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McIntosh ML-2c speakers

J

jackk

jackk
I have an opportunity to pick up a pair of totally refurbished McIntosh ML-2c speakers. Refinished cabinets, new surrounds and updated capistors.

I do not want to pay more then the fair market price. Any idea what a nice pair of ML-2c should sell for?

Is there any other speaker system you can compare with the ML-2c's?

Any information would be appreciated.

Best regards,

Jackk
 
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Equalizer Requirement

I've always been intrigued by the early McIntosh speakers myself, especially the ML-1C, ML-2C, and ML-4C, but have never heard them. One thing you should be aware of though is that, according to Roger Russell's McIntosh Web pages, you will need an equalizer to get the proper base response from them because they were designed as overdamped designs and led to the development of the McIntosh MQ101 Environmental Equalizer. McIntosh did this purposefully to reduce the size of the speaker cabinet. Be sure and take a look at RR Web site and read his writeups on McIntosh speaker designs. There is lots of otherr good stuff there too! The address is: http://www.roger-russell.com/lsd1.htm#ml1candequalizer. The few that I have personally seen for sale either needed all the woofers refoamed or had just had this done. So, you'll want to look at this on any you consider. I'm afraid that I can't help much in the price area, but I did recently see a pair going for $3850 w/ a pair of MC-240 tube amps or $850/pr. for just the speakers, but no equalizer. Hope this helps! Good luck on your purchase! Let us know how it works out.
 
thunderroad said:
I've always been intrigued by the early McIntosh speakers myself, especially the ML-1C, ML-2C, and ML-4C, but have never heard them. One thing you should be aware of though is that, according to Roger Russell's McIntosh Web pages, you will need an equalizer to get the proper base response from them because they were designed as overdamped designs and led to the development of the McIntosh MQ101 Environmental Equalizer. McIntosh did this purposefully to reduce the size of the speaker cabinet. Be sure and take a look at RR Web site and read his writeups on McIntosh speaker designs. There is lots of otherr good stuff there too! The address is: http://www.roger-russell.com/lsd1.htm#ml1candequalizer.
Click to expand...

Indeed tis true! When I first had my re-conditioned ML1C, it sounded nice but somewhat "not right" ..... when they played without the MQ101. However, things or rather the sound, changes dramatically when the MQ101 was inserted. This is a MUST HAVE item for playing these speakers (1C, 2C, 4C, XR7, etc, ...). They were designed with the MQ101 (or the later environmental equalisers like the MQ104 etc, ..).:yes:

For the money and a well conditioned pair, the performance surpasses many of the current models selling for much more. Not nice to name names of some those I had an "A"-"B" comparison with but certainly I can safely say - "NO regrets"! The ML1C is certainly going to stay as my vintage system - period! :banana:

In fact, its superb performance, plus the personal experiences of some who owned the XRT30's, made me doing the leap of faith, upgrading from the WP7 to it - rather than the Maxx 2 which I had so intensely edged in mind as I was so familair and in love with its performance before. I have never been more happier since and probably they are going to be THE speakers that ended my search for speakers, though there exists currently a higher (and much costlier) model - the XRT2K's.:music:

In summary, if you are able to have a nice mint pair within your plan budget, I would say, "Go Ahead" to acquire them! But as cautioned, they must have an accompanying Environmental Equaliser, as basic as the first MQ101 or the later models of same vintage!:yes:

Cheers! :thmbsp:
 
This was my repsonse to your question from a couple days ago, don't know if you saw it:

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.
 
i am looking for a mq101 and can't seem to find one anywhere except at audioclassics where they want a ridiculous 999 dollars can any-one help
 
Inefficient is an understatement. My experience has been that the more power you give these, the better they sound. 150 watts is where I found out that they really start to come in their own.

Flabby bass, very soft with no highs to speak of, but if you want your bass, you can have it with these. They will literally shake your walls.
 
stugazz said:
i am looking for a mq101 and can't seem to find one anywhere except at audioclassics where they want a ridiculous 999 dollars can any-one help
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Did you speak to Ryan? He can help you, if there's one and I dont think its the advertised US$999 ridiculous price. :yes:
 
Hi Jack,
You could pay as much as $1800 for a totally refurbished set of ML-2s. You will need the MQ-101 or MQ-102 to maximize the capabilities of these speakers. If there is a McIntosh store in your area, that would be a good resource to listen to something that may be similar to the ML-2s. Once upon a time I owned a pair of ML-1s, ML-2s and ML-4s. I was in McIntosh speaker heaven! I replaced that collection for a pair of McIntosh XRT-20s which I have had for more than 20 years. I am now downsizing so the XRT-20s are on the auction block. I am looking at used Mac speakers and an amp to drive them online. I would jump at the chance to get a pair of ML-2s for a reasonable price. Good luck if you choose to purchase them.
 
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I ended up trading mine away at what I'd consider below value. Took about about five months to find the person willing to do that, too. Looking back, even after repairs and upgrades, they were rather soggy sounding and had to be listened to at floor level for any kind of critical listening.

But boy, they could rock a house.
 
I can believe it. The one thing I miss about these speakers was cranking up the pipe organ music and hear almost an entire 32' pedal reed at high volume. My Polks just don't have the impact
 
Yeah, the bass was the best thing about this speaker. The highs, unfortunately were not very good. A good cure was to set the MQ101 high frequency to "5" and adjust the treble a bit.

Nothin' better than seeing 4 huge woofers throw air in and out. :thmbsp:
 
mq 101

stugazz said:
i am looking for a mq101 and can't seem to find one anywhere except at audioclassics where they want a ridiculous 999 dollars can any-one help
Click to expand...

There is one for sale in new york city on craigslist. He is asking 399 and is supposed to be in mint condition with cabinet. maybe he will ship it. what kind of system are you using?
Scott
 
bikeman7 - You're bumping a year+ old thread.

If this were dollars & sense, I could paste the CL link to a Tucson listing for some ML 1C speakers and MQ-102 equalizer. 'Tis not my listing, by the way.
 
I know this is an old thread, but I'm considering buying a pair of these but I noticed everybody is saying these need the MC eq. How about any other eq?, why would not that work?
 
minkybut said:
I know this is an old thread, but I'm considering buying a pair of these but I noticed everybody is saying these need the MC eq. How about any other eq?, why would not that work?
Click to expand...

The MQ-101 that's required for correct response of many early McIntosh speakers is an environmental EQ as opposed to a program EQ which is what most EQs on the market are. Typical units will not accomplish the same thing.
 
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