Although McIntosh has been making loudspeakers since 1970, the electronics specialist does not add a new pair to its range every day. That’s one of the reasons why the launch of the ML1 MKII at High End Munich 2023 is rather exciting. Another is that they are actually modern reinventions of the company’s first model, the ML-1C. And if you’re looking for a third, have you seen them?
The new ML1 MKII are some of the most striking retro-modern speakers to appear in recent years – and if you’ve been following the classic speaker resurrection trend lately, you’ll know there have been many. Those familiar with the originals will note the retention of the two-piece bulkhead of the oiled American Walnut solid wood cabinetry and satin finish veneers, though the cloth grille is not accompanied by the ML-1C’s slats this time around.
The ML1 MKII also introduces a matching kickstand with a vintage cast aluminum name badge on the base. However, the biggest changes have been made internally, with McIntosh claiming a full modern revamp has been done to reflect the noise standards it has today. The four-way speaker uses five separate drivers: a 12-inch polypropylene cone woofer in a sealed enclosure, two 4-inch low-midrange polypropylene cone drivers in a sealed sub-enclosure, a 2-inch soft dome driver for the upper midrange, and the same 0.75 -inch titanium dome tweeter found in the company’s XR50 bookshelf and XR100 floorstanding models.
McIntosh says the ML1 MKII can be connected to amps up to 600 watts, and while it promises “similar base response” to the M1-LC, thankfully the new speakers don’t need an equalizer this time around – the originals had the MQ101 or MQ102.
As for when you can get your hands on these puppies, shipping of the ML1 MKII will begin in July. And the damage it will do to your wallet? $12,000 per pair.
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