MISSION 770 Better Than Ever!

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The all-new Audiophiliac Podcast can be heard on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts. OR direct from my website audiophiliacpodcast.buzzsprou...
0:00 Intro
0:47 Meet the '770
3:27 770 Specs
4:57 Audiophiliac listens to the 770
11:16 So Steve, what do you really think?
13:00 Audiophiliac Viewer System of the Day!
14:30 Outro
Twitter: @AudiophiliacMan
Instagram: / steve.guttenberg
#Missonspeakers #madeinUK #audiophile
Looking for great sounding FREE UNCOMPRESSED or processed music? Check out these videos about the two MA Recordings samplers:
• FREE Dynamically Uncom...
• FREE Hi-Resolution, Dy...
Steve’s System:
Technics SL 1200G turntable
Dynavector XX2 carttridge
Van Den Hul Grail phono preamp audioshield-distribution.com/...
Parasound JC3+ phono preamp
Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC
Jay’s Audio CD Transport www.jays-audio.com/
Pass Labs XP30 preamp
Pass Labs XA25 power amp www.passlabs.com/products/xa25/
First Wat F8
Quadraspire Q4 EVO Rack
AudioQuest digital cables www.audioquest.com/cables/dig...
Kimber digital cable www.kimber.com/products/D60
Cardas Clear interconnect cables cardas.com/clear_reflection_ic...
Cardas Clear speaker cables www.cardas.com/clear_sp.php

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

There's an Audiophiliac imposter scamming my viewers, DON'T respond! I don't do giveaways or ask for money (except for my Patreon).

[@jamesminotto8036]

Brings back memories of when I live in the UK and worked for Farad and Henry Azima at Mission. So glad they didn't change the logo!!! Remember, thanks to the brilliance of Henry Azima (both are deceased now 😞, Mission designed their loudspeakers through listening and Peter Comeau followed in their footsteps with the new 770. I will be getting my pair shortly. Thanks for an excellent review!

[@m00se23]

I used to sell these back in the late 70s at Creative Stereo in Santa Barbara. I remember them being exceptionally listenable back then.

[@thomasrahbekjnsson4976]

Hi Steve, This is probably seriously embarrassing, but I'm still enjoying my Mission 737 Renaissance almost 40 years old. Originally paired with a NAD 3020 B amplifier, but now powered by the NAD C375 BEE (now also vintage; sigh..). I just hate to dispose of functioning equipment that I know and like the sound of...but I'm looking into a replacement for the 737. Being a Dane I'm focusing on Dynaudio, Audiovector - or maybe Buchardt. A new Mission would be a nice example of continuity, though... Thank you for a lot of always informative and enthusiastic videos!

[@hermanmunster3358]

What, being a Dane, you won't even consider Eltax? 😮

[@stevefick3919]

Another speaker that stands out from the 70's is the Pioneer HPM 100. Still highly regarded. Designed by Bart Locanthi from JBL. Pioneer hired him in 1975 and he came up with the HPM 100. Seen these for sale for $1000! The Mission 770 is a classic!

[@gdwlaw5549]

I just found a pair of vintage 770's at 300 (pair)

[@ZeitdiebX]

Those speakers make my heart pick up the pace just by looking at it. Love the so called British sound.

[@hermanmunster3358]

Made for Prog Rock, Acoustic, and vocal music primarily, but can sound awesome with lounge jazz and a bit of classical. But thrash metal can become tiresome, and not what British speakers are designed for. I think the British sound should be relaxing on the ear, but we'll detailed and multi dimensional. Which is what you should get from any quality speaker really. They should present height, as well as width and depth to the music, and if these are anything like the original 770's or 770 Freedom's, (some reviewers have said they are BETTER than the originals) then they should deliver just that.

[@dal2258]

Thank you for the Sarah Vaughan suggestion Steve, love it!

[@the_famous_reply_guy]

The founder Azim Farad changed the British audio industry by using a simple prince of simplicity and elegance.

