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  1. Home
  2. McIntosh Speakers
  3. Passive Bookshelf Speakers
  4. McIntosh XR50
McIntosh XR50 Review
McIntosh XR50 - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 0.75" Hard-Dome Tweeter
  • 2" Midrange
  • 6" Woofer
  • 40-45k Hz Frequency Response
  • 81 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Weight: 19.50 lbs / 8.85 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 17"x8"x11-3/4" / 431.8 x 203.2 x 298.5mm
MSRP: $2,000 (list price)
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McIntosh XR50 Review
McIntosh XR50 McIntosh XR50
Check price atAmazon›

Made by McIntosh · United States · since 1949 · sold through dealers

McIntosh XR50 is a 3-way Passive Bookshelf speaker by McIntosh. It was released in 2019. It features a 0.75" Hard-Dome Tweeter, 1 x 2" Midrange and 1 x 6" Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 40-45k Hz and a sensitivity of 81 dB.

Frequency Response of the McIntosh XR50 Speaker

McIntosh XR50 has a Frequency response range of 40-45k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 40 Hz, XR50 delivers deep bass that will likely satisfy most listeners, especially those who enjoy music. However, movie enthusiasts and music fans who prefer a full range of sound may still benefit from adding a subwoofer.

Here we have a comparison of how XR50's Low frequency value compares with the average, max and min Low frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
McIntosh XR50
Min
Average
Median
Thinking about a subwoofer for the McIntosh XR50?
  • Work out the crossover setting - it follows from this speaker's 40 Hz low end
  • Every powered subwoofer we cover, whatever the budget

Impedance and Sensitivity

McIntosh XR50's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms and has a sensitivity of 81 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
McIntosh XR50
Min
Average
Median

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so McIntosh XR50 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

With a sensitivity level of only 81 dB, McIntosh XR50 is a difficult to drive speaker from Sensitivity perspective, make sure to choose an amplifier with a high output if you like listening to your music at high volume levels. You may especially have a hard time using Tube amplifiers which are traditionally very low power compared to Class A/B or Class D amps. Work out how loud the McIntosh XR50 plays in your room →

What amplifier does the McIntosh XR50 need?

At normal listening levels in a medium room, about 60–945 W per channel into 8 ohms. Set your own conditions and we will rank every amplifier we cover.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Prefer to browse? Integrated amplifiers under $2,000, or every amplifier we cover.

Input Type

XR50 features Binding post type connectors.

Work out what gauge speaker cable this run needs →

McIntosh XR50 External Dimensions and Weight

McIntosh XR50 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) (431.8 x 203.2 x 298.5mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of McIntosh XR50 is approximately 606.6cm2 / 94.0inch2.

Find speakers that fit your shelf or alcove →  ·  Work out where they should sit in the room →

Weight

The McIntosh XR50 weighs 8.85kg / 19.5lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how XR50's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
McIntosh XR50
Min
Average
Median

Available colors

McIntosh XR50 is available in Walnut (red).

Wall Mounting

XR50 doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Recommended Accessories

Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the McIntosh XR50.

  • Speaker Cable and Connectors
    • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
    • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
    • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
  • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators are our favorite isolators but you may find more affordable options too.
  • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
  • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

Warranty

5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

Frequently Asked Questions about McIntosh XR50

What amplifier do you need for the McIntosh XR50?

The McIntosh XR50 is an 8-ohm speaker, the usual nominal load, so almost any amplifier or receiver can drive it.

Is the McIntosh XR50 easy to drive?

The McIntosh XR50 has a sensitivity of 81 dB. That is on the low side, so it needs more amplifier power than average to reach the same volume.

Does the McIntosh XR50 need a subwoofer?

The McIntosh XR50 reaches down to 40Hz (full range 40-45k Hz). That is deep enough that many listeners will not feel the need for a subwoofer with music.

What drivers does the McIntosh XR50 use?

The McIntosh XR50 is a 3-way design using a 0.75" Hard-Dome tweeter, a 2" midrange and a 6" woofer.

Is the McIntosh XR50 sealed or ported?

The McIntosh XR50 uses a Ported enclosure. A ported design uses a tuned vent to get more low-end output from the same driver, but it wants some breathing room behind it.

How big and heavy is the McIntosh XR50?

The McIntosh XR50 weighs 8.85kg / 19.5lbs each.

How much does the McIntosh XR50 cost?

The McIntosh XR50 has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $2,000.


McIntosh XR50 Detailed Specifications

General
BrandMcIntosh
Full Model NameMcIntosh XR50
Speaker Type3-way Bookshelf
Sensitivity81 dB
Impedance8 ohms
Frequency Response40-45k Hz
Release Date2019
DRIVERS
Woofer Size6-inch
Woofer Composition
Tweeter Size0.75-inch
Tweeter TypeHard-Dome
Midrange Size2-inch

CONNECTIONS
Connector TypeBinding post
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height431.8mm ( 17-inch)
Width203.2mm ( 8-inch)
Depth298.5mm ( 11-3/4-inch)
Height431.8mm ( 17-inch)
Weight8.85 kg (19.5 lbs)
Enclosure
FinishReal wood veneer
Available ColorsWalnut (red)
Moisture ResistanceNo
OTHER
Handheld RemoteNo
Parts Warranty5 Years
Labor Warranty5 Years
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