The Mission 770 review: INSANELY GOOD loudspeakers

[@DarkoAudio]

PLEASE READ *before commenting*! 1) All comments here are moderated by a third party 2) Polite comments that advance the conversation are most welcome 3) No URLs, racist/sexist remarks or conspiracy theories, please

[@savvysurveyor5318]

My wife caught me watching! “You are not after some new speakers are you” no I just like listening to John explain the intricacies and differences. 🤣👌🏽

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

Lol , I have heard the same question 😂💚💚💚 But Are you really 😁🤔🤫

[@syanhc]

Hahaha…

[@SuperMcgenius]

Like she caught you watching porn 😂😂😂

[@faludabutt8253]

And I am already at verge of divorce 😊

[@insurrectionindustries1706]

I’m totally feeling that. I can feel her rolling her eyes behind me when I’m listening to John!

[@gkurtz17]

John, after watching your previous "from the heart" video you sound absolutely alive and enthusiastic but only about the 770s, but your freedom to be in control, and in tune, with your own heart. I couldn't resist the pun... you sound so happy. Cheers!

[@jrvhifi]

Nice to see you so enthusiastic about a product - really came through in your voice. Hope to audition these someday!

[@petercomeau2190]

Thanks for your very accurate description, John, much appreciated. And, of course, I love that you love listening to music on them, which is what they were built for! Just a note about your comment on the bass specification. It is usual to consider the -6dB point, which we list under 'bass extension', for the lowest frequency you are likely to hear in-room. This is because room gain gives a big lift to frequencies below 100Hz and so the anechoic measurement doesn't match what you are likely to experience. Depending on your room, you should be able to clearly hear a 30Hz tone and this gives an almost subliminal experience of solidity and weight when playing electronic music or music with bass synths. Have fun listening!

[@garymayes4881]

I like the white and black finish and writing on those speakers (without the grilles), but as someone else mentions.. You look and sound in a much happier place and that is more rewarding to see as a viewer to your channel. All the best. 🤘⭐️🤘

[@kevincarnahan4976]

People who show me new music, regardless of the style, are important. New music is like falling in love when the music speaks to you. So thank you for all the music recommendations along with top notch reviews.

[@ohmythatsweird]

The price broke my heart. I remember frequently listening to the original 770's in my friends attic/bedroom . It was the first time I really felt the music. They were amazing (well to me). Was so excited to hear about the new release but I cant justify that expenditure alas . I hope the new owners enjoy them as much as I did.

[@matthewrond7386]

Best in the business reviews. Information delivered with detail, context, and enthusiasm. John, you're on top! Seriously. Thank you.

[@kenrickhadley4499]

WOW. How i love listening to you talk all things audio. It is never clinical, always passionate. I leave with a greater understanding of whatever you have on the plate at that moment. thanks for the joy ride.

[@TheBrigar]

Really enjoyed the side-by-side perspectives and the album call outs. Cheers!

[@tasoss.1385]

It seems that these puppies must be really good because so far every reviewer I've watched have a smile from one ear to the other.

[@ccwnyc5671]

A master class in audio review, just superb.

[@1061shrink1061]

I actually auditioned these recently as potential replacements for my Harbeth SHL5+, where I was looking for everything the Harbeth could do, but with a little more low end heft. Yes the missions had a bit of extra low end reach, but they lost out on the magic the Harbeths could bring. The sense of sheer clarity, out of box experience and midrange clarity just wasn't as good. The missions sounded "boxier" and a bit more shut in. It wasn't worth the trade off for me. That said, in isolation the 770's did sound excellent, big, exciting smooth and balanced.

[@xsamitt]

I own both and agree with you! I would also add that for any other music other than jazz,the mission are fantastic.Again for Jazz the harbeth wins!

[@alexrosenblum1144]

havent seen you this excited in a while! great video 🙂

[@pauljordan3828]

Wonderful review , bravo to mission I love the way they look and now I’m gonna have to hear them

[@dougcampbell2814]

I like how you snuck in the Radiohead top fav albums. Guess I’ll have to try listening to them again. As a former Mission retailer in the 70s I’m very happy to see the return and upgrade of the 770. Great review and also thanks for the music spread throughout. I write down the artists and albums and stream later. Play > pause play > pause. Thanks again. 🎵

[@t00bn]

Great review and loved the shout out to Camera Conspiracies 😹

[@lindsaywebb1904]

It’s a regular reference 🎉

[@DeAudiofilosyLocos]

Great review. I am working on mine. And I am extremely lucky to have a Diablo 300 on loan. Glorious! I wish you good health and my respects for the great videos!

