McIntosh MS500 operation manual

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: [phone] www.mcintoshlabs.com

MS500

Music Streamer

Owner’s Manual

Important Safety Information is supplied in a separate document “Important Additional Operation Information Guide”

Thank You

Your decision to own this McIntosh MS500 Music
Streamer ranks you at the very top among discrimi­nating music listeners. You now have the best. The
McIntosh dedication to precision performance assures
many years of musical enjoyment.
Please take a short time to read the information in this
guide. We want you to be as familiar as possible with
all the features and functions of your new McIntosh.

Please Take A Moment

The serial number, purchase date and McIntosh Dealer
name are important to you for possible insurance
claim or future service. The spaces below have been
provided for you to record that information:

Serial Number: _______________________________

Purchase Date: _______________________________

Dealer Name: ________________________________

Technical Assistance

If at any time you have questions about your McIntosh
product, contact your McIntosh Dealer who is familiar
with your McIntosh equipment and any other brands
that may be part of your system. If you or your Dealer
wish additional help concerning a suspected problem,
you can receive technical assistance for all McIntosh
products at:

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Copyright 2017 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

Customer Service

If it is determined that your McIntosh product is in
need of repair, you can return it to your Dealer. You
can also return it to the McIntosh Laboratory Service
Department. For assistance on factory repair return
procedure, contact the McIntosh Service Department
at:

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: [phone]
Fa x : 6 0 7-723-1917

Table of Contents

Safety Instructions ..................................................... 2

(Separate Sheet) ................... Important Additional

Operation Information Guide

Thank You and Please Take a Moment ....................... 2

Technical Assistance and Customer Service .............. 2

Table of Contents ........................................................ 2

Trademark and License Information .......................... 2

General Information ................................................... 3

Connector and Cable Information .............................. 3

Introduction ................................................................. 4

Performance Features ................................................. 4

Dimensions ................................................................. 5

Installation .................................................................. 6

Rear Panel Connections .............................................. 7

AC/ DC Ad apter .......................................................... 8

MS500 Connections ............................................. 10 -11

Front Panel Display and Push-button........................ 12

How to use the Remote Control ................................ 13

How to Operate the Setup Mode ......................... 14 -15

How to Operate the MS500 ................................. 16-23

Photos ........................................................................ 25

Specifications ............................................................ 26

Packing Instructions ................................................. 27

Trademark and License Information

The McIntosh MS500 incorporates copyright protec­tion technology that is protected by U.S. patents and
other intellectual property rights.

2

General Information

Pin 8

Pin 1

1. For additional connection information, refer to the
owner’s manual(s) for any component(s) connected
to the MS500 Music Streamer.

2. When the MS500 Music Streamer is connected to
an audio system, playback of music already stored
on it may be listened to. To take full advantage of
the many features the MS500 is capable of, such
as importing and storing additional music on the
Music Streamer, requires connection to a Com­puter Network System.

3. For best performance, the speed of the Computer
Network the MS500 Music Streamer would be
connected to should be 1 Gigabit or faster.

4. The MS500 internal Digital to Analog Converter
Circuitry is designed to decode 2-channel PCM
(Pulse Code Modulation) Digital Signals up to
24Bit 192kHz. The Digital Output Signal present
at the Coaxial and Optical Output Connectors is a
2-channel PCM (Pulse Code Modulation).

5. The MS500 is designed to be compatible with the
majority of Audio Power Amplifiers. However,
do to a wide range of Power Amplifier Designs, it
is important the input sensitivity of the amplifier
be at least 2 Volts. This will assure the playback
of most music recordings are reproduced with ad­equate dynamic range. Check with your McIntosh
Dealer for additional information.

6. The IR Input, with a 3.5mm mini phone jack, is
configured for non-McIntosh IR sensors such as
a Xantech Model DL85K Kit. Use a Connection
Block, such as a Xantech Model ZC21, when two
or more IR sensors need to be connected to the
MS500.

7. When discarding the unit, comply with local rules
or regulations. Batteries should never be
thrown away or incinerated but disposed
of in accordance with the local regulations

concerning battery disposal.

8. If it should become necessary to replace the sup­plied AC / DC Power
Adapter, order part
number 32059900
from the McIntosh
Parts Department.

9. For additional information on other McIntosh
Products please visit the McIntosh Web Site at

www.mcintoshlabs.com.

10. Mobile Device Apps for remote control operation
of the MS500, are available. Go to the McIntosh
Web Site at http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/us/Sup-

port/Pages/Manuals.aspx

Under “PRODUCT CATEGORY” select “Media
Streamers” then under “MODEL NUMBER”
select “MS500”. Click on “SEARCH” then click
on the MS500 Music Streamer App (iPhone, iPad
or Android) for your mobile device.

Connector and Cable Information

XLR Connectors

Below is the Pin configuration for the XLR Balanced
Output Connectors on the MS500. Refer to the dia­gram for connection:
PIN 1: Shield/Ground
PIN 2: + Output

PIN 1

PIN 3: - Output

Data and IR Input Port Connectors

The MS500 Data In Port receives Remote Control
Signals. A 3.5mm stereo mini phone
plug is used for connection. The IR
Ports also use a 3.5mm stereo mini

PIN 2

Data
Signal

N/C

Data
Ground

phone plug and allow the connection
of other brand IR Receivers to the
MS500.

IR Data
Control

N/C

Ground

Power Control Connector

The Power Control Input Jack receives Power On/
Off Signals (+12 volt/0 volt) when connected to other
McIntosh Components. The Power Control Output
Jack sends Power On/Off Signals (+12 volt/0 volt)
when connected to other McIn­tosh Components. An additional
connection is for controlling the
illumination of the Power Out­put Meters on McIntosh Power

Power
Control

Meter
Illumination
Control
Pass Thru

Ground

Amplifiers. A 3.5mm stereo mini phone plug is used
for connection to the Power Control Jacks.

Ethernet RJ45 Socket

1. Transmit Data (+) 5. N/C

2. Transmit Data (-) 6. Receive Data (-)

3. Receive Data (+) 7. N/C

4. N/C 8. N/C

Ethernet Cable - Straight Thru Connections

Pin Number - Wire Color Pin Number - Wire Color

 1.Orange/White → 1.Orange/White
 2.Orange → 2.Orange
 3.Green/White → 3.Green/White
 4.Blue → 4.Blue
 5.Blue/White → 5.Blue/White
 6.Green → 6.Green
 7.Brown/White → 7.Brown/White
 8.Brown → 8.Brown

Pin 1

Pin 8

3

General Information, Cable Information, Disc Information, Introduction and Performance Features

Introduction

The McIntosh MS500 Music Streamer offers the latest
in audio technology, providing state of the art audio
reproduction with the convenience of instant access
to your music library. When the MS500 is added to a
McIntosh System, the music from this source may be
enjoyed in your home. The advanced design ensures
many years of smooth trouble free operation.

• Local AM/FM Radio Stations
The MS500 also allows for listening to AM/FM Sta­tions via the Internet Connection.

• Select your Music
Listen to the music you want by creating your own
play lists and/or groups of music types.

• Quiet Fan Less Operation

Enjoy your music even at low system volume settings.

• Power Control

The Power Control Input connection provides conve­nient Turn-On/Off of the MS500 when connected to a
McIntosh System with Power Control.

Performance Features

• Built-in Networking Capability
The MS500 has the ability to connect to an existing
network for connecting to other devices also connect­ed to the network, including the Internet (the Cloud).

• High Storage Capacity
The MS500 incorporates a massive 500 Gigabyte
Hard Drive capable of storing the contents of a large
Music Collection.

• Expand the Music Server System
The MS500 can provide seamless access to music
contained on other MS500(s) from different physical
locations. It can also access music stored on other de­vices such as Computers and NAS (Network Assisted
Storage) Devices connected to the same network as
the MS500. This provides for unlimited music storage
capacity.

• USB 3 and USB 2 Inputs
Connect external storage devices to the MS500 for
increased music storage capacity.

• Internet Streaming Services
The MS500 also allows for listening to Internet Sta­tions when connected.

• Digital Audio Outputs
There is a Coaxial and an Optical Digital Audio Out­put (SPDIF) for connection to other components.

• Balanced and Unbalanced Analog Outputs

The MS500 has both Unbalanced Outputs and Bal­anced Outputs which permit long cable lengths with­out a loss in sound quality.

• Graphical User Interface
When connected to a TV/Monitor, the On Screen
Display provides information such as Album Name,
Artist Name, Song Name, Playing Time and Location
for each of the selections. This allows for easy song
selection from multiple rooms in your home.

• HD Video Outputs

The MS500 has HDMI and VGA Connections for
providing High Definition Video Signals of 1080p or
720p resolutions.

• On Screen Setup
The On Screen Setup allows for customizing various
settings such as audio, video, network and external
control to match the components in your system.

• Remote Control

The Remote Control with illuminated push-buttons,
provides control of the MS500 operating functions. A
Data Port Connection to a McIntosh A/V Processor or
Preamplifier allows for convenient system operation
using one Remote Control. An External IR Sensor
Input allows for remote operation when the MS500 is
located behind closed doors.

• Illuminated Glass Front Panel

The famous McIntosh Glass Front Panel is evenly
illuminated by multiple extra long life Light Emitting
Diodes (LEDs), arranged with a special orientation.
The pristine beauty of the MS500 will be retained for
many years.

4

Dimensions

The following dimensions can assist in determining
the best location for your MS500.

Front View of the MS500

17-

1/2"

44.5cm

Dimensions

MS500 MUSIC STREAMER

Rear View of the MS500

17-1/32"

43.3cm

3-9/32"

8.3cm

3-7/8"

9.8cm

29/32

1.8cm

1-5/8"

4.1cm

Side View of the MS500

13"

33.0cm

12-1/16"

30.6cm

2-11/32"

6.0cm

2-17/32"

6.4cm

"

9-1/16"

23.0cm

1-3/8"

3.5cm

13-1/4"

33.7cm

2-11/32"

6.0cm

5

Installation

Installation

The MS500 can be placed upright on a table or
shelf, standing on its four feet. It also can be custom
installed in a piece of furniture or cabinet of your
choice. The four feet may be removed from the bottom
of the MS500 when it is custom installed as outlined
below. The four feet together with the mounting
screws should be retained for possible future use if the
MS500 is removed from the custom installation and
used free standing. The required panel cutout, ventila­tion cutout and unit dimensions are shown.

