Bookshelf Speakers — Mission LX-2 MKII

The LX-2 MKII is a bookshelf speaker from Mission's LX MKII range, built with the brand's characteristic Inverted Driver Geometry positioning the tweeter below the bass/midrange driver. Mission has been famed for compelling musicality since its founding in 1977, and this model builds directly on the earlier LX design with trickle-down innovations sourced from the brand's revered flagship ZX series.

Key specs that matter

Rated response is 55Hz to 20kHz at plus-or-minus 3dB, with bass extension to 50Hz at -6dB. Sensitivity is 87dB at 2.83V/1m, with a recommended amplifier power of 20-100W and peak SPL of 103dB. Impedance is 8 ohms nominal with a minimum of 3.8 ohms. Crossover frequency is 3.2kHz. The two-way bass-reflex design uses a 5-inch (130mm) composite-fibre bass driver alongside a 25mm microfibre dome tweeter, with cabinet volume at 8.5 litres. Mission's proprietary Inverted Driver Geometry equalises the acoustic path length between drivers so sound waves coincide at the listener's head height, a design principle the brand says improves time alignment and transient performance uniquely at this price point. At 305mm (on plinth) x 200mm x 258mm, the speaker weighs 6.34kg per unit and is finished in Lux Black or Walnut Pearl.

Sound and use context

Expect outstanding accuracy, detailing and realism regardless of musical genre - the famous Mission DiaDrive bass unit offers improved control of the low-frequency diaphragm, while serrations in the driver surrounds, borrowed directly from development work on the pricier ZX and QX models, help scatter unwanted reflections for cleaner high-frequency performance. This model was perfected over hundreds of hours of critical listening by Mission's lead acoustic designer, Peter Comeau.

Pairing

The 87dB sensitivity and wide 20-100W recommended range suit a modest to mid-power integrated amplifier without unusual current demands, an accessible amplifier match for most systems building around this compact stand-mount speaker.

Alternatives

Mission's LX-4 MKII tower speaker shares the same core engineering philosophy in a floorstanding format with dual 5-inch bass drivers, worth considering instead if this bookshelf model's already impressive performance leaves ambitions for genuine floorstanding scale. A rigid, well-positioned stand at seated ear height remains essential for extracting the full benefit of Mission time-aligned Inverted Driver Geometry, and toe-in adjustment at the listening seat is a free, worthwhile tweak once placement is finalised.