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Essential safety guidelines for operating the ML1 loudspeaker system, including handling and care instructions.
Critical warnings regarding electric shock risks, opening the unit, and proper power adapter usage.
Details on LD/HP woofer technology, dual midrange units, and crossover points for balanced sound reproduction.
Detailed instructions for connecting the ML1 loudspeaker to an amplifier using banana plugs.
Detailed instructions for connecting the ML1 loudspeaker using spade lugs or bare wire to an amplifier.
Visual diagram illustrating how to connect the ML1 loudspeaker system to a single McIntosh power amplifier.
Notes and considerations for setting up the ML1 loudspeaker with two separate amplifiers for bi-amplification.
Instructions for connecting the ML1 loudspeaker with banana plugs for a bi-amplification setup.
Instructions for connecting the ML1 loudspeaker with spade lugs or bare wire for bi-amplification.
The McIntosh ML1 Loudspeaker System is a high-performance audio device designed for superior sound reproduction in both music and home theater setups. It features a sophisticated design with multiple drivers, advanced magnetic circuit technology, and a robust enclosure, all contributing to its exceptional audio quality and durability.
The ML1 Loudspeaker System is designed to reproduce a full dynamic range of audio with very low audible distortion. It achieves this through a combination of specialized drivers and a carefully engineered crossover network. The system is versatile, offering connections for both single and bi-amplification/bi-wiring hookups, allowing users to customize their audio setup for optimal performance. Its design aims to provide superior spaciousness and sound stage depth, making it suitable for discerning audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts.
LD/HP® Technology Woofers: The 12-inch woofer features McIntosh's patented LD/HP Magnetic Circuit Design, which significantly reduces distortion, increases power handling, and improves efficiency compared to conventional loudspeaker drivers. This design ensures accurate and superb transient response for low frequencies.
Neodymium-Iron-Boron Alloy Magnets: The midrange and tweeter drivers utilize Neodymium-Iron-Boron Alloy magnets, which provide the highest flux density per unit of volume. This allows for smaller physical driver sizes and closer driver-to-driver placement, improving dispersion and imaging.
Midrange Crossover Points: The ML1 employs two types of midrange units (lower midrange/woofer and upper midrange) with distinct crossover points. This aids in the smooth transition of output from the woofer to higher frequencies, reduces amplitude requirements at low frequencies, and minimizes doppler distortion. The upper 2-inch midrange unit is designed for a low resonance, allowing its crossover point to be lower than typical 1 KHz, covering the critical vocal region.
Low Harmonic and Intermodulation Distortion: The ML1 Loudspeaker System is engineered to reproduce the full dynamic range of music with very low audible distortion, ensuring clarity and fidelity.
Sealed Enclosure: The acoustic suspension design of the sealed enclosure keeps distortion low, maintains suspension control, and provides extended low-frequency output below resonance. The enclosure itself is constructed with multiple front-to-back and side-to-side internal braces, forming a dampened, rigid structure.
High Power Handling: The loudspeaker elements and crossover components are chosen to work with amplifiers up to 600 watts, while also being efficient enough to be driven by a 75-watt amplifier.
Loudspeaker Protection: Built-in speaker protection incorporates four automatic resetting solid-state devices within the crossover network. These devices protect the tweeters, midrange drivers, and woofers from overdrive.
Superior Imaging: The placement of the Super Tweeter between multiple Midrange drivers generates a symmetrical polar response, enhancing imaging. The Midrange and Super Tweeter Drivers are precisely aligned and closely spaced on a ½-inch thick aluminum mounting plate.
Versatile Operation: In addition to standard connections, the ML1 provides separate connections for bi-amplification and bi-wiring hookups, offering flexibility in system configuration.
McIntosh Custom Binding Posts: Patented gold-plated output terminals deliver high current output and accept large diameter wire, spade lugs, and banana plugs (in the US and Canada).
Loudspeaker Grille: The solid grille is a throwback to the original ML1 design, featuring solid walnut, acoustically transparent cloth, and aluminum trim. It is held in place by neodymium magnets.
Loudspeaker Placement: Optimal placement is crucial for performance. The ML1 is designed for both music and home theater systems. Professional installation with a real-time spectrum analyzer is recommended for uncompromising setups, considering room acoustics, furniture, and architectural design. For general use, avoid placing the loudspeaker too close to walls or corners, as this can alter bass frequencies. An unobstructed area of at least 30 degrees from the center axis on either side is recommended for best performance. For music systems, an equilateral or acute isosceles triangle between the loudspeakers and the listener is ideal to prevent imaging loss.
Connection Options: The ML1 can be connected using banana plugs, spade lugs, or bare wire. It is crucial to use cables of adequate size to minimize power loss. The manual provides a Loudspeaker Cable Distance vs Wire Gauge Guide for optimal cable selection. For bi-amplification, metal jumpers between the LOW and HIGH/MID terminals must be removed.
Protection Devices: If there is an obvious lack of high, mid, or low frequencies after extended periods of overdrive, the Protection Device(s) may have activated. These devices will automatically reset when the volume level is greatly reduced until the output of the affected Loudspeaker Driver(s) returns to normal.
Servicing: All servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required if the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as a damaged power-supply cord or plug, spilled liquid, fallen objects, or exposure to rain or moisture.
Cleaning: The ML1 should be cleaned only with a dry cloth.
Packaging for Shipment: In the event of shipment, the equipment must be packed exactly as shown in the owner's manual, using original shipping cartons and interior parts in good serviceable condition. Replacement packing materials can be obtained from McIntosh Customer Service.
General| Brand | McIntosh |
|---|---|
| Model | ML1 |
| Category | Speaker System |
| Language | English |
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