Mission MX2 review

The Mission MX2s are sufficiently invigorating to find favour with those who crave excitement Tested at £200

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Dynamic and exciting, but the Mission are bruisers in more than looks

Pros

  • +

    A large-scale, vigorous listen

  • +

    exciting low-end muscularity

Cons

  • -

    Lacks the refinement and precision of the best speakers on test

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Standmounters they may be, but compact they certainly aren’t. Mission’s MX2s fit just above the Award-winning MX1s in the company’s MX range, and at first glance they seem worth the extra £50 in raw materials alone.

In our test room, the MX2s were happiest in a little free space, rather than hard against a rear wall (as Mission advises), and sound their best when biwired (an unusual option at this price level).

They also sound most effective with the grilles in place, something else that puts them at odds with the other speakers in this class.

Anyone familiar with the sound of the smaller MX1s will immediately feel at home with the MX2s. They dig pretty deep and hit respectably hard – and low frequencies start and stop promptly, so bass doesn’t overhang or undermine.

Open and expansive
The soundstage they present is open and expansive, with good focus and separation. The midrange is nicely resolved, the vocal in Sufjan Stevens’ Chicago loaded with detail and character, while the top end has ample sparkle and bite.

The big gains here over the MX1s are fundamentally in terms of scale – the MX2s are simply a bigger listen.

In terms of insight and refinement, there’s been little gain. This lack of advancement is shown up by the formidable opposition at this higher price level.

Which makes the MX2s a bit of a one-trick pony – and if your needs extend beyond simple excitement, the Missions can be bettered.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


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