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Introduction
The XCS1.5K Center Channel Loudspeaker is the next
evolution in high power, high resolution Home Theater
Loudspeaker Design. High-end Loudspeaker develop-
ment is a marriage of art and science. The XCS1.5K
is the culmination of decades of work (and—we
must admit—play). Since the early 1970s, engineers
at McIntosh have been performing painstaking
loudspeaker research and development—examining
minute changes as well as exploring new technologies.
An example of utilizing innovation is the XCS1.5K’s
use of McIntosh’s advanced Bessel Array technol-
ogy, which, among other benefits, provides a wide
listening area from a short line array. The latest
sound principles and the highest quality components
combine to deliver strikingly realistic sound with
exquisite detail and imaging. Combining all these
elements to produce the most musical output possible
is the art of this mission. The result is this masterpiece
of sound reproduction.
The new McIntosh XCS1.5K Loudspeaker System is a
Center Channel Loudspeaker capable of reproducing
the full dynamic range of a symphony orchestra with
very low audible distortion. It is the perfect match
to the famous XRT1.1K and XRT2.1K Column
Loudspeakers, when used in a Home Theater / Music
System. It uses the same acoustic technology found
in the XRT1.1K and XRT2.1K Column Loudspeakers
developed by the McIntosh Acoustic Engineers. 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 XCS1.5K Loudspeaker utilizes a Horizontal
Bessel and Hybrid Bessel Array for the Tweeters
and Midrange speaker units. The Sound Waves from
this Horizontal Array produce a stable and focused
symmetrical horizontal sound image. Since the audio
power fed to each row is distributed among all the
drivers, each driver does not have to work as hard,
resulting in greater power handling capability, greatly
reduced power compression and a dramatic reduction
in distortion.
The Low Frequency Section of the System consists
of four 8-inch Carbon Fiber Cone Woofers capable of
long cone excursions. The sound produced has very
low levels of harmonic distortion and a frequency
response down to 32Hz. They have a large motor
assembly made with high-coercivity ceramic magnets
for stable high-temperature operation. The woofer
design also utilizes an aluminum shorting ring and
copper capped pole piece. 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 XCS1.5K
Loudspeaker System are phase matched between
the Low Frequency, Midrange and High Frequency
Sections to ensure a smooth frequency response over
the entire audible range. The crossover inductors are
selected so they will not add audible distortion. The
network capacitors are film type for extra reliability.
All the Capacitors and Inductors are chosen for high
current capacity. The midrange and tweeter sections
use auto-resetting over-current devices to provide an
extra measure of protection.
Performance Features
High Temperature Neodymium-Iron-Boron Alloy
Magnets
- The fourteen 2.5 inch Midranges and
25 three-quarter inch Dome Tweeters all use the
Neodymium-Iron-Boron magnets. This Alloy has the
highest flux density per unit of volume and helps to
keep the Loudspeaker System weight to a minimum
while preserving the utmost in performance. The four
8 inch woofer/midrange speakers use a ferrite magnet
circuit with an aluminum demodulating ring.
Low Harmonic and Intermodulation Distortion
-
The XCS1.5K Loudspeaker System is capable of
reproducing the full dynamic range of a symphony
orchestra with very low audible distortion of any kind.
High Power Handling -
The Loudspeaker Elements
and Crossover Components of the XCS1.5K are all
chosen for use with powerful amplifiers up to 1,500
watts.
Superior Imaging -
Using hybrid Bessel Arrays
ensures a wide listening angle, superior imaging, and
high power handling.
Versatile Operation and Placement -
In addition to
the regular connections, the XCS1.5K Loudspeaker
System provides separate connections for
Bi-Amplification and Tri-Amplification hookups, as
well as Bi-Wiring and Tri-Wiring.
Gold Plated Input Connectors -
The XCS1.5K input
connectors are gold plated for superior corrosion
resistance and high electrical conductivity.
level is reduced significantly and kept low until the output
of the affected Loudspeaker Element returns to normal.
4. When the XCS1.5K 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 2022 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc
