• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

McIntosh ML-1C Speakers

BlueKatt

BlueKatt

Member
I obtained a pair of McIntosh ML-1C speakers today.
A quick inspection revealed rotted foam surrounds and scratches on the cabinets. It looks like they still have the original drivers but I have not connected them yet to see if they work.
So my question...are these worth restoring? I have no experience with vintage McIntosh so I don't know if they are worth the time to repair.
What are they worth as-is vs restored?

BlueKatt
 
Register to hide this ad
BlueKatt said:
I obtained a pair of McIntosh ML-1C speakers today.
A quick inspection revealed rotted foam surrounds and scratches on the cabinets. It looks like they still have the original drivers but I have not connected them yet to see if they work.
So my question...are these worth restoring? I have no experience with vintage McIntosh so I don't know if they are worth the time to repair.
What are they worth as-is vs restored?

BlueKatt
Click to expand...

Of course! McIntosh speakers may not get the same level of respect as their amps and receivers, but they are still coveted by many! This model has great styling, and they tend to sell for $250-$500 after a re-foam, so... yeah! And, many people are scared to attempt a foam job, so you'll reach a wider market (if you intend to sell one day) when they have fresh foam.
 
I am in the midst of restoring a pair of ML-1C's and a pair of ML-2C's for a client. Couple of things I've noticed so far in this first generation pair:

  • The crossover caps are Temple electrolytics....definitely need to be replaced.
  • The glue used on the woofer foams is quite difficult to remove.
  • These speakers were designed to operate with a McIntosh equalizer.
  • The grills are kind of cool looking, but a real chore to clean.
  • The sound (at least without the equalizer) is what I would call warm and a bit on the thick/wooly side. I've heard them compared to the classic AR speakers in this respect, but I find the large-cabinet AR's to be quite a bit more detailed.

The designer of these speakers, Roger Russell, maintains an extensive website covering their history, schematics, design philosophy, etc. Here is a link to one of the pages:

http://www.roger-russell.com/ml1cpg.htm
 
Its too bad they are not sold by the pound. For their size they weigh a ton! (64lbs each).

Are the cabinets solid wood or veneer?
 
BlueKatt said:
Its too bad they are not sold by the pound. For their size they weigh a ton! (64lbs each).

Are the cabinets solid wood or veneer?
Click to expand...

Regarding weight....if you think the ML-1Cs are heavy, take a look at the ML-2C's...around 145 each. We had a heck of a time getting them into my basement workshop, and I'm not looking forward to getting them back up the stairs when they're done!
 
Keep in mind that the ML1Cs call for a true 3/4" wide foam surround. You may have a difficult time finding those on eBay. If you refoam them, you must use the correct surround if you want to enjoy the speaker's low bass capabilities.
 
Thank you for the info about the foams. If all of the drivers have good coils then I will order the foams and get them working properly.

I will also update the crossovers and see if I can locate one of the McIntosh MQ101 or MQ102 equalizers.

I'm pretty good with the electronics but not so good at woodworking.

The cabinets have many scratches, a few of them are very deep, too deep to sand out. I'm not sure if they are repairable. I'm afraid that trying to restore the cabinets will far exceed the value of the speakers.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom