McIntosh XCS2K - Manual (Page 4)

4
Introduction
The new McIntosh XCS2K 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
XRT2K Column Loudspeakers, when used in a Home
Theater / Music System. It uses the same acoustic technol-
ogy found in the XRT2K 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 repro-
duction in a full range system.
The XCS2K Loudspeaker
utilizes a Horizontal Arc Array
Design with three-quarter inch
Titanium Dome Tweeters and
multiple rows of two inch Mid-
range Inverted Titanium Dome
Drivers. Refer to figures 1, 2A
and 2B. The Sound Waves from
this Horizontal Arc Array pro-
duce 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 han-
dling capability, greatly
reduced power com-
pression and a dramatic
reduction in distortion.
The Low Frequency Section of the System consists of
three 12 inch Aluminum Cone Woofers capable of long
cone excursions. Refer to figure 3. The sound produced has
very low levels of harmonic distortion and a frequency re-
sponse down
to 16Hz. They
have a large
motor as-
sembly made
with High
Temperature
Neodymium
magnets
with inherent
shielding to
greatly reduce
any external
magnetic field. The woofer design also utilizes an alu-
minum 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 distor-
tion is incredible smoothness and effortless clarity in the
reproduction of the human voice.
The Crossover Networks used in the XCS2K Loud-
speaker System are phase matched between the Low
Frequency, Midrange and High Frequency Sections to
ensure a smooth frequency response over the entire audible
range. Refer to figures 4, 5 and 6. 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. Each section of the network utilizes it own self
resetting high current PPTC type fuses to provide an extra
measure of protection.
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 3
Figure 2B