Always provide adequate ventilation for your
MS500. Cool operation ensures the longest possible
operating life for any electronic instrument. Do not
install the MS500 directly above a heat generating
component such as a high powered amplifier. If all
the components are installed in a single cabinet, a
quiet running ventilation fan can be a definite asset in
maintaining all the system components at the coolest
possible operating temperature.

A custom cabinet installation should provide the
following minimum spacing dimensions for cool
operation.

Allow at least 3 inches (7.6cm) above the top, 2
inches (5.1cm) below the bottom and 1 inch (2.5cm)
on each side of the Music Streamer, so that airflow is
not obstructed. Allow 17 inches (43.2cm) depth behind
the front panel. Allow 29/32 of an inch (1.8cm) in
front of the front panel for clearance. Do not block the
openings on the top cover or the three rows of louvers
opening on the bottom of the MS500. Be sure to cut
out a ventilation hole in the mounting shelf according
to the dimensions in the drawing.

MS500 Front Panel
Custom Cabinet Cutout

MS500 Side View
in Custom Cabinet

MS500 Bottom View
in Custom Cabinet

Cabinet
Front
Panel

Opening
for Ventilation

Support
Shelf

2-19/32"

6.6cm

2-27/32"

7.2cm

3"

7.6cm

13/16"

2.0cm

Cutout Opening
for Ventilation

17-1/8"

43.5cm

MS500 MUSIC STREAMER

Cutout Opening for Custom Mounting

Cutout Opening for Ventilation

10-1/2"

26.7cm

11-7/8"

30.2cm

6-9/16"

16.7cm

2-3/4"

7.0cm

Chassis
Spacers

14-17/32"

44.5cm

Note: Center the cutout Horizontally on the unit.
For purposes of clarity, the above
illustration is not drawn to scale.

6

Rear Panel Connections

Connect the supplied
AC/DC Power Adapter
DC Output Connnector

USB (version 2.0)
an external storage device capable
of transferring data

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Inter­face) Output (Audio and Video Digital Sig­nals) for connecting to a HDTV or Monitor
with a HDMI Input with a video resolution
720p or 1080p

1

for connection of

PWR CTRL (Power Control) IN re­ceives turn-on signals from a McIn­tosh component and POWER CON­TROL OUT sends turn-on signals on
to another McIntosh Component

DATA IN receives control data
from a McIntosh Control Center

COAXial and OPTICAL AUDIO OUTPUTS
send a Digital Audio Signal to a Preamplifier
or an A/V Control Center with a D/A Con­verter or a decoder

BALANCED AUDIO OUTPUTS
supply analog audio signals to
connect to Balanced Inputs of
other components

VGA (Video Graphics Array) Ana­log Video Output for connecting to
a TV or Monitor with a VGA Input

1

USB (version 3.0)

for connection of
an external storage device capable
of transferring data at high speed

NETwork Connector for
connecting the MS500 to a
Broadband Ethernet Network

IR IN for connecting
an IR Receiver

USB (version 2.0)1 for connection of
an external storage device capable
of transferring data

UNBALANCED AUDIO
OUTPUTS supply analog audio
signals to Unbalanced Inputs of
other components

1

One at a time, of the three USB Connectors on the MS500 has

the ability to output Digtal Audio Signal for music playback to
an external audio device compatible with USB current opera­tional standards

7

The AC/DC Power Adapter supplied
with the MS500 Music Streamer

Connect to a live AC outlet (always On)
using the supplied AC Power Cord. Re­fer to information on the power supply
to determine the correct voltage.

AC/DC Adapter power
On LED Indicator

Connect to the DC IN connector on
the Rear Panel of the MS500 Music
Streamer

8

AC/DC Adapter Connections and Notes

9

MS500 Connections

The MS500 has the ability to be remotely switched
On/Off from a McIntosh Preamplifier or A/V Proces­sor via the Power Control connection. The MS500
Data Port Connection allows for the remote operation
of basic functions using the Preamplifier, Integrated
Amplifier or A/V Control Center Remote Control.
With an external sensor connected to the MS500, re­mote control operation is possible from another room
and/or when the MS500 is located in a cabinet with
the doors closed.

The connection instructions below together with
the MS500 Connection Diagram on the next page is
an example of a typical audio or audio/video system.
Your system may vary from this, however the actual
components would be connected in a similar manner.
For additional information refer to “Connector and
Cable Information” on page 3.

Power Control Connections:

1. Connect a Control Cable from the Preamplifier,
Integrated Amplifier or A/V Processor Power
Control MAIN (or ACC) Jack to the PWR CTRL
(Power Control) IN Jack on the McIntosh MS500
Music Streamer.

2. Optionally, connect a Control Cable from the
MS500 Music Streamer PWR CTRL OUT Jack to
another component.

3. Connect any additional components in a similar
manner, as outlined in steps 1 thru 3.

Data Control Connections:

4. Connect a Control Cable from the Preamplifier,
Integrated Amplifier or A/V Processor Data Port
1 Jack to the McIntosh MS500 Music Streamer
DATA IN Jack.

