Stereophile's Praise: McIntosh ML1 Mk II Loudspeaker – High-fidelity Luxury Audio
When we launched the ML1 Loudspeaker Mk II, we knew we were daring to remake history. The ML1 Loudspeaker is the first speaker we ever made – and its success established our roots in the world of high-fidelity loudspeakers. Our new model, the ML1 Mk II, pays homage to the past while maintaining a clear focus on the cutting-edge technology of the future. As the cover feature of Stereophile's July 2024 edition, Sasha Matson delivers a glowing review of this redesigned version of a classic model. Matson lauds the speaker's ability to blend vintage aesthetics with modern technology, stating that McIntosh has "brought new design thinking, materials, and construction methods to products from their extensive back catalog."
The exterior of the ML1 MkII is designed to stand out, as Matson details: “Sturdily ensconced on twin legs, the ML1 exhibits personality, as if it was about to start trotting around the room.” Modern elegance and retro vibes combine, while “most of the changes from the earlier ML1 are under the hood.” Matson notes the shift from four to five drivers and the move from a single 8” lower-midrange driver to a set of two 4” ones. With these changes, Matson highlights the speaker's impressive power handling capabilities and its ability to deliver a wide frequency range.
A pair of ML1 Mk IIs in a complete home audio setup featuring MC830 Amplifiers, a C8 Preamplifier, and MT10 Turntable.
Matson's listening journey reveals the ML1 Mk II's exceptional performance across various genres, from classical to jazz to rock. He praises the speaker's ability to recreate the vast soundstage of a cathedral organ, the intimate atmosphere of a jazz trio, and the raw energy of a live rock concert. In particular, he carefully selected a live track from the Grateful Dead and set forth on the ultimate test: “I made the decision to run my reference system louder than I ever have before, to hear what the ML1s were capable of. With my sunglasses on and a glass of Laphroaig in hand for fortification, the countdown began ............... BOOM!!!”
After he “picks [himself] up off the floor,” Matson concludes the review by recommending the ML1 Mk II to audiophiles seeking a unique blend of “finesse, firepower, and fun.” He emphasizes the speaker's versatility and its ability to deliver a satisfying listening experience across a wide range of musical genres. “A pair of these speakers will recreate music in all its variety without blinking, with personality and style to spare.”
Read the full review here.
(Excerpts taken from original review by Sasha Matson / Stereophile / July 2024)
