Loudspeaker
System
XRT28
Owner’s Manual
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, New York 13903-2699 Phone: 607-723-3512 FAX: 607-724-0549
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Thank You
Table of Contents
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
Installation using the Column Base .................................. 8
How to Connect using a single amplifier ........................ 10
How to Connect using two amplifiers............................. 12
How to Connect using three amplifiers........................... 14
Specifications .................................................................. 18
Packing Instruction.......................................................... 19
Your decision to own this McIntosh XRT28 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 this
manual. We want you to be as familiar as possible with all
the features and functions of your new McIntosh.
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:
Important Information
Serial Number:
Purchase Date:
Dealer Name:
Caution: The XRT28 Loudspeaker System weight is 139.5
pounds (63.4kg). It requires two or more persons to
safely handle when moving.
1. Loudspeaker Cables of adequate size are important to ensure
that 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 wire
size:
Technical Assistance
If at any time you have questions about your McIntosh
product, contact your McIntosh Dealer who is familiar
with your McIntosh equipment and any other brands that
may be part of your system. If you or your Dealer wish ad-
ditional help concerning a suspected problem, you can re-
ceive technical assistance for all McIntosh products at:
If the Loudspeaker Cables are 25 feet (7.62m) or less, use at
least 18 Gauge (AWG) wire size or larger.
If the Loudspeaker Cables are 50 feet (38.1m) or less, use at
least 14 Gauge (AWG) wire size or larger.
If the Loudspeaker Cables are 100 feet (76.2m) or less, use at
least 12 Gauge (AWG) wire size or larger.
The Loudspeaker Connection Terminals can accept up to 12
Gauge (AWG) wire.
2. For additional connection information, refer to the owner’s
manual(s) for any component(s) connected to the XRT28
Loudspeaker.
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: 607-723-1545
Fax: 607-723-3636
3. The XRT28’s built-in speaker protection incorporates five
automatic resetting solid-state devices in the crossover
network. 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 is
reduced significantly and kept low until the output of the
affected Loudspeaker Element returns to normal.
4. When the XRT28 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.
Customer Service
If it is determined that your McIntosh product is in need of
repair, you can return it to your Dealer. You can also return
it to the McIntosh Laboratory Service Department. For as-
sistance 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 2003 © by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
3
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Introduction
lindrical Wave Front and the Loudspeaker on the right side
produces a conventional Spherical Wave Front. Refer to
figure 2.
McIntosh Acoustic Engineers have refined the line source
Column Loudspeaker System concept to provide superior
sound reproduction in a full range system.
The Low Frequency Section of the System consists of
two 10 inch Woofers. They have a large magnet assembly
and long cone excursions with very low levels of harmonic
distortion and frequency response down to 16Hz. Refer to
figure 3. The Woofer also in-
The Loudspeaker System utilizes a patented Column
Design1 with
multiple four
inch
Midrange
LD/HP
LD/HP2 Mag-
netic Circuit
Design Driv-
ers and one
inch soft
corporates McIntosh’s Pat-
ented LD/HP2 Magnetic Cir-
cuit Design with shielding to
Conventional
greatly reduce any external
magnetic field, that could dis-
tort the video image on a TV/
Monitor placed next to the
XRT28 Loudspeaker. Exten-
dome Tweet-
ers. Refer to
Figure 1
figure 1. Since the audio power fed to a column is distrib-
uted among all the drivers, each driver does not have to
sive investigating and testing
Figure 4
resulted in a new design con-
cept which utilizes a pair of aluminum shorting sleeves in
the magnetic circuit. Refer to figure 4. The sleeves virtu-
ally eliminate the negative influence of the fluctuating
voice coil field on the permanent magnet field. This results
in lower distortion
due to more linear
magnetic flux in the
voice coil gap. Re-
fer to figure 5. Ad-
work as hard, resulting in greater power handling capabil-
ity and a dramatic reduction in distortion. The Sound
Waves from
the Column
produce a
Cylindrical
Wave Front
with a
stable sym-
metrical
ditional benefits are
less volume com-
pression due to im-
proved heat transfer
horizontal
sound dis-
Figure 2
persion to minimize undesirable floor and ceiling reflec-
tions that could detract from a stable sound image. In the
illustration the Loudspeaker on the left side produces a Cy-
through the sleeves
and a cooler operat-
Figure 5
ing voice coil. Both measurements, as well as critical lis-
tening, reveal ten times less distortion than previous de-
signs. A good example of this low distortion is incredible
smoothness and clarity in the reproduction of the human
voice.
