Bookshelf Speakers — McIntosh ML1 MKII

The ML1 MKII is a loudspeaker from McIntosh that reinterprets the original ML1 of 1970, keeping the mid-century modern styling of that model. McIntosh describes it as a sealed four-way system with five drivers, housed in a cabinet of American walnut solid woods and veneers in a satin finish. A matching die-cast aluminium stand with a vintage name badge is available, though the speaker can also sit directly on the floor or on furniture.

Key specs that matter

Frequency response is 27 Hz to 45 kHz, and sensitivity is 85 dB measured at 2.83 V and 1 m. Nominal impedance is 8 ohms, and McIntosh gives a power rating of 75 to 600 W. Crossover points fall at 180 Hz, 500 Hz and 4.5 kHz. The speaker is 381 mm wide, 664 mm high and 340 mm deep and weighs 30 kg. The optional stand measures 406 x 260 x 406 mm and weighs 8.6 kg. Shipping weight is 34.2 kg for the speaker and 11.5 kg for the stand.

Engineering and use context

Low frequencies are handled by a single 12 inch woofer with a polypropylene cone and dust cap on a synthetic rubber suspension, built with the patented LD/HP (Low Distortion High Performance) magnetic circuit to cut distortion and increase power handling. It works in its own airtight enclosure separated from the rest of the cabinet. Two 4 inch lower midrange drivers with polypropylene cones sit in a sealed sub-enclosure, followed by a 2 inch soft dome upper midrange and a 3/4 inch titanium dome tweeter. The midranges and tweeter are mounted close together on a specially milled transition plate to reduce off-axis lobing and vibration, and the symmetrical layout means there is no left or right version. Like the 1970 original the design uses acoustic suspension, but it does not require the external equaliser the first ML1 needed. The custom crossover uses over-specified parts and solid-state self-resetting protection devices. A magnetically attached black knit grille with metal trim has no vertical slats.

Pairing

The gold-plated Solid Cinch terminals support bi-wiring or bi-amping, so an owner with two stereo amplifiers can drive the woofer and the upper drivers from separate channels. The stand comes with feet for hard floors and spikes for carpet.

Alternatives

The McIntosh XR50 is a smaller ported bookshelf model with a 6 inch LD/HP woofer, inverted titanium dome midranges and a recommended power range of 75 to 300 W.