Sensor Connections:

5. Optionally, connect an IR Sensor to the McIntosh
MS500 Music Streamer IR IN Jack.

Digital Audio Connections:

6. Optionally, connect a Cable from the McIntosh
MS500 Music Streamer AUDIO OUTPUT SPDIF
OPTICAL Output to the Digital Audio Input Opti­cal 1 Input on the Preamplifier, Integrated Ampli­fier or A/V Processor.

Note: Coaxial connections may be used instead of

the Optical Connections.

Analog Audio Connections:

7. Connect a Cable from the McIntosh MS500 Music
Streamer AUDIO OUTPUT BALANCED connec­tors to the Preamplifier, Integrated Amplifier or
A/V Processor Balanced 1 Input connectors.

Note: Unbalanced connections may be used instead

of the Balanced Connections.

Digital Video Connections:

8. Connect a HDMI Cable between the HDMI Socket
on the Rear Panel of the MS500 Music Streamer to
a HDMI Input Socket on the HD Monitor/TV.

Notes: 1. If the Monitor/TV has a VGA Input and

no HDMI input, then connect a VGA
cable between the MS500 and the Moni­tor/ T V.

2. The MS500 HDMI Output Socket
provides Video Signals only. For Audio
Signal Playback, perform connections in
step 6 or 7.

Network Connections:

9. Using a CAT 5/6 Ethernet Cable, connect the cable
from the Router to the NET (Network) connector
on the Rear Panel of the MS500.

10. Optionally, connect another CAT 5/6 Ethernet
Cable from the Computer (Network Connector) to
the Router.

Note: For additional information on Networks and

Network Connections refer to the documenta­tion supplied with the Router and Computer.

AC Power Cords Connections:

11. Locate the plug at the end of the cable coming out
of the supplied AC/DC Power Supply and connect
it to the DC Input connector on the Rear Panel of
the MS500 Music Streamer.

12. Connect the supplied AC Power Cord between the

socket on the AC/DC Power Supply and a live AC
outlet (that is always On).

10

MS500 Connections

Optional Computer

Network Router

(Wireless or Wired)

Preamplier

Connect to a
live AC Outlet
(alway s On)

MS500 supplied

AC/ DC

Power Supply

Connect to a
live AC Outlet
(alway s On)

(optional Digital Audio Connection)

HD Monitor/TV

IR Sensor

11

Front Panel Display and Push-button

IR Sensor receives commands
from a Remote Control

12

MS500 MUSIC STREAMER

STANDBY/ON Push-button with indicator
switches the MS500 ON or OFF (Standby)
and resets the microprocessors

How to use the Remote Control

The Remote Control is capable of performing most
Operating Functions for the MS500 Music Streamer.

Note: Refer to the “How to Operate” Section of this

manual for additional information using this
Remote Control.

Dual Function Push-buttons

The five push-buttons located at the top/front of the
Remote Control, in the circular molded area, are dual
function. When music is playing, the (+) Push-button
increases the volume level
decreases the volume level
for the next selection or push the 9 Push-button for
the previous selection.

During the time a MS500 Menu is being ac­cessed, the push-buttons at the top/front of the Remote
Control provide the ability to navigate the menus and
select the desired choice or function. The (+) Push-but­ton is used to move the cursor Up through the menu.
Likewise, the (-) Push-button is used to move Down.
The 9 Push-button is used to move to the Left, the :
Push-button is used to move to the Right and the ►
Push-button is used to Select the highlighted choice.

1

and the (-) Push-button

1.

Push the : Push-button

SELECTS the cur­rent menu item and
also starts playback
and pauses playback

Selects the previous
selection

Decreases the
volume level

Current selection
is liked

Selects a Menu

How to use the Remote Control

Directional Push-buttons; Ê (Up),▬(Down),

9 (Left), : (Right)and►(SELECTS)

Increases the
volume level

Selects the next
selection

Momentarily
press to Power the
MS500 ON or OFF

Indicates when a
Remote Control
Command has been
sent

Current selection
is disliked

1

Adjusting the volume level using the Remote Con­trol requires a change to the default setting located
in the Setup Mode, refer to pages 14 and 15 for ad­ditional information.

Selects available
information

Reserved for
future use

Moves forward in time
through a selection

13

How to Operate the Setup Mode

The McIntosh MS500 is factory configured for imme­diate enjoyment of superb audio. If you wish to make
changes to the factory default settings, a Setup Feature
is provided to customize the operating settings using a
PC Computer (not supplied) and with the MS500 con­nected to a HD Monitor/TV. Start the Setup Mode by
performing the following steps:

1. Press the MS500 Front Panel STANDBY/ON
Push-button or press the (Power) Push-button
on the Remote Control to switch On the MS500.
Refer to page 13 for information on using the
Remote Control. The LED above the STANDBY/
ON Push-button will illuminate. The MS500 will
go through a startup initialization which might
take upwards of 1.5 minutes with it connected to a
HD Monitor/TV indicating the progress. Refer to
figures 1 and 2.

