McIntosh ML1 MKII

The McIntosh ML1 Loudspeaker Mk II brings back the legendary speaker originally introduced in 1977, blending nostalgic design with modern performance to deliver a truly immersive listening experience. As McIntosh's first-ever loudspeaker, the ML1 set a high bar for sound quality, and this updated version continues that legacy with cutting-edge speaker technology and a visually refined aesthetic.

Key Features:

Vintage Aesthetic:

• Cabinet: Constructed from oiled American Walnut solid woods and veneers with a satin finish, the ML1 evokes the warmth and sophistication of classic designs.
• Grille: The removable wood grille, magnetically attached, features acoustically transparent black knit cloth with a touch of metal trim. Unlike the original, this grille no longer includes vertical wood slats, eliminating potential obstructions to sound playback.

Modern Performance:

• Driver Configuration: The ML1 uses a 4-way speaker design with five individual drivers:
  • 12" Woofer: Features a polypropylene cone and synthetic rubber suspension, providing deep bass response down to 27Hz.
  • Two 4" Lower Midrange Drivers: Located in a sealed sub-enclosure, these drivers ensure smooth midrange performance.
  • 2" Upper Midrange: A soft dome midrange for clear and detailed vocals.
  • 3/4" Titanium Dome Tweeter: This driver, also used in McIntosh’s XR50 and XR100 speakers, delivers crisp high frequencies.
• Driver Symmetry: The drivers are symmetrically positioned, removing the need for a designated left and right speaker and ensuring uniform sound coverage across the listening area.

Innovative Engineering for Superior Sound:

• Transition Plate: The midrange drivers and tweeter are mounted on a specially milled transition plate, which minimizes sound field lobing and ensures better imaging by keeping the high-frequency drivers close together.
• Internal Cabinet Bracing: Bracing within the speaker helps reduce vibrations and provides an airtight separation between the woofer and midrange, ensuring cleaner, more accurate sound reproduction.

Power Handling & Amplifier Compatibility:

• Up to 600 Watts: The ML1 is designed to handle up to 600 Watts of power, allowing it to pair perfectly with high-powered McIntosh amplifiers like the MC611 or MC462.
• Bi-Amping Capable: For even more refined sound, the ML1 can be bi-amped using the McIntosh MC451 amplifier.
• Versatile Power Compatibility: While it’s built to handle large amounts of power, it also works well with lower-power amplifiers such as the MC275 and MC312.

Bass Performance:

• The 12" woofer ensures deep, punchy bass that reaches as low as 27Hz, often eliminating the need for a subwoofer. The woofer's LD/HP® Magnetic Circuit Design reduces distortion and increases power handling, offering bass performance comparable to woofers twice its size.

Expansive Sound Coverage:

• The 4-way design, carefully selected drivers, and McIntosh’s expertly engineered crossover network ensure that the ML1 delivers expansive sound coverage across the entire room, making it perfect for larger listening areas where everyone can enjoy the full stereo soundstage.

Crossover & Protection:

• The ML1 features a custom-built crossover with overspecified components that ensure high power handling. Additionally, self-resetting protection devices prevent damage to the drivers by protecting against overdriving.

Solid Cinch™ Speaker Binding Posts:

• McIntosh’s Solid Cinch™ binding posts ensure secure connections with gold-plated terminals to prevent corrosion, delivering a high-quality signal to your speakers.

Finishing Touches:

• The ML1 is made in the USA and includes a matching stand with a vintage die-cast aluminum name badge that echoes the iconic McIntosh amplifier badges. The stand is designed to elevate the speakers for optimum imaging and listening enjoyment and includes both feet for hard floors and spikes for carpeted areas.

Conclusion:

The McIntosh ML1 Loudspeaker Mk II masterfully combines the charm of McIntosh's first-ever speaker with the latest in speaker technology. Whether you're a vintage audio enthusiast or a modern audiophile, the ML1 Mk II delivers exceptional sound quality, deep bass, and expansive coverage in an aesthetically stunning package. It is the perfect addition for those looking to experience McIntosh's rich audio heritage while enjoying the latest in speaker engineering.