McIntosh has announced its new ML1 MKII Loudspeaker, an improved version of the original 1970s ML1 that combines both vintage style with contemporary sound.
Featuring a similar bass response to the initial iteration but without the need of an equalizer, the ML1 MKII can be connected with amplifiers up to 600 Watts to fill large rooms with life-size sound. It also features wide dispersion, which allows for an equal distribution of sound throughout the listening area.
The external design of the ML1 MKII retains the oiled American Walnut solid wood cabinets and satin finish veneers of the original. But, internally, it features a full modern revamp to reflect McIntosh’s present-day high performance speaker technology. The ML1 MKII is a four-way speaker that uses five separate speaker drivers to produce a uniform listening area.
It has a single 12-inch woofer in a sealed enclosure with a polypropylene cone and dust cap with synthetic rubber suspension. In the lower midrange is a pair of 4-inch drivers in a sealed sub-enclosure, also with polypropylene cones and dust caps with synthetic rubber suspension. In the upper midrange, meanwhile, is a single 2-inch soft dome upper midrange and the tweeter is a 3/4″ Titanium dome tweeter (the same tweeter used in the company’s 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,” says 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 McIntosh ML1 MKII will be available for an MSRP of US$6,000 per speaker (US$12,000 per pair) starting July 2023. Stay tuned for Canadian availability and pricing.