[@nasdkhan254]

I'm looking forward to hearing them. £3500 is a lot of money as its the same as Atc, Pmc, Pro Ac, JBL, Harbeth, Spendor etc so it better be good. I once owned Mission 770 freedoms & my friend bought 2nd hand an original pair & they were superb 👌

[@hermanmunster3358]

I had the 770 Freedom's too, but they didn't cost £3.5k. £600 I paid back in the late 80's, which was a fair chunk back then. But nothing came close for the money.

[@rayfordham9230]

Sounds to me like you are describing the sound of the original 770s back in the 70s I borrowed a pair for a while, couldn't afford to buy them, the reason I remember them is that they were the first 'speaker where I wasn't listening to bass, midrange and treble I was listening to music, foot tapping head nodding music an ability that diminished somewhat when the had to go back until I got into point source jobs, Tannoy duals, big ones, KEFs and the like, not the same but nonetheless smile inducing.

[@danielwilliams1921]

Trivia many may not know: When believing he had hours before his Woodstock set, Santana ate a handful of magic mushrooms given to him by Garcia. Then his set got moved up, and Carlos was tripping the light fantastic during that blistering, unforgettable performance!

[@norahartwig7247]

Saw him last week, unfortunately after 40 minutes he sat down on the drum stage apparently overcome w/heat and dehydration. The guy still rocks and hopefully he will continue to do so!

[@dutchcanuck7550]

I was turned onto Mission circa 1980 by friends who had 770s. I couldn't afford them, but I could afford the little brother, the Mission 700, paired with the classic NAD 3020 amp and a Dual turntable. The 700 cone surround rotted out long ago, and the 3020's right channel died not long after, but I spent many, many blissful hours in front of that setup.

[@FFrrEEddRRiiKK1]

That shirt blends in beautifully with the background.

[@patbarr1351]

Good to see the Mission brand! My current & only record player is a Mission purchased new in 1987 (built by Cambridge Audio in the UK).

[@pfjb9122]

Looks much like my Mission 760i from mid 1990s. I loved that, very natural and clean sound

[@wilo1955]

same here had a pair of 780s

[@leetronix]

In the UK - Missions have a legendary status, they are very much loved.

[@ianyates7742]

Yep we the brits know how to make a speaker and we know what we like 🔊🔊

[@hermanmunster3358]

Except the later EU/Chinese manufactured iterations, which are now to be found languishing in many a garage, looking tatty, un-loved and abused, waiting to be rehomed on the 2nd hand market. It's good to see that Mission are investing in British manufacture once again, as they have churned out some crap in recent years.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Steve !!! Me Audiolab 8300a I just video reviewed is said to pair up very good with The 770s if I would have known you was reviewing The 770s I would have sent the 8300a your way ! Thanks Steve Appricate all your hard work and dedication

[@avro66]

Had the original and many other mission speakers over the 80/90s ,all great build quality and sound quality. these new ones look very nice indeed.

[@alferro3149]

Mission made a huge mistake with the price. They totally changed the "class" of the original speakers. Translated to today's money, the original speakers were sub £1000. Now £3500??? For a pair of Mission speakers?

[@RennieAsh]

oui that's right

[@garyb2507]

Agreed. They were originally a budget two way speaker. The new pricing is absurd.

[@Staybrown11]

@@garyb2507 don’t buy them if you can’t afford them…it’s quite simple. If you can afford them then maybe home audition them. I don’t understand why folks get mad a price of a hifi product.

[@ryanschipp8513]

Spot on! When I see a mini tower or large bookshelf for 5k....I instantly think of the countless 3 way full towers that someone can get for less or the same price and get so much more for their money

[@ryanschipp8513]

@@Staybrown11 You aren't getting his point. It has nothing to do with affording it. It has everything to do with being overpriced for what you are getting. Anyone can get a three-way full-size tower speaker for considerably less and you'll get overall better Sonics guaranteed. And for the same amount a pair of other speakers that will blow these out of the water. His comment is very valid. Unless you could care less about being ripped off

[@bobhawkey3783]

Bought a pair of Mission 753s at a thrift store for $125 and have never regretted it. Efficient and decent sound.

