Owner’s Manual
XRT29
Loudspeaker
System
XRT29
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
Your decision to own this McIntosh XRT29 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.
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 ......................................................................... 8
How to Connect using a single amplifier ........................ 10
How to Connect using two amplifiers............................. 12
Specifications .................................................................. 14
Packing Instruction .......................................................... 15
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
Caution: The XRT29 High Frequency Column weight is 82
pounds (37.20kg) net. It requires two or more persons
to safely handle the column.
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:
Serial Number:
Purchase Date:
Dealer Name:
Technical Assistance
If the Loudspeaker Cables are 25 feet (7.62m) or less, use at
least 18 Gauge (AWG) wire size or larger.
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 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 XRT29
Loudspeaker.
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
3. The XRT29 has built-in speaker protection in the form of three
automatic resetting solid-state devices as part of the
crossover networks. Two protect the tweeters and one for the
midranges drivers. The characteristics of this protection are
that a certain amount of overdrive is allowed but extended
periods of overdrive will trigger protection. If an obvious lack
of high or mid frequencies is noticed, the Loudspeaker
Protection Device may have activated. The protection devices
will automatically reset when the volume control is reduced
significantly and kept low until the output of the affected
Loudspeaker Element returns to normal.
4. When the XRT29 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 midrange and high
frequencies reproduced. This adjustment is best achieved
through the use of audio test equipment operated by a
qualified installer.
Binghamton, New York 13903
Phone: 607-723-1545
Fax: 607-723-3636
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
5. The XRT29 is designed to be used with a Subwoofer, like a
McIntosh PS112, in order to hear the entire audible range of
sound.
Copyright 2003 by McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
3
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Introduction
McIntosh Acoustic Engineers have refined the line source
netic flux in the voice coil gap. Refer to figure 4. Addi-
tional benefits are
less volume com-
pression due to im-
proved heat transfer
through the sleeves
and a cooler operat-
ing voice coil. Both
measurements, as
Column Loudspeaker concept to provide superior quality
midrange and high frequency sound reproduction.
The High Fre-
quency Section
utilizes a patented
Column Design1
with multiple four
inch Midrange
LD/HP2 Magnetic
Circuit Design
well as critical lis-
tening, reveal ten
Figure 4
Drivers and one
inch soft dome
times less distortion
than previous de-
Figure 1
Tweeters. Refer to figure 1. Since the audio power fed to a
column is distributed among all the drivers, each driver
does not have to work as hard, resulting in greater power
handling capability and a dramatic reduction in distortion.
The Sound Waves from the Column produce a Cylindrical
Wave Front with a stable symmetrical horizontal sound
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 XRT29 Loud-
speaker System is designed to ensure an even frequency
response over its
dispersion to minimize undesirable floor and ceiling re-
flections
audible range. The
Crossover Network
that could
detract from
a stable
sound im-
age. Refer
to figure 2.
In the illus-
utilizes both Second
and Third Order
Crossover Designs.
Refer to figure 5. It
also uses Capacitors
and Inductors with
high current capac-
ity. The Capacitors
used include low
loss (ESR) Polypro-
pylene and Mylar
types. The Cross-
tration the
Loud-
Figure 2
speaker on the left side produces a Cylindrical Wave Front
and the Loudspeaker on the right side produces a conven-
tional Spherical Wave Front.
The Midrange Drivers incorporate McIntosh’s Patented
LD/HP2 Magnetic Circuit Design with shielding to greatly
reduce any external mag-
over Network uti-
lize self resetting
high current Poly-Switches to provide an extra measure of
protection.
The enclosure is an important part of the XRT29 Loud-
speaker System. The High Frequency Column utilizes a
massive extruded aluminum enclosure that houses the 30
four inch Midrange and 25 one inch Tweeter Drivers. Re-
fer to figure 6. It
also has multiple
front to back in-
ternal braces to
form a dampened
rigid Column
Structure. The
Figure 5
LD/HP
netic field. Extensive inves-
tigating and testing resulted
in a new design concept
Conventional
which utilizes a pair of alu-
minum shorting sleeves in
the magnetic circuit. Refer
to figure 3. The sleeves vir-
tually eliminate the nega-
tive influence of the fluctu-
ating voice coil field on the
permanent magnet field.
This results in lower distortion due to more linear mag-
Figure 3
Figure 6
Column’s small footprint allows for a variety of different
placements in a room.
1COLUMN Pat. No. 4,267,405
2LD/HP Pat. No. 5,151,943
4
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Introduction and Performance Features
Performance Features
Patented LD/HP Technology
•
The McIntosh 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 30 four inch Midranges and 25 one inch Dome Tweet-
ers all use this Alloy. The Neodymium-Iron-Boron Alloy
has a high flux density per unit of volume and helps to
keep the Column weight to a minimum.
Controlled Magnetic Field
•
The XRT29 may be used in Home Theater Installations
near a television receiver or monitor without causing the
television image to degrade. McIntosh has designed a
controlled magnetic structure of the XRT29 Loudspeaker
Elements to prevent interference.
