McIntosh Academy, CS-350, HT-5 Brochure

f all audio components, the loudspeaker may
seem the least complex. Yet the many trade-

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between drivers, crossovers, and cabinet volume – call
for well-informed subjectivity. McIntosh has been sell­ing loudspeakers since 1970. Make that manufacturing
loudspeakers, as fewer and fewer speaker companies
actually build or even design what they sell. As a com­pany fixated on musical fidelity, McIntosh is uniquely
qualified to make the subjective judgements necessary
to create truly musical loudspeakers.

The new Academy Series results from the most ambi­tious speaker development project in McIntosh history.
Never have McIntosh speakers and electronics enjoyed
such harmony of quality, performance, and purpose.

The popularity of home theaters has had a dramatic
effect on the speaker market. Amid confusion over how
many speakers to buy and where to place them is a lin­gering question: Does a good “music” loudspeaker make
a good “theater” speaker, and vice versa?

With the Academy Series loudspeakers, the answers
are “yes” and “yes.” Because from the very beginning
the Academy models have been designed for low-dis­tortion performance, thanks to patented LD/HP® drivers
and unique arched bridge truss cabinet construction.
Music benefits from smooth, extended response with­out the coloration and fuzzy imaging caused by driver
distortion and cabinet vibrations. Movie sound benefits
from high power handling and fast, clean dynamic
response from the high-output LD/HP drivers.

The Academy speakers are a true family, sharing a
common tonal quality that allows for great configura­tion flexibility. Virtually any combination of speakers
can be used in multichannel applications.

High-end loudspeakers in particular are often charac­terized by just one aspect of their performance. It could
be bass response, treble transparency, depth of image,
cosmetic appearance, or even price. In all of its products,

offs in loudspeaker design – the give and take

however, McIntosh seeks balance, and so is the case
with speakers. The Academy models certainly have an
extremely smooth and broad frequency response, and
they do “measure” well in front of a microphone and
spectrum analyzer. But in the final analysis, they are
distinguished by their sheer musicality, which can only
be measured by listening.

he non-parallel, arched sides of the Academy
Series cabinets help eliminate resonances and

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response. The sides are made from several layers of
MDF and wood, laminated together for strength.
Within the graceful arch shape, internal trusses create
an extremely strong and durable cabinet virtually
immune to flutter and vibrations that distort sound.

for high efficiency as well as high power handling. For
example, the smallest Academy model – the LS320 –
will provide a sound pressure level in excess of 100dB
using McIntosh’s smallest power amplifier. Shielding
around the drivers allows safe placement near video
monitors and TV sets.

of today’s digital movie sound. Yet in contrast to most
so-called “theater” loudspeakers, they also possess the
musicality demanded by critical music listeners.

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dealers will typically recommend one of four Academy
Systems. Each system has one or more alternative model
choices and expansion options. Chances are that at
least one system will match your needs based on the
type of system you own, your budget, and the parameters
of your theater or listening room.

reflections that disrupt a smooth frequency

Academy Series drivers and crossovers are designed

Academy speakers deliver the ultra-realistic dynamics

hile you can choose virtually any combina­tion of Academy speakers for a surround­sound theater or listening room, McIntosh

Arched Cabinet Sides

The arch shape creates non-parallel
sides, preventing internal resonances
that muddy the sound.

Internal Trusses

Cross-braces span the entire length
of the arched sides, creating an
extremely rigid cabinet structure that
virtually silences unwanted vibrations.

Precision Crossovers

Designing the optimal crossover for
any speaker is a challenge. To do so
for several and make them sound like a
true family is more like an art. And this
is exactly what McIntosh has done.

LD/HP® Drivers

In a LD/HP driver, a pair of aluminum
shorting sleeves makes the magnetic

field more symmetrical
and reduces distortion.
The sleeves also lower the
impedance of the voice
coil, permitting greater
current flow and hence
higher output levels.

