McIntosh XRT-22 Loudspeaker

The McIntosh XRT-22 is a floor-standing loudspeaker introduced in 1989 as part of McIntosh Laboratory's XRT series. It uses a line source array, built to give wide, even dispersion and fewer room reflections. Each cabinet carries 22 drivers, a glass top panel and the blue backlit McIntosh logo. It remains a sought-after piece among vintage audio enthusiasts and collectors.

Specifications

Feature	Specification
Model	XRT-22
Brand	McIntosh
Year of Release	1989
Production Period	1989–1994
Type	Passive floor-standing loudspeaker
Driver Complement	22 drivers per speaker: • 6 x 1-inch tweeters • 16 x 2-inch midrange drivers
Enclosure Design	Line source array
Frequency Response	Not officially specified (estimated 60 Hz – 20 kHz)
Sensitivity	89 dB (2.83V/1m)
Nominal Impedance	4 ohms
Recommended Amplifier Power	50–400 watts per channel
Crossover	Internal passive crossover network
Terminals	Bi-wireable binding posts
Cabinet Finish	Black ash wood veneer with glass top panel
Special Features	McIntosh blue backlit logo, vertical driver array for coherent wavefront
Dimensions (H × W × D)	48.5" × 10.5" × 18" (123.2 × 26.7 × 45.7 cm)
Weight	105 lbs (47.6 kg) per speaker

Historical Context

The XRT-22 was a flagship of the XRT series, which was McIntosh's move into line source array technology in the late 1980s. A traditional speaker is a point source. The XRT-22 instead uses a vertical column of 22 small drivers - six 1-inch tweeters and sixteen 2-inch midranges. That column makes a coherent vertical wavefront and cuts floor and ceiling reflections. The result is a more stable soundstage and consistent tonal balance across a wide listening area.

The design fit McIntosh's long-standing focus on high-fidelity reproduction: accuracy, transparency and imaging. McIntosh marketed the XRT-22 to audiophiles who wanted reference-level performance. It also looked futuristic, with the illuminated McIntosh logo and the glass top.

Though production ended in 1994, the XRT-22 remains a symbol of McIntosh’s innovation during a transformative era in speaker design.

Sound Signature

The XRT-22 sounds neutral, detailed and transparent. The multi-driver line array gives precise imaging and a wide, deep soundstage. The vertical dispersion pattern keeps tonality consistent across multiple seating positions, so it suits both stereo and home theater.

High frequencies are smooth and extended, and they stay free of harshness at high volumes. The midrange is articulate and natural, and works well for vocals and acoustic instruments. Bass is tight and controlled, but the speaker relies on room gain and proper placement to get the best low end.

Maintenance and Restoration Tips

Because of their age, XRT-22 speakers often need maintenance to restore peak performance:

Crossover Capacitors: Aging capacitors in the internal crossover network are a common issue. Replacing them with modern, high-quality components can significantly improve clarity and reliability.
Midrange Driver Surrounds: The foam surrounds on the 2-inch midrange drivers are prone to deterioration. Re-foaming or full reconing by a specialist is recommended if distortion or buzzing is present.
Tweeter Failures: Individual tweeters may fail over time. Testing each tweeter and replacing damaged units ensures balanced high-frequency output.
Bi-Wiring Check: Ensure bi-wire terminals are securely connected and free of corrosion. Upgrading speaker cables can enhance performance.
Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth for the cabinet and glass top. Avoid chemical cleaners on the logo panel to prevent damage to the backlighting.

Regular inspection and professional servicing every few years are advised for long-term reliability.

Collectibility and Market Value

The McIntosh XRT-22 holds a collectibility rating of 7/10. The design, the McIntosh name and the limited production run all add to its appeal. Well-maintained pairs in good cosmetic and operational condition typically sell for $2,000 to $4,000 per pair.

Factors affecting value include: