McIntosh has launched the ML1 MKII Loudspeaker, which the company is calling “a new and improved” version of their original ML1 from the 1970s.
The ML1 MKII, featuring a design where vintage style meets contemporary sound, offers a similar bass response as the initial iteration but without the need of an equalizer. The ML1 MKII can be connected with amplifiers up to 600 Watts to fill the largest of rooms with life-size sound. It also features wide dispersion, which allows for an equal distribution of sound throughout the listening area, unlike any other loudspeaker.
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The external design of the ML1 MKII retains the same aesthetic as the original ML1 with its oiled American Walnut solid wood cabinets and satin finish veneers. Whereas, internally, it features a full modern revamp to reflect McIntosh’s present-day high-performance speaker technology.
The ML1 MKII is a 4-way speaker that uses five separate speaker drivers to produce a uniform listening area and improved sound quality:
- Woofer: one 12″ woofer in a sealed enclosure with a polypropylene cone and dust cap with synthetic rubber suspension.
- Lower Midrange: two 4″ lower midrange drivers in a sealed sub-enclosure also with polypropylene cones and dust caps with synthetic rubber suspension.
- Upper Midrange: one 2″ soft dome upper midrange.
- Tweeter: one 3/4″ Titanium dome tweeter (the same tweeter used in our XR50 and XR100 speakers).
“While we have been making loudspeakers for over five decades, the ML1 will always be our first and holds a special place in our hearts here at McIntosh,” said McIntosh President Charlie Randall. “We’re incredibly excited to showcase how far the brand has come over the more than half a century with the renewed ML1 and hope our community of listeners will enjoy listening to their favorite sounds on this classic remodel.”
The ML1 MKII additionally includes a matching stand with a vintage die cast aluminum name badge on the base. The stand is designed to elevate and position the ML1 loudspeaker for optimum imaging and listening enjoyment. It comes with feet for use on hard floors, and spikes for use on carpet. The reimagined loudspeaker can also be set directly on the floor or placed on a sturdy piece of furniture.
The ML1 MKII will be available through Authorized McIntosh Dealers for a targeted MSRP of $6,000 per speaker ($12,000 per pair) starting July 2023.