Bessel Function Tweeter Array

In the LS360 and CS350 the indi­vidual tweeter amplitudes and
phase relationships are adjusted so
that the array acts as a high fre­quency point source with a broad
dispersion pattern. The array also
greatly increases power handling
for high frequencies.

Hand-Crafted Drivers

Woofer and midrange cones are
constructed of polypropylene,
which has a high stiffness-to-mass
ratio and good damping properties.
Rubber surrounds ensure linear
cone excursion, and like the cones
are immune to decay. Drivers are
mounted in proprietary die-cast
aluminum frames and undergo
rigorous tests in McIntosh’s ane­choic chamber.

Flared Ports

The ports in the LS360, LS340, and
PS112 have flares at both ends to
minimize air noise with high levels
of bass.

HT-5

he HT-5 is a compact, high-performance three-way speaker
ideal for use in home theaters. In addition to the acclaimed
LD/HP® drivers – which significantly reduce bass distortion

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while increasing power handling – the HT-5 features a special tweeter
mounting that all but eliminates edge diffraction cancellation of spe­cific high frequencies. Perfect for L/C/R and surround-channel use,
the efficient HT-5 has a footprint less than ten inches square.

Black Ash finish.

PS112

hat do you get when you put 400 McIntosh watts and a McIntosh 12-inch long-throw
woofer into an enclosure with monumental rigidity? Deep, clean, glorious bass. And

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McIntosh. The PS112 delivers its punch through a 12-inch long-throw woofer featuring LD/HP®
technology, which significantly reduces bass distortion. Features include variable low- and
high-pass filters (40Hz to 120Hz), a two-position phase switch (0º, 180º), and a front-firing port.
All controls and indicators are conveniently located on the beveled glass front panel.

Natural Cherry, Red Cherry, and Black Ash (shown) finishes. Exotic woods and finishes
available by special order.

lots of it. The PS112 is the most powerful amplified subwoofer ever produced by

Academy System I

(3) HT-5 left, center, right • (2) HT-5 left & right surround • (1) PS112 subwoofer
Alternative: (1) HT12 passive subwoofer (available Spring 2001) • Expansion: (2) HT-5 back surround

HT-5

• Three-way, sealed cabinet

• Dual 6.5" woofer/mid

• 1" dome tweeter with a special
low-diffraction mounting

• Black Ash finish

PS112

• Subwoofer, ported

• 12" woofer

• 400W McIntosh amplifier

• Beveled glass control panel

• Natural Cherry, Red Cherry,
and Black Ash finishes

HT12

• Subwoofer, ported

• 12" woofer

• Black Ash finish

HT-5 HT-5PS112 HT-5

LEFT CENTER RIGHTSUB

HT-5 HT-5

SURROUND SURROUND

HT-5

BACK 1

HT-5

BACK 1

LS320

lthough it’s one of the smallest loudspeakers ever
crafted by McIntosh, the LS320 delivers full-bodied
sound, thanks to its 8-inch LD/HP® woofer. The

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tweeter features a special low-diffraction mounting that
reduces the “edge hole” effect – cancellation of certain fre­quencies caused by diffraction at the edge of the cabinet.
As in all LS models, the tweeter is mounted on traditional
McIntosh screened black glass. Natural Cherry (shown), Red

Cherry, and Black Ash finishes. Exotic woods and finishes
available by special order.

WS320

he WS320 is a high-performance, two-way in-wall speaker with an integral sealed
aluminum enclosure. The sealed enclosure enables deep bass output from the 8-inch
woofer while minimizing wall transmission into the listening room as well as adjoining

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rooms. The acclaimed LD/HP® driver significantly reduces bass distortion while increasing
power handling.

At just four inches deep, the WS320 fits within any standard wall, its grille and frame
extending just a half inch past flush. Finished in a white primer coat, the WS320 is designed
to be painted to match the surrounding decor. Perfect for applications where space and
style are primary considerations, the WS320 will be popular in home theaters as well as
multiroom systems. In addition, its tonal qualities are carefully matched to those of the LS,
CS, and HT models, making a variety of combinations possible.

