McIntosh XRT1K User Manual

Loudspeaker System

XRT1K

Owner’s Manual

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

WARNING - TO REDUCE RISK OF

FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO

NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO

RAIN OR MOISTURE.

IMPORTANT SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS!

PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE
OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS

INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO

QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

To prevent the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover or

back. No user-serviceable parts inside.

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with a non-abrasive dry soft cloth.

7. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.

8. Th is Loudspeaker is capable of producing
extremely high sound pressure levels, even
when connected to amplifiers of moderate
power output. User caution is advised. Ear
protection is recommended when playing at
high volumes as continued exposure to high
sound pressure levels can cause permanent
hearing impair ment or loss. The use of a
Sound Level Pressure Meter will greatly aid
in determining when high volume levels are
occurring.

9. Do not install near any heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.

10. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.

11. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table specified by the manufacturer,
or so ld wi t h th e ap pa ra t u s .
When a cart is used, use caution
when moving the car t/apparat us
combination to avoid injury from
tip-over.

12. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has
been damaged in any way, liquid has been spilled
or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture,
does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

13. Do not expose this equipment to dripping or
splashing and ensu re that no objects filled
with liquids, such as vases, are placed on the
equipment.

14. WARN ING : When this Loud speake r i s
connected to an amplifier that is Powered On,
the connection terminals may have hazardous
live voltages present with a risk of electric
shock.

15 . CAUT ION: Wh en thi s Loud spe ake r i s

assembled it weighs 168 pounds (76.2 kgs). It
requires three or more persons to safely move
the Loudspeaker.

2

Thank You

Table of Contents

Your decision to own this McIntosh XRT1K Loudspeaker
System ranks you at the very top among discriminating
music listeners. You now have “The Best.” The McIntosh
dedication to “Quality,” is assurance that you will receive
many years of listening enjoyment from this unit.
Please take a short time to read the information in this
manual. 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]

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]
Fax: [phone]

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

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

3

Technical Assistance and Customer Service ....................3

Table of Contents and General Information .....................3

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

Performance Features .......................................................5

Dimensions ....................................................................6-7

Installation ........................................................................ 8

How to Connect with one Amplifier ................................ 9

How to Connect using two Amplifiers .......................10-11

How to Connect using three Amplifiers .................... 12-13

Specifications .................................................................. 14

Packing Instruction .........................................................15

General Information

Caution: The XRT1K weight is 168 pounds (76.2kg). It re­quires three or more persons to safely handle the Loudspeaker
System.

1. Loudspeaker Cables of adequate size are important to en­sure that there will be no significant power loss or heating.
Cable size is specified in Gauge numbers or AWG (Ameri­can Wire Gauge). The smaller the Gauge number, the larger
the wire size:

If the Loudspeaker Cables are 50 feet (38.1m) or less,
use at least 12 Gauge (AWG) wire size or larger.
If the Loudspeaker Cables are 100 feet (76.2m) or less,
use at least 10 Gauge (AWG) wire size or larger.

2. For additional connection information, refer to the owner’s
manual(s) for any component(s) connected to the XRT1K
Loudspeaker.

3. The XRT1K’s built-in speaker protection incorporates five
automatic resetting solid-state devices in the crossover
networks. One protects the tweeters, one for the midranges
and three for the woofers. The protection allows a certain
amount of overdrive but extended periods will trigger pro­tection. If an obvious lack of high, mid or low frequencies
is noticed, the Protection Device may have activated. These
devices will automatically reset when the volume level is
reduced significantly and kept low until the output of the
affected Loudspeaker Element returns to normal.

4. When the XRT1K Loudspeaker System is driven by more
than one amplifier, the output levels of the different ampli­fiers connected to the Loudspeaker System must be adjusted
to achieve a proper balance between the low, midrange
and high frequencies reproduced. This adjustment is best
achieved through the use of audio test equipment operated
by a qualified installer.

Copyright 2007 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

3

Introduction

McIntosh Acoustic Engineers have further refined the con­cept of line source column in the XRT1K Loudspeaker to
provide superior sound reproduction in a full range system.
It uses the same acoustic technology found in the famous
XRT2K Column Loudspeakers. The technology has been
refined over the years and is now the 6th generation of the
design and provides superior
quality sound reproduction in a
full range system.

The High Frequency Sec-

tion utilizes a patented Column

1

Design

with multiple three­quarter inch Titanium Dome
Tweeters and two inch Midrange
Inverted Titanium Dome Driv­ers. Refer to figures 1 and 2.

Figure 1

Since the audio power fed
to a column is distributed
among all the drivers, each
driver does not have to work
as hard, resulting in greater
power handling capability
and a dramatic reduction
in distortion. The Sound
Waves from the Column
produce a Cylindrical Wave
Front with a stable symmet-

Figure 2

rical horizontal
sound disper­sion to minimize
undesirable
floor and ceiling
reflections that
could detract
from a stable
sound image. In

Figure 3

the illustration the Loudspeaker on the left side produces a
Cylindrical Wave Front and the Loudspeaker on the right
side produces a conventional Spherical Wave Front. Refer
to figure 3.

The Low Frequency Section of the System consists of
two 10 inch Woofers. They have a large magnet assembly
and long cone excursions with very low levels of harmonic
distortion and frequency response down to 16Hz. Refer to
figure 4. The Woofer also incorporates McIntosh’s Pat-

2

ented LD/HP

Magnetic Circuit Design. Finite Element
Analysis and testing resulted in a design concept which
utilizes a pair of aluminum shorting sleeves in the magnet­ic circuit. Refer to figure 5. The sleeves virtually elimi-

1

COLUMN Pat. No. 4,267,405 2LD/HP Pat. No 5,151,943

nate the negative
influence of the
fluctuating voice
coil field on the
permanent magnet
field. This results
in lower distor

­tion due to more
linear magnetic
flux in the voice
coil gap. Refer to
figure 6. Ad­ditional benefits
are less volume
compression due
to improved heat
transfer through
the sleeves and a
cooler operating
voice coil. Both
measurements,
as well as critical

Figure 4

listening, reveal
ten times less distortion than

LD/HP

previous designs. A good
example of this low distortion

Conventional

is incredible smoothness and
clarity in the reproduction of
the human voice.

The Crossover Network
used in the XRT1K Loud­speaker System is designed
to ensure an even frequency

Figure 5

response over
the entire au­dible range. The
Network utilizes
both Second
and Third Order
design utilizing
Capacitors and
Inductors with
high current
capacity. Refer

Figure 6

to figures 7, 8 and 9. There are two different types of low
loss (DCR) Inductors in the network, each one chosen not
to exhibit any core saturation even at high power levels.
This prevents the addition of distortion to the music at any
frequency. The Capacitors used include low loss (ESR)
Polypropylene and Mylar types. The Network also utilizes

4

Introduction and Performance Features

Performance Features

• Patented LD/HP Technology

The McIntosh Low Frequency Loudspeaker Elements
feature the patented LD/HP Magnetic Circuit Design.
This design, when compared to conventional Loudspeaker
Elements, reduces distortion significantly. It also increases
power handling and efficiency.

• Neodymium-Iron-Boron Alloy Magnets

The 44 two inch Midranges and 28 three-quarter inch
Dome Tweeters all use this Alloy. The Neodymium-Iron­Boron Alloy has the highest flux density per unit of vol
ume and helps to keep the Column weight to a minimum.

-

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

self resetting high current Poly-Switches to provide an
extra measure of protection.

The enclosure is an important part of the XRT1K
Loudspeaker System. The Loudspeaker System utilizes a
massive extruded alumi­num enclosure that houses
the Loudspeaker Drivers.
Refer to figure 10. It also
has multiple front to back
internal braces to form a
dampened rigid Column
Structure. The Column’s
small footprint allows
for a variety of different
placements in a room.

Figure 10

• Low Harmonic and Intermodulation Distortion

The XRT1K Loudspeaker System is capable of reproduc

­ing the full dynamic range of a symphony orchestra with
very low audible distortion of any kind.

• Large Long Low Frequency Port

The XRT1K Loudspeaker System utilizes a very large 6
inch diameter port to increase bass output, reduce distor

-

tion and improve the overall efficiency of the Loudspeaker.