IP Address location

Figu re 3

Note: If the “Server IP Address” number appears

as 0.0.0.0, the MS500 was unable to obtain an
IP Address from the computer network. Power
down the MS500, wait several minutes and then
Switch it back On. If the MS500 is still unable
to obtain an IP Address, the default automatic
configuration setting (DHCP, Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol) might have to be set
manually. Contact your Computer Dealer or
the Computer Manufacture for assistance.

3. Using a computer connected to the same network
as the MS500, launch the Internet Web Browser
Application and type in on the “URL-Address
line”, the following:

The IP Address Number written down in step 2

Figu re 1

Figu re 2

2. When the initialization is completed, the opera­tional screen will appear and in the upper left cor­ner is the “Server IP Address: _ _ . _ _. __ _. _ _ _.
Write down the IP Address Number, as it will be
used in the next step. Refer to figure 3.

14

HTTP://__._ _.___.___/config
Then press Enter on the computer keyboard. Refer to
figure S1. The Setup Tabs at the top of the window:

Setup Option Tabs Figure Number

Server Settings S1

Display Settings S2

Source Settings S3

Content S4

Schedule S5

Firmware S6

Figure S1

Each of the tabs has subheadings with current settings
status information along with various setup options.
There are explanations located to the right of the vari­ous options and settings.

4. Select “Display Settings”. Refer to figure S2.

5. To change the “Screen Resolution” from the defaut
setting of 720p to 1080p, click on the circle ahead
of “ 1080p 1920x1080”.

6. To implement the Setup change just made, Click
on the Display Settings Button “Save Changes”.
Then press the MS500 Front Panel STANDBY/ON
Push-button or press the (Power) Push-button
on the Remote Control to switch OFF the MS500.

7. Press the Front Panel STANDBY/ON Push-button
or press the (Power) Push-button on the Remote
Control to switch ON the MS500.

8. After any other changes have been made and
saved, proceed to “How to Operate” starting on
page 16.

Setup

Figu re S5

Figu re S3

Figu re S2

Figu re S6

Figu re S4

15

How to Operate the MS500

Power On and Off

Your McIntosh MS500 has been factory configured
for default operating settings that will allow immedi­ate enjoyment of superb audio without the need for
further adjustments. To make changes to the default
settings, refer to the Setup Mode on page 14.

1. Press the STANDBY/ON Push-button on the Front
Panel or press the (Power) Push-button on the
Remote Control to switch On the
MS500. Refer to figures 5, 6 and 7.
The LED above the STANDBY/ON
Push-button will start flashing dur­ing the MS500 startup initialization
process, which might take upwards
of 30 seconds. The HD
Monitor/TV connected to
the MS500 will indicate
the startup initialization
procedure progress. Refer
to figures 8, 9 and 10.

2. To switch Off the MS500,
press the STA N DBY/
ON Push-button on the
Front Panel or press the
(Power) Push-button on
the Remote Control. Refer
to figures 5 and 6.

Figu re 5

Figu re 6

Figu re 8

Figu re 9

Fig u re 10

Start Music Playback

Music was imported into the MS500 Music Streamer,
at the factory, for your enjoyment. To start listening to
the music, perform the following:

1. Press the (MENU) Push-button on the Remote
Control to select the Operation Menu. Then using

the ▬ (Down) Push-button on the Remote Con­trol, select the “Music Menu” followed by pressing
the

► (SELECT) Push-button to select “Album

Menu”. Refer to figures 11 and 12.

2. Press the ► (SELECT) Push-button on the Re­mote Control to view the available Albums. Refer
to figure 13.

Fi g u re 11

Figu re 12

Figure 13

16

MS500 MUSIC STREAMER

Figu re 7

3. Use the

Ê (Up) or ▬ (Down) Push-button on

the Remote Control to select the desired al­bum. In this instance, select “Various Artists ­Beethoven:Symphonies Nos. 5&9 Choral; Piano
Concert”. Then press the

► (SELECT) Push-

button to select the album. Refer to figure 14.

How to Operate the MS500

Figure 14

4. Referring to figure 15, the track for the album just
selected will appear. In this instance there is one
track “ Symphony No. 9 (Scherzo)”. Press the

►

(SELECT) Push-button on the Remote Control to
start playback of the first track. Refer to figure 16.

Fig ure 15

Figure 16

The TV/Monitor will start to display various scenes
while the music is playing. Refer to figures 17 and 18.

5. To pause playback of the music, press the ► (SE-

LECT) Push-button on the Remote Control. To
resume playback, just press the same Push-button
again. To see the status of the track currently play­ing, press the MENU Push-button and refer to
information located at the bottom of the screen.
Refer to figure 15 and 16.

Fig u r e 17

Figure 18

How to Stream Music

The MS500 Music Streamer provides access to virtu­ally unlimited music by streaming music from the
Internet. To start streaming music from the Internet,
perform the following:

1. Press the (MENU) Push-button on the Re­mote Control to select the Home Menu. Refer to
figu r e 19.

Figure 19

2. Press the ► (SELECTS) Push-button on the
Remote Control to select the “Streaming Menu”.
Refer to figure 20.

Figu re 20

There are many pre-setup Internet Radio Sites to
choose from, including Deezer, Murfie, Pandora In­ternet Radio, SiriusXM Internet Radio, Slacker Radio,
Spotify, TIDAL, etc. Some Internet Radio Sites re­quire registering and in some instances a subscription
fee in order to enjoy their music services. Using the
MS500 Setup Mode on pages 14 and 15, refer to the
Contents tab and then the Online Credentials for ad­ditional information. In the following example, TuneIn
Radio will be selected to stream music from local FM/
AM radio stations.

