McIntosh XRT2K User Manual

Loudspeaker System

XRT2K

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. This 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 impairment 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
sold with the apparatus. When a cart
is used, use caution when moving the
cart/apparatus 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 ensure that no objects filled with
liquids, such as vases, are placed on the
equipment.

14. WARNING: When this Loudspeaker is
connected to an amplifier that is Powered On,
the connection terminals may have hazardous
live voltages present with a risk of electric
shock.

15. CAUTION: When this Loudspeaker is
assembled it weighs 452 pounds (205.0 kgs). It
requires four or more persons to safely move
the Loudspeaker.

2

Safety Instructions

Thank You

Your decision to own this McIntosh XRT2K 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 musical 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]

Copyright 2005 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

Table of Contents

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

Thank You and Please Take a Moment .............................. 3

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

Table of Contents and Important Information .................... 3

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

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

Dimensions ...................................................................... 6-8

Unpacking and Assembly .............................................. 9-10

Room Placement .............................................................. 11

Midrange/High Frequency Column, Low Frequency Col-

umn Base Connections ..................................................... 12

Low Frequency Column Rear Panel Connections ............ 13

How to Connect using a single amplifier ......................... 14

How to Connect using two amplifiers .............................. 16

How to Connect using three amplifiers ............................ 18

Photos ......................................................................... 20-21

Specifications ................................................................... 22

Packing Instruction .......................................................... 23

Important Information

Caution: The XRT2K when assembled weight is 452 pounds

(205.0kg). It requires four 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 XRT2K
Loudspeaker.

3. The XRT2K’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 XRT2K 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.

3

Introduction

For the first time, the new McIntosh XRT2K Loudspeaker
System is capable of reproducing the full dynamic range of
a symphony orchestra including pipe organ without audible
distortion. McIntosh Acoustic Engineers have refined the
line source Column Loudspeaker concept and the XRT2K
Loudspeaker System is the 6th in a generation of that pat­ented design1. It provides
superior quality midrange
and high frequency sound
reproduction in a full
range system.

The High Frequency
Section utilizes a patented
Column Design1 with mul­tiple two inch Midrange
Inverted Titanium Dome
Drivers and three-quarter
inch Titanium Dome

Figure 1

Tweeters. Refer to fig­ures 1 and 2. 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

Figure 2

with a stable symmetrical horizontal sound dispersion while
minimizing undesirable floor and ceiling reflections that de­tract from a
stable
sound im­age. Refer
to figure 3.
In the illus­tration, the
Loud­speaker on
the left side

Figure 3

produces a Cylindrical Wave Front and the Loudspeaker on
the right side produces a conventional Spherical Wave
Front.

1

COLUMN Pat. No. 4,267,405

The Low Frequency Section of the System consists of
six 12 inch Aluminum Cone Woofers capable of long cone
excursions. The sound produced has very low levels of har­monic dis­tortion and
a fre­quency re­sponse
down to
16Hz.
They have
a large mo­tor assem­bly made
with High
Tempera­ture

Figure 4

Neodymium magnets with inherent shielding to greatly re­duce any external magnetic field. Refer to figure 4. The
woofer design also utilizes an aluminum shorting ring, cop­per capped pole piece, three inch diameter voice coil and
two cone centering devices. This results in lower distortion
due to more linear magnetic flux in the voice coil gap. A
good example of this low distortion is incredible smoothness
and effortless clarity in the reproduction of the human voice.

The Crossover Networks used in the XRT2K Loud­speaker System are designed to ensure a smooth frequency
response over the entire audible range. The Low Frequency
Crossover Network is a quasi-second order design. Refer to
figure 5. Along with the column arrangement, this network

Figure 5

acoustically sums to a fourth order Linkwitz-Riley low
pass. The Midrange Crossover Network is a second order
high pass and low pass design. Refer to figure 6. Acousti­cally, the high pass sums to a fourth order Legendre and the

4

Introduction and Performance Features

tem weight to a minimum while preserving the utmost in
performance.

