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McIntosh ML-2C speakers

J

jackk

jackk
I have an opportunity to pick up a very nice set of McIntosh ML-2c speakers. Both cabinets have been totally refinished, new surrounds and new capistors installed.`

Any idea of what they are worth?

What speaker system would you compare these ML-2c's too?

I am currently using a pair of JBL Summit L300's at the present time. It takes a lot of volume to make them sound great. I do not think the L300's are very sensitive.

Any information would be appreciated.

Best regards,

Jackk
 
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Some of those early Macs are said to require a Mac equilizer to sound right. Search the speaker form.
 
I have a pair that needs a little restoration that I'm working at very gradually. They have massive bass engery and a pleasing sound, a little soft for my tastes though. Bottom end isn't as clear as more modern rigs. Incredibly inefficient speakers. I would consider a quality 200W amplifier as required unless your listening room is a closet or your music is little-girl-with-guitar. My room is a closet and I've peaked the meters on my Phase Linear 400 a couple times with sustained organ music. Low frequenies through the equalizer drive the power use way up.

ML-2Cs require an MQ-101 or MQ-102 equalizer for correct bass response. Budget $75-200 on eBay for one.

They have their own sound, along with most of the older McIntosh speakers. Subdued is a word I'd use. In room-filling capability they're similar to any other 2x12" speaker system, although they're capable of much lower frequencies (20Hz.) Bozak Symphonies filled the same market niche, albeit with different sound.

They're good speakers, as anything costing $1500 in the mid '70s would hope to be, but you also need to realize the downsides. In addition to power and the equalizer, you also have the non-stereo-imaging-friendly layout, the fact the midranges are fragile and can't easily be replaced, and the woofers need to be refoamed with larger-than-normal surrounds.

Value is very variable. Mainly since they're nearly impossible to ship and some folks are scared off by the design. If you live in an area with someone else who wants to buy them, I'd say over $1000 would be possible for a nice pair. But I've also seen them go for less than half that with not much interest.
 
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