The Mission 760i belongs to one of the legendary classics where it is a pair of bookshelf speakers with exceptional sonic performance while affordably priced. To provide as much value to the users as possible with their given build and craftsmanship. The goals were met and exceeded by the Mission 760i which was the latest iteration of the entry-level stand-mounter the Mission 760. Like its predecessor, you will need to match them with a matching amp if you want them to sound their best.
In order to find the right amp that could match really well with the Mission 760i, we will first need to gather more information about the entry-level loudspeakers’ sonic performance and characteristics. After we have gathered enough data, we will then be able to share a list of the best amps that are compatible and matching to the Mission 760i bookshelf speakers.
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Sonic Characteristics and Merits of Mission 760i
After about 30 years since its debut, the Mission 760i speakers have aged and now have a vintage look which of course will match aesthetically well with most classic amps of the same era. It is a compact size stand-mounter with a front-firing bass port. It is still recommended to give them some breathing space by placing some distance between the rear wall and the speaker. It is a 2-way bass-reflex speaker with a 130mm plasiflex bass driver and a 19mm dome tweeter. We prefer to have the speaker grille on, as it does let the Mission 760i blend into the environment slightly easier.
We are surprised by the speaker sensitivity of 89dB as it is actually pretty good for such a small speaker. The frequency response of the Mission 760i was another spec that exceeded our expectations, it is 55Hz to 20kHz. The nominal impedance is 8 Ohms and the recommended amplifier power is between 25 Watts to 75 Watts. These specs do indicate that the Mission 760i is not difficult to drive and an amp with decent power will be enough to drive them efficiently.
For a budget speaker, the Mission 760i stereo imaging is really amazing, it is accurate and highly defined. The sonic imageries are precisely placed on the modest size soundstage which the scale of the sound is as expected from a compact stand-mounter in this price range. The lack of scale and presence is partly due to the lightweight bass performance. If we look at the bright side, the bass delivery is tight and agile, the Mission 760i doesn’t try to exaggerate and overcompensate its flaw. This is a good thing as now we have the option to add in an active subwoofer to improve the low ends and open up the speakers’ sonic presentation.
The overall sound reproduction of the Mission 760i bookshelf speakers is clean and clear with a nice level of clarity. The highs are not as expansive and open as we might want them to be but looking at the price point and the year it was made, we really can’t ask for much. The sonic characteristic is quite neutral and with a tendency of moving towards bright sounding, still, it doesn’t reach a level of harshness. The bright sound quality and accuracy of the Mission 760i do have their charm, as it does reveal plenty of details to boot.
You can always move the speakers nearer to the walls to allow more bass reinforcement so as to get a fuller sound quality while having slightly more bass output. Adding an active subwoofer will be another alternative as it also helps to deliver very deep bass frequencies which the Mission 760i loudspeakers do lack. If you have an active sub supplementing the bass, you can also use the 760i as home theater speakers. We have gathered enough details and data, it is time for us to start sharing with you a list of the best amps to go for and match them with the classic Mission 760i bookshelf speakers.
Mission 760i Specifications
- Speaker Type: 2-Way (Front-Firing Bass Port)
- Drive Units: 19mm dome tweeter, 130mm plasiflex bass driver
- Frequency Response: 55Hz-20kHz
- Recommended Amplifier Power: 20-75W
- Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 89dB
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 295mm x 180mm x 200mm | 11.6″ x 7.1″ x 7.9″
- Weight: 5kg (11lbs)
Best Amps to match with Mission 760i
The front-firing bass port enables us to place the Mission 760i speakers nearer to walls which also makes them ideal desktop speakers. For a desktop stereo setup, the NAD D 3020 V2 will be the best amp to go for. It has sufficient power and reserves to drive the Mission 760i bookshelf speakers. The sonic characteristics of the D 3020 V2 amp are well suited for 760i too, as it is neutral sounding and doesn’t sound overly bright even when playing at high volume levels. We highly suggest that you connect to an active subwoofer as this will improve the overall bass performance of your desktop sound system.
More Details at Amazon – NAD D 3020 V2 Digital Integrated Amp
If a warm sonic character is what you prefer, the Marantz PM6007 will be the ideal entry-level amp to go with your Mission 760i stand-mounters. The Marantz PM6007 has that smooth sonic delivery and the warmth which goes along with it, providing us with a fuller sound reproduction. The pleasing sound quality of the amp is not only easy on the ears but also allows us to play the sound system at high volumes without worrying about listeners’ fatigue. You can also connect an active subwoofer to improve the overall bass performance and have more musical presence which complements the Mission 760i speakers as well.
More Information at Amazon – Marantz PM6007 Integrated Amp
The Denon PMA-600NE is an entry-level integrated amp with an affordable price and could provide tons of value to its users. With a power output of up to 70 Watts per channel into 4 Ohms, this amp is capable of driving your Mission 760i speakers. There is also a dedicated subwoofer output which we highly suggest you use to connect to an active subwoofer. The full-bodied sound reproduction and the neutral warm sonic characteristic are well-matched with the Mission 760i too. For a warmer sonic delivery, we will suggest sticking with Marantz amps. The Denon PMA-600NE is also loaded with a plethora of features.
More Information at Amazon – Denon PMA-600NE | Advanced Ultra High Current Power
The Sony STRDH190 is a very highly rated stereo receiver that is ideal for listeners who has a tight budget. This affordably priced 2 channel Sony receiver has more than enough power to drive the Mission 760i bookshelf speakers with ease. It is very well-received by its owners, thanks to its high level of clarity and bright sounding characteristics. We will suggest you have a listen first before making your final decision as it may sound overly bright to some listeners. The only qualms we have is that the Sony STR-DH190 doesn’t have a subwoofer output but at this price point, it is quite hard for us to nitpick.
More Info at Amazon – Sony STRDH190 Stereo Receiver with Phono Inputs and Bluetooth
As mentioned earlier, the Mission 760i will do well in a home theater environment as long you integrate an active sub into the mix. The AV receiver which we find more suitable to match with the Mission 760i speakers will be the Denon AVR-S960H. It is an entry-level 7.2 channel AVR that supports 8K UHD and 3D Audio at a modest price. The overall sonic characteristics of the AVR-S960H are suitable and complements the Mission 760i really well in this HT environment. This is an all-rounded AV receiver, providing an exciting home cinematic experience and an enjoyable sound reproduction for music without sounding hard or harsh.
More Info at Amazon – Denon AVR-S960H AV Receiver
You can choose to pair the Mission 760i speakers with a matching Mission subwoofer MS-400 but we recommend going with either Rythmik Audio or SVS. The powered subwoofers from these brands will provide better performance for the money and will be fantastic for both music or HT use. For listeners whose main entertainment is listening to music, we will suggest checking the Rythmik Audio’s L12 out, it is an entry-level sealed subwoofer that will provide you with articulate bass performance. For an exhilarating home movie experience, the SVS PB-1000 Pro will be an ideal choice as it is a powerful entry-level ported subwoofer with up to 820 Watts of power.
More Info at Amazon – SVS PB-1000 Pro (Black Ash)
To Sum It Up
These are some of the best entry-level amps and receivers which will match well with the Mission 760i speakers. The prices of these amps are also quite closely match with the affordably priced 760i. We will suggest going through the list and pick a few of them for an audition. Hear them out and see which amp’s sonic delivery sounds the best to you. Do note that by integrating a subwoofer, the overall sound reproduction may sound different and so it is wise to include the sub you are getting during the amplifier auditioning.
