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Authorized dealers for McIntosh Labs MS500 Music Streamer

  • Absoulute Audio plus Video — in-store — Aiken, South Carolina, United States (website)
  • Holt Hill — online and in-store — Andover, Massachusetts, United States (website)
  • Resolution A/V — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
  • A Tube High Fidelity — online and in-store — Almere, Flevoland, Netherlands (website)
  • Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
  • Acoustic Designs Inc. — in-store — Scottsdale, Arizona, United States (website)
  • Advance Audio — in-store — Wichita, Kansas, United States (website)
  • Ahead Stereo — in-store — Los Angeles, California, United States (website)
  • Ajasom — online and in-store — Amadora, Lisboa, Portugal (website)
  • Alen Audio — in-store — Extramurs, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)

and 225 more verified dealers

McIntosh Labs MS500 Music Streamer #1
McIntosh Labs MS500 Music Streamer variant 1
McIntosh Labs MS500 Music Streamer variant 2
McIntosh Labs MS500 Music Streamer variant 3
McIntosh Labs MS500 Music Streamer variant 4

McIntosh Labs MS500 Music Streamer

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The MS500 brings pure, lush analogue sound to streaming, pairing crisp bass, clear instrumental separation and fatigue-free ease with broad service support and effortless app control. Audiophile Style found its analogue stage especially life-giving, while Audiophilepure praised its stable imaging, pitch accuracy and smooth, energized musicality.

View at McIntosh Labs
Specifications10 reviews & sources

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86/100
Rating for MS500 Music Streamer

Nicely Roasted

Sound Quality

86/100

Build Quality

84/100

Features Usability

87/100

Value for Money

85/100

Pros

Analogue output delivers pure, lush, fatigue-free sound with crisp bass and strong instrument separation.

Presents vocals and instruments with stable imaging, accurate pitch and an atmospheric sense of recorded space.

Straightforward app operation and wide streaming support make it an approachable all-in-one music server.

Signature black-glass styling, illuminated logo and aluminium end caps give it distinctive premium presence.

Cons

Digital outputs are not bit-perfect and convert playback to a user-selected sample rate and bit depth, limiting appeal for external-DAC purists.

The text-led app offers limited customization, which may feel restrictive to listeners who want deeper control.

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What Reviewers Are Saying

"The MS500 handles both sources equally as well. It will reproduce one's favorite music from less than perfect sources better than most people have ever heard."

— Audiophile Style

SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 86/100

Reviewers found the MS500 notably musical and engaging, with a lively but smooth presentation that makes both local files and internet radio enjoyable. Its internal analogue output receives especially strong praise, while its fixed-rate digital-output behavior limits its appeal as a purist external-DAC source.

Overall Sound

91/100

Audiophile Style describes a pure yet lush, fatigue-free character, with deep crisp bass, clear bells and cymbals, convincing separation, and a sense that the analogue output gives music life. Audiophilepure similarly praises its energized smoothness, stable imaging, pitch accuracy, and atmospheric sense of recorded space.

Digital Signal Integrity

78/100

The MS500 separates its Autonomic computing section from McIntosh's audio board, and offers coaxial and Toslink digital outputs. However, Audiophile Style reports that it cannot output bit-perfect audio and converts all material to a user-selected sample rate and bit depth, a meaningful limitation for listeners using an external DAC.

FEATURES USABILITY PERFORMANCE 87/100

The MS500 is built around an uncomplicated, consumer-friendly music-server experience rather than deep technical customization. It offers broad service access, local-library playback, app control, and useful analogue and digital outputs, though its interface is relatively text-led and deliberately limited in configuration options.

Streaming Software

86/100

Audiophile Style found setup straightforward: the MS500 worked immediately with the iOS app and included music on its internal solid-state drive. The Autonomic-based platform supports library indexing, streaming, and graphical control, but browsing is often text based and the app offers few user-adjustable preferences.

Features Connectivity

89/100

The MS500 combines local storage and network playback with access to Tidal, Deezer, Spotify, SiriusXM, Pandora, and TuneIn internet radio. RCA and XLR analogue outputs, plus coaxial S/PDIF and Toslink digital outputs, make it adaptable to conventional hi-fi systems; optional multi-zone capability adds further flexibility.

Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.

Build Quality

84/100

Reviews consistently admire the signature black-glass fascia, illuminated logo, aluminium end caps, and overall McIntosh presentation. The internal division between computing and audio boards is purposeful, though reviewers provide little comment on long-term durability, chassis rigidity, or mechanical isolation.

Value for Money

85/100

At the reviewed $6,000 price, the MS500 is positioned as a premium convenience-led music server for buyers who value ease of use, support, multi-zone potential, and McIntosh ownership. The review calls it a great product for listeners wanting high-quality playback without technical fuss, but does not directly compare its value against similarly priced rivals.

Reviews & Sources

Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.

Online Reviews & Mentions

YouTube Reviews

Forum Mentions

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Specifications

Total Harmonic Distortion
0.005%
Frequency Response
2Hz to 22,000Hz
Maximum Volts Out (Balanced / Unbalanced)
4/2 V RMS
Signal To Noise Ratio
102dB
Output Impedance
600 ohms Unbalanced and Balanced
Dynamic Range
96dB
Balanced Input
0
Balanced Output
1
Unbalanced Input
0
Unbalanced Output
1
Digital Coaxial Inputs
0
Digital Coaxial Outputs
1
Digital Optical Inputs
0
Digital Optical Outputs
1
Digital USB Input
3 (2 USB 2.0 / 1 USB 3.0)
Digital USB Audio Output
3 (only 1 can be used at a time)
Network Connections
1 (10/100/1000)
DVI Output
0
HDMI Outputs
1 (for GUI only)
VGA Output
1 (for GUI only)
eSata Input
0
Digital Input Format
N/A
Digital Input Sample Rate
N/A
Digital Output Format
SPDIF (PCM)
Digital Output Sample Rate
Up to 24-Bit/192kHz
Power Control Inputs
1
Power Control Outputs
1
Rear Panel Data Inputs
1
Rear Panel IR Sensor Inputs
1
Unit Dimensions (W x H x D)
17.5" (44.45cm) x 3-7/8" (9.8cm) x 16" (40.64cm)
Unit Weight
13.5 lbs (6.1kg)
Shipping Weight
28 lbs (12.7kg)
Internet Radio
Network Audio
Ethernet
Wi-Fi
Balanced Output
Multi-Room Audio

Manufacturer's Description — McIntosh Labs

  • Seamlessly controls your internet based streaming music and your locally stored digital music
  • Interfaces to leading streaming services including Pandora, Rhapsody, SiriusXM, Spotify, TIDAL and TuneIn
  • Internal solid state drive for local storage

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 services 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 preamplifierintegrated 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; 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 iPhoneiPad 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. Contact your local dealer to learn more.


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:


  • Using a computer connected to the same network as the MS500, launch an internet web browser.
  • In the "URL-Address line" type in the IP Address Number of your MS500 and add "/config" to end of the address (for example: 192.1.168.130/config).
  • Select the Firmware Tab.
  • Select Update in the firmware Update Window.

Adobe ending support for Flash does not affect the free MediaBridge control app that is available for iPhoneiPad or Android devices, or the handheld remote control that is included with the MS500.


MS500 Music Streamer is powered by Autonomic. 1) All services may not be available in all regions; certain services may not yet be enabled for all apps; subscriptions may be required. List subject to change. 2) Compatible McIntosh products with a DAC include the MA9000, MA8900, MA7200 and MA5300 Integrated Amplifiers; MAC7200 Receiver; C2600, C52, C47 and D1100 Preamplifiers; MX160 A/V Processor; MHA150 Headphone Amplifier; and MXA80 Integrated Audio System. List subject to change. Limitations on Third Party Services and Data Sources: Certain McIntosh Products include an interface that enables access to services (including data) that are provided by third parties unrelated to McIntosh (such as, by way of example only, Amazon Cloud, Spotify, Gracenote, etc.). Some of these services require separate customer subscriptions and some do not; and some may be supported by and compatible with the McIntosh Product while others may not. Merely providing the capability to access such services is not to be construed as making McIntosh the provider of, or responsible for, the services, or for continuing to support or make such access available; and McIntosh expressly disclaims any such responsibility. Because McIntosh cannot control the providers of such services or the services themselves, and similarly cannot control the communication systems and networks that connect the Products' interfaces to the services, McIntosh cannot and does not warrant against, and shall have no liability of any kind for, any of the following that are related to third party services, the providers of those services, or the systems or networks by which the McIntosh Product communicates with the services: (i) unavailability, lack of compatibility or functionality, interruption, discontinuance, or loss of service, or other unsatisfactory performance, act, or omission; (ii) loss or unauthorized use or disclosure of, or damage to, personal information, recordings, or other data; (iii) reduced functionality of the McIntosh Product; or (iv) any other loss or damage of any kind.McIntosh likewise does not warrant against, and shall have no liability for, any failure of its Products to satisfactorily process any externally sourced data where such failure is attributable in whole or in part to the makeup of the data itself or to a non-McIntosh product, system, or service that is the source of the data or that provides access to the data.


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Authorized dealers for McIntosh Labs MS500 Music Streamer

  • Absoulute Audio plus Video — in-store — Aiken, South Carolina, United States (website)
  • Holt Hill — online and in-store — Andover, Massachusetts, United States (website)
  • Resolution A/V — in-store — New York City, New York, United States (website)
  • A Tube High Fidelity — online and in-store — Almere, Flevoland, Netherlands (website)
  • Abt Electronics — online and in-store — Glenview, Illinois, United States (website)
  • Acoustic Designs Inc. — in-store — Scottsdale, Arizona, United States (website)
  • Advance Audio — in-store — Wichita, Kansas, United States (website)
  • Ahead Stereo — in-store — Los Angeles, California, United States (website)
  • Ajasom — online and in-store — Amadora, Lisboa, Portugal (website)
  • Alen Audio — in-store — Extramurs, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)

and 225 more verified dealers