McIntosh ML1 Loudspeaker Mk2 speaker pair

McIntosh ML1 Loudspeaker Mk2 speaker pair

McIntosh ML1 Loudspeaker Mk2

Vintage style meets cutting-edge sound: The ML1 was McIntosh's first loudspeaker. Introduced in 1970 with a mid-century modern design, it delivered amazing sound quality with high volume and punchy bass response, especially when paired with an external EQ. Countless music enthusiasts chose the ML1 to listen to their favorite music. The original ML1 was discontinued in 1977, but we've continued to deliver high-performance loudspeakers ever since. Now, we're bringing the ML1 back as the ML1 Loudspeaker Mk II, a tribute to the origins of McIntosh loudspeakers.

"The McIntosh ML1 Mk II offers a unique, three-pronged combination: subtlety, firepower, and fun. A pair of these speakers recreates music in all its diversity without blinking, with personality and style." - Stereophile

The ML1’s cabinet is made from oiled solid American walnut and veneer, and has a satin finish. It features a matching magnetically attached, removable wooden grille with an acoustically transparent black knit fabric with a touch of metal, giving the speaker a sophisticated look. The original ML1’s grille has been stripped of the vertical wooden slats that could interfere with music reproduction. The new ML1’s grille features only an acoustically transparent fabric, allowing the music to breathe freely.

Internally, the new ML1 is packed with modern, performance-driven speaker technology. The ML1 is a 4-way speaker that uses five separate elements to produce amazing sound:

- Bass: 12-inch woofer in a sealed enclosure with a polypropylene cone and synthetic rubber suspension
- Lower midrange: two 4-inch drivers in a sealed enclosure with a polypropylene cone and synthetic rubber surround
- Upper midrange: soft dome for sensitive upper midrange frequencies
- Super tweeter: 3/4-inch titanium diaphragm element

"I've rarely heard such dynamics from a speaker this size. I can play as loud as I dare. The speakers are unshakably stable... They really can do anything." - Lyd & Bilde

A special milled aluminum plate houses the midrange and tweeters, allowing them to be placed close together. The close proximity of the drivers reduces off-axis distortion. The plate also provides a strong foundation for the higher frequency units, dampening vibrations that could affect the sound. Internal bracing within the enclosure provides an airtight enclosure separated from the 12-inch woofer, further minimizing vibrations.

The ML1's upper midrange has low resonance and exceptionally high power handling; this allows the crossover frequency between the lower and upper midrange to avoid the 1 kHz frequency, which is critical for producing a natural vocal sound.

Designed to handle up to 600 watts of pure amplifier power, the ML1 is perfect for listening sessions that would bring many other speakers to their knees. The ML1 thrives on clean, stable power from high-performance amplifiers like the McIntosh MC611 and MC462. But it’s also nimble enough to produce amazing sound when used with lower-powered amplifiers like the MC275, MC1502, MC830 and MC312. For even more impressive sound, the ML1 can also be connected to the MC451 hybrid amplifier.

The ML1’s 12-inch woofer delivers incredible bass response down to 27Hz, which is close to the lowest frequency the human ear can detect. A subwoofer is typically not needed to deliver deep, punchy bass. However, much has been learned since the original ML1, and modern design and simulation tools were used to develop design parameters that deliver a similar bass response to the original speaker, but without the need for an external EQ. The woofer also uses our patented Low Distortion High Performance (LD/HP®) magnetic circuit design, which significantly reduces distortion and increases power handling.

The ML1 uses a custom crossover designed by our engineers for performance and durability. Oversized components ensure high power handling, and built-in, self-resetting protection circuits prevent damage to the elements in exceptional situations. The crossover separates the high and low frequency circuits, allowing for bi-wiring and bi-amping.

Specifications:

• 4-way crossover filter, crossover frequencies 180Hz, 500Hz and 4.5kHz
• Frequency response: 27 Hz - 45 kHz
• Sensitivity: 85 dB (2.83V/1m)
• Impedance: 8 Ohms
• Recommended amplifier power: 75 - 600 W
• Dimensions (W x H x D): speaker 38.1 x 66.4 x 34 cm / stand 40.6 x 26 x 40.6 cm
• Weight: speaker 30 kg / stand 8.6 kg

Founded in 1949, McIntosh is arguably the world's most legendary manufacturer of hi-fi equipment. All McIntosh products deliver the ultimate experience in music and movies. The iconic blue Watt meter is recognized worldwide as a symbol of quality sound. With a McIntosh stereo system or home theater, you can experience your own luxurious sound experience, with an incomparable depth that reaches into your body and mind.

McIntosh's core products are designed and handcrafted in our Binghamton, New York, factory by a dedicated, long-time workforce with a burning passion for music and the McIntosh heritage. Since its founding, McIntosh has played a significant role in some of the most important moments in music history and pop culture. From President Lyndon Johnson's inaugural address to the Grateful Dead's famous "Wall of Sound" at Woodstock; McIntosh has not only seen history, it has shaped it.