McIntosh Labs XR50 Bookshelf Loudspeaker

Since its founding in 1949, McIntosh Laboratory has built a distinguished reputation crafting premium audio components adored by audiophiles worldwide. The brand is known for its timeless design—featuring iconic blue meters, illuminated logos, and robust build quality—that complements its refined sonic excellence. The McIntosh Labs XR50 continues this legacy in compact bookshelf form.

Key Technologies in McIntosh Labs XR50
The McIntosh Labs XR50 is a ported 3-way bookshelf loudspeaker with a nominal 8 Ω impedance and recommended power range between 75 to 300 W and provides well balanced base for its size. It
employs a 6-inch LD/HP® polycone woofer for deep, low-distortion bass, two 2-inch inverted titanium dome midrange drivers, and a ¾-inch titanium dome tweeter—resulting in a refined
frequency response from 40 Hz to 45 kHz It features McIntosh’s Solid Cinch™ gold-plated binding posts and an optional logo illumination via Meter Illumination Control when paired with compatible amplifiers.

Placement, Room Size & Acoustic Matching
Despite their compact size (approx. 8″ × 17″ × 11¾″, ~8.9 kg each) the McIntosh Labs XR50 delivers a sound much larger than their form factor suggests. Their three-way design and precise dispersion make them ideal for small to medium rooms—particularly effective when given stand space or
placed away from walls for balanced bass and imaging Reviews praise the immersive, three- dimensional presentation: “Its sound quality belies its diminutive size…on sheer bass output, it’s a tour de force”.

Power Requirements
The McIntosh Labs XR50 requires a robust amplifier, recommended between 75 to 300 W and performs optimally. Lower-powered units may struggle given its modest sensitivity (~81 dB), so pairing with a powerful and capable amp is advised.

Price Range
In India, the McIntosh Labs XR50 is available through authorized dealers like Sollfege, typically priced approx 4,50,000/- (per pair) inclusive of the duties and taxes and offered in Gloss Black or
Red Walnut finishes.

Specific Information (Materials, Colours, Sizes, Musical Strengths, etc.) The McIntosh Labs XR50 sports a premium cabinet with high-gloss lacquer, magnetically attached acoustically transparent grille. The drivers use high-performance materials—LD/HP polycone woofer, titanium dome midranges and tweeter—enhancing clarity, dynamic range, and resolving power.

Best for
Musically, they excel at revealing nuance—acoustic guitars, vocals, and jazz shine with detail—though orchestral crescendos may feel less expansive compared to larger towers.

Pros and Cons of McIntosh Labs XR50

Pros: Compact yet powerful threeway design Rugged, stylish finish in Red Walnut or Gloss Black

Illuminated logo with McIntosh amps; Solid Cinch binding posts  Excellent clarity and imaging for its size

Cons: Modest sensitivity (~81 dB)—requires strong amplification.

FAQs
What amplifier to use with McIntosh XR50 loudspeakers?
A high-quality amplifier delivering 75–300 W per channel is recommended. Paired with McIntosh amps, you also get that signature illuminated logo via Power Control, enhancing both aesthetics and integration.

Do McIntosh Labs XR50 work well with vinyl and stereo setups?
Yes—thanks to the XR50’s clarity, imaging, and full-range dynamics, they perform admirably in stereo setups and integrate well with analog sources like turntables, especially when paired with a
warm, powerful amplifier.

Is McIntosh Labs XR50 suitable for Indian apartment acoustics?
Absolutely. Their compact footprint and impressive output make them viable in apartment settings.
With mindful placement—avoiding walls and adjusting toein—they can deliver refined sound without overwhelming your space.