McIntosh Laboratory has officially rolled out Spotify Lossless support across three of its flagship streaming components: the DS200 Streaming DAC, MSA5500 Streaming Integrated Amplifier, and MX123 A/V Processor. This update catapults these devices into the upper echelons of high-resolution audio streaming, delivering Spotify’s premium-tier lossless audio at up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz in FLAC format.
For the first time, Spotify users can experience the platform’s highest-ever audio quality—unlocking previously veiled layers of detail, dynamics, and nuance in virtually any track. McIntosh describes the result as “breathtaking,” a claim that aligns with the brand’s six-decade legacy of reference-grade sound reproduction.
Seamless Integration with Existing Ecosystems
The new Spotify Lossless capability slots neatly alongside existing wireless protocols, including Apple AirPlay, Bluetooth, Qobuz Connect, and Tidal Connect. This multi-platform fluency positions the DS200, MSA5500, and MX123 as comprehensive streaming hubs for audiophiles who refuse to compromise on source flexibility or sonic integrity.
How to Activate Spotify Lossless
Access requires a Spotify Premium subscription. Users should ensure their Spotify mobile or desktop app is fully updated, then navigate to Settings > Media Quality and select the Lossless option. Once enabled, compatible McIntosh devices will automatically stream at the elevated bitrate when connected via Spotify Connect.
Firmware Considerations
- DS200 and MSA5500: No firmware update is required; the feature is live out of the box for units shipped with current software.
- MX123: Owners may need to apply a firmware update. Connect the processor to the internet and follow the path Setup > General > Firmware > Update > Check for Update > Update > Update Start.
McIntosh emphasizes that the update process is straightforward and preserves all user settings.
The High-End Verdict
With Spotify Lossless now in play, McIntosh has eliminated one of the last remaining barriers between mass-market streaming convenience and genuine audiophile performance. The DS200, MSA5500, and MX123—already celebrated for their robust amplification, precision DACs, and theatrical prowess—emerge as even more compelling centerpieces for luxury two-channel and multichannel systems alike.
