Loudspeaker System

XRT2K
Owner’s Manual

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

2 Chambers Street

Binghamton, New York 13903-2699

Phone: 607-723-3512

FAX: 607-724-0549

WARNING - TO REDUCE RISK OF
FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO
NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TORAIN OR MOISTURE.

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TOQUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
To prevent the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover orback. No user serviceable parts inside.

IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS!
PLEASE READ THEM BEFOREOPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT.
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, evenwhen connected to amplifiers of moderate
power output. User caution is advised. Ear
protection is recommended when playing athigh volumes as continued exposure to highsound pressure levels can cause permanent
hearing impairment or loss. The use of aSound Level Pressure Meter will greatly aid indetermining when high volume levels are
occurring.
9. Do not install near any heat sources such asradiators, heat registers, stoves, or otherapparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
10. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
11. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, ortable specified by the manufacturer, orsold with the apparatus. When a cart
is used, use caution when moving thecart/apparatus combination to avoid
injury from tip-over.
2

12. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has beendamaged in any way, liquid has been spilled or
objects have fallen into the apparatus, theapparatus 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 withliquids, such as vases, are placed on theequipment.
14. WARNING: When this Loudspeaker isconnected 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 isassembled it weighs 452 pounds (205.0 kgs). It
requires four or more persons to safely move
the Loudspeaker.

Safety Instructions
Thank You

Table of Contents

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 thismanual. We want you to be as familiar as possible with all
the features and functions of your new McIntosh.

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 Column 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

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 withyour McIntosh equipment and any other brands that may bepart 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: 607-723-1545
Fax: 607-724-0549

Customer Service
If it is determined that your McIntosh product is in need ofrepair, you can return it to your Dealer. You can also returnit 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: 607-723-3515
Fax: 607-723-1917
Copyright 2005 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.

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 ensurethat 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 wiresize:
If the Loudspeaker Cables are 50 feet (38.1m) or less, use atleast 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 fiveautomatic resetting solid-state devices in the crossovernetworks. 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 isreduced significantly and kept low until the output of theaffected 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 toachieve a proper balance between the low, midrange andhigh 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 ofa symphony orchestra including pipe organ without audible
distortion. McIntosh Acoustic Engineers have refined theline 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 soundreproduction in a fullrange system.
The High Frequency
Section utilizes a patented
Column Design1 with multiple two inch Midrange
Inverted Titanium DomeDrivers and three-quarterinch Titanium Dome
Figure 1
Tweeters. Refer to figures 1 and 2. Since theaudio power fed to acolumn is distributed
among all the drivers,
each driver does nothave to work as hard,resulting in greater
power handling capability and a dramatic
reduction in distortion.
The Sound Waves fromthe Column produce a
Figure 2
Cylindrical Wave Front
with a stable symmetrical horizontal sound dispersion while
minimizing undesirable floor and ceiling reflections that detract from astablesound image. Referto figure 3.
In the illustration, theLoudspeaker on
Figure 3
the left sideproduces a Cylindrical Wave Front and the Loudspeaker on
the right side produces a conventional Spherical Wave
Front.
1

COLUMN Pat. No. 4,267,405

4

The Low Frequency Section of the System consists ofsix 12 inch Aluminum Cone Woofers capable of long cone
excursions. The sound produced has very low levels of harmonic distortion anda frequency response
down to16Hz.
They havea large motor assembly madewith High
TemperaFigure 4
ture
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 andtwo cone centering devices. This results in lower distortiondue 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 tofigure 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 orderhigh pass and low pass design. Refer to figure 6. Acoustically, the high pass sums to a fourth order Legendre and the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• 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 Columnsof Midranges generates a symmetrical horizontal polar
response for superior imaging.

Figure 7• 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.

Order designs keep the speakers operating within their optimum frequency range while offering the best blending ofeach speaker. All network inductors are air core designs; sothey 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 typefuses to provide an extra measure of protection.

• Extruded and Machined Side Panels and Column

Performance Features• Gold Plated Input Connectors• High Temperature Neodymium-Iron-Boron Alloy

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

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

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 Sys5

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

Side View of the
XRT2K
Loudspeaker System

14-15/32"

9-1/2"

36.75cm

24.13cm

2-17/32"
6.43cm83-7/8"213.04cm

80-9/16"204.63cm

3-3/8"
8.57cm19"

48.26cm

6

18"

45.72cm

Dimensions

Rear View of the
XRT2K
Loudspeaker System

48-1/16"122.08cm
44-5/32"