The Crossover Network used in the XRT28 Loud-
speaker System is designed to ensure an even frequency
Figure 3
1COLUMN Pat. No. 4,267,405
2LD/HP Pat. No. 5,151,943
Figure 6
4
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Introduction and Performance Features
Performance Features
response over the entire audible range. The Network uti-
lizes both Second and Third Order design utilizing Capaci-
tors and Inductors with high current capacity. Refer to fig-
ure 6. There are two different types of low loss (DCR) In-
ductors in the network, each one chosen not to exhibit any
core saturation even at high power levels. This prevents
the addition of distortion to the music at any frequency.
The Capacitors used include low loss (ESR) Polypropy-
lene and Mylar types. The Network also utilize self reset-
ting high current Poly-Switches to provide an extra mea-
sure of protection.
Patented LD/HP Technology
•
The McIntosh Low Frequency and Midrange Loudspeaker
Elements feature the patented LD/HP Magnetic Circuit
Design. This design, when compared to conventional
Loudspeaker Elements, reduces distortion significantly. It
also increases power handling and efficiency.
Neodymium-Iron-Boron Alloy Magnets
•
The 20 four inch Midranges and 16 one inch Dome Tweet-
ers all use this Alloy. The Neodymium-Iron-Boron Alloy
has the highest flux density per unit of volume and helps to
keep the Column weight to a minimum.
The enclo-
sures are an im-
portant part of the
XRT28 Loud-
speaker System.
Shielded Magnetic Field
•
The XRT28 may be used in Home Theater Installations
near a television receiver or monitor without causing the
television image to degrade. McIntosh has designed
special shielding around the magnetic structure of the
XRT28 Loudspeaker Elements to prevent interference.
The Loudspeaker
System utilizes a
massive extruded
aluminum enclosure that houses the 20 four inch Midrange
and 16 one inch Tweeter Drivers. Refer to figure 7. It also
has multiple front to back internal braces to form a damp-
ened rigid Column Structure. The Column’s small foot-
print allows for a variety of different placements in a
room.
Figure 7
High Power Handling
•
The Loudspeaker Elements and Crossover Components of
the XRT28 are all chosen for use with powerful amplifiers
up to 1,200 watts.
Superior Imaging
•
Locating the Column of Tweeters between the two
Columns of Midranges helps to generate a symmetrical
horizontal polar response for superior imaging.
Versatile Operation and Placement
•
In additional to the regular connections, the XRT28 Loud-
speaker System provides separate connections for Bi-Am-
plification and Tri-Amplification hookups.
Gold Plated Input Connectors
•
The XRT28 input connectors are gold plated for superior
corrosion resistance and high electrical conductivity.
5
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XRT28 Dimensions
The following dimensions can assist in determining the
best location for your XRT28 Loudspeaker System.
Side View of the
Rear View of the
XRT28
Front View of the
XRT28
XRT28
Loudspeaker System
Loudspeaker System
Loudspeaker System
4-1/2"
11.43cm
5-3/8"
13.65cm
77-1/8"
195.90cm
3-3/4"
9.53cm
31-3/4"
80.65cm
28"
71.12cm
3-15/16"
10.00cm
24"
60.96cm
1-3/4"
4.45cm
20"
50.8cm
5-3/8"
13.65cm
16-3/8"
41.59cm
5-3/4"
14.61cm
5-7/8"
14.92cm
16-3/8"
41.59cm
8-3/16"
20.80cm
10-9/16"
26.83cm
6
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Dimensions
Front View of the
XRT28
End View and Base of the
XRT28
Loudspeaker System
Loudspeaker System
13-1/16"
33.18cm
9-5/8"
24.45cm
6-1/2"
16.51cm
3-3/8"
8.57cm
8"
20.32cm
7/8"
2.22cm
1-3/8"
3.49cm
9-3/16"
23.34cm
4-1/2"
11.43cm
7"
17.78cm
2-1/8"
5.40cm
1-5/8"
4.13cm
4-1/2"
11.43cm
2-3/4"
6.99cm
13-1/8"
33.34cm
33-1/4"
84.46cm
32-7/16"
82.39cm
11-15/16"
30.32cm
23-7/8"
60.64cm
16-3/8"
41.59cm
9"
22.86cm
7
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Introduction to Installation
Packing material
Glass Panel
The XRT28 Loudspeaker System weight is 139.5 pounds
(63.4kg) net. It requires two or more persons to safely
handle during the assembly and placement. The XRT28 is
supplied with a McIntosh Column Base. Follow the in-
structions below for unpacking the Loudspeaker System
and attaching the Column Base.
