2017 seems to be the year of McIntosh. The Binghamton, New York-based company has had 65 years of product rollouts, but for 2017 they seem intent on smashing product-release records. Their latest announcement concerns the XRT2.1K loudspeaker which is a line-array design 2.1-metre tower with 81 drivers per cabinet. Yes, you read that correctly – 81 drivers. The four-way, 90dB units ring in at $130,00 USD, and utilizes six 8-inch woofers, two 6.5-inch low-frequency midrange drivers, 28 2-inch upper-frequency midrange drivers and 45 ¾-inch tweeters. The XRT2.1K is expected to begin shipping this month.
–Rafe Arnott
Press release below:
Binghamton, NY – December 14, 2017 – McIntosh, the global leader in prestigious home entertainment and ultimate-quality audio for over 65 years, is proud to announce the XRT2.1K Loudspeaker.
The XRT2.1K Loudspeaker represents the next evolution of McIntosh home audio speakers. Borne from our 45+ years of designing speakers, the XRT2.1K is a full range system that provides spacious sound reproduction with an unusually deep sound stage. It features a 2000 Watt power rating with a sensitivity of 90dB. Standing 7 feet (2.1 meters) tall, a pair of them will grab the attention of every person in the room. But when the music starts, the only thing people will pay attention to is the enveloping sound they are experiencing.
The XRT2.1K utilizes our renowned line array speaker principles to produce an even sound dispersion pattern. Listeners closer to the speaker will not be overwhelmed by extremely loud sound while those further away will notice hardly any drop off in sound level. The resulting sound is smooth and wide for all listeners, producing exceptional stereo imaging in nearly all listening positions.
A 4-way speaker, the XRT2.1K produces excellent sound quality at all levels of the human audio spectrum. It uses a total of 81 drivers consisting of (6) 8” woofers, (2) 6.5” low frequency midranges, (28) 2” upper frequency midranges and (45) ¾” tweeters, to deliver a nearly unparalleled sound reproduction. The woofer and low frequency midrange drivers, housed in the large bass enclosure cabinet, are a combination of Nanocarbon Fiber/Nomex Honeycomb; they are brand new designs that were specifically created for the XRT2.1K. Their extremely stiff yet lightweight diaphragms combined with a very long throw design ensures amazing extension on low frequencies. Located on the line array are the Aluminum–Magnesium upper frequency midrange and tweeter metal drivers, which have been specially customized for the XRT2.1K and feature neodymium magnets.
The crossover network is engineered to ensure an even frequency response over the entire audible range. It utilizes capacitors and inductors with low loss and high current capacity. The type of inductor used in each section of the crossover network has been specially chosen for high linearity, even at high power levels. This prevents distortion of the music at any frequency.
Visually, the XRT2.1K is as striking as it sounds. The reinforced bass cabinet is a combination of brushed and black aluminum and is finished with 7 layers of high gloss piano black paint. The line array mimics the timeless McIntosh front panel appearance with a glossy black center section and 2 silver aluminum end caps. It is suspended from the front of the bass cabinet via steel spiders that are capped with covers that look like a McIntosh control knob. The removable speaker grilles are attached via magnets and feature black knit cloth with high gloss trim.
Our patented, gold-plated Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts easily but securely attach the speaker cables to prevent them from coming loose while also ensuring a quality signal is delivered to the loudspeaker. Separate pairs of binding posts are available for the mid/high, low and subwoofer frequencies to allow for tri-amping or tri-wiring. The McIntosh logo on the front of the base plate can be illuminated green with the use of our Power Control technology found in our amplifiers, preamplifiers, integrated amplifiers and other products.
Pricing and Availability
Orders for the XRT2.1K can now be placed with Authorized McIntosh dealers with shipping expected to begin in December.Suggested retail price per pair (VAT, shipping and any customs duties related to current standards of individual countries are excluded): $130,000 USD.
Legacy V is only $80K, much more speaker for much less….this is a goof, why not $180,000 if you are just making up absurd prices
I’ve heard the “smaller” 15K version of Mac’s speakers and they sounded absolutely mind-blowing. I’m glad they got back into the speaker market. I have some custom made cabinets with their old crossovers and could not be happier. These behemoths of course need to spend $$ on some serious Mac power, but when you’re shelling out 130K for a pair of these, you are likely to spend 5K on cables alone. I better start saving my nickels and dimes now.