Return to a Time When Listening Took Priority: High-Output McIntosh ML1 MkII Floor-Standing Speakers Feature Five Drivers Including 12-Inch Woofer, Plus Vintage Styling and Stands 

If the mid-century-modern styling and high-grade craftsmanship of the McIntosh of the floor-standing ML1 Loudspeaker MkII remind you of a bygone age, you’re in good company — the throwback to the 1970s is intentional. Designed as the successor to the first loudspeaker model McIntosh produced, and created to stimulate the same emotions associated with an era when fewer distractions made it easier to really listen to music, the American-made ML1 Loudspeaker MkII is all about immersing yourself in the sounds of your favorite artists and albums — and experiencing them in extraordinary fidelity.

Playing with exceptional output capability, deep bass responsiveness, phenomenal soundstaging, and faithful accuracy, ML1 Loudspeaker MkII boasts five separate drivers — a 12-inch woofer in a sealed enclosure with a polypropylene cone and dust cap with rubber suspension; two four-inch lower-midrange drivers in a sealed sub-enclosure with the same suspension; a two-inch soft-dome upper midrange; and a 0.75-inch titanium dome tweeter — symmetrically positioned to provide a uniform listening area. The midranges and tweeter are housed in a milled transition plate, which allows for close proximity that reduces off-axis lobing and places all the acoustic output that typically impacts imaging together in a small space. This approach also lends a strong foundation for the upper-frequency units and reduces vibrations. In addition, internal cabinet bracing permits airtight and separated enclosure from the woofer to further minimize any potential interference.

On a more practical level, ML1 Loudspeaker MkII can handle up to 600 watts without strain — meaning that it meshes with high-powered, decibel-heightened sessions most speakers its size cannot accommodate. As a result, ML1 Loudspeaker MkII will fill all but the largest rooms with huge, clear, involving music. It performs just as well with low-powered amplifiers and reproduces remarkable detail, nuances, and tones even at low listening levels.

Just as importantly, ML1 Loudspeaker MkII goes well beyond the traditionally narrow “sweet spot” by allowing more than a single person in the room to enjoy a full soundstage courtesy of its four-way design and expertly engineered crossover. The latter features over-specified components to ensure high power handling and solid state, self-resetting protection devices to prevent damage to the drivers. Particularly that 12-inch woofer, which reaches down to 27Hz and possesses the same surface area as four six-inch woofers. Also of note: The presence of McIntosh's patented Low Distortion High Performance (LD/HP) Magnetic Circuit Design that significantly reduces distortion while increasing power handling and efficiency. 

Rated at 85dB sensitivity, each ML1 Loudspeaker MkII comes with a matching speaker stand with a die-cast aluminum badge on the base — as well as feet for hard floors and spikes for carpet. Measuring 10.25 x 16 x 16 inches (HWD), the stands raise the 26.125 x 15 x 13.375-inch (HWD) speakers to optimal listening heights and compliment their appearance. All the better to show off the gorgeous cabinetry made from oiled American walnut solid woods and veneers, completed with a satin finish. Removable magnetically attachable grilles with an acoustically transparent black knit cloth, gold-plated Solid Cinch binding posts on the rear panel, and five-year manufacturer warranty help round out a 66-pound loudspeaker devised to live with you well into the future. Heritage audio doesn’t come any better.

For more information on ML1 Loudspeaker MkII, or ideas on amplifier matches, contact a Music Direct audio consultant at 312-433-0200.

“When I picked myself up off the floor, it struck me that the McIntosh ML1 MkII offers a unique, three-prong combination of effs: finesse, firepower, and fun. A pair of these speakers will recreate music in all its variety without blinking, with personality and style to spare."
—Sasha Matson, Stereophile