
- Analog outputs: Balanced Variable × 2, Unbalanced Variable × 2, Unbalanced Fixed × 1
- Phono gain: 40 / 46 / 52 / 58 / 64dB
- Headphone output: 6.35mm with HXD
- THD: 0.005%
- Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz +0/-0.5dB, 15Hz–100kHz +0/-3dB
- Maximum output: Balanced 16Vrms / Unbalanced 8Vrms
- Dimensions: 444.5 × 152 × 432mm (W×H×D)
- Weight: 11.3kg
- U.S. price: $12,500