McIntosh XRT20 (1985-1990)

It weighs 140 pounds and stands nearly four feet tall. It takes over a room.

Overview

The McIntosh XRT20 was a radical design from a company known for conservatism. Introduced in 1985 and produced through 1990, it was the first physical realization of patented technology developed by McIntosh engineer Roger Russell. It is based on U.S. Patent 4,267,405 ("Stereo Speaker System For Creating Stereo Images") and design patent Des. 261,883. The XRT20 was engineered to project a precise, stable stereo image across a wide listening area, which few speakers of its era could claim. McIntosh marketed it as a completely enclosed floor speaker system. Each cabinet weighs 140 pounds and stands 45.5 inches tall. The vertical array of drivers is meant to behave as a line source, minimizing floor and ceiling reflections and improving direct sound delivery.

Specifications

Manufacturer	McIntosh
Product type	Loudspeaker / A completely enclosed floor speaker system.
Production years	1985-1990
Original price	¥ 1,976,000 (for 2 pcs 1 set)
Design	3-way 27-speaker
Driver complement	24 tweeters, 4 midrange drivers, 2 woofers
Impedance	8 Ω
Output sound pressure level / Sensitivity	90 dB
Max Input / Power handling	400 watts
Frequency response	20 Hz to 45 kHz
Crossover frequency	150 Hz, 800 Hz, 3 kHz
Dimensions (W×H×D)	14.5" x 45.5" x 10.5"
Weight	140 lbs
Cabinet type	Floorstanding
Cabinet material	Walnut veneer
Grille	Black cloth

Key Features

Vertical Line Source Array with 24 Tweeters

The first thing you notice is the wall of high-frequency drivers: 24 tweeters in a vertical line. This line source layout was meant to control vertical dispersion and reduce early reflections from floors and ceilings. It narrows the vertical radiation pattern while keeping horizontal coverage wide, so the stereo image holds up across multiple seating positions. That was a novel approach at the time, especially for McIntosh, which had long favored more traditional point-source designs.

Patented Stereo Imaging Technology

The XRT20 was the first product to implement Roger Russell's patented stereo imaging system. The core idea was to use multiple drivers in a carefully spaced vertical array to create a coherent wavefront, improving off-axis response and image stability. The physical layout of the drivers, the crossover points and the cabinet geometry were all derived from the principles in U.S. Patent 4,267,405. The speaker was engineered to place instruments and voices with unusual precision, even when listeners weren't seated directly on the central axis.

3-Way, 27-Driver Configuration with Dual Woofers

Despite all those tweeters, the XRT20 is a full-range 3-way system. It puts 24 tweeters, 4 midrange drivers and 2 woofers into a single enclosure, crossed over at 150 Hz, 800 Hz and 3 kHz. Each driver group works within its optimal range, and the woofers handle deep bass down to 20 Hz. The system is rated for 300 watts continuous (500 watt occasional peak) of input power and presents a nominal 8 Ω load, which makes it compatible with most high-end McIntosh amplifiers of the era. Sensitivity is rated at 90 dB. That is moderate for such a large system, so it benefits from strong amplification to reach reference levels.

Walnut Veneer Floorstanding Cabinet

The XRT20 has a walnut veneer finish and black cloth grilles. The look is classic high-fidelity, but the internal layout is futuristic. The cabinet is 14.5 inches wide, 45.5 inches tall and 10.5 inches deep, which is narrow for its height and emphasizes the vertical line source. The 140-pound weight per speaker indicates substantial internal bracing and dense materials, likely contributing to reduced cabinet resonance. The outside looks unmistakably like McIntosh. The internal architecture was a significant departure from the brand's usual speaker layouts.

Collectibility & Value

Replacement foam kits are available, specifically marketed for the XRT20 and XRT22 models, which indicates an active restoration community. Used prices vary widely with condition and service history. A used pair has been listed for as little as $600, while a serviced pair carried a "New Price" listing of $2,959.47. Other listings show a pair at €3,000 in Italy, a Japanese auction bid at ¥250,000, and a high-end listing on Audiogon at $7,500. That suggests fully restored, well-maintained units command strong premiums among collectors.

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