Best of High End
No results found
See all results
  • Login
  • Buy
    • Buying Guides
      • Best Hi-Fi Amplifiers
      • Best Hi-Fi Loudspeakers
      • Best Streaming DACs
    • First look
    • Reviews
  • Experience
    • Factory visits
    • Industry icons
    • Reports
  • Follow
    • News
  • Learn
    • Academy
    • Tech talk
  • Trust
    • Marco Lisi — Inside HQ
Contact us
  • Buy
    • Buying Guides
      • Best Hi-Fi Amplifiers
      • Best Hi-Fi Loudspeakers
      • Best Streaming DACs
    • First look
    • Reviews
  • Experience
    • Factory visits
    • Industry icons
    • Reports
  • Follow
    • News
  • Learn
    • Academy
    • Tech talk
  • Trust
    • Marco Lisi — Inside HQ
No results found
See all results
Best of High End
No results found
See all results
Home News

McIntosh MS500 music streamer

Marco Lisi by Marco Lisi
July 13, 2026
in News
Reading Time: 2 mins read
mcintosh-ms500-music-streamer

The sophisticated yet simple to use McIntosh MS500 Music Streamer seamlessly integrates both your internet based streaming music and locally stored digital music into one comprehensive device. It allows your digital library to be enjoyed with McIntosh’s legendary audio standards – including uncompressed, lossless files with up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution. With all its onboard storage and external connection capabilities, the McIntosh 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). Interfaces to these services are built in to the McIntosh MS500 – putting all your streaming music at your fingertips. Internet radio stations can also be added as presets. Three USB ports allow for external mass storage or flash drives to be connected.

mcintosh-ms500-music-streamer-2mcintosh-ms500-music-streamer-2

Local music and operating system

The McIntosh MS500 runs ultra-quiet thanks to two key features. First, local music and the operating system are stored on a durable 500GB solid state drive (SSD) that has no moving parts to create noise; second, a fanless processor combined with improved ventilation means noisy cooling fans are not needed. The combination of these two things results in there being no noise to interfere with your music listening. The McIntosh MS500 can automatically synchronize the content stored on your networked computers so it is readily accessible and playable. All your content can be backed up to the Amazon Cloud Drive, Apple iCloud or Google Drive. This also allows for your music to be synchronized across multiple homes or locations when an McIntosh 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.

mcintosh-ms500-music-streamer-3

High Quality DAC

A set of balanced and unbalanced analog outputs plus two digital outputs connect the McIntosh MS500 to your preamplifier, integrated amplifier or other audio components. The McIntosh MS500’s high quality digital to analog convertor (DAC) is isolated from the motherboard, ensuring your music is reproduced with extreme precision and elegance when using either of the analog outputs. Any one of the USB ports can also be used to connect an external component with a built-in DAC – including select McIntosh products;2 utilizing this external DAC, one additional independent audio zone can be created. The McIntosh MS500 utilizes a Linux based operating system that brings stability and is extremely responsive to user inputs. 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 your existing setup. The timeless black glass front panel, illuminated logo and aluminum end caps make the McIntosh MS500 a welcome addition to any audio system and room decor.

mcintosh-ms500-music-streamer-4

Visit the McIntosch website.

Tags: McIntoshStreaming audio
ShareTweet
Marco Lisi

Marco Lisi

Publisher

Marco Lisi is the publisher of Best of High End, part of AV Concepts BV. His path into audio started early: as a teenager he was drawn into the world of free radio, presenting shows and living immersed in music every day. In his early twenties he ran his own production studio for five years, creating jingles and commercials — hands-on training in sound design, pro-audio workflows, and critical listening through studio monitors that still shapes how he evaluates gear today. He also spent years DJing in clubs before moving into publishing, first at two earlier online magazines before founding Best of High End. His hi-fi and home cinema passion was inherited from his father, an inveterate system-swapper. Marco's first setup — a confirmation gift — paired AKAI separates with entry-level Bowers & Wilkins speakers, a brand he stayed loyal to for years as his system grew from stereo into full surround and home cinema. Like many enthusiasts, he went through an extended "audiophile" phase chasing the next upgrade, before settling into a more grounded view: gear as a means to enjoy music and film, not an end in itself. Years of critical listening have given him a well-trained ear — the ability to characterize a system or pinpoint a change in the chain quickly and accurately. Just as important, his teaching background (a Belgian "regent" degree in Dutch language) gives him the tools to translate those listening impressions into clear, readable writing.

Related Posts

McIntosh MX124 A/V processor front panel
News

McIntosh introduces MX124 A/V processor

July 18, 2026
mcintosh-ma2375-vacuum-tube-integrated-amplifier
News

McIntosh MA2375 Vacuum Tube Integrated Amplifier

July 13, 2026
accuvoice-systems-unveils-stream-s3
News

Accuvoice Systems unveils Stream S3

January 18, 2026
cambridge-audio-introduces-lr-series-active-streaming-speakers
News

Cambridge Audio introduces L/R Series active streaming speakers

July 13, 2026
the-convenience-of-streaming-high-res-audio
Academy

The convenience of streaming high-res audio

July 19, 2026
silent-angel-bremen-sl1plus-review
Reviews

Silent Angel Bremen SL1 Plus review

July 30, 2026
Next Post
audio-technica-ath-anc700bt-wireless-headphones

Audio-Technica ATH-ANC700BT wireless headphones

wilson-audio-tunetot-bookshelf-loudspeaker

Wilson Audio TuneTot bookshelf loudspeaker

Tag Cloud

4K amplifiers Audio-Technica AV processors Bang & Olufsen Bowers & Wilkins Cables CD player CES 2018 CES 2025 Dac DACs Dali Dan D'Agostino Estelon FiiO Focal Genelec Gold Note HDR Headphone amplifiers Headphones HIGH END Munich 2025 High End Vienna 2026 High End® Integrated amplifiers loudspeaker Loudspeakers Lyngdorf Lyngdorf Audio McIntosh Panasonic Power amplifiers Preamplifiers Projectors Samsung Silent Angel Sony Steinway Lyngdorf StormAudio Streaming audio Subwoofers Turntables Vitus Audio Wireless speakers

Social Counter

  • 3.700 Fans
  • 3.6k Followers
  • 3.6k Subscribers

Popular Posts

  • atoll-in400-evolution-integrated-amplifier-review

    Atoll Electronique IN400 Evolution integrated amplifier review

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Dynaudio Evoke 20 review

    1 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • PMC Prophecy 7 review

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Bang & Olufsen Beosound Premiere review

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Revival Audio Atalante 3 review

    2 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • DALI SONIK 7 Floorstanding Loudspeaker

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Latest Denon HEOS App and Firmware Update

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Dynaudio Contour 20 Black Edition review

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • R_volution PlayerPro 8K Signature Edition review

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Onkyo presents the Muse Y-50

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
30 years, 3 motors, 1 flagship turntable 🎶 Acousti 30 years, 3 motors, 1 flagship turntable 🎶 Acoustic Signature's Thirty NEO First Look is live — link in bio. #AcousticSignature #Turntables #HighEndAudio #Vinyl #HiFi #BestOfHighEnd
9 models. 1 new sound. Klipsch's Reference Premier 9 models. 1 new sound. Klipsch's Reference Premiere III series has landed 🔊 Link in bio for the full story. #Klipsch #ReferencePremiere #RPIII #Loudspeakers #DolbyAtmos #HomeTheater #HighEndAudio #AudioAdviceLive #BestOfHighEnd
Only 16 were ever made in 1958. Now the Klipsch Re Only 16 were ever made in 1958. Now the Klipsch Rebellion brings that design back 📚 Link in bio for the full story. #Klipsch #Rebellion #HeritageSeries #Bookshelf #Loudspeaker #HighEndAudio #80thAnniversary #BestOfHighEnd
80 years of Onkyo, reimagined. Meet the MUSE Y-50( 80 years of Onkyo, reimagined. Meet the MUSE Y-50(G) Anniversary Edition amplifier 🎧 Link in bio for the full story. #Onkyo #MuseY50 #CreatorSeries #Amplifier #HighEndAudio #80thAnniversary #AudioAdviceLive #BestOfHighEnd
All the bass, half the space. Klipsch's new Refere All the bass, half the space. Klipsch's new Reference Premiere Compact Subwoofers are here 💥 Link in bio for the full story. #Klipsch #Subwoofer #ReferencePremiere #CompactSubwoofer #HomeTheater #HighEndAudio #AudioAdviceLive #BestOfHighEnd
280 pairs. 80 years. One legendary horn. The Klips 280 pairs. 80 years. One legendary horn. The Klipsch 80th Anniversary Klipschorn is here 🎉 Link in bio for the full story. #Klipsch #Klipschorn #80thAnniversary #HeritageSeries #HornLoudspeaker #HighEndAudio #AudioAdviceLive #BestOfHighEnd
New from Marantz: CINEMA Series 2 🎥 Four new AV re New from Marantz: CINEMA Series 2 🎥 Four new AV receivers, a fresh 32-bit DAC and Dirac Live now available across the whole range. Link in bio. #Marantz #CinemaSeries2 #HomeTheater #AVReceiver #DolbyAtmos #DiracLive #BestofHighEnd #Hifi #HomeCinema #AudioGear
155 projects. 70+ brand partners. One very good ye 155 projects. 70+ brand partners. One very good year for IsoAcoustics 🔧 New isolation tech now inside JBL, Raidho, Marten and EMM Labs gear. Link in bio. #IsoAcoustics #HighEndAudio #Loudspeakers #JBL #Raidho #Marten #AudioEngineering #Isolation #BestofHighEnd #Hifi
  • About us
  • Advertising
  • Contact
  • Terms and Conditions

© 2026 Best Of High End - by AV Concepts BV

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No results found
See all results
  • Buy
    • Buying Guides
      • Best Hi-Fi Amplifiers
      • Best Hi-Fi Loudspeakers
      • Best Streaming DACs
    • First look
    • Reviews
  • Experience
    • Factory visits
    • Industry icons
    • Reports
  • Follow
    • News
  • Learn
    • Academy
    • Tech talk
  • Trust
    • Marco Lisi — Inside HQ

© 2026 Best Of High End - by AV Concepts BV

This website uses cookies. If you continue to use this website you give permission to use cookies as described in our Terms and Conditions.