McIntosh XCS200 Center Channel "Summit"

People have gone crazy for McIntosh equipment for 3/4 of a century. Whether they be tuners, amplifiers, turntables, or speaker systems, McIntosh has a devoted following like no other audio brand.  Their speakers in particular have always caused quite a stir.  The ML1 for example, their first loudspeaker system, wasn't introduced until 1970.  The ML1 design was intricate and complex for the time, using a 5-driver 4-way design that depended on an external bass management equalizer called the MQ-101.  Not many people had conceived of a speaker system as compact as the ML1, and with that level of complexity.  

Fast forward to 2010 when large scale home theater systems were just reaching their peak.  McIntosh came to market with yet another design pinnacle, the XCS200 center channel speaker.  Engineered for the ultimate in home theater installations, the XCS200 boasted a 600-watt power max handling and a wide frequency response of 80 Hz to 45 kHz. 

Like the ML1, the XCS200 uses a multi driver configuration consisting of two 8-inch LD/HP® (Low Distortion/High Performance) woofers for robust bass, complemented by a sophisticated line array containing eight 2" inverted titanium dome midranges and five 3/4" titanium dome tweeters. This dense, multi-element array, arranged in a quasi-point source configuration, ensures exceptional dispersion and high output while reducing dynamic compression to negligible levels.

The enclosure is constructed from custom extruded aluminum with concave side panels that effectively resist internal standing waves for cleaner low-frequency reproduction. The front baffle is finished in a high-gloss piano black, complementing a variety of room aesthetics, while the sealed design allows for flexible placement, including close to rear walls without producing "boom."  This one speaker alone weighs 61 lbs, so before being tempted to use the McIntosh-provided rear wall bracket, make sure you have sturdy anchors in place!

This speaker is in excellent condition all around.  Sound is BIG, boisterous, and non-fatiguing.  An excellent boost to ANY multi-channel setup, but especially sweet with other McIntosh gear surrounding it. 

Demos are available in Andover, MA.

(*Note, stand shown is not included.)

$2,999 (plus applicable shipping and/or MA sales tax)