McIntosh MS500

The sophisticated yet easy-to-use MS500 Music Streamer seamlessly integrates both Internet-based music streaming and locally stored digital music into a single, complete device.
Enjoy your digital library with legendary McIntosh audio standards, including uncompressed and lossless files up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution.

With all of its onboard 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 major streaming services1 such as Deezer, Murfie, Pandora®, Rhapsody®, SiriusXM®, Slacker, Spotify®, TIDAL and TuneIn (services subject to change). The interfaces for these services are built into the MS500, putting all your streaming music at your fingertips. Internet radio stations can also be added as presets. The three USB ports allow you to connect external flash or mass storage drives.

The MS500 runs ultra-quietly thanks to two key features. First, local music and the operating system are stored on a durable 500 GB solid state drive (SSD) that has no moving parts to generate noise; Secondly, a fanless processor combined with improved ventilation makes noisy cooling fans unnecessary. The combination of these two things means that there is no noise that interferes with listening to music.

The MS500 can automatically sync content stored on your network 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 one 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-analog converter (DAC) is isolated from the motherboard, ensuring that your music is reproduced with extreme precision and elegance when using any of the analog outputs. Either USB port can also be used to connect an external component with a built-in DAC, including some McIntosh products ;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 using the included remote control, a web browser or with free applications for iPhone, iPad or Android devices. The unit is compatible with many of the most popular home automation systems, allowing for easy integration into your existing setup. The timeless black glass front panel, illuminated logo, and aluminum covers make the MS500 a welcome addition to any audio system and room decor.

Characteristics:

• Very high performance audio streamer.
  
• Fully compatible with DTS Play-Fi.
  
• Maximum 24-bit/192 kHz digital compatibility.
  
• Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog 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: 6.1kg.