McIntosh Just Gave Its Gorgeous Audiophile Amplifier a Modern Hi-Fi Upgrade

The iconic American hi-fi manufacturer just made its flagship streaming amplifier even better.

Close-up of a McIntosh MSA5500 integrated amplifier showing power output meter, input knob, and headphone jack.

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Published November 11, 2025

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Nearly one year ago, McIntosh introduced the MSA5500 ($8,000), a new flagship streaming amplifier with a wealth of wired and wireless connections, along with enough power to drive a high-end pair of bookshelf or floorstanding loudspeakers.

And now the famed New York-based hi-fi manufacturer just rolled out a software update that makes its beautiful amplifier even better.

Black McIntosh MSA5500 streaming integrated amplifier with blue power output meters and green digital display. — The McIntosh MSA5500 is a high-end streaming integrated amplifier with a built-in phono stage and an HDMI eARC input.

Since McIntosh introduced the streaming amplifier, Spotify has finally introduced lossless-quality tracks, which can be listened to by anyone with a Spotify Premium subscription (including those on family plans) at no additional cost.

However, it’s taken some time for many existing devices to support Spotify Lossless, including McIntosh’s streaming amplifier. But that’s now changed.

A Spotify Lossless Upgrade

Modern living room with a wall-mounted TV showing ocean waves, two tall black speakers, a wooden media console, and soft seating. — The MSA5500 is an amplifier that can output 100 watts (into 8 ohms) or 160 watts (into 4 ohms) per channel.

Thanks to the software update, the McIntosh MSA5500 now supports Spotify Lossless, allowing owners of the streaming amplifier who are also Spotify subscribers to play up to 24-bit/44.1 kHz FLAC files.

This is a big boon for Spotify subscribers, of course, but it should be noted that the McIntosh MSA5500 can stream even higher-resolution audio — up to 24-bit/192 kHz FLAC — from services like Tidal, Qobuz and Apple Music.

Black McIntosh DS200 streaming DAC with digital display showing "Bluetooth Connected" and a remote control on a gray surface. — McIntosh has rolled out Spotify Lossless support to its DS200 Streaming DAC (*pictured*) and MX123 A/V Processor, too.

In addition to the MSA5500, it’s worth noting that McIntosh also rolled out the software update that supports Spotify Lossless to two other of its streaming devices, including the DS200 Streaming DAC ($6,000) and MX123 A/V Processor ($10,500).

If you’re a Spotify subscriber who owns MSA5500, you can enjoy these higher-resolution tracks by making sure the software is up to date. Also, make sure your Spotify audio settings are set to the highest possible resolution. In the app, select Settings > Media Quality, then check Lossless.

McIntosh MSA5500 Streaming Amplifier

$8,000 at McIntosh

About the Author: Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. With a passion for consumer tech and hi-fi, he tracks everything from headphones and turntables to smartphones and wearables. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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