• High Power Handling

The Loudspeaker Elements and Crossover Components of
the XRT1K are all chosen for use with powerful amplifiers
up to 1,200 watts.

• Superior Imaging

Locating the Tweeters between the two rows of Midranges
generates a symmetrical horizontal polar response for
superior imaging.

• Versatile Operation and Placement

In addition to the regular connections, the XRT1K Loud

­speaker System provides separate connections for Bi­Amplification and Tri-Amplification hookups, as well as
Bi-Wiring and Tri-Wiring.

· Extruded Column

The Column enclosure is extruded thick aluminum con

­struction with non-parallel internal sides and is given a
High Gloss Black Piano Type Finish.

• Gold Plated Input Connectors

The XRT1K input connectors are gold plated for superior
corrosion resistance and high electrical conductivity.

5

Dimensions

79-1/2"

201.9cm

Front View of the

XRT1K

Loudspeaker System

Rear View of the

XRT1K

Loudspeaker System

Side View of the

XRT1K

Loudspeaker System

14-1/2"

36.8cm

2"

5.1cm

1-25/32"

4.5cm

15-7/8"

40.3cm

1-13/16"

4.6cm

22-1/32"

55.9cm

12-1/4"

31.1cm

18-5/8"

47.3cm

15-7/32"

38.7cm

5-15/32"

13.9cm

9-1/32"

22.9cm

7-1/4"

18.4cm

11"

27.9cm

The following dimensions can assist in determining the
best location for your XRT1K Loudspeaker System.

6

Dimensions

Front View of the

XRT1K

Loudspeaker System

Top End View of the

XRT1K

Loudspeaker System

7-5/16"

18.6cm

7-5/8"

19.4cm

19-7/8"

50.5cm

26-3/4"

67.9cm

26-9/32"

66.8cm

1-3/4"

4.4cm

2-7/32"

5.6cm

5-1/2"

14.0cm

3-11/16"

9.4cm

14-1/2"

36.8cm

11"

27.9cm

15-7/8"

40.3cm

Note: The base is an integral part
of the Loudspeaker Enclosure
and is not removable for
custom installation

7

Installation

Lift up here

Lift up here

Loudspeaker Placement

Loudspeaker placement in a room can greatly affect per­formance. The XRT1K Loudspeaker is designed for both
Music and Home Theater Systems. The optimal method
for selecting speaker locations includes the use of a real
time spectrum analyzer operated by an experienced system
installer. An uncompromising installation would take into
consideration the floor, wall and ceiling coverings, the
type and placement of furniture and can even include the
architectural design of the room and its construction ma­terials. In those instances where placement in the room is
fixed, an enviromental equalizer may be needed to restore
proper musical balance.

Placement near a wall, corner, floor, ceiling or any
intersecting surfaces will reinforce or diminish some bass
frequencies. The bass frequencies that are altered by place­ment in a particular location is dependent on the dimen­sions of the room. If professional measurement equipment
is not available, listen to the Loudspeaker. Try various
locations by listening to music containing continuous bass
and finding a location where there is an over all musi­cal balance in the sound and the bass content is does not
predominate.

The XRT1K Column’s Smooth Frequency Response
may be altered by a large
object(s) located in the sound
waves path or by locating the
column too close to a side wall.
There should be an unobstruct­ed area in front of the column
of at least 30 degrees either side
from the center axis for the best
performance. Refer to figure 1.

Figure 1

Locating Loudspeakers for use in Home Theater

In a Home Theater application, the placement of Left and
Right Front Loudspeakers can
be limited by such consider

­ations as the size and loca­tion of the video monitor. The
locating suggestions in the “for
use in a Music System” sec­tion below can still be helpful
as a starting place. Refer to
figure 2.

Figure 2

Loudspeakers and the listener
to the Loudspeakers should
form an equilaterial or an
acute isosceles triangle. If
the speakers are too far apart
relative to the listener, some
imaging can be lost. Refer to
figure 3.

Figure 3

Unpacking the Loudspeaker

To protect the fine finish of the XRT1K Loudspeaker
System during the installation process, it is advisable to
prepare a suitable adjustment area. A freshly vacuumed
carpeted area covered with a soft, clean fabric, such as a
large bed linen or blanket would be suitable.

It is recommended that the Professionals at your McIn

­tosh Dealer, who are skilled in all aspects of installation
and operation, install the XRT1K Loudspeaker System and
any associated audio equipment.

CAUTION: This Loudspeaker weighs 168 pounds (76.2 kgs).

It requires three or more persons to safely handle
the Loudspeaker.

1. Orient the XRT1K shipping carton with the arrows on
the outside of the carton pointing upward.

2. Remove the banding material from the shipping car­ton and lift off the top of the shipping carton and set it
aside.

3. Remove the Top Foam peices from the Loudspeaker
and lift up on the rear of the Loudspeaker and place it
on the prepared working area. Refer to figure 4.

4. Stand the Loudspeaker upright and remove the Blue
Protective Cloth Cover.

5. Place the Loudspeaker in the desired location. Retain
the shipping carton, foam packing material and cloth
cover for possible future use.

Locating Loudspeakers for use in a Music System

When used in a Music System the distance between the

8

Figure 4

How to Connect using a single Amplifier

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Caution: The AC Power Cord should not be connected to the

Power Amplifier until after the Loudspeaker Con­nections have been made. Failure to observe this
could result in Electric Shock.

1. Prepare Loudspeaker cables by choosing one of the
methods below:

Bare wire cable ends:
Carefully remove sufficient insulation from the

cable ends, refer to figures 9, 10 & 11. If the cable
is stranded, carefully twist the strands together as
tightly as possible.

Note: If desired, the twisted ends can be tinned with

solder to keep the strands together or attach
spade lugs.

Spade lug or prepared wire connection:
Insert the spade lug connector or prepared section

of the cable end into the terminal side access hole,
and tighten the terminal cap until the cable is firmly
clamped into the terminal so the wires cannot slip
out. Refer to figures 12, 13 & 14.

How to Connect using a single Amplifier

McIntosh Power Amplif ier

2. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the XRT1K LOW

3. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the XRT1K LOW

4. Tighten all of the Loudspeaker and Amplifier Binding

Frequency COM (-) Binding Post to the (-) Binding
Post of the Power Amplifier.

Notes: 1. It is important to maintain the correct polarity

at both ends of the Loudspeaker cables.

2. For proper operation the metal jumpers must
be installed between the Loudspeaker Terminal
Posts as illustrated.

Frequency 8Ω (+) Binding Post to the (8 ohm) Binding
Post of the Power Amplifier.

Posts.

Jumpers

Jumpers

9

How to Connect using a two Amplifiers

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Caution: The AC Power Cord should not be connected to the

Power Amplifier until after the Loudspeaker Con­nections have been made. Failure to observe this
could result in Electric Shock.

1. Prepare Loudspeaker cables by choosing one of the
methods below:

Bare wire cable ends:
Carefully remove sufficient insulation from the

cable ends, refer to figures 9, 10 & 11. If the cable
is stranded, carefully twist the strands together as
tightly as possible.

Note: If desired, the twisted ends can be tinned with

solder to keep the strands together or attach
spade lugs.

Spade lug or prepared wire connection:
Insert the spade lug connector or prepared section

of the cable end into the terminal side access hole,
and tighten the terminal cap until the cable is firmly
clamped into the terminal so the wires cannot slip
out. Refer to figures 12, 13 & 14.

Post of the Power Amplifier number one.

6. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the XRT1K MID
Frequency COM (-) Binding Post to the (-) Binding
Post of the Power Amplifier number two.

7. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the XRT1K MID
Frequency 8Ω (+) Binding Post to the (8 ohm) Binding
Post of the Power Amplifier number two.

8. Tighten all of the Loudspeaker and Amplifier Binding
Posts.

McIntosh Power Amplif ier number one

2. Remove the metal jumper between the Loudspeaker

3. Remove the metal jumper between the Loudspeaker

4. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the XRT1K LOW

5. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the XRT1K LOW

10

LOW Frequency COM (-) Binding Post and MID Fre

-

quency COM (-) Binding Post.

LOW Frequency 8Ω (+) Binding Post and MID Fre­quency 8Ω (+) Binding Post.

Frequency COM (-) Binding Post to the (-) Binding
Post of the Power Amplifier number one.