[@tadeusz1]

I still have an original pair of 753 cabinets,(about 30 years old??) but replaced all the speaker units with Monacor units about ten years ago. Yes they sound great. Had the Xovers rebuilt with modern components at the same time by a pro speaker builder in the UK. Love the sound. Good for another 10 years at least.

[@bobhawkey3783]

@@tadeusz1 good ideas. Not my primaries anymore but worth looking into.

[@davcrag]

great to see a mission review. I finally sold my 765i and 2 pair of 760i mission speakers after running them for about 25 years. still sounded great!

[@wp7310]

I wish the same to active speakers owners :D

[@rickmathis8590]

Oooooo... I'm going to have to find a way to give these a listen to! Looks amazing, Steve!

[@3dimensionsofmusic3D]

Hi Steve. Serious system indeed. Great room also. Attention to detail is inspired. Greg

[@thebestoffools]

I'm still using my 760i Missions from 1992. Still sound great. :D

[@alexmacdonald2644]

Used Mission bargain - The very small, real wood, very dense cabinet Mission 751’s from the 90’s (?) are one of the most lovely speakers that I have owned. They like current and if you want to soften the treble, replace the crossover with better parts (to the same value). Either way, they play ridiculously loud for that size of driver, image like mad and are quick as lightening. £100 and less in the UK.

[@jeronronnunkoffunk4691]

Hey hey there sir enjoyed this review, I fortunately five years ago had a chance to own a pair of early 80s mission770 s a scrap guy found them for us and they were in great condition. for a short time I enjoyed them they were just right to me great balance of highs and lows didn’t seem hard to drive but they were connected to an old late 70s fisher “monster” receiver RS 1080. Anyhow cool review as always if the old are good I could imagine what the new released versions are like!🔥✌🏽👍🏾

[@MC-bu6ez]

I had a pair of the baby 700 in the early 80s, this was a great speaker the original 770 was already a legend but outside my price range.

[@macgeek2112]

I wanted MISSION gear when I was a kid in the 80s. Of course, my desire to won MISSION gear was based on reviews an aesthetics as I did not have any local dealers where I could see/hear the gear. I remember desperately wanting a MISSION turntable to replace my Pioneer PL-7.

[@filofilo8127]

I had a pair of the originals up until 10 years ago. They were fantastic. Big standmount speakers.

[@houghtonlee9945]

I would love to hear the 770s paired with my vintage Cyrus One amp (2nd gen), and love your great taste in music!

[@titntin5178]

Thanks Steve. I liked them back in the day, and given your excellent assessment, it sounds like I'd like them today too!

[@bluesman608]

These look like my Falcon-Malcolm Jones “Tabors” I got in kit form from Madisound in the late 70s. It’s a ported 8-inch two-way design with what were then STOTA Audax drivers. Bextrene cones. Still have them as my daily players after installing new tweeters (still available from Madisound) and recapping and putting new air core inductors in the crossovers. Mine are made with 1.25 inch MDF. All corners are rounded and they are piano gloss white. They weigh a ton. Very nice design but also very diy-able for less than 5k I think. The Missions really look cool and modern, though. The sound of my Tabors is of the era before subwoofers: plenty of bass, smooth, clear, textured mids and highs. Balanced. All in one box. Done! That’s the way you did it in the 70s. I would love to hear these Missions and A/B them with others of this design including Harbeth and Spendor. Steve, would be curious how you view this design overall and the Missions as examples of that classic sound vs today’s.

[@Dave30867]

The Audiophiliac the man with a Mission 🤣🤣👍

[@anthonyjriz3]

Just heard these today at a dealer, your review is 100% accurate. I was surprised at how big these speakers sound the scale is great, the transparency and detail in the midrange and even top end is definitely there without calling too much attention to itself. I was there ready to purchase sonetto v’s but I’m having second thoughts now lol

[@anthonyjriz3]

Definitely something special about them

[@themastroiannis]

great review. wonder how these Mission compare to the Klipsch forte IV at about the same price... or even the KLH Model 5. That would have been very helpful.

