MAGAZINE
The ML1 were the first loudspeakers ever manufactured by McIntosh. Introduced in 1970, with a design of the era, they offered high sound quality with high volume and impressive bass response for the time.
The original version was discontinued in 1977 – and now McIntosh launches the ML1 as a "homage" in an Mk II version. Of course, the 4-way design has been technically updated to a modern level, concerning the crossover and cabinet, and of course the drivers.
The large "standmount speaker" is equipped with five modern drivers, including a powerful 30cm woofer with polypropylene cone, working same as the original in a closed cabinet for the appropriate bass power. Two 10cm drivers with propylene cones are available for the fundamental tone and the lower mids in a separate, closed chamber, while a 5cm fabric dome and a titanium tweeter play above that. The latter is identical to the dome used in the McIntosh models XR50 and XR100. The working ranges are separated at 180, 500 and 4,500 Hertz, the low bass is said to reach 27 Hertz, have a nominal impedance of 8 ohms; the power handling was designed with up to about 600 watts so that the ML1 should also easily cope with the larger McIntosh amplifiers, according to the manufacturer.
The classic "wooden grille" was abandoned, the cover consists – with the exception of the divider – purely of acoustically permeable fabric; otherwise, the ML1 MK II in its walnut finish is strongly reminiscent of the ancestor. The speakers weigh 28 kilograms each and have the dimensions 38x66x34 cm (WxHxD). Optimized stands are included, according to McIntosh.
The pair price of the McIntosh ML1 Mk II will be €16,000 in Germany, with the speakers most likely becoming available in the second half of July.