3. Using the Ê (Up) or ▬ (Down) Push-button on
the Remote Control, select TuneIn Radio from the
menu. Refer to figure 21.

Fig u r e 21

4. Refer to figure 22 on the next page, then press
the ► (SELECTS) Push-button to select Local
Radio.

17

How to Operate the MS500, con’t

Figu re 22

5. There are now menu choices AM, FM or Internet
only radio stations. Referring to figure 23, use
the Ê (Up) or or ▬ (Down) Push-button to select
FM, followed by pressing the the ► (SELECTS)
Push-button.

Figu re 23

6. Referring to figure 24, it follows the same proce­dure as in step 5, select the fourth choice, “89.3
WSKG-FM (Classical Music)”. The sound from
the station will start, refer to figure 25.

Figu re 24

Figu re 25

How to Operate the MS500 via a Computer

After the MS500 has powered up and completed
initialization, the IP Address assigned to the Music
Streamer will appear in the upper left corner. Refer to
figure 26.

IP Address Location

Figu re 26

1. Using a computer connected to the same network
as the MS500, launch an Internet Web Browser
Application (such as Windows Internet Explorer).
Type in on the “URL-Address line” the following:

The IP Address Number

HTTP://__._ _.___.___/MediaBridge

2. A connection progress indicator will appear in the
Web Browser. Refer to figure 27.

3. When the connecting process is completed, the­Music Streamer interface will appear in the Web
Browser. Refer to figure 28.

Figu re 27

Figu re 28

Note: The operation of the MS500 using the Web

Browser is similar to using the MS500 con­nected to a monitor/TV along with the supplied
Remote Control. The major difference is the
computer pointing device (mouse) is used for
selection and navigation.

On the left side is a column of buttons for select­ing music sources (Streaming, Local Music, Favorites,
Playlists and Queue) along with Back and Next control
commands. Along the bottom are buttons for standard
control functions such as Previous, Play, Pause, Next,
Shuff le and Replay.

18

How to Operate the MS500, con’t

How to Playback Music

McIntosh Music was imported into the MS500, at the
factory, for your enjoyment. To start listening to the
music, perform the following:

1. Click on the Local Music button. Refer to
figure 28.

2. Click on “Albums”, then select “Beethoven”. Refer
to figure 29.

Figu re 29

3. Click on the track listing of “1 Symphony No. 9
(Scherzo) 1:15” and click on “Play now”. Refer to
figures 29 and 30.

How to Stream Music

The MS500 Music Streamer provides access to viru­ally unlimited music by streaming music from the
Internet. To start streaming music from the Internet,
perform the following:

1. Click on the Streaming button and the Radio
sources menu will appear. Refer to figure 31.

Fig u r e 31

In the following example TuneIn Radio will be select­ed to stream music from local FM/AM radio stations.

2. Select and click on TuneIn Radio. Click on Local
Radio followed by selecting FM. Refer to figures
32 and 33.

3. Referring to figure 34, select the second choice,
“89.3 WSKG-FM (classical)”. The sound from the
station will start and figure 35 will appear.

Figure 34

Figure 35

Figu re 30

4. Return to the previous menu selection of “Play
now, Play next, Replace queue, Add to queue or
Add to playlist” by clicking on the Track (Name)
currently playing.

Figure 32

Figure 33

19

How to Operate the MS500, con’t

Using External Drives with the MS500

The MS500 has three different uses for connected
External Drives “ADD, IMPORT or MOUNT”. Before
proceeding with the steps below, switch power Off to
the MS500. Then connect the External Drive (HDD,
SDD or USB Flash Memory) to an USB connector on
the Rear Panel of the MS500. After the MS500 has
powered up and completed initialization, note the IP
Address in the upper left corner.

1. Using a computer connected to the same network
as the MS500, launch an Internet Web Browser
Application (such as Windows Internet Explorer).
Type in on the “URL-Address line” the following:

Three operational
options available for

MS500 Internal Drive

Name assigned to
the connected
External USB Drive

Figure 37

the connected
External USB Drive

to activate the chosen choice. Refer to figures 38,
39 and 40

ADD External Storage Space to the MS500

With an Externa1 USB Drive connected to one of the
MS500 Rear Panel USB Connectors, the “ADD” op­tion will become available.

Note: Do not remove the external drive after the

“ADD” option is activated.

