Critic's Corner

Posted by Gary (A) on July 02, 2024 at 11:36:57

In Reply to: RE: McIntosh ML1 MK2 Loudspeaker posted by mark.korda@myfairpoint.net on July 02, 2024 at 09:08:36

I have a feeling that omitting the grills and stands wouldn't wouldn't have made much of a difference in the $12K McIntosh wants for these speakers. Sasha did note that they sounded better to him without the grills. Given their size I do think they need stands. Also, McIntosh was going for a certain look. Sasha mentioned that the grills are made from a material that's "tough enough to afford protection from toddlers and cats", so there's that.

I've only heard McIntosh speakers speakers at audio shows. Based on those experiences if I were making a list of speakers to audition in that price range these probably wouldn't be on it. But maybe they're different. I do like the look (without the grills) but something other than walnut would be preferable. If I were willing to spend that much I'd probably be looking at Audio Note, DeVore or Heretic.