Academy System II

(3) LS320 left, center, right • (2) LS320 left & right surround • (1) PS112 subwoofer
Alternatives: (1) HT-5 center • (2) WS320 left & right surround • (1) HT12 passive sub (available Spring 2001)

Expansion: (2) LS320 back surround • Expansion alternative: (2) WS320 back surround

LS320

• Two-way, sealed cabinet

• 8" woofer

• 1" dome tweeter with a
special low-diffraction
mounting

• Natural Cherry, Red
Cherry, and Black Ash
finishes

HT-5

• Three-way, sealed cabinet

• Dual 6.5" woofer/mid

• 1" dome tweeter with a
special low-diffraction
mounting

• Black Ash finish

WS320

• In-wall, two-way,
sealed enclosure

• 8" woofer

• 1" dome tweeter

• Paintable white
primer coat finish

PS112

• Subwoofer, ported

• 12" woofer

• 400W McIntosh
amplifier

• Beveled glass
control panel

• Natural Cherry,
Red Cherry, and
Black Ash finishes

HT12

• Subwoofer, ported

• 12" woofer

• Black Ash finish

LS320 WS320

SURROUND

LS320 LS320 or HT-5PS112 LS320

LEFT CENTER RIGHTSUB

WS320 LS320

SURROUND

WS320 LS320LS320 WS320

BACK 1 BACK 2

LS340

tanding a little more than three feet tall, the
elegant LS340 is a three-way design with dual
8-inch LD/HP® woofers. Like the LS320, its

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tweeter has a special low-diffraction mounting that
reduces the “edge hole” effect – cancellation of cer­tain frequencies caused by diffraction at the edge of
the cabinet. The bass port is flared at both ends to
form a natural horn and minimize air noise. As in all
LS models, the tweeter is mounted on traditional
McIntosh screened black glass. Natural Cherry

(shown), Red Cherry, and Black Ash finishes. Exotic
woods and finishes available by special order.

CS350

he CS350 is designed as the center speaker with any of the LS models. A clever stabilizer bar
on the back prevents the cabinet from rocking when placed on its side, and is adjustable to
provide a downward angle for placement above a video display.

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Dialogue intelligibility and audience coverage are the two most critical performance criteria for a
center-channel speaker. The CS350 features five tweeters wired to produce a Bessel Function array.
The individual tweeter amplitudes and phase relationships are adjusted so that the array acts as a
high frequency point source with a broad dispersion pattern. In addition, the array greatly increases
power handling for high frequencies. Natural Cherry, Red Cherry (shown), and Black Ash finishes.

Exotic woods and finishes available by special order.

Academy System III

(2) LS340 left & right • (1) CS350 center • (2) WS320 left & right surround • (1) PS112 subwoofer
Alternatives: (2) LS320 left & right surround

Expansion: (2) LS320 back surround • Expansion alternative: (2) WS320 back surround

LS340 CS350

• Three-way, ported

• Dual 8" woofers

• 6.5" midrange

• 1" dome tweeter with a
special low-diffraction
mounting

• Natural Cherry, Red
Cherry, and Black Ash
finishes

• Three-way, sealed cabinet

• Dual 6.5" woofers

• 4" midrange

• Five 1" dome tweeters in a
Bessel Function array

• Adjustable tilt bracket

• Natural Cherry, Red Cherry,
and Black Ash finishes

WS320

• In-wall, two-way,
sealed enclosure

• 8" woofer

• 1" dome tweeter

• Paintable white
primer coat finish

LS320

• Two-way, sealed cabinet

• 8" woofer

• 1" dome tweeter with a
special low-diffraction
mounting

• Natural Cherry, Red
Cherry, and Black Ash
finishes

PS112

• Subwoofer, ported

• 12" woofer

• 400W McIntosh
amplifier

• Beveled glass
control panel

• Natural Cherry,
Red Cherry, and
Black Ash finishes

WS320 LS320

SURROUND

LS340 CS350PS112 LS340

LEFT CENTER RIGHTSUB

LS320 WS320

SURROUND

WS320 LS320LS320 WS320

BACK 1 BACK 2

LS360

t just more than four feet tall, the magnificent LS360 is the flagship of the Academy Series. Like the
CS350, its five tweeters are wired to produce a Bessel Function array. The individual tweeter ampli­tudes and phase relationships are adjusted so that the array acts as a high frequency point source