112.16cm

41-1/16"104.30cm

37-5/32"
94.38cm

34-23/32"
88.19cm

26-25/32"
68.02cm

24-11/32"
61.83cm

16-13/32"
41.67cm

13-15/16"
35.40cm

6-1/32"15.32cm
7-3/16"18.26cm
11-13/16"
30.00cm

7

Dimensions, con’t

Front View of theXRT2KMidrange and High Frequency Column
6-9/16"16.67cm

Front View of the
XRT2K
Low Frequency Column
7-1/2"
19.05cm

4-3/4"
12.07cm
2-15/16"
7.46cm12-3/4"32.39cm

49-1/2"125.73cm

1-3/4"

4.45cm2-3/16"
5.56cm9-1/4"

9-9/32"23.50cm

8

23.57cm

12-3/4"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 finishof 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 andoperation, 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 tosafely handle during assembly andplacement 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 theshipping carton and set
it aside.
3. Remove the accessory
carton from the shipping carton end.
Figure 1
4. Lift up on the rear of
the Midrange/High Frequency Column, which is locatedunder the larger
Low Frequency
Column Grille.
Place the entire
assembly(Midrange/High
Frequency Column
with Grille attached, Low
Figure 2
Frequency Column Grille and foam
packing material) in a safe area. Refer tofigure 2.
5. Release the Low Frequency Column Grille from thefoam 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.

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 andaway, 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) anduntie the draw cords on the bottom of the protective
blue cloth cover.
4. Push the cloth cover up over the base of the column andposition the column upright resting on its base.
5. Remove the remainder of the packing material from thecolumn 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 basewill 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 flatend 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 thecolumn 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 andUpper 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 the9Low Frequency Column (Upper Section). Refer to figure 3.
3. Carefully push
Upper Woofer
together the
Columntwo Low

Socket and Cable

Midrange/Tweeter Column in cloth cover

Figure 6

Lower Woofer
ColumnOpenings
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 thetwo 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-

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. Referto figure 5. Then reposition the bottom of the Midrange/
High Frequency Column to fit into the channel openingof the Low Frequency Column base. Refer to figure 7.

Blue protective cloth covers

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 foamCenter pieces of foam

Figure 5

3. Locate the Midrange/High Frequency Column andplace it on top of the foam packing material placed instep 2, making sure the end with the draw cords isplaced near the base end of the Low Frequency Column
and the Grille is facing upwards. Refer to figure 6.
10

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 upon theMidrange/
High
Frequency
Column.

Figure 8

10. Remove the three center
HEX HeadScrewsfoam packing materials andthe 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
Room Placement
Loudspeaker placement in a room can greatly affectperformance. The XRT2K Loudspeaker is designed for bothMusic and Home Theater Systems. The optimal method forselecting speaker locations includes the use of a real time
spectrum analyzer operated by an experienced systeminstaller. An uncompromising installation would take into
consideration the floor, wall and ceiling coverings, the type
and placement of furniture and can even include thearchitectural design of the room and its construction
materials. In those instances where placement in the room isfixed 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 musicwith 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 balanceover the whole spectrum, to assure the bass will not drownout the other parts of the music. Experiment with various
Loudspeaker positions until the locations that sound best arefound.
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 thecolumn 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.

Figure 9

Figure 10

Locating Loudspeakers for use in Home Theater
In a Home Theater application, the placement of Left andRight Front Loudspeakers can be limited by suchconsiderations 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. Referto figure 10.
Locating Loudspeakers for use in a Music System
When used in a Music System the distance between theLoudspeakers 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, someimaging can be lost. Refer to figure 11.

Figure 1111Midrange/Tweeter Column Rear Panel and Low Frequency Column Base Connections

The 16 pin plug and cable atthe 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 andcable 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.

1
2

HIGH Frequency Input Connections 1, 2, and 3
for a 8 ohm Loudspeaker.
Note: 1, 2 and 3 Terminals (+) are internallyconnected together; 1, 2 and 3 Terminals(-) are also internally connected together.

3

12

MIDrange Frequency Input Connections 1, 2,
and 3 for a 8 ohm Loudspeaker.
Note: 1, 2 and 3 Terminals (+) are internallyconnected together; 1, 2 and 3 Terminals(-) are also internally connected together.

3

1
2
3

13

LOW Frequency Input Connections 1, 2, and 3
for a 8 ohm Loudspeaker.
Note: 1, 2 and 3 Terminals (+) are internallyconnected together; 1, 2 and 3 Terminals(-) are also internally connected together.

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

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 havebeen made. Failure to observe this could
result in Electric Shock.

1. Prepare two 14 inch (35.6cm) Jumper Wires forconnecting the Low Frequency Column, Lower
and Upper Sections together by choosing one of
the methods below:
Bare wire cable ends:
Carefully remove sufficient insulation fromthe cable ends, refer to figures 12, 13 & 14.
If the cableis stranded,carefully
twist thestrands together as tightly as possible.
Note: If desired, the twisted ends can betinned with solder to keep the strands
together or attach spade lugs.

Spade lug or prepared wire connection:
Insert the spade lug connector or preparedsection of the cable end into the terminalside 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 tothe (-) 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 tothe (8 ohm) Binding Post B of the Power Amplifier.
8. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the XRT2K
LOW Frequency INPUTS 3 (-) Binding Poston 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 Poston 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 samemanner.

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 Poston 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 Poston the Low Frequency Column Lower Section
14

14

How to Connect using a single Amplifier

14 inch (35.6cm)
Jumper Wires

McIntosh MC2KW Power Amplifier

1
2
3

1
2
3

1
2
3

15

15

How to Connect using two Amplifiers
Caution: The AC Power Cord should not be
connected to the Power Amplifier until
after the Loudspeaker Connections havebeen made. Failure to observe this could
result in Electric Shock.

1. Prepare two 14 inch (35.6cm) Jumper Wires forconnecting the Low Frequency Column, Lower
and Upper Sections together by choosing one of
the methods below:
Bare wire cable ends:
Carefully remove sufficient insulation fromthe cable ends, refer to figures 12, 13 & 14.
If the cable is stranded, carefully twist thestrands together astightly as
possible.
Note: If
desired, the twisted ends can betinned with solder to keep the strands
together or attach spade lugs.

Spade lug or prepared wire connection:
Insert the spade lug connector or preparedsection of the cable end into the terminalside 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 Poston 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 Poston the Low Frequency Column Lower Section
16

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 tothe (-) 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 tothe (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 tothe (-) 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 tothe (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.

McIntosh MC2KW 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 Bof 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 Cof 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 samemanner.

16

How to Connect using two Amplifiers

14 inch (35.6cm)
Jumper Wires
McIntosh MC2KW Power Amplifier number one

1
2
3

1
2
3

1
2
3

17

17

How to Connect using three Amplifiers
Caution: The AC Power Cord should not be
connected to the Power Amplifier until
after the Loudspeaker Connections havebeen made. Failure to observe this could
result in Electric Shock.

1. Prepare two 14 inch (35.6cm) Jumper Wires forconnecting the Low Frequency Column, Lower
and Upper Sections together by choosing one of
the methods below:
Bare wire cable ends:
Carefully remove sufficient insulation fromthe cable ends, refer to figures 12, 13 & 14.
If the cableis stranded,carefully
twist thestrands together as tightly as possible.
Note: If desired, the twisted ends can betinned with solder to keep the strands
together or attach spade lugs.

Spade lug or prepared wire connection:
Insert the spade lug connector or preparedsection of the cable end into the terminalside 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 Bof the Power Amplifier number three.
18

McIntosh MC2KW 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 Cof 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 Bof 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 Cof 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 Bof 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 Cof 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 samemanner.

McIntosh MC2KW Power Amplifier number two

18

How to Connect using three Amplifiers

14 inch (35.6cm)
Jumper Wires

1
2
3

McIntosh MC2KW Power Amplifier number one

1
2
3

1
2
3

19

19

20

20

Photos

21

21

Specifications
Specifications

General 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

Finish Enclosures
High Gloss Black Aluminum Sides, Brushed Aluminum Front and Back, High Gloss Black Top andBottomImpedance
8 ohms Nominal
Frequency Response
16Hz - 45kHz
Sensitivity
89dB (2.8V/1m equivalent)
Crossover Frequencies
250Hz
1,500HzPower Handling
2,000 Watts Maximum

22

Finish GrilleBlack 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)
Weight452 pounds (205.0 kg) net
522 pounds (236.8kg) in shipping carton

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 theminto 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 interiorpart(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

23

XRT2K Midrange/High Frequency Column
Quantity Part Number
Description
1034335Top shipping carton
1034336
Bottom shipping
carton2034339Foam end cap
3034340
Foam center cap
1034352
Protective blue cloth
cover (Column)
1034364
Protective blue cloth
cover (Low Frequency
Column Grille)
034358
Accessory box

XRT2K Low Frequency Column Lower Section
Quantity Part Number
Description
1034333Top shipping carton
1034334
Bottom shipping
carton1034338Base foam end cap
1034357
Center foam support
1034337
End foam cap
1034365
Protective blue cloth
cover, Low Frequency
Column Lower Section

XRT2K Low Frequency Column Lower
Section Shipping Carton

XRT2K Low Frequency Column Upper Section
Quantity Part Number
Description
1034333Top shipping carton
1034334
Bottom shipping
carton1034357
Center foam support
2034337
End foam cap
1034353
Protective blue cloth
cover, Low Frequency
Column Upper Section

XRT2K Low Frequency Column Upper
Section Shipping Carton

23

Notes

McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, NY 13903

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

McIntosh Part No. 04095000