McIntosh XRT1.1K Reference Loudspeaker

Reference-Level McIntosh Sound on a Grand Scale

The McIntosh XRT1.1K Loudspeaker brings the extraordinary engineering of McIntosh's flagship XRT2.1K into a more accommodating design—without giving up the scale, dynamics or unmistakable visual presence of a reference McIntosh system.

With 70 individual drivers, 1,200 watts of power handling and a 4-way line-array architecture, the XRT1.1K is engineered to reproduce music with tremendous authority while creating a remarkably wide and consistent listening area.

This is a loudspeaker designed for systems where effortless dynamics, full-range performance and life-sized musical scale are the priority.

70 Drivers. One Loudspeaker.

Yes, you read that correctly.

Each XRT1.1K contains 70 individual drivers.

The system combines four powerful woofers and two low-frequency midrange drivers within the main bass enclosure with a towering front line array containing 24 upper-frequency midrange drivers and 40 tweeters.

Rather than relying on a small number of drivers to reproduce enormous output levels, McIntosh distributes the workload across the array.

The result is a speaker capable of playing with tremendous scale while maintaining the clarity and composure expected from a reference system.

The Advantage of a McIntosh Line Array

The XRT1.1K's line-array architecture is about more than creating an impressive wall of drivers.

It helps produce an even, exceptionally wide sound field across the listening room.

A listener seated closer to the speaker is directly aligned with only a portion of the array, helping prevent the presentation from becoming overwhelming. As listening distance increases, more of the array contributes directly to the listening position, helping maintain sound level and quality farther into the room.

The practical result is one of the XRT1.1K's biggest advantages:

You don't have to fight everyone else for one perfect listening chair.

Multiple people can experience convincing stereo imaging and dynamics throughout a much larger portion of the room.

Serious Low-Frequency Authority

Behind the line array sits the XRT1.1K's substantial bass enclosure.

It houses four 6.5-inch woofers and two 6.5-inch low-frequency midrange drivers, originally developed for the larger XRT2.1K.

These drivers use diaphragms engineered to be both lightweight and extremely rigid, while long-throw designs provide the excursion necessary for substantial low-frequency output.

The bass system works together with the front array to create a full-range presentation capable of handling everything from intimate acoustic recordings to large orchestral works and high-impact music at realistic listening levels.

1,200 Watts of Power Handling

The XRT1.1K is rated to handle an extraordinary 1,200 watts of amplifier power.

That capability gives the speaker tremendous dynamic headroom when paired with appropriate high-performance amplification.

But raw power is only part of the equation.

A reference speaker needs to remain controlled as output increases. By spreading the workload across its extensive driver complement and carefully engineered crossover network, the XRT1.1K is designed to maintain composure even during demanding musical passages.

The objective isn't simply to play loud.

It's to make enormous dynamic swings sound effortless.

A Crossover Engineered for Extreme Performance

Managing 70 drivers across four frequency ranges requires a serious crossover network.

McIntosh uses low-loss capacitors and high-current inductors selected to maintain linear performance even at substantial power levels.

Different inductor types are specifically chosen for the requirements of each section of the crossover, helping maintain an even response across the audible frequency range while minimizing distortion.

Self-resetting high-current PTC protection devices provide an additional layer of protection for the drivers.

It's the kind of engineering necessary when a loudspeaker is expected to handle four-figure amplifier power without losing its composure.

Tri-Wiring and Tri-Amp Capability

The XRT1.1K gives owners of ambitious systems the ability to take things considerably further.

Separate sets of McIntosh Solid Cinch™ gold-plated binding posts are provided for the mid/high, low and subwoofer frequency sections.

This allows the XRT1.1K to be tri-wired or tri-amplified if desired.

For a reference-level system, that opens the door to some extraordinary amplification configurations and gives system designers considerable flexibility when building the electronics around the speakers.

Built Like a McIntosh Reference Component

The XRT1.1K doesn't attempt to disappear.

It looks like a McIntosh flagship because it is one.

The bass enclosure receives seven layers of high-gloss piano-black paint, complemented by brushed and black aluminum details.

The line array incorporates visual elements inspired by the classic McIntosh front panel, with a black center section surrounded by silver trim.

Even the structure suspending the array in front of the bass enclosure makes a statement. Steel supports inspired by modern skyscraper construction hold the array in position, while magnetic covers echo the appearance of McIntosh control knobs.

It's industrial design that makes the engineering part of the visual experience.

Details Matter at This Level

The removable speaker grilles use black knit cloth with high-gloss trim and attach magnetically, allowing the enormous driver array to remain visible when desired.

A substantial machined aluminum and glass base supports the loudspeaker.

Four adjustable feet allow precise contact with the floor, helping eliminate movement and vibration that could interfere with performance.

The McIntosh logo incorporated into the base can also be illuminated through McIntosh Power Control when connected to compatible McIntosh electronics.

When the lights go down and the system comes on, there's no mistaking what you're listening to.

The Grid's Take on the McIntosh XRT1.1K

The XRT1.1K is where McIntosh loudspeaker design becomes something entirely different from a conventional floorstander.

Seventy drivers per speaker sounds excessive until you understand what McIntosh is trying to accomplish.

It's not simply about output.

The line array is designed to create a huge listening window, distribute the workload across dozens of drivers and maintain scale and dynamics throughout a large room. That's very different from building a speaker that performs spectacularly from one carefully measured seat.

Then there's the 1,200-watt power handling and the ability to tri-amp the speaker. Build the right McIntosh system around a pair of XRT1.1Ks and you're entering genuinely reference-level territory.

And while "more accessible" is relative when we're talking about a speaker like this, the XRT1.1K brings much of the philosophy of the enormous XRT2.1K into a package that can realistically work in a wider range of high-end listening rooms.

At The Grid HiFi & Home Theater, we can design the complete XRT1.1K system around the room—from McIntosh amplification and source components to speaker positioning, power, cabling and final system setup.