Shielded Magnetic Field

•

The XRT2K may also be used in Home Theater Installa­tions near a television receiver or monitor without causing
the television image to degrade. By design, all of the speak­ers’ magnetic structures are inherently shielded which pre­vents interference.

Figure 6

low pass sums to a fourth order Linkwitz-Riley. The
Tweeter Crossover Network is a second order design; how­ever, this acoustically sums to a fourth order Linkwitz­Riley high pass. Refer to figure 7. All these acoustic Fourth

Figure 7

Order designs keep the speakers operating within their opti­mum frequency range while offering the best blending of
each speaker. All network inductors are air core designs; so
they will not add distortion. All network capacitors are film
type for extra reliability. All the Capacitors and Inductors
are chosen for high current capacity. Each section of the
network utilizes it own self resetting high current PTC type
fuses to provide an extra measure of protection.

Low Harmonic and Intermodulation Distortion

•

The XRT2K Loudspeaker System is capable of reproducing
the full dynamic range of a symphony orchestra including
pipe organ without audible distortion of any kind.

High Power Handling

•

The Loudspeaker Elements and Crossover Components of
the XRT2K are all chosen for use with powerful amplifiers
up to 2,000 watts.

Superior Imaging

•

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

Versatile Operation and Placement

•

In additional to the regular connections, the XRT2K Loud­speaker System provides separate connections for Bi-Am­plification and Tri-Amplification hookups, as well as Bi­Wiring and Tri-Wiring.

• •

• Extruded and Machined Side Panels and Column

• •

The sides of the XRT2K Low Frequency enclosures and the
Midrange/Tweeter Column enclosure are machined from
extruded thick aluminum panels to be non-parallel and are
given a High Gloss Black Piano Type Finish.

Performance Features

High Temperature Neodymium-Iron-Boron Alloy

•

Magnets

The 6 twelve inch Woofers, 64 four inch Midranges and 40
three-quarter inch Dome Tweeters all use this Alloy. The
Neodymium-Iron-Boron Alloy has the highest flux density
per unit of volume and helps to keep the Loudspeaker Sys-

Gold Plated Input Connectors

•

The XRT2K input connectors are gold plated for superior
corrosion resistance and high electrical conductivity.

5

Dimensions

The following dimensions can assist in determining the best
location for your XRT2K Loudspeaker System.

83

-7/8

213.04cm

Front View of the

XRT2K

Loudspeaker System

"

9

-1/2

"

24.13cm

80

-9/16

204.63cm

Side View of the

XRT2K

Loudspeaker System

14

-15/32

"

36.75cm

2

-17/32

"

6.43cm

"

3

-3/8

"

8.57cm

19"

48.26cm

6

18"

45.72cm

Dimensions

Rear View of the

XRT2K

Loudspeaker System

48

-1/16

122.08cm

"

44

-5/32

112.16cm

"

41

104.30cm

-1/16

"

37

-5/32

94.38cm

"

34

-23/32

88.19cm

"

26

68.02cm

-25/32

"

24

-11/32

61.83cm

"

16

-13/32

41.67cm

"

13

-15/16

35.40cm

7

-3/16

18.26cm

"

"

6

-1/32

15.32cm

"

11

-13/16

30.00cm

"

7

Dimensions, con’t

Front View of the

XRT2K

Midrange and High Frequency Column

6

-9/16

"

16.67cm

4

-3/4

"

12.07cm

2

-15/16

"

7.46cm

-1/2

"

7

19.05cm

Front View of the

XRT2K

Low Frequency Column

12

-3/4

32.39cm

"

49

-1/2

"

125.73cm

12

-3/4

2

-3/16

1

-3/4

"

4.45cm

9

-1/4

"

23.50cm

8

9

23.57cm

5.56cm

-9/32

"

"

32.39cm

10

-1/4

26.04cm

"

"

Unpacking and Assembly

Unpacking and Assembly

Follow the instructions below for unpacking and assembling
the XRT2K Loudspeaker System. To protect the fine finish
of the XRT2K Loudspeaker System during the assembly
process, it is advisable to prepare a suitable assembly area.
A freshly vacuumed carpeted area covered with a soft, clean
fabric, such as a large bed linen or blanket would be suit­able. Start by unpacking the Midrange/High Frequency Col­umn.

