Seriously flawed speakers with congested midband, worse than Tannoy Mercury 2.5.

The Mission 732 is a really easy listner, producing a warmth and smooth sound.

The 732 really need quality stands and decent cables to perform. I am disappointed in the quality of the front-panel.

Having bought the excellent Onkyo CR70-R receiver/CD player, I decided to go for a pair of loadspeakers that werer easy to drive and have a warm, 'english' sound. I compared the 732's to B&W 302 and thought the Missions sound easier.

The Onkyo/Mission combo plays for sevral years now, and I never doubted this choice. However, I am currently planning to replace my complete system for a Linn / Naim combo together with the Manley Mabs Stingray tube amplifier. However my 732's will get a place in my bedroom.

My current system consists of:

- Receiver / CD player: Onkyo CR70-R
- Speaker Cable: Monster
- Spikes: Monster

Similar Products Used:

- IMS Impact II

transparency, imaging

some compression of dynamic range at higher spl

I purchased these when Electronic Avenue went belly, at an amazing price, simply for spare speakers, home theater, etc. When the ribbon tweeter on one of my Maggies blew, I put these in the front of my prime listening system while waiting for parts. I was totally amazed. When driven by the same components that make Tympanis sound good, at moderate sound levels, the Missions were almost indistinguishable. If you want the sound of Magnaplaners, but do not have the room or the money, try to find a pair of these. Yes, they are not bass heavy - would not suggest them for hip hop, or industrial, but neither would I suggest Maggies. The Missions have to be properly placed; on stands, away from walls, all of the details. If that is done, the soundstage is wider and deeper than the small size and price would lead one to expect. Using Hafler preamp and Hafler DH500 power, and the classic Denon DCD-1520 for cd, Steely Dan's Gaucho had the same frequency balance, spaciousness, and air thru the Missions as it did thru my Tympanis (once they were repaired). The only advantage to the TIVs was the added dynamic range, and a broader sound field, throughout the room.

Highly reccommended. If you can find them, buy them.

Similar Products Used:

JBL 4208, S38; EPI 100, 200; Dahlquist DQ10a; Magnaplaner Tympani IV

Definition, clarity, tightness, amazingly full bass for size and price

Positioning, positioning, positioning, bass

Compared these to much more expensive speakers and they were clearer and more defined but lacking in the deep bass that only physically larger speakers can reproduce. I can't stress more the importance of placement when setting up these speakers. I just bought an 'entertainment unit' to hold my TV and all the components nice and neat. The size of the unit left me with enough space to set the speakers the right distance from the side walls but then they were about 6 inches from the sides of the unit. The sound sucks now! @!#!! The difference was amazing! If anybody has any suggestions (besides throwing out the unit), I'm listening.
GP

Similar Products Used:

Canton, Yamaha, homemade 4-ways, Audiosphere Research, Radio Shack(!?!?)

Overall sound; imaging

Bass can be difficult to "get right"

Set up as recommended (spacing from floor, back and side walls, and each other), and using good speaker cable (mine is Audioquest Crystal), these are an amazing value. I can't believe some of the negative comments in other reviews about lack of bass, bad treble, etc. though I repeat, the placement is very important (especially distance from back wall and listener distance from speakers).

When I close my eyes, the speakers really do seem to disappear. The focus and imaging are very good. With my Rotel integrated amp (RA-931) and matching CD player (RCD-930AX), any good CDs sound amazing: rock/pop in well-remastered analog such as Queen (Hollywood records), Led Zeppelin (Page remasters); good digital recordings such as Propellerheads, Delerium; also classical and opera (Decca, Mercury Living Presence, RCA Living Stereo). Vinyl in good condition also sounds terrific (using Music Hall MMF-5--see separate reivew). I've had several epiphany-like experiences listening to this setup, in which it seems I'm hearing very familiar music for the first time, or noticing nuances or even entire instrumental parts of which I was previously unaware.

I realize these are no longer in production, but I felt I had to post something to boost the poor average rating here! If you're ever in the market for second-hand speakers, and can get your hands on a pair of these, grab them.

Similar Products Used:

Homemade

When I purchased these speakers I thought I was purchasing a good for the price, surround speaker. Man was I wrong, this is an audiophile grade speaker that plays with amazing accuracy and extreme speed. But not only that the bass that comes from this ported 7'' driver is simply incredible! It will accuratly go down to 50hz with a steep roll off there, since it is ported. The off-axis responce of this speaker is also very realistic with excellent imaging. When I was shopping for these speakers I auditioned many speakers, among them the B&W 601, which is in the same price range. I must say that the Mission 732 completly demolished anything the B&W could throw at it. These speakers have become my main loud speakers, and I find my self re-listening to my old music that I though I knew well, and discovering new sound and clarity. I highly recomend these excellent drivers!

I bought the 732 in 1996, and have been generally satisfied with the performance, with several exceptions. The good news is the bass and midrange is excellent, and deliver good price/performance. The bad news is the loss of detail in the high end can be annoying - I just got another set of low cost (200 CAD) small enclosure Energy eXL-15 speakers for the kitchen, and compared them with the Mission 732 speakers. The eXL-15 crisply delivered cymbals that were muddy on the 732, although the 732 outperformed on bass and midrange. The other problem with the 732 is the grill - the plastic pegs the hold it in are weak, will break off, and your grill will then not stay in place. Don't know whether that is covered by the 5 year warranty - haven't bothered to check yet.Overall, the 732 is a good speaker, although not perfect.

Very good speakers for the price of $499AUS. High quality 24'' stands are important if you want to control the slightly excessive bass boom. Bi-wiring on the 732i should improve the sound.
Works well with highly detailed quality amp like Audiolab 8000A. Can sound a little dull and bass heavy on too rich sounding and cheap amps. New tweeter on the updated 732i is a big improvement over the older model 732.

At under $500 AUS(ie about $300US) they are very good value if matched with the right amp and source.

Bought my pair of 732i's as a stop-gap, at a less than half price clearance (£80 new and boxed). Its now more than a year, and they are yet to be replaced, which must say something about them!

I use with Kenwood and Audio Innovation amplifiers, and a Technics 490 CD (also a stop gap). The 732i's give a good account. Overall they are a little warm, but good detail considering the source.

The treble performance is recessed and just a touch flat and lifeless. If it missed anything it is a bit of sparkle. Bass has slam, and a surprising depth for the size of box. Midrange is a bit coloured, but expressive and nice to listen to.

But all in all, a nicely made and listenable speaker.

Bouncy, and fun, these are seriously flawed audiophile speakers, clouded and congealed in the midband with a weak treble. However, use them as their intended (cheap budget hifi speakers, replacements for your mini system fronts) and you'll find them great value and extremely even-handed, maybe thrilling even?