XCS 1.5K

The McIntosh XCS 1.5K is a centre channel speaker for home cinema systems, designed to reproduce the dialogue and other key sounds that largely come from the centre channel. It is rated to handle 1,500 Watts and uses a hybrid design combining 3-way and 4-way operation.

The XCS 1.5K is voiced to match the McIntosh XRT2.1K and XRT1.1K front speakers, helping vocals and instruments retain their timbre as sounds move across the left, centre and right channels. This matching supports seamless movement across the three front speakers without unwanted changes in sound character.

Its line array follows the design approach used in the XRT2.1K and XRT1.1K, with the midrange drivers and tweeters mounted forward of the woofers. The shorter array uses a hybrid Bessel alignment to provide even sound coverage. This arrangement is why the midrange and tweeter drivers are not laid out in a fully uniform pattern.

Low frequencies are handled by 4 8" long-throw carbon fibre sandwich-cone woofers in the vented bass cabinet. All 4 woofers reproduce low frequencies, while 2 can extend to slightly higher frequencies when required before the crossover point. At that point, the (14) 2.5" aluminium midrange drivers take over. The line array also contains (25) 3/4" dome tweeters.

Driver selection, individual driver positioning and the crossover design provide a wide, uniform sound field. This allows sounds from the centre channel to remain clear even when the listener is not seated directly in front of the speaker.

The crossover networks are phase matched between the low-frequency, midrange and high-frequency sections for a smooth response across the audible range. The inductors are selected to avoid adding audible distortion, while film-type capacitors provide additional reliability. All capacitors and inductors have high-current capacity, and the midrange and tweeter sections include auto-resetting over-current protection.

Three sets of patented Solid Cinch^™ speaker binding posts are fitted to the rear. Separate pairs are provided for the mid/high, low and subwoofer frequencies, allowing bi-amping, tri-amping, bi-wiring or tri-wiring. The connectors secure the speaker cables to the speaker.

The speaker grilles use black knit cloth with high-gloss trim and attach magnetically, allowing them to be removed when the drivers are to remain visible. The XCS 1.5K can also be tilted within its base to 1 of 5 preset angles, providing control over its aim towards the listening position.

The vented bass cabinet has a finish of 7 layers of high-gloss piano black paint, with brushed and black aluminium details. The line array takes design cues from the classic McIntosh front panel, with a black centre section and silver trim. Steel spiders, inspired by modern skyscraper construction, suspend the array in front of the bass cabinet. Magnetic covers on the spiders echo the appearance of McIntosh control knobs, creating a consistent design across the front left, centre and right speakers.

The XCS 1.5K can be used with a range of McIntosh home theatre processors and home theatre amplifiers to form a complete home theatre system.