It is recommended that the Professionals at your McIn­tosh Dealer, who are skilled in all aspects of installation and
operation, install the XRT2K Loudspeaker System and any
associated audio equipment.

CAUTION: When this Loudspeaker is assembled

it weighs 452 pounds (205.0 kgs). It
requires four or more persons to
safely handle during assembly and
placement in the room.

Unpacking the Midrange/High Frequency Column

1. Remove the banding material from the shipping carton.
Refer to figure 1.

2. Lift off the top of the
shipping carton and set
it aside.

3. Remove the accessory
carton from the ship­ping carton end.

4. Lift up on the rear of
the Midrange/High Frequency Column, which is located
under the larger
Low Frequency
Column Grille.
Place the entire
assembly
(Midrange/High
Frequency Column
with Grille attached, Low
Frequency Column Grille and foam
packing material) in a safe area. Refer to
figure 2.

5. Release the Low Frequency Column Grille from the
foam packing material leaving it in the protective blue
cloth cover and set it aside.

6. In a similar manner, release the Midrange/High Fre­quency Column with Grille in the protective blue cloth
cover and set it aside.

Note: Save the pieces of foam packing material, as it will

be used later during assembly of the Loudspeaker.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Unpacking the Low Frequency Column (Lower Section)

1. Remove the banding material from the shipping carton.

2. Lift off the top of the shipping carton and set it aside.

Note: When the top shipping carton is lifted up and

away, the sides of the bottom shipping carton will
unfold providing easier access to the column.

3. Remove the packing material from the bottom of the
Low Frequency Column (with the base attached) and
untie the draw cords on the bottom of the protective
blue cloth cover.

4. Push the cloth cover up over the base of the column and
position the column upright resting on its base.

5. Remove the remainder of the packing material from the
column and the protective blue cloth cover.

Note: Save the protective blue cloth cover as it will be

used later during assembly of the Loudspeaker.

6. Relocate the Low Frequency Column (Lower Section)
onto the previously prepared assembly area with the
Woofers facing upward. The bottom of the column base
will need to be easily accessible for fastening both sec­tions of the columns together. Sufficient space also
needs to be provided for positioning the Low Frequency
Column (Upper Section), next to be unpacked, with the
Low Frequency Column (Lower Section).

Unpacking the Low Frequency Column (Upper Section)

1. Remove the banding material from the shipping carton.

2. Lift off the top of the shipping carton and set it aside.

3. Remove the packing material from the bottom of the
Low Frequency Column (Upper Section) with the flat
end and untie the draw cords on the bottom of the pro­tective blue cloth cover.

4. Push the cloth cover up over the flat end of the column
and position the column upright resting on its flat end.

5. Remove the remainder of the packing material from the
column and the protective blue cloth cover.

Note: Save the protective blue cloth cover as it will be

used later during assembly of the Loudspeaker.

6. Relocate the Low Frequency Column (Upper Section)
together with the previously placed Low Frequency
Column (Lower Section) in the assembly area.

Assembly of the Low Frequency Column (Lower and
Upper Sections)

1. Locate the supplied tools in the Accessory Carton previ­ously removed from the Midrange/High Frequency Col­umn Shipping Carton.

2. Line up the three metal pins located on the top metal
plate of the Low Frequency Column (Lower Section)
with the three openings on the bottom metal plate of the

9

Low Frequency Column (Upper Section). Refer to fig­ure 3.

3. Carefully push
together the

Upper Woofer
Column

two Low

Socket and Cable

Midrange/Tweeter Column in cloth cover

Lower Woofer
Column

Openings
for pins

HEX
Head
Bolts

Figure 3

Frequency Columns (Lower and Upper Sections).

4. Using the socket tool, tighten the four hex head bolts
until the Low Frequency Column (Lower and Upper
Sections) is pulled together with no space between the
two sections.

