McIntosh XRT2.1K – large floorstanding loudspeaker with an impressive presence

The McIntosh XRT2.1K is a high-end floorstanding loudspeaker for high-quality Hi-Fi and home cinema systems. With a height of over two meters, it is not only a technical statement but also a prominent feature of any room. The loudspeaker system is designed as a full-range concept, aiming for a generous, spatial reproduction with an unusually deep soundstage.

Line Array for a broad listening zone

The Line Array principle of the McIntosh XRT2.1K is designed to distribute sound evenly throughout the room. People near the loudspeaker are not overwhelmed by excessive volume, and those sitting further away experience only a small drop in level.

Technologies in the McIntosh XRT2.1K

The McIntosh XRT2.1K features a Line Array, 4-way loudspeaker technology, a full-range loudspeaker system, Nanocarbon Fiber/Nomex Honeycomb Long Throw woofers, Aluminum–Magnesium Dome Midranges and Tweeters, a meticulously designed Crossover Network, and gold-plated Solid Cinch™ Speaker Binding Posts, Tri-Amping, Tri-Wiring, and Power Control.

Sound characteristics and spatial imaging

The XRT2.1K is designed for wide, smooth, and spatially stable reproduction. The construction uses a cylindrical wavefront that supports stable horizontal sound distribution and reduces unwanted reflections from the floor and ceiling.

Room placement

The placement of the McIntosh XRT2.1K has a distinctly audible impact. For music systems, placement is recommended where the loudspeakers and listening position form an equilateral or acute isosceles triangle. Proximity to walls, corners, floor, ceiling, and large objects can influence the bass range and imaging. A clear area of at least 30 degrees to the left and right of the central axis should be maintained in front of the loudspeaker. We recommend a minimum distance from the wall of approximately 50 cm. A greater distance can further positively influence the sound.

Connection and system integration

The XRT2.1K has three separate connection areas for SUBWOOFER, LOW, and MD/HIGH. This allows for different operating modes, including connection with one amplifier, two amplifiers, or three amplifiers. The Solid Cinch™ loudspeaker terminals are gold-plated and provide a secure grip for the speaker cables.

Workmanship and design

The McIntosh XRT2.1K combines brushed aluminum, black aluminum, and a finish with seven layers of high-gloss piano lacquer. The Line Array front adopts the classic McIntosh aesthetic with a black central section and silver aluminum end caps. Magnetically attached speaker grilles with black knit fabric and a high-gloss frame are included. The base consists of machined aluminum and glass; four adjustable feet ensure solid ground contact.

Test results

High-Def Digest describes the XRT2.1K as a combination of striking array design and very detailed sound with clean treble reproduction, rich mids, and deep bass. SoundStage! Hi-Fi highlights clarity, effortlessness, detail, and clean reproduction even at high levels.

Specifications

General

• Product type: 4-way bass-reflex floorstanding loudspeaker
• Dimensions W × H × D: 57.66 × 211.2 × 65.6 cm
• Weight: 160.2 kg
• Shipping weight: 212.2 kg
• Frequency response: 12 Hz – 45 kHz

Connections

• Loudspeaker input terminals: 3 pairs for SUBWOOFER, LOW and MD/HIGH
• Tri-amping: possible
• Tri-wiring: possible
• Loudspeaker connectors: gold-plated Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts
• Power Control: IN and OUT
• Power Control connector: 3.5 mm stereo mini-phone plug
• Spade lug opening: at least 0.76 cm

Audio

• System type: Ported 4-Way Floor Standing
• Nominal impedance: 8 Ohm
• Power Rating: 2,000 Watt
• Maximum Power Handling: 2,100 Watt
• Sound pressure / sensitivity: 90 dB
• Measurement: 2.8 V/1 m
• Crossover: 150 Hz, 450 Hz, 2.1 kHz

Drivers

• Total number of drivers: 81
• Woofer: 6 × 8 inch / 20.32 cm Nanocarbon Fiber/Nomex Honeycomb Long Throw
• Low Frequency Midranges: 2 × 6.5 inch / 16.51 cm Nanocarbon Fiber/Nomex Honeycomb Long Throw
• Upper Frequency Midranges: 28 × 2 inch / 5.08 cm Aluminum–Magnesium Dome
• Tweeter: 45 × ¾ inch / 1.91 cm Aluminum–Magnesium Dome

Frequency ranges of connection groups

• SUBWOOFER: 12 Hz – 150 Hz
• LOW: 150 Hz – 450 Hz
• MD/HIGH Midranges: 450 Hz – 2,100 Hz
• MD/HIGH Tweeter: 2,100 Hz – 45,000 Hz
  
  

Scope of delivery

• McIntosh XRT2.1K-L
• Cover
• Base plate
• Mounting accessories
• Equipment feet
• Documents