[@carlitomelon4610]

Will your review have subtitles? Enjoyed your Steve Guttenberg interviews. Play on Sir!

[@georgeflexter833]

I use a pair of Mission 770 Freedom's that I got for $90 at an auction. I really do love them. If I had an extra $4000 laying around I would be all over the new 770's.

[@trevorbartram5473]

As a student in the UK in 1978, I lusted after Mission 770s, so I built the best alternative, the HFN&RR Tabor kits. These were designed by Malcolm Jones of Falcon Acoustics using Audax drive units. The cabinets used 3/4" flooring grade chipboard, the outside finished with 1/8" hardboard, the inside lined with bitumous felt panels and acoustic wadding. They weigh 50lb each. You might like the sound of my Tabors even better than the new 770s! In 1995 I purchased Mission 762i speakers for our home theater. They have wonderfully clear vocal presentation and never felt the need to change them!!

[@johnthompson7809]

Yet another fantastic review from Mr. Darko! You got me excited today so thank you.

[@shughy1]

Great review, hope you are keeping well, now get out on the bike 👍😀

[@kloppsliverpudlians88]

Great review! Would love your take on ATC speakers at some point in time; curiously that's one brand you have not done any videos one. Some day perhaps?

[@stevieg2755]

Loved the 80s ads ,you will smile cause there's nothing like it under the sun

[@SmallChurch]

Brings back memories of when I first got into 'into' hi-fi back in the late '70s... Am keen to hear as I had a pair and enjoyed them for about 7 years before I left Scotland >> U.S. System was w/ a NAD amp/Rega Planar 3/Nakamichi cassette deck/Arcam tuner (for taping John Peel's Mon-Fri. radio programmes)/all with Naim spkr. cable, QED interconnects and Target racks & stands. Happy days! John, Hope you're doing well and the prospect of having an extended period of 'me' time w/ do the trick. Stay well - love your channel and your taste in music is quite similar to my own. Cheers from Japan! & all the very, very best!

[@rravat]

Music recommendations are always appreciated, thanks!

[@kmd88412]

Bravo Darko. You are right on with these. I heard these at Upscale Audio, then I took a pair home. Thanks for helping me with my research.

[@cpg8000]

What amp have you paired the 770 with? Thank you

[@xsamitt]

@@cpg8000 have them paired with bryston 28b Cubed ! Fantastic !

[@bhbacon]

Great energy in this review, John! I was wondering how the 770 fare with low listening levels? Thanks.

[@Rachel-t9y]

amazing looks and sound. Worth the price

[@markscott7583]

Great video - thank you. I have lived through a similar experience you describe related to finding your sound preference. I purchased the Klipsch Forte III, loved the sound style in my room (and the MCM look on metal stands) but it required me to find the appropriate amplifier to pair to take the edge off, which was not easy. Finally found my way to SET Tube amplifiers and ended with a very low watt Decware Zen UFO2 tube amp which matches very nicely. A different journey, if I would have started with a more substantial spend on amplifier, I may have ended with me pairing different speakers… who knows. But a fun learning experience none the less. Keep up the great work.

[@mjmonjure]

Excellent review, thank you!

[@syanhc]

These are just iconic. Thanks for the great quality review John!

[@isaacsykes3]

I must say that there is something, dare I say, heartwarming about watching someone talk something they are excited about, and your enthusiasm for the Missions really comes through. Especially, when compared to your usual Dragnet(just the facts ma'am) approach to reviews. Add the personal revelations you shared in the Direction of the Channel video, and what can I say, except that seeing you genuinely happy, made me happy, which in turn, will probably set me back several grand...lol!! 😀 That said, your joy is infectious and I hope that you keep bringing us products and music that excite you this much. Be safe, and more importantly take care of yourself.

[@fredriklarsson5530]

Absolutely love your work John! My first pair of speakers was the Mission 750LE! Adorable in my small apartment at the time.

[@xsamitt]

Well ...Finally got a chance to listen today!!! The hype is real! I love what these speakers bring to home audio!!! Brilliant !!

[@TheNeilo-Audiosound]

Ooooh Mission Speakers❤️ I love them and Collect and restore them but being in my late 50’s I’ve also had the pleasure of these since my teens And own a lot of pairs (a few the same model) like the Original 753 Floorstanders x 3 Pairs (all Rosewood) 780 x 5 pairs (All Bass units Rewound due to the manufacturing Glue issue making them fail. 750LE Farad Azima x 3 pairs 751 x 3 Pairs I also collect Mordaunt Short MS10i Pearl and MS20i Pearl editions (11 pairs) and B&W yet still prefer the Mission Sound and the 753 being my daily Drivers. The 770 I’ve always admired yet never owned but must admit I love the look of them.

[@tedjensen8841]

Thank you for the great video. Hope you're doing well.

[@richrogers2157]

Ding ding ding, John you just said the magic words “ for the cat who doesn’t know what kind of sound he wants” yes thank you.

[@catmonkey6826]

Amazing! A pair of Mission 707's were my first proper speaker purchase back in around 1984. I lusted after the 770's. Love this channel John.

[@giuseppenapoli5371]

Mission 707 will out perform the new crop still !

[@christopherdounis6729]

Absolutely brilliant review…. Your descriptive style makes me think I’m in the room with you. I’m a big fan of Focal and DALI…

[@erwindewit4073]

Oh boy. Saw these things in the background for a while. They look like the love child of the B&W DM220i loudspeaker I lived from the 80s, and the Harbeths I love now. And with the white front… I missed you mentioning the price, just that it was a lot. Still, I’m going to listen to these and later find them used. Combine that with the Uniti Atom that I also love.. Well, you get the point. Happy and unhappy and the same time about this video John!

[@tomgately2668]

A camera conspiracies reference was not a crossover I was expecting... That man is a subversive comic genius!

[@jongottesman1263]

Fehrman!! Thank you for the recommendation. I love it and had never listened to anything by this artist before. What an entertaining video. I was most impressed with the number of speakers you compared. That really sells the Missions.

[@Muckyfellrunner]

Been listening to my 760i’s today knowing this review would be arriving. I’m still very happy with them after all these years, but I think if I needed to change, especially if I setup my system in a larger room, I think the 770s would be on my list. Thanks for the review.

[@grayfool]

I've always loved Mission speakers and had several models over the years. It's great to hear they are getting back in the groove. I love the looks too.

[@dodpr]

I like your subtle way to say they are the "best" without using the word. Lol. I felt your enthusiasm about these. Seems like my search is over. Thanks.

[@rosswarren436]

So, the Sarah Blasko was a great find in the music sound quality comparison section! And Booka Shade has a track on Movements called "Darko"...Interesting...LOL...

[@bassandtrebleclef]

Loved the subtle flashing of the price of these early in the video. I must say.... these are speakers for those who drive corvettes with aftermarket exhausts because the styling is a love it or hate it proposition. Only for single guys. With deep pockets. With Back to the Future movie posters who wear Genera shirts and Guess jeans.

[@AlexKamenski]

I am keen on your reviews!

[@richardsaila8073]

Now this excellent speaker must compete with Comeau's newer heritage baby, the Wharfedale Dovedale. Keen on hearing comparisons...

[@RUfromthe40s]

wharfedale and Mission are my favorite brands in the world but also have several sets of speakers from other brands, at a professional level already in the 2000´s wharfedale was the best

[@Blackhatsax55]

On fire John! a lesson in vocabulary, phrasing and! as always superb informative review. Keep up out takes as well ;o))

[@Dee.J.Mogfry]

I knew the bosses.....my mate also worked there for 20 years...my father was their Patent attorney. The 782 was a beast and the old 770 freedom

[@giovannibalestrieri9723]

Hi, I enjoyed the review, as usual, but I think you should always say how good speakers are regarding the price point. If I say that the Missions 770 are beasts, how do I have to take it? Are they beasts regarding to 10.000 euros speakers, that means regarding speakers twice their price?

[@AudioheavenDenmark]

It's a amazing good value. I was stunned when I heard them

[@ppwoodcock]

Brilliant review! But where does this "audiophile" version of Hats exist. 90% agree on the Radiohead grading... But is there really an audiophile version of Hats???????

[@johnratcliffe6438]

Mission 760i SE were my first speakers. That was a long time ago.

[@mrkitewine7700]

Thanks for this John. There seems to be a few manufacturers releasing modern versions of their classic speakers. Mission have these and it’s little and more affordable brother, the 700’s. Also there is Wharfedale (another IAG brand) with their two Denton models (80 & 85) and the massive Linton. JBL have their L100 reissues and also there is Neat with the awesome Petite Classics. I wonder if there is a premium to be paid for the nostalgia factor over more modern designs (eg Wharfedale’s Evo range)

[@randypetersen7072]

I owned a pair of the 770 freedoms I purchased around 1984. Loved them!

[@roy7618]

Informative as always, thank you John. A friend is still running an original pair that he's owned from new. Can't be many of those left! I knew Farad Azima back in the heady days of Mission Electronics, wonderful visionary guy. But I think his brother Henry, who lived in Canada, was the brains behind the speaker designs. Anyway, keep up ther good work.

[@petercomeau2190]

Henry joined Mission after the original 770 was designed and had a hand in later models. Henry's first design for Mission was the 700.

[@jamesminotto8036]

Henry Azima was the designer. I should know, I worked for both Henry and Farad. They designed the speaker through listening not so much the measurements. Great video!

[@juhaelomaa72]

John. I really do like your take on high-end audio and - I must say - I really enjoyed this video, especially. Why? Because of your enthusiasm. There must be something special about these speakers if a seasoned audio veteran such as yourself gets so excited about a product... Mission 770's are now on my short list for further enquiries. Thank you, John. PS. "OK Computer" is the absolute number one Radiohead album, IMO. Still, I appreciate your choice and opinion (also) on this matter.

[@christopherwright8179]

When I was 18 I had a pair of Mission 737R loudspeakers back in the good old 80’s. This review makes me remember them fondly. I couldn’t afford the original 770’s so the 737’s did the job for many years.

[@bayvanman]

I bought a pair of 737r in 2020 during lockdown for £25. Powered by a Trio amp they sounded surprising good.

[@christopherwright8179]

They respond to system upgrades really well. Look really cool too. Enjoy!

[@roblawrence4792]

Nice review as always, thx. I had a pair of the originals way back and loved them. Didn’t have the set up back then, but boy was I proud to have them in my little room. I’m sure I drove the neighbours nuts from time to time listening to Rush, Deep Purple, Sabbath, etc. But they really did a nice job of Rickie Lee Jones, Joni, and my fledgling jazz record collection. Cheers

[@meneer_kooi4466]

These are amazing videos, so glad I found out this channel exists! The color grading is awesome and the esthetic of your setup and room is great. Keep ‘em goin John!

[@terrywho22]

I'm pretty sure the first speaker loudspeakers that featured a polypropylene mid-bass driver were the original Harbeth HL monitors released in 1977. H.D. Harwood came up with the idea when working in the BBC’s Research Department while they were developing the bextrene plastic cones used in the early BBC monitors. I know this as I own a pair of those original HLs.

[@seoulrydr]

you mixed up the #1 and #2 spots on your Radiohead ratings. Easy mistake to make. You are forgiven - nice vid!

[@DJ_DJ]

The new 770 would be fun to compare head to head with the ProAc Response D2.

[@JeffHeon]

Another superb review and I also enjoyed immensely the podcasts with Paul Barton and Peter Comeau.

[@angi733]

Interesting to see your review on these. Many people seem to like them, and I thought I would too, but I did the use your own ears thing and decided they were not for me. For me I was quite disappointed, I found them too polite sounding and lacking in excitement when I tried them with my own amplifier at the dealer. And I am used to better imaging, surprisingly I also found the bass disappointing. I’ve listened to 8 speakers in the last 6 months and have now bought the Dynaudio Confidence 20 on a great demo price and a week long home demo. Every time I set out to buy a new component I never end up buying what I thought I would; I’ve learnt to trust my ears after a few costly mistakes! P.S delighted that another product is being made in the UK.

