Technical Specifications
The sophisticated yet simple to use 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 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 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.
The 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 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 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 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 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 MS500 a welcome addition to any audio system and room decor.
UPDATE: MS500 and the end of Adobe Flash
The web browser user interface for the MS500 utilizes Adobe Flash. As of December 31, 2020, Adobe is no longer supporting Flash Player and they will block Flash content from running in Flash Player beginning January 12, 2021. To allow MS500 users to continue using the MS500's web interface, we have worked with our partners at Autonomic to produce a new interface for the MS500 that does not rely on Flash. To minimize any disruptions in users accessing their MS500 via the web interface, we are releasing the current working version on January 11, 2021. This will be followed by a later version that includes the familiar McIntosh MediaBridge branding. To access the new interface, the latest firmware must be installed on your MS500. To install the new firmware:
Adobe ending support for Flash does not affect the free MediaBridge control app that is available for iPhone, iPad or Android devices, or the handheld remote control that is included with the MS500.
