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• Overview – The McIntosh ML-1C Speakers with Stand is a 4-way, 4-driver loudspeaker system and McIntosh’s first-ever speaker model, introduced in 1970 and designed by then-chief acoustical engineer Roger Russell, housed in a walnut cabinet.
• Key Technology – A 12-inch woofer, 8-inch lower midrange, 1.5-inch soft dome upper midrange, and 2.25-inch cone tweeter with super radiator cross over at 250Hz, 1500Hz, and 7000Hz, in a sealed acoustic suspension enclosure.
• Performance – McIntosh designed the ML-1C to reach flat bass response to 20Hz only when paired with the companion MQ101 or MQ102 equalizer; used alone, deep bass output is comparatively reduced relative to other systems.
• Specs – The McIntosh ML-1C Speakers with Stand offer a frequency response of 20Hz–20,000Hz (with matching equalizer), sensitivity of 89dB/W/m, and 8Ω impedance. Power rating: 100W peak. Overload protection: none. Crossover frequencies: 250Hz, 1500Hz, 7000Hz.
• Dimensions – Each speaker measures approximately 660mm (H) × 381mm (W) × 343mm (D) (26 × 15 × 13.5in), finished in furniture-grade walnut veneer.
• Weight – Weighs approximately 29–29.5kg (64–65lbs) per speaker.
At S$1,980, this is above the typical used level for ML-1C pairs, which usually trade more like a mid-hundreds-to-low-thousands proposition in normal unrestored condition; that makes this an ambitious ask unless the cabinets, drivers, and cosmetics are exceptionally clean and fully sorted. If it’s a genuinely original, tidy pair with no hidden restoration needed, the price is still understandable for a rare McIntosh vintage piece, but it’s not a bargain.
What makes them worth considering is the classic McIntosh house sound: big, warm, efficient, and very listenable, with real vintage presence and collector appeal. The upside is strongest if the pair is complete, untouched, and has already had the common age-related work addressed, since these old multi-way speakers can need refoam, crossover attention, or driver verification.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
McIntosh Laboratory, founded in 1949 in the United States by Frank H. McIntosh and Gordon Gow, embodies a storied heritage of American audio innovation. Originally based in Silver Spring, Maryland, before relocating to Binghamton, New York, where products are still handcrafted today, the brand emerged from a commitment to superior sound reproduction. From powering President Lyndon Johnson's inauguration to the Grateful Dead's Wall of Sound at Woodstock, McIntosh has shaped pivotal moments in music history and pop culture, earning its place as a cultural icon.
The company specializes in a comprehensive lineup of high-fidelity components, including renowned amplifiers—particularly its revered tube models for their warm, enveloping sound—along with solid-state power amps, stereo tuners, loudspeakers, turntables, music streamers, processors, and digital-to-analog converters. This breadth supports both two-channel stereo systems and multi-channel home theaters, delivering immersive experiences in music and film. Iconic blue watt meters on their gear have become globally recognized symbols of precision and power.
Positioned firmly in the high-end market, McIntosh commands respect among discerning audiophiles for its uncompromising quality, luxurious build, and timeless design. Far from mid-tier or niche boutique, it stands as a premium benchmark, favored by legendary musicians and producers across decades, blending vintage allure with modern performance for those who demand the ultimate in sonic fidelity.
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