Final Assembly of the Loudspeaker

1. Locate the previously removed protective blue cloth
covers and drape them over the top of the Low Fre­quency Column (Lower and Upper Sections), to tempo-

Blue protective cloth covers

Figure 6

4. Untie the cloth cover draw cords on the Midrange/High
Frequency Column and push up the cover about six
inches (15.24cm). Using the supplied “T” handle tool
remove the hex head screws from the bottom of the col­umn. These screws will be used later to fasten the Col­umn to base in step number 8. Refer to figure 8.

5. Locate the cable coming from inside the Low Frequency
Column base and orient it to match up with the socket
located on the rear of the Midrange/High Frequency
Column.

6. Insert the plug into the socket and rotate the locking col­lar clockwise until it is finger tight.

7. Remove the end piece of foam, leaving the three center
pieces of on top of the Low Frequency Column. Refer
to figure 5. Then reposition the bottom of the Midrange/
High Frequency Column to fit into the channel opening
of the Low Frequency Column base. Refer to figure 7.

Figure 4

rarily protect the Woofers. Refer to figure 4.

2. Place four pieces of foam packing material removed
from the Midrange/High Frequency Column Shipping
Carton, on top of the cloth covers placed in step 1. Re­fer to figure 5.

End piece of foam

Center pieces of foam

Figure 5

3. Locate the Midrange/High Frequency Column and
place it on top of the foam packing material placed in
step 2, making sure the end with the draw cords is
placed near the base end of the Low Frequency Column
and the Grille is facing upwards. Refer to figure 6.

10

Figure 7

8. Using the previously removed hex head screws and “T”
handle tool, fasten the Midrange/High Frequency Col­umn to the metal plate part of the Low Frequency Col­umn base. Refer to figure 8.

9. Position the Loudspeaker
System upright rest­ing on its base.

Note: Do not lift up

on the
Midrange/
High
Frequency
Column.

10. Remove the three center
foam packing materials and

HEX Head
Screws

Figure 8

the three protective blue cloth covers.

11. Remove the protective blue cloth cover from the Low
Frequency Column Grille and attach the Grille to the
Low Frequency Column.

Room Placement

Loudspeaker placement in a room can greatly affect
performance. The XRT2K 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 environmental equalizer may be needed to restore
proper musical balance.

Placement near a wall, corner, floor, ceiling or any inter­secting surfaces will reinforce some bass frequencies.
Which bass frequencies are boosted by placement in a par­ticular location is dependent on the dimensions of the room.
Test the various Loudspeaker locations by playing music
with continuous bass, setting up the speakers and listening
to them from the main listening spot. Move the Loudspeak­ers to an alternate location and repeat the listening, paying
attention to how the bass qualities and response levels
change. Do not assume the loudest bass is best; rather listen
for booming (a lack of articulation), as well as a balance
over the whole spectrum, to assure the bass will not drown
out the other parts of the music. Experiment with various
Loudspeaker positions until the locations that sound best are
found.

The XRT2K Midrange/High Frequency Column’s
Smooth Frequency Response may be altered by 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 60 degrees
either side from the center axis for the best performance.
Refer to figure 9.

Room Placement

Figure 9

Figure 10

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
considerations 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 10.

Locating Loudspeakers for use in a Music System

When used in a Music System the distance between the
Loudspeakers and the listener to the Loudspeakers should
form a equilateral to an acute isosceles triangle. If the
speakers are too far apart relative to the listener, some
imaging can be lost. Refer to figure 11.

Figure 11

11

Midrange/Tweeter Column Rear Panel and Low Frequency Column Base Connections

The 16 pin plug and cable at
the front bottom of the LOW
Frequency Column Base con­nects to the MIDRANGE/
HIGH Frequency Column 16
pin Connector

MIDRANGE/HIGH Frequency
Column 16 pin Connector, con­nects to the 16 pin plug and
cable coming from the LOW
Frequency Column Base

12

Low Frequency Column Rear Panel Connections

Low Frequency Column Lower Section Connec­tions connect to the Low Frequency Column
Upper Section Connections.

