Calibration Consultant LLC DBA Channels is pleased to announce that we just received the new McIntosh ML1 speakers and have them on display in our showroom for auditions.
During our usual Audiophile Arcade listening session on Saturday, November 25, 2023 from Noon to 4:00PM, we had our favorite group of audiophiles and music lovers review these speakers using a variety of high quality analog and hi-res music from our favorite genres. After 4 hours of listening and commenting, no-one wanted to leave. We could have kept going into the evening.
ML1 Official Review From Audiophile Arcade Session at Channels Audio/Video in Reno NV:
Daniel from Soaring Audio:
- Incredibly dynamic and distortion free. Great for all horns, including trumpets and all brass instruments.
- Woofer sounds big and powerful.
- Midrange doesn’t sound like it’s coming from a box. Imaging is excellent.
- Pianos sound like they’re in the room
- Awesome presence and energy
Paul:
- Fun to listen to.
- After measuring the impedance curves for the 12” woofer, and mid-range/tweeter section separately and combined, Paul concluded the impedance and phase curves are smooth and linear making these speakers easy to drive as an 8 Ohm load in full range mode or when bi-amped.
- Natural Walnut fit and finish is excellent. High quality build and weight consistent with McIntosh reputation.
Jerry: Best sounding speaker in this size category.
Mark: (Walk-in Client) How many ten’s of thousands do these cost?
Chris:
- Works well with classical all the way to disco
- Can play loud when needed
- Huge wide deep image.
- Very open and realistic sounding
- Fast and accurate sound.
John:
- Very consistent high quality sound using either McIntosh unique Hybrid Tube/Transistor technology amps or Soaring Audio’s incredible 150 WPC Phoenix Stereo Amp.
- Upfront “you are there” lively sound
- Full size orchestra imaging and sound field
- All vocals are incredible. Super clear voicing.
- All genre’s come to life on these speakers.
- Unique design will work well in big and small rooms
Group Consensus on Potential Weaknesses:
- Might be a challenge to integrate into some decors.
- Definitely a period piece.
Equipment Summary for this Review
- McIntosh C2700 tube preamp
- Soaring Audio 150 WPC Phoenix Stereo Amp
- Soaring Audio Falcon DAC with Integrated Intel High Performance Server running Roon.
- Two (2) McIntosh 451 dual tube/transistor mono-amps
- Turntable: VPI Aires with JM Memorial Tonearm and Lyra moving coil cartridge (Clear Audio, Project, and McIntosh Turntables Available too)