[@rabit818]

Big fan of British speakers. Owned B&W, KEF and Mission. The 770 looks beautiful.

[@FritzBrew]

I have a pair that I bought in the 80s and have been looking to replace them. I tried a few famous brands with no luck, so I guess my ears are too stubborn to accept any other sound ;-). I hope these will be available in the states.

[@rodirish7787]

So I grew up with multi panel magnapans the JBL100 and the EV interface d speakers the first set of speakers I purchased new for myself was the 770s in 1989 or 90 they are one of my favorite speakers ship of fools by Robert plant got a lot of listening to on these speakers

[@therevrockinrollin]

Those stands are very high - fantastic look. I also have a good look.

[@TheDistrict644]

I've had different model missions, to include the 770. They tend to sound different depending on the amplification. I'm now curious how the new one sounds with different set ups Your description sounds very similar to the vintage missions.

[@hermanmunster3358]

The reputation of Mission has been sullied in recent years, due to the fact that they outsourced their manufacturing to cheaper labour markets, particularly Eastern Europe and China. This resulted in very inferior products to what they originally made in the UK back in the 70's and 80's. Their more recent products can be had for peanuts on the 2nd hand market, and are often abused, tatty looking offerings. So it is good to see Mission investing in UK manufacture and Quality once again. I wish them all the luck, and when my budget allows, the 770's will be on my list of contenders.

[@larrymagill5974]

I sold 770's back in the day and loved them. They had an amazing mid range and upper mid range, as well as a tight bottom end sound that was a pleasure to listen to. I just found a sealed copy of Fiji Kitamura's Swing Sessions and it just doesn't sound right without those 770s. Honestly, my GoldenEar OneR's just don't do it. Do you know if they will be distributed in the US? Do the new 770s have the magic of the old 770s?

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

Loved the look of 770 then & now! My cats do too! So, sadly, grills on, hanging from the ceiling

[@mr.george7687]

Had a pair w/ a NAD amp way back. Was jaw dropping back then!

[@glorialethgo128]

Currently powering my 770's with the NAD C399. Darn thing drives them like it stole 'em~

[@playbackvintagehifihunter9669]

I had a pair or the vintage originals about 5 years ago, not knowing what they were, I didn't give enough time to appreciate them and passed them on not long after... Regrets..

[@nicksundby]

5 grand? I'll stick with my old BC1's thanks

[@toneswinger]

Yeah for that money you could by the spendor classic 2/3 or harbeth 7es or for bit more money spendor classic 1/2 which are probably better speakers

[@giuseppenapoli5371]

An sound better

[@mark2jzsupra749]

My first decent hifi i bought i got from the high end audio shop in bradford think it was called superfi just round corner from americs tv and hi fi shop. the shop i got my first hi fi from used to sell linn sondec turntables. i bought Mission Cyrus 1 amp (sold) Mission Cyrus 1 tuner (sold) Mission PCM 7000 cd player (still got it but got fault on tray keeps opening by itself) Mission 770 Freedom speakers (still got and still love them 30 years later) Mission front and rear surround speakers (still got them) Mission 75C center speaker (still got this too) I replaced the amp for a Yamaha DSP 3090 and a Yamaha yst 200 sub woofer. makes me feel old how i have a hifi over 30 years even the Yamaha 3090 must be knocking on in years but still use to this day. always loved the mission brand but the prices went crazy, still got the receipt for the Mission 770 speakers and sure i paid about £399. I never bought the original speaker stands at the time im sure they were only 40 quid but not 100 percent sure on that price. They also did the 780 arganaught speakers back then.

[@rene318]

Great review, love Mission/Cyrus sinds the late eighties..

[@vocalpro]

I love my 753s. A great sib and tidal hifi is next level

[@ryder9739]

Missions were big in the 90s. During that time they were playing in the low end with models costing £300 thereabouts back in the day. This one now costs £3,500. I bet they must sound awesome. Most importantly they are now playing in the mid end market.

[@scottstrang1583]

RKO Radio Networks used those for their on air program monitors for their networks.. Nite Time America host Bob Dearborn mentioned them on the air one night, as well. Wish I could hear them.