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with a broad dispersion pattern. In addition, the array greatly increases power handling for high frequen­cies. Two 10-inch LD/HP® woofers and an 8-inch LD/HP® midrange round out the driver complement.
The two bass ports are flared at both ends to form a natural horn and minimize air noise. The tweeters are
mounted on traditional McIntosh screened black glass. Natural Cherry, Red Cherry, and Black Ash finishes.

Exotic woods and finishes available by special order (Piano Black shown).

Why
Choose
McIntosh?

Consumer electronics products usually are viewed as short­term investments because they don’t last or they quickly
become obsolete in some way. But behind every McIntosh is
a fifty-year heritage of excellence, proudly carried forward
by every employee. No production lines, no “price-point”
engineering, no planned obsolescence. McIntosh equipment
is made to sound better and last longer.

When customers are presented with McIntosh products, cri­teria they have been conditioned to overlook – reliability,
longevity, craftsmanship, ease-of-use, adaptability, pride of
ownership – suddenly leap to the top of their list. The choice
then becomes clear: There is nothing like a McIntosh.

Academy System IV

(2) LS360 left & right • (1) CS350 center • (2) WS320 left & right surround
(2) LS320 back surround • (2) PS112 subwoofer
Alternatives: (2) LS320 left & right surround • (2) LS320 back surround

• Three-way, dual ports

• Dual 10" woofers

• 8" midrange

• Five 1" dome tweeters in
a Bessel Function array

• Natural Cherry, Red
Cherry, and Black Ash
finishes

CS350LS360

• Three-way, sealed cabinet

• Dual 6.5" woofers

• 4" midrange

• Five 1" dome tweeters in a
Bessel Function array

• Adjustable tilt bracket

• Natural Cherry, Red Cherry,
and Black Ash finishes

WS320

• In-wall, two-way,
sealed enclosure

• 8" woofer

• 1" dome tweeter

• Paintable white
primer coat finish

PS112

• Subwoofer, ported

• 12" woofer

• 400W McIntosh amp

• Beveled glass control
panel

• Natural Cherry, Red
Cherry, and Black
Ash finishes

LS320

• Two-way, sealed cabinet

• 8" woofer

• 1" dome tweeter with a
special low-diffraction
mounting

• Natural Cherry, Red
Cherry, and Black Ash
finishes

WS320 LS320

SURROUND

LS360 CS350 PS112PS112 LS360

LEFT CENTER RIGHT SUB 2SUB 1

LS320 WS320

SURROUND

LS320 WS320WS320 LS320

BACK 1 BACK 2

Specifications

Dimensions include grille cover.

LS360 3-WAY

Anechoic Response

29Hz to 20kHz, ±2dB

Sensitivity (2.8V/1m)

88dB

Nominal Impedance

4 ohms

Drivers

(2)10" LD/HP woofer
(1) 8" LD/HP mid
(5) 1" dome tweeters

LS320 2-WAY

Anechoic Response

60Hz to 20kHz, ±2dB

Sensitivity (2.8V/1m)

86dB

Nominal Impedance

4 ohms

Drivers

(1) 8" LD/HP woofer/mid
(1) 1" dome tweeter

Crossover Frequencies

200Hz, 1.5kHz

Suggested Amp Power

200 – 600 watts

Dimensions (h x w x d)

inch: 49.25 x 13.5 x 17.38
cm: 125.1 x 34.3 x 44.1

Weight

176 lbs. (80kg) boxed ea.

Crossover Frequency

1.5 kHz

Suggested Amp Power

50 – 200 watts

Dimensions (h x w x d)

inch: 17.0 x 10.25 x 10.625
cm: 43.2 x 26 x 27.0

Weight

33 lbs. (15.0kg) boxed ea.

