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O
f all audio components, the loudspeaker may
seem the least complex. Yet the many trade-
offs in loudspeaker design -“ the give and take
between drivers, crossovers, and cabinet volume -“ call
for well-informed subjectivity. McIntosh has been sell-
ing loudspeakers since 1970. Make that manufacturing
loudspeakers, as fewer and fewer speaker companies
actually build or even design what they sell. As a com-
pany fixated on musical fidelity, McIntosh is uniquely
qualified to make the subjective judgements necessary
to create truly musical loudspeakers.
The new Academy Series results from the most ambi-
tious speaker development project in McIntosh history.
Never have McIntosh speakers and electronics enjoyed
such harmony of quality, performance, and purpose.
The popularity of home theaters has had a dramatic
effect on the speaker market. Amid confusion over how
many speakers to buy and where to place them is a lin-
gering question: Does a good music loudspeaker make
a good theater speaker, and vice versa?
With the Academy Series loudspeakers, the answers
are yes and yes. Because from the very beginning
the Academy models have been designed for low-dis-
tortion performance, thanks to patented LD/HP® drivers
and unique arched bridge truss cabinet construction.
Music benefits from smooth, extended response with-
out the coloration and fuzzy imaging caused by driver
distortion and cabinet vibrations. Movie sound benefits
from high power handling and fast, clean dynamic
response from the high-output LD/HP drivers.
The Academy speakers are a true family, sharing a
common tonal quality that allows for great configura-
tion flexibility. Virtually any combination of speakers
can be used in multichannel applications.
High-end loudspeakers in particular are often charac-
terized by just one aspect of their performance. It could
be bass response, treble transparency, depth of image,
cosmetic appearance, or even price. In all of its products,however, McIntosh seeks balance, and so is the case
with speakers. The Academy models certainly have an
extremely smooth and broad frequency response, and
they do measure well in front of a microphone and
spectrum analyzer. But in the final analysis, they are
distinguished by their sheer musicality, which can only
be measured by listening.
T
he non-parallel, arched sides of the Academy
Series cabinets help eliminate resonances and
reflections that disrupt a smooth frequency
response. The sides are made from several layers of
MDF and wood, laminated together for strength.
Within the graceful arch shape, internal trusses create
an extremely strong and durable cabinet virtually
immune to flutter and vibrations that distort sound.
Academy Series drivers and crossovers are designed
for high efficiency as well as high power handling. For
example, the smallest Academy model -“ the LS320 -“
will provide a sound pressure level in excess of 100dB
using McIntoshs smallestpower amplifier. Shielding
around the drivers allows safe placement near video
monitors and TV sets.
Academy speakers deliver the ultra-realistic dynamics
of todays digital movie sound. Yet in contrast to most
so-called theater loudspeakers, they also possess the
musicality demanded by critical music listeners.
W
hile you can choose virtually any combina-
tion of Academy speakers for a surround-
sound theater or listening room, McIntosh
dealers will typically recommend one of four Academy
Systems. Each system has one or more alternative model
choices and expansion options. Chances are that at
least one system will match your needs based on the
type of system you own, your budget, and the parameters
of your theater or listening room.
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LD/HP ® Drivers
In a LD/HP driver, a pair of aluminum
shorting sleeves makes the magnetic
field more symmetrical
and reduces distortion.
The sleeves also lower the
impedance of the voice
coil, permitting greater
current flow and hence
higher output levels. Arched Cabinet Sides
The arch shape creates non-parallel
sides, preventing internal resonances
that muddy the sound.
Internal Trusses
Cross-braces span the entire length
of the arched sides, creating an
extremely rigid cabinet structure that
virtually silences unwanted vibrations.
Precision Crossovers
Designing the optimal crossover for
any speaker is a challenge. To do so
for several and make them sound like a
true family is more like an art. And this
is exactly what McIntosh has done.
Flared Ports
The ports in the LS360, LS340, and
PS112 have flares at both ends to
minimize air noise with high levels
of bass. Bessel Function Tweeter Array
In the LS360 and CS350 the indi-
vidual tweeter amplitudes and
phase relationships are adjusted so
that the array acts as a high fre-
quency point source with a broad
dispersion pattern. The array also
greatly increases power handling
for high frequencies.
Hand-Crafted Drivers
Woofer and midrange cones are
constructed of polypropylene,
which has a high stiffness-to-mass
ratio and good damping properties.
Rubber surrounds ensure linear
cone excursion, and like the cones
are immune to decay. Drivers are
mounted in proprietary die-cast
aluminum frames and undergo
rigorous tests in McIntoshs ane-
choic chamber.