[@davids2214]

What else did you demo and what were your impressions? Always enjoy reading impressions from people listening to a bunch of speakers I’m relatively rapid succession

[@eddents]

If you could, kindly share the room size you have your 20's playing within (and do you use a sub)? Thanks!

[@lindsaywebb1904]

Also a bunch more money

[@angi733]

It’s a small room of 4 x 3M so it has been quite a challenge to find something that works well in the room. I am replacing a 2017 pair of Totem Signature one which I have enjoyed a lot. The confidence 20 has a downward firing port so works well in a small room and is not too fussy on placement. Most dynaudios have a large rear firing port so are a challenge when close ish to a wall. I do have a subwoofer a JLD108 which is room corrected. To be honest I barely need it bow. The confidence 20 has very strong, dynamic, deep and full bodied bass. More so than many floor standers, it sounds big. Playing a 40HZ test tone is at full volume, I reckon it is going down to about 35-38hz in room. So I could do without the sub, but have kept it as I still have it. I have turned the crossover down. The soundstage is slightly better with the subwoofer, that’s the main reason to keep it. Number 2 choice was the Marten Duke 2 but the Confidence 20 was miles ahead in every area. So detailed yet still so smooth, the best of both worlds. And more dynamic. The Esotar 3 tweeter has plenty of bite and loads of detail but is never harsh like B&W or Focal can be on portly recorded stuff. I have a full list of what I demo’d but need to look that up when I get home, I tried to keep a basic list :) @Ed Dents

[@angi733]

@@lindsaywebb1904 yup, but as you see John compares them with speakers that are twice as expensive too. The dynaudios came in at £6k gbp and were great value. The missions for me sounded more comparable to £2k. On paper they had everything I wanted at leas money so that’s why I tried them. I was also comparing with my existing speakers the Totem which also cost £3500 ish now.

[@tccincrj2866]

Excelent review, JOHN

[@koszyklbn]

Dear John, what is Your problem with French manufacturer Atoll. On every video you repeating NOT ATOLL ! I'm just curious. Cheers

[@Krell666]

Great review. They do look very cool and 80s retro!

[@SanderE39]

Most expensive like button I pressed in a while, amazing!

[@RUfromthe40s]

they have a incredible strong bass with a proper amplifier

[@xsamitt]

I use a bryston 28B Cubed on them....Very very good bass response!

[@jonassegura]

Loved the random Radiohead’s album ranking 😂 Didn’t see it coming.

[@jyewhin]

Great review as usual John. My first serious speakers were a pair of Mission MX-5. They were all I could afford at the time and I loved them, with their limitations. Would love to try these 770 some day.

[@briankwan542]

In the 80s in boarding school, my roommate used to have a pair of 737 and I thought they look even more special 😜Many thanks 🙏🏻

[@barryjoyce9249]

Great review as always John and I have to say the best out takes 😂 love the 770s and throw those grills away 😂 hope your well. Baz - Australia.

[@douglasyong6939]

Blew the baffle of my 760, many years ago.. nice bass

[@voiceoverartistadriangough7928]

Always good to see the edit cuts at the end... presenting on radio can be fun when you say something that you did not wont to say . Ps Great Videos keep up the good work and thank you for all the info that you give on the units

[@tsaoandy9732]

Great reviews, you echoed the review just how good these Mission are. I was old enough to witness since Radiohead’s first release. The Bends made me a fan, Ok Computer kind of cementing the fact that Radiohead can their direction. Kid A is my top 3 too because I think there’s “I don’t give a fxxx” attitude we just doing our thing that is what redefined Radiohead. At the moment I’m placing In Rainbows as my No1, I believe one is the most creative when the whole is super clear of what sound they want, In Rainbows and carried on with song writing prowess, sound effect is but used in the point to make it a strong is another, I keep going back to In Rainbows also for the raw sound production. A Moon Shaped Pool is an excellent album, I’m a classical trained musician but listen to rock, jazz, electronic, folk, Blues, and experimental, this album reflects that they listen to all sort of music, that’s what makes Radiohead so good, they’re in their own league.

[@eddents]

Enjoyed the review and the outtakes. Thank-you! Mission could have obtained a lower price point by taking the fabrication offshore, but they didn't. Good for them I say. I happened to have a tiny bookshelf pair of Missions (made in Malaysia) serving as rears in the home AV setup. They've got lungs for only being 23cm /9" tall. "Each pair of seven seventies ships with a satchel of seashells from the Selsey seashore." Sufferin succotash!

[@davidread4342]

Really good review thank you. I wonder if anyone has done a comparison between these and the Wharfdale Lintons to understand what the sonic benefits are of the 779s compared to the Lintons.

[@violin-schwerin]

Comeau has been hitting it out of the park with the vintage inspired speakers! I love my Linton 85s!

[@eddietours3728]

i was able to listen to the mission and Elysian 2 they were going toe to toe the Elysian had a deeper Bass

[@rosswarren436]

There are a few on KZbin but you'll have to search for them...There was a short one where Peter actually discusses what he was trying to achieve with both. If the Lintons were made in the UK I'm sure they'd sell for about the same price as the 770s.

[@mstieber79]

+1 on the Thomas Fehlmann 'Gute Luft' recommendation. Much appreciated!

[@dmccoyny]

Bonus points for Radiohead album ranking.

[@karlhartwig3981]

I love their look and am interested in hearing a pair. It's funny how an American manufactured speaker shouts and a British version chats, I think that sums it up fairly well. I am late to listening to Radiohead, have Amnesiac and appreciate your off the cuff rating of their discography. What do you think of Smile?

[@captainric2364]

An American speaker shouts, a British box chats and a Swiss one sings. (Piega)

[@eetu2532]

I'm wondering how the off-axis behaves being a 8" 2-way speaker without a proper waveguide.. I would probably look at the 3-way Lintons at 1/3 price in this retro 8" woofer category. IIRC Peter Comeau also designed the Wharfedale Jade-series, excellent speakers.

[@Genjokoan]

While I have never owned a pair of 770s, I have a soft spot for Missions. In 1983 I allocated $750 and went around visiting the best audio shops looking for the best pair of speakers I could find. I think I found them too. I eventually took home a pair of Mission 70 MkIIs, with $500 left in pocket. I liked them lots. I still like them lots. They have been in a closet for a couple of years but I just got them out and gave them a proper cleaning. I am searching for just the right, small amp to turn them into my "new" computer speakers.

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤗😁👍FANTASTIC VIDEO JOHN,TBH I never have heard any podcasts 🤷‍♂️ But I AGREE WITH YOUR ASSESSMENTS ON LOOKS 🤩🤩 with or without grills and it sounds like they have done a great job of upgrading these speakers and maintaining their great looks …also thanks for the music 🎶 suggestions 😎💚💚💚

[@HouseofRecordsTacoma]

100 people analogy is a very good "work around" for subjective comparisons. Agree w/your use of it.

[@stockmarketman]

I have the original 770’s and love the sound signature which reproduce a fast full dynamic music that is unbelievable. I currently have Wilson Audio speakers and they represent the ultimate sound experience; however, I will always keep the 770’s as the give you a different perspective into the music that you are listening.

[@johnpischedda6951]

Nice one John ! Terry Ellis also raved about the 700’s would like to hear your thoughts on those!

[@carlitomelon4610]

Peter Comeau? I remember him from the Heybrook days. Still have my TT2.2 turntable:-) My first decent amp was the Mission Cyrus1. Before your health forces a steady diet of IEM reviews, please find a pair of Magnepan LRS for reference. It's amazing what they do for 1/4 of the price of these boxes! 🎵🎶😉🎶🎵

[@frodehatlem5284]

The Thomas Fehlmann - Gute Luft album was fantastic. I'd love some more recommendations. Thank you for a great channel.

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

Old 70s guitar rock guy here, so flip your top three Radiohead record rankings and I'm good.

[@FNGyoutuber]

Could you pls give me your opinion about the two loudspeakers Wharfedale Dovedale and Mission 770? Which one is good for Classical, Vocal, Jazz, Pop music?

[@WTJ3405]

Wonder how they compare to the Linton Heritage 85th speakers also designed by the same designer utilizing the same cabinet materials.

[@billd9667]

Would like to know as well. The specs are very similar.

[@bencausey]

Would LOVE a comparison with the KLH 5’s.

[@JamesH1973]

Do you think the Mission 770 would work well in a very small bedroom (8m2) now music room? Thank you for any advice.