Mission

Cambridge speakers that rewrote the price-performance equation

History

Mission Electronics was founded in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, England in 1977 by Farad Azima, a young engineer who believed that innovative speaker design could deliver high-end performance at affordable prices.

Mission's early designs broke with convention. The company pioneered inverted driver arrangements (tweeter below woofer) to improve time alignment and imaging. They also embraced active speakers and electronic crossovers long before these became mainstream.

The 770 (1978) became Mission's first classic—a two-way bookshelf speaker with an inverted driver arrangement that offered remarkable imaging for its price. The 770 established Mission's reputation for innovation and value.

The 700 series (1980s) brought Mission quality to even more affordable price points. Models like the 700, 701, and 733 became popular choices for budget-conscious audiophiles seeking British quality.

The Cyrys (1984) and 753 (1980s) continued Mission's tradition of innovative design. The company also produced electronics including amplifiers and CD players that maintained the same value philosophy.

Key Facts

Legendary Products

Mission 770 (1978)

Mission's first classic speaker. The 770's inverted driver arrangement (tweeter below woofer) improved time alignment and created a more coherent soundstage than conventional designs. It became a benchmark for affordable British speakers.

Mission 700 (1980s)

An affordable speaker that brought Mission quality to the masses. The 700 maintained the inverted arrangement of the 770 while reducing cost, becoming a popular choice for entry-level hi-fi systems.

Mission 753 (1980s)

A floorstanding speaker that brought Mission's innovative design to larger rooms. The 753 offered fuller bass and higher output while maintaining the imaging precision of the smaller models.

Mission Cyrus (1984)

A compact active speaker designed in partnership with Cyrus Electronics. The Mission Cyrus combined Mission drivers with Cyrus amplification in a small, high-performance package.

Classic Models Reference

Sound Signature

Mission speakers are characterized by:

• Imaging precision - Inverted arrangement benefit
• Value engineering - Performance per pound
• Innovation - Willing to try new approaches
• British balance - Coherent, musical sound
• Affordability - Quality at reasonable prices

Collecting Mission

Vintage Mission gear is valued for:

• 770 - The original classic
• First production 770 - Early examples
• 700 series - Popular vintage models
• Cyrus partnership - Electronics
• Working examples - Foam surrounds may need attention

Most collectible models:

• 770 - The first Mission classic
• 753 - Floorstanding classic
• 700 - Popular entry model
• Cyrus - Active speaker rarity

Restoration Tips

Common Mission service items:

• Replace foam surrounds (age-related)
• Check tweeter functionality
• Replace crossover capacitors
• Refinish cabinets
• Verify driver matching
• Simple designs, straightforward service

Competitors & Comparisons

Mission vs Wharfedale: Both value British brands; different approaches

Mission vs KEF: Similar market; Mission more innovative

Mission vs Monitor Audio: Both British; different design philosophies

All Models in Archive (2)

Speakers

• Mission - British Value Engineering

Speakers

• 700 - 1980-1985
• 780 Argonaut - 1985-1990