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Home News

McIntosh XRT2.1K floor standing loudspeaker

Marco Lisi by Marco Lisi
July 13, 2026
in News, Loudspeakers
Reading Time: 3 mins read

The McIntosh XRT2.1K loudspeaker represents the next evolution of McIntosh home audio speakers. Borne from their 45+ years of designing speakers, the XRT2.1K is a full range system that provides spacious sound reproduction with an unusually deep sound stage. Standing 7 feet (2.1 meters) tall, a pair of them will grab the attention of every person in the room. But when the music starts, the only thing people will pay attention to is the enveloping sound they are experiencing.

The McIntosh XRT2.1K utilizes our renowned line array speaker principles to produce an even sound dispersion pattern. Listeners closer to the speaker will not be overwhelmed by extremely loud sound while those further away will notice hardly any drop off in sound level. The resulting sound is smooth and wide for all listeners, producing exceptional stereo imaging in nearly all listening positions.

mcintosh-xrt21k-floor-standing-loudspeaker-2

A 4-way speaker, the McIntosh XRT2.1K produces excellent sound quality at all levels of the human audio spectrum. The unique left and right speaker each use a total of 81 drivers consisting of (6) 8” woofers, (2) 6.5” low frequency midranges, (28) 2” upper frequency midranges and (45) ¾” tweeters, to deliver a nearly unparalleled sound reproduction. The woofer and low frequency midrange drivers, housed in the large bass enclosure cabinet, are brand new designs that were specifically created for the McIntosh XRT2.1K. Their extremely stiff yet lightweight diaphragms combined with a very long throw design ensures amazing extension on low frequencies. Located on the line array are the aluminum–magnesium upper frequency midrange and tweeter metal drivers, which have been specially customized for the McIntosh XRT2.1K and feature neodymium magnets.

The crossover network is engineered to ensure an even frequency response over the entire audible range. It utilizes capacitors and inductors with low loss and high current capacity. The type of inductor used in each section of the crossover network has been specially chosen for high linearity, even at high power levels. This prevents distortion of the music at any frequency.

mcintosh-xrt21k-floor-standing-loudspeaker-3

Visually, the McIntosh XRT2.1K is as striking as it sounds. The reinforced bass cabinet is a combination of brushed and black aluminum and is finished with 7 layers of high gloss piano black paint. The line array mimics the timeless McIntosh front panel appearance with a glossy black center section and 2 silver aluminum end caps. It is suspended from the front of the bass cabinet via steel spiders that are capped with magnetically attached covers that look like a McIntosh control knob. The removable speaker grilles are attached via magnets and feature black knit cloth with high gloss trim. The cabinet pedestal is made of machined aluminum and glass; it is supported by 4 adjustable feet that allow the speaker to make perfect contact with your floor, thus eliminating a possible source of distortion or vibration.

The McIntosh patented, gold-plated Solid Cinch™ speaker binding posts easily but securely attach your speaker cables​ to prevent them from coming loose while also ensuring a quality signal is delivered to your loudspeaker. Separate pairs of binding posts are available for the mid/high, low and subwoofer frequencies to allow for tri-amping or tri-wiring. The McIntosh logo on the front of the base plate can be illuminated green with the use of our Power Control technology found in our amplifiers, preamplifiers, integrated amplifiers and other products. Contact your local dealer to learn more.​

mcintosh-xrt21k-floor-standing-loudspeaker-4

Technical specifications

  • Nominal impedance: 8 Ohms;
  • Power rating: 2000 Watts;
  • Frequency response:: 12Hz – 45kHz;
  • Sound pressure level at 2.8V/1M: 90dB;
  • Crossover: 150Hz, 450Hz, 2.1kHz;
  • Number of woofers: 6;
  • Woofer size: 8″;
  • Woofer type: Nanocarbon Fiber/Nomex Honeycomb Long Throw;
  • Number of midrange drivers: 2 (low frequency), 28 (upper frequency);
  • Midrange size: 6.5″ (low frequency), 2″ (upper frequency);
  • Midrange type: Nanocarbon fiber/nomex honeycomb long throw (low frequency), aluminum–magnesium dome (upper frequency);
  • Number of tweeters: 45;
  • Tweeter size: 3/4″;
  • Tweeter type: aluminum–magnesium dome;
  • System type: Ported 4-Way Floor Standing;
  • Grill: Black knit cloth, magnetically attached;
  • Available finishes: Piano Black;
  • Dimensions (W X H X D): 22-11/16″ (57.66cm) x 83-7/32″ (211.2cm) (including feet) x 25-27/32″ (65.6cm);
  • Weight: 354 lbs (160.2 kg);
  • Shipping weight: 468 lbs (212.2 kg).

Visit the McIntosh website.

Tags: LoudspeakersMcIntosh
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Marco Lisi

Marco Lisi

Publisher

Marco Lisi is the publisher of Best of High End, part of AV Concepts BV. His path into audio started early: as a teenager he was drawn into the world of free radio, presenting shows and living immersed in music every day. In his early twenties he ran his own production studio for five years, creating jingles and commercials — hands-on training in sound design, pro-audio workflows, and critical listening through studio monitors that still shapes how he evaluates gear today. He also spent years DJing in clubs before moving into publishing, first at two earlier online magazines before founding Best of High End. His hi-fi and home cinema passion was inherited from his father, an inveterate system-swapper. Marco's first setup — a confirmation gift — paired AKAI separates with entry-level Bowers & Wilkins speakers, a brand he stayed loyal to for years as his system grew from stereo into full surround and home cinema. Like many enthusiasts, he went through an extended "audiophile" phase chasing the next upgrade, before settling into a more grounded view: gear as a means to enjoy music and film, not an end in itself. Years of critical listening have given him a well-trained ear — the ability to characterize a system or pinpoint a change in the chain quickly and accurately. Just as important, his teaching background (a Belgian "regent" degree in Dutch language) gives him the tools to translate those listening impressions into clear, readable writing.

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