Issues with the ML-1

Ironically, some of the "strengths" of the ML-1s were also its greatest weaknesses. While the speakers tended to be smoother than the excessively bright Microworks, they also tended to be somewhat muted and muddy. This might be OK for a slightly bright-sounding set of speakers, but when it's exhibited by a warmer, softer set of drivers, the result is similar to that of a standard, unexceptional pair of loudspeakers.

To try and alleviate this, the first thing I did was raise the speakers to ear level by mounting them on a low bookshelf. Do this with the Microworks and your ears will start to bleed, but this went a long way towards enhancing the performance of the ML-1s - they immediately became more transparent and clear, like a muffling veil was lifted over the drivers. They were still a bit too muted for me, but I think for some this could be preferable to the brightly colored characteristic of the Microworks.

Another issue with the ML-1s was its softer playing volume. While there was little to no distortion, the maximum volume was much lower than that of the Microworks. While I prefer my music soft and in the background, a pair of speakers advertised to be positionable by 25' should be able to belt it out without any problems.