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McIntosh ML-1C pair

Started by nre, Jan 09, 2023, 06:12 AM

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nre

Craigslist find, local pickup about 40min drive, a pair of ML-1Cs.  Other than a few small scratches that a palm-sanding will remove the cabinets are in excellent condition.  No water damage, all cabinet jolnery is tight. 

The ornamental grilles are actually perfect.  The few I've looked at previously are warped, cracked or broken.    The drivers were refoamed by McIntosh.  These will be a nice spring project.  Will remove the drivers, mask the front baffles,  resand/refinish the veneer.  The veneer on McIntosh speakers is thick which allows for good results at restoration.  The seller also provided a NIB MQ 101 EQ unit which, looking at the power cord, hasn't been plugged into power.  Obviously, risk here and will bring it up on the Variac with an eye on the mA meter.  The electrolytics in the unit are over 50 y/o and, even though they've not seen heat, may require replacement.   

I'll likely keep these given there's so few of them available that are worth the effort to restore.   Few pics below.  Will photo the restoration when it starts.

ML-1C_1.jpg
ML-1C_2.jpg
ML-1C_3.jpg
ML-1C_4.jpg
ML-1C_6.jpg
ML-1C_5.jpg     

 
   

nre

Note the equalizer is a necessary component and absolutely required to get extended bass response from the system.  A fact that was lost to many that purchased the ML 1Cs which were, by far, the most popular of the ML series in the 70s.  The 1C designation stands for 1x12"woofer, C=contemporary style cabinet.  The factory also offered a Mediterranean styled cabinet designated "M" in both a 2x12 and 4x12" version system.  The circuit is shown in the attached .pdf

MQ102.pdf

nre