LS340 3-WAY

Anechoic Response

48Hz to 20kHz, ±2dB

Sensitivity (2.8V/1m)

87dB

Nominal Impedance

4 ohms

Drivers

(2) 8" LD/HP woofer
(1) 6.5" LD/HP mid
(1) 1" dome tweeter

CS350 3-WAY

Anechoic Response

80Hz to 20kHz, ±2dB

Sensitivity (2.8V/1m)

86dB

Nominal Impedance

4 ohms

Drivers

(2) 6.5" LD/HP woofer
(1) 4" LD/HP mid
(5) 1" dome tweeters

Crossover Frequencies

250 Hz, 1.5 kHz

Suggested Amp Power

100 – 350 watts

Dimensions (h x w x d)

inch: 40.25 x 10.25 x 17.38
cm: 102.2 x 26.0 x 44.1

Weight

110 lbs. (50kg) boxed ea.

Crossover Frequencies

250 Hz, 1.5 kHz

Suggested Amp Power

100 – 350 watts

Dimensions (h x w x d)

inch: 9.0 x 25.5 x 9.13
cm: 22.9 x 64.8 x 23.2

Weight

50 lbs. (22.7kg) boxed ea.

HT-5 3-WAY

Anechoic Response

80Hz to 20kHz, ±2dB

Sensitivity (2.8V/1m)

86dB

Nominal Impedance

4 ohms

Drivers

(2) 6.5" LD/HP woofer/mid
(1) 1" dome tweeter

Crossover Frequencies

400Hz, 1500Hz

Suggested Amp Power

50 – 200 watts

Dimensions (h x w x d)

inch: 20.5 x 9.25 x 9.0
cm: 52 x 23.5 x 22.9

Weight

38 lbs. (17.3kg) boxed ea.

PS112 AMPLIFIED SUBWOOFER

POWER AMPLIFIER

Power Output

400 watts sine wave cont. power

Total Harmonic Distortion

0.03% maximum from 250mw
to 400 watts

A-Weighted Hum and Noise

100dB below rated output

IHF Dynamic Headroom

1.1dB

Input Sensitivity

0.4V for rated output

Input Impedance

15k ohms

Maximum Input Signal

9V

Power Guard

Clipping is prevented and THD
does not exceed 4% with up to
10dB of overdrive

Power Requirements

120VAC 50/60 Hz at 5 amps

FILTERS AND CONTROLS

Low Pass Filter

40-120 Hz variable with defeat

High Pass Filter

40- 120 Hz variable
(RCA outputs)

WS320 2-WAY IN-WALL

Anechoic Response

60Hz to 20kHz, ±2dB

Sensitivity (2.8V/1m)

86dB

Nominal Impedance

4 ohms

Drivers

(1) 8" LD/HP woofer/mid
(1) 1" dome tweeter

Level Control

Variable level control

Low Frequency Boost

3dB at 35Hz

Power Control

5 - 20VDC trigger (1/8" mini­phone jack) or signal-sense
(RCA) input, both with 5VDC
output (1/8" mini-phone jack)

ENCLOSURE

Enclosure Configuration

Front-firing flared port design

Maximum SPL

115dB

Crossover Frequency

1.5 kHz

Suggested Amp Power

50 – 200 watts

Dimensions (h x w x d)

inch: 23.5 x 14.0 x 3.65
cm: 59.7 x 35.6 x 9.3

(fully assembled)

Weight

30 lbs. (13.6kg) boxed ea.

Driver

12" LD/HP® woofer

Dimensions (h x w x d)

inch: 22.5 x 15.0 x 19.0
cm: 57.2 x 38.1 x 48.3

Weight

119 lbs. (54.1kg) boxed ea.

tel [phone]

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc., 2 Chambers Street, Binghamton, New York 13903

• U.S. toll-free (888) 979–3737 • fax [phone] • www.mcintoshlabs.com

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