[@asan1050]

Thanks....

[@xsamitt]

The Missions can traverse both the audiofile world and the regular music lovers world! Quite a feat!

[@noahman27]

Steve,my favorite Santana album is Moonflower...double live album from 1977. If you haven't listened to it, don't wait any longer.

[@gimmenames9039]

With that tower of Pass/FW amps and short listening distance almost any 8+1 affair will sound good.

[@gimmenames9039]

Also the pricing on these speakers is way off. 3k?! lol. Milking nostalgia and not much else.

[@KB-os6lh]

My next pair of speakers when funds permit.

[@simonirvine1628]

From what your saying it sounds very similar to the Rogers Ls6a and Ls7's. Nice. Having true full character...

[@maximo90019]

A compelling source for your podcasts would be interviews with the designers and engineers of top brands, like the 770s!!!!

[@dksculpture]

Your review made me think … made me wonder what kept pulling you in despite their objective shortcomings? 🤔 Great job!

[@maestro0428]

I have Mission Argonauts. They sound great.

[@bradleydurbin6784]

They resemble older model paradigm speakers in the looks.

[@johnsradios484]

Wonderful speakers but at MSRP $5500 people wonder why some of us stick with vintage. I got a pair of Mission 737R picked up for about $50! In my system now, sounds wonderful too!

[@bygrace2683]

Thank you Steve! Could you please share a few thoughts on the Mission 770s compared to the Devore O/Baby’s? These two are similar in size and price.

[@syanhc]

So Steve, reminds me of Steve Martin's comedy albums from the late 70's

[@keirrasmussen]

Even though the original came first these look very similar to my Paradigm Monitor 3's

[@xsamitt]

May be buying a pair today!

[@xsamitt]

They arrived yesterday! Can't wait to get them setup!

[@michaelvaladez6570]

Steve Guttenberg again a great review. All I want to know is your shirt of the day a high resolution, how many decibels? Your reviews are greatly appreciated. Keep up the good work.

[@alexg4284]

Best shirt yet

[@davidnord1979]

Get yourself some angel dust and sprinkle on them......

[@ruisantos8291]

It seems these speakers are much better than all cheaper counterparts like linton and model 5. They are not even comparable, they don't fit into the same category (only in terms of design) and there are also those who favor them over klipsch with an equivalent price. 173 crossover variations were tested until reaching the final configuration. There is a lot of ignorance in the USA about the mission brand and its legacy and hence the ridiculous comments of many. The price is what it is. It's not for those who want, but for those who can. It's life and everyone should know it's not fair!

[@Big-J-8579]

In am interest in these but do not see who sells them in the USA. Thanks again!

[@bernhardmichaelfux308]

I just saw a review, where the Reviewers complained about the Stands, and in the first that they are shipped in IKEA Style - to be self-assembled! Personally, I think this is really smart! Assembled, the stands take the same space as the Misson 770s themselves, and so mission saves the environment, and costs, by saving that shipping resource! As a reliable person: what do you think about that point, Steve?

[@Gullsz]

You have an excellent taste in music Steve.

[@bernhardmichaelfux308]

And in the case of Stevie's shirts, it´s Mrs. Audiophiliac who has excellent taste! Today's shirt again is an eyecatcher, and fits Steve awesomely! (awesomely... is this an English word at all? Sorry, I am German...lol)

[@jeffkalina7727]

Do they include a matching sticker to cover the REL style billboard? No warranty? The add-in does not ring true. Wet Ceilings can be a problem.

[@alexandervaneijken7741]

Well It would,perhaps, be interesting to compare this Mission 770 with the Wharfedale Super Linton. I any case they look alike ( though two way for the Mission andd three was for the mission. The Wharfedale Super Linton is,I believe, a lot less expensive.

[@truthful3777]

One made in UK and the other made in china. That explain the price difference.

[@seanb3303]

These are 3500 pounds in UK. That’s a hefty USA markup.