It is recommended that the Professionals at your McIn-
tosh Dealer, who are skilled in all aspects of installation
and operation, install the XRT28 Loudspeaker System and
any associated audio equipment.
Figure 10
9. Proceed to step number 10 for installation using the
Column Base.
Unpacking the Loudspeaker System
1. Remove the banding material from the shipping carton.
Installation using the Column Base
Unpacking the Column Base
Refer to figure 8.
Cut and remove bands
10. Lift and remove the bubble wrap packing material
from the base.
11. Locate and remove the bag of hardware and Allen
Wrench Tool taped to the bottom of the base.
2. Lift off the top of the
shipping carton and set
it aside.
3. Lift up on the rear of
the Loudspeaker, near
the foam packing ma-
Assembling the High Frequency Column
12. Using the supplied Allen Wrench, remove two screws
Figure 8
terial at both ends.
Remove Two
Screws
Remove Two
Screws
from each side of the
Column Bottom. Re-
fer to figure 11.
Place the entire assembly (Loudspeaker, Loudspeaker
Grille and foam packing material) next to the bottom
shipping carton on a flat surface. Refer to figure 9.
13. Orient the Column
Base with the Decal
Arrow pointing to-
ward the front of the
Loudspeaker Column.
Refer to figure 12.
4. Release the Loud-
Lift up here
speaker Grille from the
packing material by
opening the slit in the
packing material lo-
cated on the top center.
Remove the Loud-
Figure 11
Lift up here
14. Attach the Column
Figure 9
Base to the Loudspeaker Column
using the four supplied machine
bolts and washers. Refer to figure
13.
speaker Grille from the
protective shipping wrap and set it aside.
5. In a similar manner, lift out the Loudspeaker and set it
aside.
15. Orient the Loudspeaker Grille
with the extended wood trim
pointed towards the Column Base
and line it up even with the top/
6. Replace the shipping carton top onto the shipping car-
ton bottom. Take the two pieces of the just removed
packing material and lay it down flat onto the top of
the shipping carton.
Figure 12
sides of the Column. Align the Grille fastening pins to
the Column Grommets (there are six pins on each
side). Carefully push down to secure the Grille to the
Column. Refer to figure 14.
7. Carefully remove the protective shipping bag(s) from
the Loudspeaker Column so as not to mar the Column
Finish or damage the Loudspeaker Drivers.
8. Place the Loudspeaker Column on top of the packing
material located on top of the shipping carton making
sure to align the Louspeaker Column Bottom End (the
Glass Name Plate end) to the end of the shipping car-
ton. Refer to figure 10.
Packing material
Glass
Figure 13
8
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Installation
Fastening
Pin
best; rather listen for booming (a lack of articulation), as
well as a balance over the whole spectrum, to assure the
bass will not drown out the other parts of the music. Ex-
periment with various Loudspeaker positions until the lo-
cation that sound best is found.
The XRT28 Column’s
Gromment
Smooth Frequency Re-
sponse may be altered by
Figure 14
large object(s) located in
Optional Feet
sound waves path or by
16. Two sets of optional feet (eight Tiptoes and eight
Glides) are supplied with the XRT28 Loudspeaker
System. Refer to figure 15. To
locating the column too
close to a side wall.
There should be an unob-
prevent crushing carpet use
structed area in front of
the Tiptoe Spikes; to protect
the column of at least 30
non-carpeted flooring use the
Chrome Glides. Both the
degrees either side from
the center axis for the
Figure 16
Glides and Tiptoes have a
best performance. Refer to figure 16.
threaded shaft and locking nut
that screw into the tapped
holes in the bottom of the
Glides
Tiptoes
Figure 15
Locating Loudspeakers for use in Home Theater
In a Home Theater application, the placement of Left and
Right Front
Loudspeakers can be
limited by such
XRT28’s base rails. The feet can be independently ad-
justed to compensate for uneven flooring.