High Power Handling
•
The Loudspeaker Elements and Crossover Components of
the XRT29 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 XRT29 Loud-
speaker System provides separate connections for Bi-Am-
plification hookups. The Crossover Network has an input
provision to ensure the best performance when the High
Frequency Column is mounted in-wall.
Gold Plated Input Connectors
•
The XRT29 input connectors are gold plated for superior
corrosion resistance and high electrical conductivity.
5
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XRT29 Column Section Dimensions
The following dimensions can assist in determining the
best location for your XRT29 Loudspeaker System.
Side View of the
Rear View of the
XRT29
Front View of the
XRT29
XRT29
High Frequency Column
(without grille)
High Frequency Column
High Frequency Column
4-1/2"
11.43cm
75-1/4"
191.14cm
3-15/16"
10.00cm
19-7/8"
50.48cm
15-3/16"
38.58cm
10-1/2"
26.67cm
5-3/8"
13.65cm
13-1/16"
33.18cm
4-3/16"
10.64cm
6-1/2"
16.51cm
8-13/16"
22.38cm
6
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Dimensions
End View and Base of the
XRT29
High Frequency Column
Front View of the
XRT29
High Frequency Column
9-5/8"
24.45cm
6-1/2"
16.51cm
13-1/16"
33.18cm
3-3/8"
8.57cm
9-3/16"
23.34cm
7/8"
2.22cm
1-3/8"
3.49cm
4-1/2"
11.43cm
2-1/8"
5.40cm
7"
17.78cm
4-1/2"
11.43cm
2-3/4"
6.99cm
8-15/16"
22.70cm
7-5/8"
19.37cm
7
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Installation
The XRT29 High Frequency Column requires two or more
persons to safely handle the Column during assembly and
placement. Follow the instructions below for unpacking
and assembly. It is recommended that the Professionals at
your McIntosh Dealer, who are skilled in all aspects of in-
stallation and operation, install the XRT29 Loudspeaker
System and any associated audio equipment.
Plate end) to the end of the shipping carton. Refer to
figure 9.
Assembling the High Frequency Column
The XRT29 may be installed using one of three installation
methods. The first method is using the On-Wall Mounting
Brackets supplied with the XRT29, allowing for surface
mounting on a flat surface such as a wall. The second
method is using the optional McIntosh CK29, In-Wall
Mounting Brackets. The third method is using the optional
McIntosh ST29 Column Base. If the CK29 In-Wall Mount-
ing Brackets or ST29 Column Base installation method is
chosen, then follow the instructions in the Installation
Guide supplied with them at this time instead of the steps
below.
Unpacking the High Frequency Column
1. Remove the banding material from the shipping car-
ton. Refer to figure 7.
2. Lift off the top of the
shipping carton and set
it aside.
3. Lift up on the rear of
the Column Loud-
speaker, near the foam
packing material at
both ends. Place the entire assembly (Column, Loud-
speaker Grille and foam packing material) next to the
bottom shipping carton
The supplied On-Wall Mounting Brackets allow for
two different mounting positions of the XRT29 Column
relative to the wall. The first position is with the Column
close to and parallel with the wall. The second position
places the Column further away from the wall and allows
for horizontal rotation of 30 Degrees.
Figure 7
Note: The supplied On-Wall Brackets and hardware are
intended for vertical mounting of the Column, on a
on a flat surface. Refer
to figure 8.
wood studded wall with up to 1 inch (2.54cm) thick wall
covering surface (drywall). If the column is to be
mounted onto other wall construction materials or
4. Release the Loud-
speaker Grille from the
packing material by
opening the slit in the
packing material lo-
cated on the top center. Remove the Loudspeaker
Grille from the protective shipping wrap and set it
aside.
positions contact your McIntosh Dealer for additional
Remove this Screw
Figure 8
information.
9. Decide on which mounting
position will be used for the
column, refer to figure 10 and
using the supplied Allen
Wrench, remove one of the
center screws from both ends
of the Column.
5. In a similar manner, lift out the Loudspeaker Column
and set it aside.
6. Replace the shipping carton top onto the shipping car-
ton bottom. Take the two center pieces of the just re-
moved packing material and lay it down flat onto the
top of the shipping carton.
Note: Save the just removed
screws for possible later
use.
Figure 10
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 Column Bottom End (the Glass Name
10. Attach the Nylon Pivot Pin to one of the L Mounting
Brackets using the short Pivot Pin Screw and Lock
Washer. Refer to figures 11 and 12 for the correct
opening location.
11. Attach the other L Mounting Bracket to the Top of the
Column using the long Pivot Screw and Steel Bushing
into the correct opening, based on the desired mount-
ing position.
Glass Panel
Packing material
12. Determine the Column Mounting Location on the wall
making sure that the Mounting Brackets will be an-
chored to the studs located inside the wall.
13. Referring to figures 11 and 12 install the Mounting
Sleeve on the wall (orient with opening at the top) us-
Figure 9
8
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Installation
Room Placement
Top and Bottom L Mounting Bracket
Loudspeaker placement in a room can greatly affect
performance. The XRT29 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
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 environmental equalizer may be
needed to restore proper musical balance. Experiment with
various Loudspeaker positions to determine the best
sounding location.
ing the supplied
Mounting Screws.
14. Referring to figure
12, measure down
from the just
Opening for screw,
allowing horizontal
rotation of Column
Opening for screw,
allowing close to
wall mounting
mounted L Bracket
and install the Bot-
tom L Bracket to-
gether with the
Opening for
Figure 11
Locking Screw
Shim Plate, using the supplied Mounting Screws.
15. With two persons, orient the Column End with the Top
L Bracket above the Mounting Sleeve and carefully
line up the
bracket with
the sleeve.
Lower the
Column onto
the Nylon
Pivot Point
on the Bot-
tom L
Bracket while
at the same
time the Top
L Bracket is
inserted into
the Mounting
Sleeve.
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
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
16. Install the
Locking
Screw to-
starting place.
Refer to figure
13.
Figure 13
gether with
the Flat
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
form an
isosceles
triangle. If the
speakers are too
far apart relative
to the listener,
some imaging
can be lost.
Refer to figure
14.
Washer into
the opening
on the Top L
Bracket to
secure the
Column.
17. Orient the
Loudspeaker
Grille with
the extended
wood trim
pointed to-
Figure 12
wards the Column Base and line it up even with top/
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.
Figure 14
9
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How to Prepare Hookup Cables
The McIntosh XRT29 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 20, 21 & 22. If the cable is
stranded, care-
fully twist the
strands to-
gether as
tightly as pos-
sible.
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 23, 24 & 25.
McIntosh Single Channel Amplifier
How to Connect using a single Amplifier
1. Connect a Loudspeaker Cable from the Negative (-)
Binding Post of the Amplifier to the COLUMN MID
COMmon (-) Binding Post of the Column Loudspeaker.
2. Connect a Loudspeaker Cable from the Positive (+)
Binding Post of the Amplifier to the COLUMN MID
4S (+) Binding Post of the Column Loudspeaker.
Note: The MID and HIGH COMmon (-) Binding Posts must
have a jumper installed between them. Likewise the
MID and HIGH 4S (+) Binding Posts must also have
a jumper installed between them. If the XRT29
Column is install into a wall, use the MID IN-WALL
Binding Posts instead of the Column MID Binding
Posts.
3. Tighten all of the Loudspeaker and Amplifier Binding
Posts.
10
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How to Connect using a single Amplifier
XRT29 Column Loudspeaker
11
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How to Prepare Hookup Cables
The McIntosh XRT29 Loudspeaker System utilizes bind-
ing posts for speaker wire connections. Prepare the Loud-
speaker Hookup Cables that attach to the Power Amplifier
Output Terminals:
XRT29 Column Loudspeaker HIGH 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 20, 21 & 22. If the cable is
stranded, care-
McIntosh Single Channel Amplifier Number Two
fully twist the
strands to-
gether as
tightly as pos-
sible.
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 23, 24 & 25.
How to Connect using two Amplifiers
McIntosh Single Channel Amplifier Number One
1. Remove the jumpers from between the MID and HIGH
Binding Posts on the XRT29 Column Loudspeaker and
save them for possible future use.
2. Connect a Loudspeaker Cable from the Negative (-)
Binding Post of the Amplifier Number One to the
XRT29 Column Loudspeaker MID COMmon (-) Bind-
ing Post.
Note: If the XRT29 Column is installed into a wall,
use the MID IN-WALL Binding Posts instead of
the Column MID Binding Posts.
3. Connect a Loudspeaker Cable from the Positive (+)
Binding Post of the Amplifier Number One to the
XRT29 Column Loudspeaker MID 4S (+) Binding
Post.
4. Connect a Loudspeaker Cable from the Negative (-)
Binding Post of the Amplifier Number Two to the
XRT29 Column Loudspeaker HIGH COMmon (-)
Binding Post.
5. Connect a Loudspeaker Cable from the Positive (+)
Binding Post of the Amplifier Number Two to the
12
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How to Connect using two Amplifiers
XRT29 Column Loudspeaker
13
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Specifications
Specifications
System Driver Complement
Thirty 4 inch Midranges
Twenty-five 1 inch Dome Tweeters
Impedance
4 ohms Nominal
Frequency Response
80Hz - 20kHz
Sensitivity
88dB (2.8V/1m)
Crossover Frequency
1,700Hz
Power Handling
1200 Watts Maximum
Overall Dimensions
75-1/4 inches (191.14cm) Height
11-15/16 inches (30.32cm) Width
5-3/8 inches (13.65cm) Depth
Finish
Black Ash, Natural Cherry or Red Cherry
Weight
82 pounds (37.20kg) net
102 pounds (46.27kg) in shipping carton
14
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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.
High Frequency Section Column
Quantity Part Number
Description
1
1
2
2
034203
034204
034205
034206
Top shipping carton
Bottom shipping carton
Foam end cap
Foam center cap
15
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McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
2 Chambers Street
Binghamton, NY 13903
McIntosh Part No. 04081401
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