Note: Do not operate the XRT2K Loudspeaker

System unless the Low Frequency Column
Lower and Upper sections are connected
together.

HIGH Frequency Input Connections 1, 2, and 3

1

2

3

for a 8 ohm Loudspeaker.

Note: 1, 2 and 3 Terminals (+) are internally

connected together; 1, 2 and 3 Terminals
(-) are also internally connected together.

MIDrange Frequency Input Connections 1, 2,

1

2

and 3 for a 8 ohm Loudspeaker.

Note: 1, 2 and 3 Terminals (+) are internally

connected together; 1, 2 and 3 Terminals
(-) are also internally connected together.

3

LOW Frequency Input Connections 1, 2, and 3

1

2

for a 8 ohm Loudspeaker.

Note: 1, 2 and 3 Terminals (+) are internally

connected together; 1, 2 and 3 Terminals
(-) are also internally connected together.

3

Low Frequency Column Up­per Section Connections con­nect to the Low Frequency
Column Lower Section Con­nections.

Note: Do not operate the

XRT2K Loudspeaker
System unless the Low
Frequency Column
Lower and Upper
Sections are connected
together.

13

13

How to Connect using a single Amplifier

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 two 14 inch (35.6cm) Jumper Wires for
connecting the Low Frequency Column, Lower
and Upper Sections together by choosing one of
the methods below:

Bare wire cable ends:
Carefully remove sufficient insulation from
the cable ends, refer to figures 12, 13 & 14.
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 15, 16 & 17.

to the (8 ohm) Binding Post C of the Power
Amplifier.

6. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the XRT2K
MID Frequency INPUTS 3 (-) Binding Post on
the Low Frequency Column Lower Section to
the (-) Binding Post B of the Power Amplifier.

7. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the XRT2K
MID Frequency INPUTS 3 (+) Binding Post on
the Low Frequency Column Lower Section to
the (8 ohm) Binding Post B of the Power Am­plifier.

8. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the XRT2K
LOW Frequency INPUTS 3 (-) Binding Post
on the Low Frequency Column Lower Section
to the (-) Binding Post A of the Power Ampli­fier.

9. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the XRT2K
LOW Frequency INPUTS 3 (+) Binding Post
on the Low Frequency Column Lower Section
to the (8 ohm) Binding Post A of the Power
Amplifier.

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

11. Connect the remaining XRT2K Loudspeaker(s)
and Power Amplifier Channel(s) in the same
manner.

2. Connect a 14 inch Jumper Wire from the Low
Frequency Column Upper Section (-) Binding
Post to the Low Frequency Column Lower Sec­tion (-) Binding Post.

3. Connect a 14 inch Jumper Wire from the Low
Frequency Column Upper Section (+) Binding
Post to the Low Frequency Column Lower Sec­tion (+) Binding Post.

4. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the XRT2K
HIGH Frequency INPUTS 3 (-) Binding Post
on the Low Frequency Column Lower Section
to the (-) Binding Post C of the Power Ampli­fier.

5. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the XRT2K
HIGH Frequency INPUTS 3 (+) Binding Post
on the Low Frequency Column Lower Section

14 14

McIntosh MC2KW Power Amplifier

How to Connect using a single Amplifier

14 inch (35.6cm)
Jumper Wires

1

2

3

1

2

3

1

2

3

1515

How to Connect using two Amplifiers

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 two 14 inch (35.6cm) Jumper Wires for
connecting the Low Frequency Column, Lower
and Upper Sections together by choosing one of
the methods below:

Bare wire cable ends:
Carefully remove sufficient insulation from
the cable ends, refer to figures 12, 13 & 14.
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 15, 16 & 17.

2. Connect a 14 inch Jumper Wire from the Low

Frequency Column Upper Section (-) Binding
Post to the Low Frequency Column Lower Sec­tion (-) Binding Post.

3. Connect a 14 inch Jumper Wire from the Low
Frequency Column Upper Section (+) Binding
Post to the Low Frequency Column Lower Sec­tion (+) Binding Post.

4. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the XRT2K
HIGH Frequency INPUTS 3 (-) Binding Post
on the Low Frequency Column Lower Section
to the (-) Binding Post C of the Power Ampli­fier number one.

5. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the XRT2K
HIGH Frequency INPUTS 3 (+) Binding Post
on the Low Frequency Column Lower Section

to the (8 ohm) Binding Post C of the Power
Amplifier number one.

6. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the XRT2K
MID Frequency INPUTS 2 (-) Binding Post on
the Low Frequency Column Lower Section to
the (-) Binding Post B of the Power Amplifier
number one.

7. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the XRT2K
MID Frequency INPUTS 2 (+) Binding Post on
the Low Frequency Column Lower Section to
the (8 ohm) Binding Post B of the Power Am­plifier number one.

6. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the XRT2K
MID Frequency INPUTS 3 (-) Binding Post on
the Low Frequency Column Lower Section to
the (-) Binding Post A of the Power Amplifier
number one.

7. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the XRT2K
MID Frequency INPUTS 3 (+) Binding Post on
the Low Frequency Column Lower Section to
the (8 ohm) Binding Post A of the Power Am­plifier number one.

8. Connect Loudspeaker cables from the XRT2K
LOW Frequency INPUTS 3 (-) and (+) Binding
Posts on the Low Frequency Column Lower
Section to the (-) and (8 ohm) Binding Posts A
of the Power Amplifier number two.

Note: It is important to maintain the correct

polarity at both ends of the Loudspeaker
cables.

9. Connect Loudspeaker cables from the XRT2K
LOW Frequency INPUTS 2 (-) and (+) Binding
Posts on the Low Frequency Column Lower
Section to the (-) and (8 ohm) Binding Posts B
of the Power Amplifier number two.

10. Connect Loudspeaker cables from the XRT2K
LOW Frequency INPUTS 1 (-) and (+) Binding
Posts on the Low Frequency Column Lower
Section to the (-) and (8 ohm) Binding Posts C
of the Power Amplifier number two.

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

12. Connect the remaining XRT2K Loudspeaker(s)
and Power Amplifier Channel(s) in the same
manner.

McIntosh MC2KW Power Amplifier number two

16 16

McIntosh MC2KW Power Amplifier number one

How to Connect using two Amplifiers

14 inch (35.6cm)
Jumper Wires

1

2

3

1

2

3

1

2

3

1717

How to Connect using three Amplifiers

McIntosh MC2KW Power Amplifier number three

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 two 14 inch (35.6cm) Jumper Wires for
connecting the Low Frequency Column, Lower
and Upper Sections together by choosing one of
the methods below:

Bare wire cable ends:
Carefully remove sufficient insulation from
the cable ends, refer to figures 12, 13 & 14.
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 15, 16 & 17.

2. Connect 14 inch Jumper Wires from the Low
Frequency Column Upper Section (-) and (+)
Binding Posts to the Low Frequency Column
Lower Section (-) and (+) Binding Posts.

Note: It is important to maintain the correct polarity

at both ends of the Loudspeaker cables.

3. Connect Loudspeaker cables from the XRT2K
HIGH Frequency INPUTS 3 (-) and (+) Bind­ing Posts on the Low Frequency Column Lower
Section to the (-) and (8 ohm) Binding Posts A
of the Power Amplifier number two.

4. Connect Loudspeaker cables from the XRT2K
HIGH Frequency INPUTS 2 (-) and (+) Bind­ing Posts on the Low Frequency Column Lower
Section to the (-) and (8 ohm) Binding Posts B
of the Power Amplifier number three.

5. Connect Loudspeaker cables from the XRT2K
HIGH Frequency INPUTS 1 (-) and (+) Bind­ing Posts on the Low Frequency Column Lower
Section to the (-) and (8 ohm) Binding Posts C
of the Power Amplifier number three.

6. Connect Loudspeaker cables from the XRT2K
MID Frequency INPUTS 3 (-) and (+) Binding
Posts on the Low Frequency Column Lower
Section to the (-) and (8 ohm) Binding Posts A
of the Power Amplifier number three.