Notes: 1. It is important to maintain the correct polarity

at both ends of the Loudspeaker cables.

2. For proper operation the metal jumpers must
be installed between the Loudspeaker Terminal
Posts as illustrated.

Frequency 8Ω (+) Binding Post to the (8 ohm) Binding

How to Connect using a two Amplifiers

McIntosh Power Amplif ier number two

Jumper

Jumper

11

How to Connect using a three Amplifiers

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Caution: The AC Power Cord should not be connected to the

Power Amplifier until after the Loudspeaker Con­nections have been made. Failure to observe this
could result in Electric Shock.

1. Prepare Loudspeaker cables by choosing one of the
methods below:

Bare wire cable ends:
Carefully remove sufficient insulation from the

cable ends, refer to figures 9, 10 & 11. If the cable
is stranded, carefully twist the strands together as
tightly as possible.

Note: If desired, the twisted ends can be tinned with

solder to keep the strands together or attach
spade lugs.

Spade lug or prepared wire connection:
Insert the spade lug connector or prepared section

of the cable end into the terminal side access hole,
and tighten the terminal cap until the cable is firmly
clamped into the terminal so the wires cannot slip
out. Refer to figures 12, 13 & 14.

8. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the XRT1K HIGH
Frequency COM (-) Binding Post to the (-) Binding
Post of the Power Amplifier number three.

9. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the XRT1K HIGH
Frequency 8Ω (+) Binding Post to the (8 ohm) Binding
Post of the Power Amplifier number three.

10. Tighten all of the Loudspeaker and Amplifier Binding
Posts.

McIntosh Power Amplif ier number one

2. Remove all four metal jumpers between Loudspeaker

4. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the XRT1K LOW

5. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the XRT1K LOW

6. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the XRT1K MID

7. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the XRT1K MID

12

Binding Posts.

Frequency COM (-) Binding Post to the (-) Binding
Post of the Power Amplifier number one.

Note: It is important to maintain the correct polarity

at both ends of the Loudspeaker cables.

Frequency 8Ω (+) Binding Post to the (8 ohm) Binding
Post of the Power Amplifier number one.

Frequency COM (-) Binding Post to the (-) Binding
Post of the Power Amplifier number two.

Frequency 8Ω (+) Binding Post to the (8 ohm) Binding
Post of the Power Amplifier number two.

McIntosh Power Amplif ier number three

How to Connect using a three Amplifiers

McIntosh Power Amplif ier number two

13

Specifications

Specifications

System Driver Complement

Two 10 inch LD/HP Woofers
Forty-four 2 inch Titanium Inverted
Dome Midranges
Twenty-eight 3/4 inch Titanium Dome Tweeters

Impedance

8 ohms Nominal

Frequency Response

16Hz - 45kHz

Sensitivity

88dB (2.8V/1m equivalent)

Crossover Frequencies

250Hz
2,000Hz

Power Handling

1,200 Watts Maximum

General Specifications

Finish Enclosures

High Gloss Black

Finish Grille

Black Knit Cloth with High Gloss Black Trim

Overall Dimensions

Height is 79-1/2 inches (201.9cm) including feet
Width is 14-1/2 inches (36.8cm)
Depth is 15-7/8 inches (40.3cm)

Weight

168 pounds (76.2 kg) net
241 pounds (109.3kg) in shipping carton

14

Packing Instructions

Top End
Foam Cap

Center
Support
Foam

Bottom End
Foam Cap

Bottom
Shipping
Carton

Top
Shipping
Carton

Blue
Protective
Cloth Cover

Packing Instructions

In the event it is necessary to repack the equipment for
shipment, the equipment must be packed exactly as shown
below. To protect the finish of the Loudspeaker it is advis­able to place it in the original protective cotton blue cover
before placing it into the shipping carton.

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. Please see the Part List for the correct part numbers.

Quantity Part Number Description
1 034376 Top shipping carton
1 034375 Bottom shipping carton
1 034371 Top end foam cap
1 034369 Bottom end foam cap
3 034370 Center support foam
1 034413 Blue Protective cloth cover

15

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

2 Chambers Street

Binghamton, NY 13903

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

McIntosh Part No. 04101401