The sophisticated yet easy-to-use MS500 Music Streamer seamlessly integrates both Internet-based streaming music and locally stored digital music into a single, comprehensive device.
It allows you to enjoy your digital library with the legendary audio standards of McIntosh, including uncompressed and lossless files with up to 24-bit/192 kHz resolution.
With all its on-board storage and external connection capabilities, the MS500 can easily serve as a central hub for all your digital music. The high-speed network port connects you to leading streaming services1 such as Deezer, Murfie, Pandora®, Rhapsody®, SiriusXM®, Slacker, Spotify®, TIDAL and TuneIn (services subject to change). The interfaces for these services are integrated into the MS500, putting all your music streaming at your fingertips. Internet radio stations can also be added as presets. Three USB ports allow you to connect external mass storage or flash drives.
The MS500 operates ultra-quietly thanks to two key features. Firstly, the local music and operating system are stored on a durable 500GB solid state drive (SSD) that has no moving parts to generate noise; secondly, a fanless processor combined with improved ventilation means that no noisy cooling fans are necessary. The combination of these two things means there is no noise to interfere with listening to music.
The MS500 can automatically synchronise content stored on your networked computers to make it easily accessible and playable. All content can be backed up to Amazon Cloud Drive, Apple iCloud or Google Drive. This also allows your music to be synced across multiple homes or locations when an MS500 is installed in each location. New music purchases from any of these cloud services can be automatically added to your library for easy playback.
A set of balanced and unbalanced analog outputs, plus two digital outputs, connect the MS500 to your preamplifier, integrated amplifier or other audio components. The MS500's high-quality digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) is isolated from the motherboard, ensuring that your music is played with extreme precision and elegance when using any of the analogue outputs. Any of the USB ports can also be used to connect an external component with a built-in DAC, including some products McIntosh;2 using this external DAC, an additional independent audio zone can be created.
The MS500 uses a Linux-based operating system that provides stability and is extremely responsive to user input. It is operated via the included remote control, a web browser or with free apps for iPhone, iPad or Android devices. The unit is compatible with many popular home automation systems, allowing for easy integration into existing setups. The timeless black glass front panel, illuminated logo and aluminium covers make the MS500 a welcome addition to any audio system and room décor.
Features:
- Very high performance audio streamer.
- Fully DTS Play-Fi compatible.
- Maximum 24-bit/192 kHz digital compatibility.
- Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analogue outputs.
- Digital outputs in coaxial and optical formats.
- Digital Inputs: 2 x USB Type A 2.0 and 1 x USB Type A 3.0
- Image output via HDMI and VGA for on-screen menu.
- RJ45 ethernet internet connection socket.
- External power supply included.
- Dimensions: 44.45 x 9.8 x 40.64 cm (W x H x D).
- Weight: 6.1 kg.
