It is alleged that the McIntosh ML1 MKII, which could be seen at the exhibition in Munich, is a rethought version of the ML-1C model from the mid-70s of the last century. They can be compared in the title photo: modern ML1 MKIIs are shown with a stand, vintage ML-1Cs without it. The differences are many, and according to McIntosh, this is the result of a “complete state-of-the-art revamp” designed to “reflect the audio standards that the company holds today.”
As a result, we still have a four-way “closed case” in front of us, but now it has not four, as before, but five speakers. This is a 12-inch woofer with a polypropylene cone in a separate sealed inner box, two 4-inch bottom-mid speakers, also made of polypropylene, then a two-inch soft-dome “almost tweeter” and, finally, a 0.75-inch titanium dome tweeter, the same as in the McIntosh XR50 shelf and XR100 floor models.
As a result, the ML1 MKII is capable of handling up to 600 watts, while emphasizing that their sound character is close to the original M1-LC. Moreover, unlike them, you can listen to the speakers without the MQ101 or MQ102 equalizers, which were recommended to be used in conjunction with the acoustics of the last century.
Externally, the front panels of the ML1 MKII, unlike the samples, received vertical symmetry, and this is a clear departure from the vintage style. But the division into upper and lower sections has been preserved, with a front wall made of oiled solid American walnut and satin veneer. The grill of the ML1 MKII is also different – there are no vertical bars. More novelties are provided with stands with an aluminum logo. The speakers will go on sale in mid-summer.
For buyers in the US, the McIntosh ML1 MKII speakers will set you back $12,000 per pair.
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