17. Stand the Column upright.
considerations 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. Refer to figure 17.
Room Placement using the Column on a Base
Loudspeaker placement in a room can greatly affect
performance. The XRT28 Loudspeaker is designed for
both Music and Home Theater Systems. The optimal
method for selecting speaker locations includes the use of
a real time spectrum analyzer operated by an experienced
system installer. An uncompromising installation would
take into consideration the floor, wall and ceiling
Figure 17
coverings, the type and placement of furniture and can
even include the architectural design of the room and its
construction materials. In those instances where placement
in the room is fixed an enviromental equalizer may be
needed to restore proper musical balance.
Locating Loudspeakers for use in a Music System
When used in a Music System the distance between the
Loudspeakers and the
listener to the
Loudspeakers should
Placement near a wall, corner, floor, ceiling or any in-
tersecting surfaces will reinforce or diminish some bass
frequencies. The bass frequencies that are altered by place-
ment in a particular location is dependant on the dimen-
sions of the room. If professional measurement equipment
is not available, test the various Loudspeaker locations by
playing music with continuous bass, setting up the speak-
ers 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
form an equilaterial or
acute isosceles triangle.
If the speakers are too far
apart relative to the
listener, some imaging
can be lost. Refer to
figure 18.
Figure 18
9
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How to Prepare Hookup Cables
The McIntosh XRT28 Loudspeaker System utilizes bind-
ing posts for speaker wire connections. Prepare the Loud-
speaker Hookup Cables that attach to the Power Amplifier
Output Terminals:
Bare wire cable ends:
Carefully remove sufficient insulation from the cable
ends, refer to figures 19, 20 & 21. If the cable is
stranded, carefully twist the strands together as tightly
McIntosh Single Channel Amplifier
as possible.
Note: If desired,
the twisted
ends can be
tinned with
solder to
keep the
strands together and/or attach a spade lug.
Spade lug or prepared wire connection:
Insert the spade lug connector or prepared section of
the cable end into the terminal side 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 22, 23 & 24.
How to Connect using a single Amplifier
1. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the Negative (-)
Binding Post of the Amplifier to the XRT28 Loud-
speaker System LOW COMmon (-) Binding Post.
2. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the Positive (+)
Binding Post of the Amplifier to the XRT28 Loud-
speaker System LOW 4S (+) Binding Post.
Note: For full audible range operation, jumpers must be
in place between the MID and HIGH COMmon (-)
Binding Posts, the MID and HIGH 4S (+) Binding
Posts, the MID and LOW COMmon (-) Binding
Posts and the MID and LOW 4S (+) Binding Posts.
3. Tighten all of the Loudspeaker and Amplifier Binding
Posts.
10
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How to Connect using a single Amplifier
11
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How to Prepare Hookup Cables
The McIntosh XRT28 Loudspeaker System utilizes bind-
ing posts for speaker wire connections. Prepare the Loud-
speaker Hookup Cables that attach to the Power Amplifier
Output Terminals:
5. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the Positive (+)
Binding Post of the Amplifier Number Two to the
XRT28 Loudspeaker System MID 4S (+) Binding Post.
6. Tighten all of the Loudspeaker and Amplifier Binding
Posts.
Bare wire cable ends:
Carefully remove sufficient insulation from the cable
ends, refer to figures 19, 20 & 21. If the cable is
McIntosh Single Channel Amplifier Number Two
stranded, carefully twist the strands together as tightly
as possible.
Note: If desired,
the twisted
ends can be
tinned with
solder to
keep the
strands together and/or attach a spade lug.
Spade lug or prepared wire connection:
Insert the spade lug connector or prepared section of
the cable end into the terminal side 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 22, 23 & 24.
How to Connect using two Amplifiers
1. Remove jumpers between the MID and LOW
COMmon (-) Binding Posts and the MID and LOW 4S
(+) Binding Posts. The removed jumpers should be re-
tained for possible future use.
McIntosh Single Channel Amplifier Number One
Note: For Midrange and High Frequency operation,
jumpers must be in place between the MID and
HIGH COMmon (-) Binding Posts and the MID
and HIGH 4S (+) Binding Posts.
2. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the Negative (-)
Binding Post of the Amplifier Number One to the
XRT28 Loudspeaker System LOW COMmon (-) Bind-
ing Post.
3. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the Positive (+)
Binding Post of the Amplifier Number One to the
XRT28 Loudspeaker System LOW 4S (+) Binding
Post.
4. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the Negative (-)
Binding Post of the Amplifier Number Two to the
XRT28 Loudspeaker System MID COMmon (-) Bind-
ing Post.
12
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How to Connect using two Amplifiers
13
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How to Prepare Hookup Cables
The McIntosh XRT28 Loudspeaker System utilizes bind-
ing posts for speaker wire connections. Prepare the Loud-
speaker Hookup Cables that attach to the Power Amplifier
Output Terminals:
7. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the Positive (+)
Binding Post of the Amplifier Number Three to the
XRT28 Loudspeaker System HIGH 4S (+) Binding
Post.
Bare wire cable ends:
Carefully remove sufficient insulation from the cable
8. Tighten all of the Loudspeaker and Amplifier Binding
Posts.
ends, refer to figures 19, 20 & 21. If the cable is
McIntosh Single Channel Amplifier Number Three
stranded, carefully twist the strands together as tightly
as possible.
Note: If desired,
the twisted
ends can be
tinned with
solder to
keep the
strands together and/or attach a spade lug.
Spade lug or prepared wire connection:
Insert the spade lug connector or prepared section of
the cable end into the terminal side access hole, and
tighten the terminal cap until the cable is firmly
clamped
into the
terminal
McIntosh Single Channel Amplifier Number Two
so the
wires
cannot
slip out. Refer to figures 22, 23 & 24.
How to Connect using three Amplifiers
1. Remove all the jumpers between the Binding Posts and
retain them for possible future use.
2. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the Negative (-)
Binding Post of the Amplifier Number One to the
XRT28 Loudspeaker System LOW COMmon (-) Bind-
ing Post.
3. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the Positive (+)
Binding Post of the Amplifier Number One to the
XRT28 Loudspeaker System LOW 4S (+) Binding
Post.
McIntosh Single Channel Amplifier Number One
4. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the Negative (-)
Binding Post of the Amplifier Number Two to the
XRT28 Loudspeaker System MID COMmon (-) Bind-
ing Post.
5. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the Positive (+)
Binding Post of the Amplifier Number Two to the
XRT28 Loudspeaker System MID 4S (+) Binding Post.
6. Connect a Loudspeaker cable from the Negative (-)
Binding Post of the Amplifier Number Three to the
XRT28 Loudspeaker System HIGH COMmon (-) Bind-
ing Post.
14
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How to Connect using three Amplifiers
15
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16
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Notes
17
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Specifications
Specifications
System Driver Complement
Two 10 inch LD/HP2 Woofers with magnetic shielding
Twenty 4 inch LD/HP2 Midranges with magnetic shielding
Sixteen 1 inch Soft Dome Tweeters with magnetic
shielding
Impedance
4 ohms Nominal
Frequency Response
16Hz - 20kHz
Sensitivity
88dB (2.8V/1m)
Crossover Frequencies
300Hz
2,000Hz
Power Handling
1200 Watts Maximum
Overall Dimensions
77-1/8 inches (195.90cm) Height, 16-3/8 inches (41.59cm)
Width, 16-3/8 inches (41.59cm) Depth
Finish
Black Ash, Natural Cherry, Red Cherry
Weight
Loudspeaker Column:
124 pounds (56.25kg) net, 146.5 pounds (66.6kg) in
shipping carton
Column Base:
15.5 pounds (7.03kg) net, 18 pounds (8.16kg) in shipping
carton
2LD/HP Pat. No. 5,151,943
18
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Packing Instructions
Packing Instructions
In the event it is necessary to repack the equipment for
shipment, the equipment must be packed exactly as re-
ceived. Failure to do so will result in shipping damage.
Use the original shipping carton and interior parts only
if they are in good serviceable condition. If a shipping car-
ton or any of the interior part(s) are needed, please call or
write Customer Service Department of McIntosh Labora-
tory.
Quantity Part Number
Description
1
1
2
3
034242
034243
034244
034245
Top shipping carton
Bottom shipping carton
Foam end cap
Foam center cap
Note: The Loudspeaker System Base is wrapped in bubble pack
and placed in a small carton.
19
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McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, NY 13903
The continuous improvement of its products is
the policy of McIntosh Laboratory Incorporated
who reserve the right to improve design without
notice.
Printed in the U.S.A.
McIntosh Part No. 04086401
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