1. Start the ADD process by clicking on the button
“OK, Add the volume”. Refer to figure 38 and then
fig u re 41.

The IP Address Number

HTTP://__._ _.___.___/config

2. Then press enter on the computer keyboard. Refer
to figure 36 (partial view).

Content Tab

Figure 36 (partial view)

3. Click on the “Content” Tab (located along the

top), then scroll down to “Storage”. Referring to
figure 37, the three options for the external USB
Connected Drive appears next to the “Free” Space
Listing. The option choices include “ADD, IM­PORT or MOUNT”. When any one three choices
are selected, a new window will appear explaining
the functioning, any possible limitations and “OK”

Figu re 38

Figure 39

Figu re 40

Figure 41

2. When the external drive is to be removed from
the MS500, select “Remove from server” and then
start the remove process by clicking on the button
“OK, Remove the volume”. Refer to figures 42

and 43.

Figu re 42

Figure 43

20

How to Operate the MS500, con’t

IMPORT Music to the MS500

With an Externa1 USB Drive connected to one of the
MS500 Rear Panel USB Connectors, the “IMPORT”
option will become available.

1. Start the Import process by clicking on the but­ton “OK, Import the volume” (Figure 39). During
the “Import” functioning, various messages will
appear in the window indication the “Importing
status”. Refer to figure 41, 42 and 43.

Note: After an external drive is connected to the

MS500 and the “ADD” option is activated it
can not be disconnected until after the import
process copies all of the music files it finds on
the externally connected storage drive. De­pending on the amount of music files on the
drive, the copying process could take some

time.

2. Start the import process by clicking on the but­ton “OK, Import the volume”. Refer to figures 44
and 45.

MOUNT External Storage Drive to the MS500

With an Externa1 USB Drive connected to one of the
MS500 Rear Panel USB Connectors the “MOUNT”
option will become available.

1. Start the Mount process by clicking on the button
“OK, Mount the volume” (Figure 40). During the
“Mount” functioning, various messages will ap­pear in the window indication the “Mount status”.
Refer to figure 46.

Note: Do not remove the external drive after the

“Mount” option is activated.

Figure 46

2. If when the external drive is to be removed from
the MS500, select “Unmount”. Refer to figure 47.

Figu re 44

Figure 45

3. Then select local music, click on albums, and select
the music just Imported into the MS500.

Figure 47

21

How to Operate the MS500, con’t

Using the McIntosh Media Sync Program

The McIntosh Media Sync Computer Program allows
you to select music that is stored on your computer(s)
and other components that are also connected to the
same computer network as the McIntosh MS500
Music Streamer. The program will automatically copy
the selected music onto the MS500. After the music
is copied on to the MS500, it will also automatically
remove it from the MS500 after the music is removed
the from the computer(s) and the other components on
the computer network. Perform the following steps to
install the McIntosh Media Sync for Windows:

Notes: 1. If your computer is an Apple Mac unit, the

McIntosh Media Sync for Mac can be in­stalled instead.

2. The McIntosh Media Sync Program is de­signed to work on a Home Computer Network

System.

1. Using your computer connected to the same
network as the MS500, launch an Internet Web
Browser Application (such as Windows Internet
Explorer). Type in on the “URL-Address line” the
following:

The IP Address Number

HTTP://__._ _.___.___/config

2. Then press enter on the computer keyboard. Refer
to figure 48 (partial view).

Content Tab

Figure 48 (partial view)

3. Click on the “Content” Tab (located along the top),
then scroll down to “Media Synchronization”.
Referring to figure 49,

Figu re 49

4. Select “Install McIntosh Media Sync for Win­dows”.

5. A small window appears at the bottom of the
screen, then click on the “Run” button to start the
installation of the
MediaSyncSetup.exe
Program. Refer to
figures 49 thru 55.

6. When figure 55 ap-

Figure 50

pears on the screen, click on the “Finish” button
to start the just installed McIntosh Media Sync
Program.

Note: To start the McIntosh Media Sync Program,

select hidden icons and click on the icon. Refer
to figure 56.

Fig ur e 51

Figure 53

Fig ure 55

Figure 52

Figu re 54

Click to Start
the Program

Figu re 56

Once the McIntosh Media Sync Program is installed
on the computer and has been started, there are some
additional functions that need to be completed for
actual operational functioning for your computer net­work system that the MS500 is connected to. Perform
the following steps:

7. Currently on the Computer Screen the STATUS
Tab should be displayed. Refer to figure 57.

8. In the top pull down window, the display should

22

How to Operate the MS500, con’t

be indicating “Me­diaBridge1 -Media
Control Server on
MediaBridge 1
(IP address). The
IP Address is the
current MS500 IP
Address as dis­played in the upper
left corner on TV/
Monitor the MS500
is connected to.

9. If the Server IP
Address needs to
be changed, select
the top pull down

window▼and

then select the “Add
Server”. Refer to
figure 58.

10. Add in the new IP
Address in the “Add
Server” window and
then click on “Add
Server”. Refer to
figu r e 59.

11. After the IP Address
settings have been
completed, click on
the “iTunes” Tab for
the iTunes Music
Settings. Refer to
figure 60.

Note: If there is no

iTunes Library Music on your computer the
“iTunes Tab” will be replaced by a grayed out

Figure 57

Figu re 58

Figure 59

Figure 60

“iTunes (Missing Library)” Tab.

12. After selecting the “iTunes Tab”, click on the
“Automatically up­date iTunes music”
and the “Update all
Music and Playl­ists”. Then select
the desired “Playl­ists” and the Music
Catagory(s) appear­ing in the white

Figure 61

window. Refer to
figu r e 61.

Note: To prevent

deleting Music
unintention­ally, please
ensure iTunes
is sharing this
Librar y.

Figu re 62

13. Refering to figures
62 and 63, select
the “OTHER Tab”
to add other (non­iTunes) music on the
computer (or from
other components
connected the to
same Network as

Figu re 63

the MS500). To add
Folders that contain
Music, click the
“+” button and then
select the desired
Folder containing
the music you want
the MS500 to be able

Figu re 64

to playback. To add
more folders repeat
the same procedure.
When all the folders
have been selected,
click on the “Apply
Changes” button to
start the the process

Figu re 65

of copying the se­lected music track onto the MS500. Refer to figure

64.

14. Referring to figure 65, select the “Advanced Tab”
which has “Server Information”, “Advanced Server
Functions” and “Options”.

By default the McIntosh Media Sync Computer

Program starts up every time the computer it is
installed on is switched On and the program oper­ates in the background. It automatically maintains
synchronization of the music tracks on the MS500
that were copied from the computer(s) and the
other components on the network that the MS500
is connected to.

If you do not want the McIntosh Media Sync Com-

puter Program to automatically maintain synchro­nization of the music tracks, uncheck the “OP­TIONS: Start at login”. This prevents the copying
and/or deleting music tracks on the MS500 that are
or were from the computer and the other com­ponents on the computer network. You can then
perform the copying and/or deleting music tracks
on the MS500 by manually starting the McIntosh
Media Sync Computer Program.

Refer to figure 56.

23

24

Photos

25

Specications

Audio Specifications

Fixed Output Level

2.0Vrms Unbalanced

4.0Vrms Balanced

Output Impedance

600 ohms Unbalanced and Balanced

Signal to Noise Ratio

102dB (IHF A-Weighted)

Dynamic Range

96dB

Harmonic Distortion

0.005%

Channel Separation

95dB (1,000Hz)

Digital Audio Specifications

Digital Output

Coaxial: 0.5V p-p/75 ohms
Optical: - 15dbm to -21dbm (TOS Link)

Video Specications

Signal System

Digital Video

Signal Format

HDMI and VGA

Screen Resolution

720p or 1080p

Power Control Specications

Power Control Input

5-15VDC, less than 1mA

Power Control Output

12VDC, 25mA maximum total

General Specifications

Power Requirements

Field AC Voltage conversion of the MS500 is not
possible. The MS500 is factory configured for fol­lowing AC Voltages:

100-240 Volts, 50/60Hz at 2.0 Amps
Standby: Less than 0.5 watt

Overall Dimensions

Width is 17-1/2 inches (44.4cm)
Height is 3-7/8 inches (9.8cm)
Depth is 16 inches (40.6cm) including the Front Panel

and connection cables.

Weight

13.5 pounds (6.1Kg) net (includes the external Power
Supply), 28 pounds (12.7Kg) in shipping carton

Shipping Carton Dimensions

Width is 26-1/2 inches (67.3cm)
Height is 11-3/4 inches (29.9cm)
Depth is 24-1/4 inches (62.2cm)

Digital Output Format

SPDIF (PCM1)

Digital Output Sample Rate

Up to 24-Bit/192kHz

1

PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) Digital Signal Type

26

Packing Instructions

In the event it is necessary to repack the equipment for
shipment, the equipment must be packed exactly as
shown below. It is very important that the four plas­tic feet are attached to the bottom of the equipment.
This will ensure the proper equipment location on the
bottom pad. Failure to do this will result in shipping
damage.
Use the original shipping carton and interior parts
only if they are all in good serviceable condition. If
a shipping carton or any of the interior part(s) are
needed, please call or write Customer Service Depart­ment of McIntosh Laboratory. Refer to page 4. Please
see the Part List for the correct part numbers.

Quantity Part Number Description
1 033838 Shipping carton only
4 033837 End cap

1 033836 Inside carton only
1 033725 Top pad
1 034576 Bottom pad
1 034547 Bottom filler pad
2 034446 Foam plug

Packing Instructions

MODEL NO.

POWER
SUPPLY

POWER SUPPLY
CARTON

4 017937 Plastic foot
4 400159 #10-32 x 3/4” screw
4 404080 #10 Flat washer

27

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, NY 13903
www.mcintoshlabs.com

The continuous improvement of its products is the policy of McIntosh Laboratory Incorporated who reserve the right to
improve design without notice.

The MS500 is designed to employ non-McIntosh-provided services (including but not limited to Spotify, Tidal,
Pandora, SiriusXM and Napster), some of which require separate customer subscriptions and some of which do not,
as part of the Products’ functionality. Because McIntosh cannot control the providers of such services or the services
themselves, the owner of the Product therefore assumes all risks related to the use of services provided by anyone other
than McIntosh itself. McIntosh cannot and does not warrant against, and shall have no liability of any kind for any
of the following that are attributable to non-McIntosh providers or services: (i) interruption, discontinuance, or other
unsatisfactory performance of service; (ii) reduced Product functionality that is so attributable; or (iii) any other loss or
damage of any kind that is so attributable.

Printed in the U.S.A.

McIntosh Part No. 04173401