[@topkho]

It’s an absolutely wonderful speaker, I completely agree. The only drawback is price vs the brand “cachet”

[@scottyo64]

Thats what I paid for my Cornwall IVs Edit: Brand New Cornwall IVs. Yes they were B Stock but nobody can tell that when they hear them.

[@MH-rl9ep]

Mission accomplished, yes, but at what cost!

[@sobellfanatic]

I had an original pair back in the day. They were very dynamic and impressive...and ultimately very fatiguing. Sold them for something little more laid back: Linn Kans!

[@jimihendrix4947]

Hi I've got the reisong a10 loving it can you run 8 ohm and 4 ohm at the same time love the mission's but cost more than my car

[@RogerBergqvist]

I miss my old Mission 763 loudspeakers now....

[@sampahtetapsam21]

Ive demo it recently Nice sounding Then i listen forte iv I bought d forte on d spot

[@ashman0071]

warming up my system - bundled my Totally Unreliable internet tv and phone with Frontier - worst decision I ever made - or maybe not - now I listen to my audio system way more often ..... : P

[@peterstudley1804]

£3200 are you kidding me, I'm still using my 22 year old wharfdale mfm7 tower speakers they didn't cost the earth either , and sounds impressive all these years later , coupled up to a technics su a 700 mk 3 amp and a technics SL 1200G turntable.

[@JRW1971]

Still rocking the Tambaqui, I see. Hey folks, no affiliation here, but that is such a great DAC. I also own a Rossini, and it's great and I love it, but if you asked me whether it's appreciably better than that Tambaqui, I'd have to think about it. Anyhoo, I like the vibe you're articulating re the Mission; color me very curious.

[@epi2045]

$5K. LOL. Yes I’ve spent that much on speakers. However for these throwbacks? I regret that Steve showed off the crossovers. There’s about $60 worth of parts.

[@ryanschipp8513]

I appreciate you calling a spade a spade. For some reason people like you that know what they're talking about are condemned by sharing the facts

[@epi2045]

@@ryanschipp8513 I get condemned all the time. It’s alright. Better to be condemned than unheard. Cheers my friend. 😎

[@nusstu]

Would love to hear how these compare with the Harbeths? Thanks

[@deanokay666]

Not having a rear port, can these speakers be positioned closer to the wall ?

[@cremersalex]

But ... it's like you are describing the Lintons!

[@musiclassica]

Yep, and they can be had for 1/5 the price of these Missions.

[@joakim5465]

Kul att se hur exalterad du är över dessa högtalare! Märks verkligen att det är något extra!

[@davide.s.9880]

I think I saw one time that some subwoofers ship with foam plugs. With this speaker having such a big front port. How much would using plugs or foam to make the port smaller affect the speaker?

[@erics.4113]

Typically, when you plug a port and seal the enclosure, you lose some low end bass extension as the driver (woofer) is fighting harder against the pressure inside the cabinet and can't freely move as easily. But you typically gain more controlled, tighter bass without going as deep. If you're running subs, it sometimes pays off to plug a speaker

[@antonelosheytanov1528]

The crossover parts are not at the level of quality that the price would suggest 🥲

[@deanokay666]

Grateful for a recommendation on best amplifier to compliment these speakers, please.

[@Aswaguespack]

If a port is correctly designed and properly engineered there should be no port “chuffing” or “noise” or any audible responses to color to distract from the speaker’s accuracy.

[@RennieAsh]

I think most ports still have slight leakage of frequencies or have tube resonance of the port itself.

[@fcamiola]

Steve how would these sound run by the Rogue Sphinx V3? Thanks mate

[@rickc661]

interesting - 'old style' are coming back, and generally get great reviews > KLH 5 , Warfdale Linton as well, both way more 'affordable'

[@Mike81111]

Sounds like these are extremely good speakers, but the price is high. You can get Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary for $1500 and that makes me wonder is this Mission really so much better to spend so much more money. Maybe they are?

[@elonmuskrat2830]

Or you could buy Wharfedale Lintons and save $3500.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

You could, but you’d miss a lot with the Linton

[@xsamitt]

Update...Got them ...love them! They are the real deal!