Summary: They don't make them like they used to - and I must say its been a while since i've seen a time-delayed front baffle, a proper horn loaded tweeter, and a grey woodgrain finish! According to the 1987 Mission brochure these speakers were 'state of the art reference monitors', designed for the new generation of digital masters. They are a bit unusual. Apparently HiFi choice (or somesuch) pumped 400 watts into these and they took it (even though they are rated at 100 watts). And I can't recall a speaker before or since with a 'super elliptic horn loaded tweeter', which I must say gives it a very unique sonic character. The advanced (for its day) homopolymer bass driver is also a nice bit of unusual looking precision kit. Its also very responsive.
I always fancied a pair of these speakers, and 20 odd years down the line they're sitting in my lounge courtesy of ebay. So, put on one of your CD's and be immediately impressed with the stereo image (which is just amazing), and the smooth, clean sound. Listen to the definition and ultra fast response of that drumbeat; then out of nowhere comes a bass note so deep that you've never heard it before - but its not just the depth, its the musicality and definition of the bass which is awesome. They really don't make them like this anymore - I was recently tempted by a pair of £1000 Linn floorstanders, not anymore.
Strengths: Stereo image, detail, clarity, smoothness, punch and precision, and the bass. Ultra deep, controlled and tuneful.
Weaknesses: 20 years down the road they are a little fragile - I think I might be on borrowed time with the crossovers and tweeters. Also, the 1980's colour scheme and 'Freedom' graphics on the front are a bit of an anarchic touch - or - a fine example of retro hifi, depending on your perspective.
Similar Products Used: Mission 737R
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Summary: MUCH better balanced than the originals which were edgy as hell. The more I listen to them, the more pleased I am for having got them...they constantly reveal stuff you might not have noticed before. Plus for the first time I'm really enjoying my CD's over the hour mark; which I didn't before. ICGO but if you get a change to nab a pair, GRAB 'em! DAMN GLAD I did!
Strengths: All my music - even CDs! - sounds superb. Best on Classical/Acoustic music and cleanly recorded(mono!)rock. Very detailed and revealing in an effortless way. If the recording has good bass for example that's what you'll hear; but if it doesn't...Excellent dynamic range too...
Weaknesses: With my AMC3025a Intamp the stereo imaging is a wee bit vague. I've been forced to go the facing each other route to avoid the hole-in-the-middle effect, image wise. No biggee. But use good cables(seem to like my Naim NAC4s which I hung on to). Like the original they welcome oodles of power. I'm only using 35 watts pc and I realy have to crank it up to appreciate what they can do. If you want to avoid upgrading, look elsewhere!
Similar Products Used: CELEF(PROAC) LC1(Spendor BC1 clone)
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Summary: Bought these speakers in 1988 for £400 and still using them to this day.When They originally came out in 1985 they where priced at £700 excluding £40 stands, and where built with that price tag in mind. They came in a variety of colours, the usual black, grey, and I think rosewood.
Strengths: When connected to my old Mission Cyrus Amp, they Produce brilliant clarity and imagery. In there what Hifi review they apparently pushed 700 RMS watts into these baby's without faltering, which is no mean feat considering there only rated at 125 rms watts.
Weaknesses: There weakness is that to truly realise there full potential and extract there deep bass,They have to be correctly matched to a high quality amp with an abundance of wattage. A good quality one with no tone controls to hamper the signal path. I had Several appointments in a sound show room before making my choice.
Similar Products Used: Tannoy Mercurys
Nad Amplifier
Marantz amp
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Summary: I love these speakers! Bought them in 1990 for $450 CDN; they are 1984 models. Recently had to repair the seam between one woofer and the foam ring. Easy with $1.29 epoxy and a q-tip. Very nice imaging, great highs and a decent low end. Not too great loud, though, as I run them on a Denon PMA-520. All in all far better than my old Paradigm 11SEs.
Strengths: Fabulous tonal quality, clarity.
Weaknesses: Low end a bit weak
Similar Products Used: Paradigm 11SE, Atom v2, Celestion Ditton 110
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Summary: I picked these speakers up 2nd hand from a local Hi-Fi dealer.
They were demoed in a consealed audio room, and then I tested them on my Pioneer A-60 and was very delighted with them.
The sound is very well controlled, I basically don't move my bass/treble from the default half way, and even then the bass and crispness of the speakers is astonishing.
If ever need of repair Mission can do all the replacements etc.
The terminal's on the back and top notch, and the homopolymer bass driver is very responsive.
Each speaker weigh's 32kg.
Im a very happy Mission Electronic's consumer now, and wouldn't hesitate to look no further then any of their other range of speakers.
Be sure to run fairly decent cabling to them, im running cheap cable and can see that if I spent some money I would see some results.
Strengths: Very bright super elliptic tweeter.
Depending on positioning very deep controlled bass.
Quality made, last forever if looked after.
Very interesting design overall.
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5 of 5
4 of 5