7. Connect Loudspeaker cables from the XRT2K
MID Frequency INPUTS 2 (-) and (+) Binding
Posts on the Low Frequency Column Lower
Section to the (-) and (8 ohm) Binding Posts B
of the Power Amplifier number two.

8. Connect Loudspeaker cables from the XRT2K
MID Frequency INPUTS 1 (-) and (+) Binding
Posts on the Low Frequency Column Lower
Section to the (-) and (8 ohm) Binding Posts C
of the Power Amplifier number two.

9. Connect Loudspeaker cables from the XRT2K
LOW Frequency INPUTS 3 (-) and (+) Binding
Posts on the Low Frequency Column Lower
Section to the (-) and (8 ohm) Binding Posts A
of the Power Amplifier number one.

10. Connect Loudspeaker cables from the XRT2K
LOW Frequency INPUTS 2 (-) and (+) Binding
Posts on the Low Frequency Column Lower
Section to the (-) and (8 ohm) Binding Posts B
of the Power Amplifier number one.

11. Connect Loudspeaker cables from the XRT2K
LOW Frequency INPUTS 1 (-) and (+) Binding
Posts on the Low Frequency Column Lower
Section to the (-) and (8 ohm) Binding Posts C
of the Power Amplifier number one.

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

13. Connect the remaining XRT2K Loudspeaker(s)
and Power Amplifier Channel(s) in the same
manner.

McIntosh MC2KW Power Amplifier number two

18 18

How to Connect using three Amplifiers

14 inch (35.6cm)
Jumper Wires

McIntosh MC2KW Power Amplifier number one

1

2

3

1

2

3

1

2

3

1919

20 20

Photos

2121

Specifications

Specifications

System Driver Complement

Six 12 inch Aluminum Cone Woofers
Sixty-four 2 inch Titanium Inverted
Dome Midranges
Forty 3/4 inch Titanium Dome Tweeters

Impedance

8 ohms Nominal

Frequency Response

16Hz - 45kHz

Sensitivity

89dB (2.8V/1m equivalent)

Crossover Frequencies

250Hz
1,500Hz

Power Handling

2,000 Watts Maximum

General Specifications

Finish Enclosures

High Gloss Black Aluminum Sides, Brushed Alu­minum Front and Back, High Gloss Black Top and
Bottom

Finish Grille

Black Knit Cloth with High Gloss Trim

Optional Wood Trim Finishes

Natural Cherry, Red Cherry or Champagne Gold
(Check with your McIntosh Dealer for Additional
Details)

Overall Dimensions

Width is 19 inches (48.26cm)
Height is 83-7/8 inches (213.04cm) including feet
Depth is 18 inches (45.72cm)

Weight

452 pounds (205.0 kg) net
522 pounds (236.8kg) in shipping carton

22 22

Packing Instructions

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 Col­umns it is advisable to place them in the original
protective cotton blue covers before placing them
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.

XRT2K Midrange/High Frequency Column
Shipping Carton

XRT2K Midrange/High Frequency Column

Quantity Part Number Description

1 034335 Top shipping carton
1 034336 Bottom shipping

carton
2 034339 Foam end cap
3 034340 Foam center cap
1 034352 Protective blue cloth

cover (Column)
1 034364 Protective blue cloth

cover (Low Frequency

Column Grille)

034358 Accessory box

XRT2K Low Frequency Column Lower
Section Shipping Carton

XRT2K Low Frequency Column Lower Section

Quantity Part Number Description

1 034333 Top shipping carton
1 034334 Bottom shipping

carton
1 034338 Base foam end cap
1 034357 Center foam support
1 034337 End foam cap
1 034365 Protective blue cloth

cover, Low Frequency

Column Lower Section

XRT2K Low Frequency Column Upper Section

Quantity Part Number Description

1 034333 Top shipping carton
1 034334 Bottom shipping

carton
1 034357 Center foam support
2 034337 End foam cap
1 034353 Protective blue cloth

cover, Low Frequency

Column Upper Section

XRT2K Low Frequency Column Upper
Section Shipping Carton

2323

Notes

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. 04095000