McIntosh ML-2C with MQ-104 Active EQ, Spectacular Mac Speakers!

Mustaches are back, and apparently so are McIntoshes.

The McIntosh ML-2C was released officially in 1971, but the development of the multi-driver concept came much earlier with the ML-1C.  Where the ML-1C was a four driver, 4-way system, the ML-2C took things one step further as a six driver, 5-way system.  The ML-1C was released to critical acclaim in 1970 for its power delivery, accuracy, clarity, and room-filling presence. In addition, McIntosh implemented an external room equalizer with the ML-1C which sought to create greater synergy between room and speaker, optimizing performance. 

The ML-2C did much the same as its predecessor, just bigger in every way. The twin-12" woofers made using thick paper pulp cones provide prodigious low-end.  Crossed over at 200Hz, the woofers hand off mid-bass and lower midrange duties to a lightweight paper pulp cone 8" driver in its own sealed enclosure.  From 1,500 Hz to 7,000 Hz, a duet of McIntosh's in-house made 1-1/2" dome midranges carries the water until handing off to a newly designed for the ML-2C, 1-1/2" paper cone tweeter.

The system plays as sophisticated as it sounds, and despite the high range drivers only being about 20" off the floor, the speakers project into a room with the conviction and imaging of today's hi-fi powerhouses.  And bass response is thick, speedy, and fun!  

To top off this pairing, these speakers come with another little engineering marvel from McIntosh, the MQ-104 "Custom Environmental Network" active equalizer.  The ML-2C was able to be used with a variety of external EQs from McIntosh, but the one that we think is the most fun is the MQ-104.  This device allows the user to create a fully customizable parametric equalizer based on four frequencies.  The frequencies and corresponding slopes are determine by using pairs of user installed capacitors onto an internal breadboard.  Each frequency can then be attenuated individually, and for each left or right channel, and the entire effect an be manipulated with two pre-set adjustment knobs.  The MQ-104 came with a mini-toolbox of capacitors and a "cheat sheet" to make operation incredibly easy.  Before the days of AI and DSP, THIS is how things were done...ANALOG BABY!

This whole system is incredibly cool.  The mid-century look, dark walnut wood veneer finish, slotted front grilles, and sheer heft of this system are all too groovy.  Yes, the wood finish has a little "patina" from age, but who from the 70s doesn't at this point?

Power these speakers with a massive MC2205 power amp from the same era and be rewarded with lush, warm, and enveloping sound for hours and hours. OH YEAH!

$2,499/pair, includes the MQ-104 equalizer (plus MA sales tax, if applicable)

* Note, conventional shipping is a no-no.  Ask about a freight quote. or bring a couple friends and pickup in person.