f all audio components, the loudspeaker may Oseem the least complex. Yet the many tradeoffs in loudspeaker design – the give and take 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-dis- tortion 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,
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 TSeries cabinets help eliminate resonances and reflections that disrupt a smooth frequency 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. Academy Series drivers and crossovers are designed
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.
Academy speakers deliver the ultra-realistic dynamics 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.
hile you can choose virtually any combina- Wtion of Academy speakers for a surroundsound theater or listening room, McIntosh 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.
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
Tideal for use in home theaters. In addition to the acclaimed LD/HP® drivers – which significantly reduce bass distortion
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
Wwoofer into an enclosure with monumental rigidity? Deep, clean, glorious bass. And lots of it. The PS112 is the most powerful amplified subwoofer ever produced by
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 lowand 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.
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