Before we dive in, I must mention that I decided to abandon the Inverted Driver Geometry concept and instead, I opted to position the speakers in a traditional manner. The reason for this change is quite simple – the original setup did not yield satisfactory results in my listening room, where I sit relatively close to the speakers. While I don’t completely dismiss the idea, it appears more suitable for floorstanding speakers, where the listening distance is typically greater. For bookshelf speakers, it seems far-fetched to me.
Design and build quality
When it comes to design, the QX-2s meet expectations, especially considering their affordable price. These speakers showcase good craftsmanship, evident in their meticulous construction. Notably, the utilization of aluminum plates on the top and bottom surfaces, along with the cabinet’s rounded edges, leaves a lasting positive impression. The veneer possesses a solid and fairly authentic wood-like texture. Attention to detail extends to the rear, where the bass reflex system boasts elegant embossing and neatly arranged speaker terminals. While the QX-2s are relatively heavy and larger in size – slightly wider than I would prefer – it is important to acknowledge their good build quality and fresh design.
Sound quality
The sound signature of the QX-2s can be best described as warm, evoking a slight resemblance to its cousin, the Wharfedale Evo 4.1 (IAG Company). Additionally, the sound can be characterized as condensed, akin to the Q Acoustics 3030is.
Another intriguing aspect of the QX-2s is Mission’s decision to incorporate a larger-than-usual 38mm tweeter. This choice contributes, to some extent, to a distinct perception I had that the tweeter handles not only the higher frequencies but also a portion of the midrange. The treble exhibits a gentle and soothing quality while still retaining noteworthy detail. Particularly, short sound effects like clicks and snares are nicely emphasized. However, one potential concern I observed relates to the dispersion, but more on that a bit later.
As mentioned previously, the midrange of the QX-2s exhibits noticeable warmth, which can be appealing for those seeking a more relaxed and laid-back sound. However, this results in vocals sounding slightly muffled, as if they are unable to fully project from the cabinet. This characteristic contributes to the perceived “condensed” nature of the sound.
Overall, there is a degree of directivity present in the midrange and treble, which has an impact on the soundstage, particularly during near-field listening. While the QX-2s do offer depth and satisfactory width, there is a sense of artificiality and a closed-in feeling, especially with complex musical compositions. Even well-recorded rock songs can sound somewhat cluttered and lacking dynamics, accompanied by something I would call as faint hissing/pink noise in the background.
On a positive note, when playing slower songs and even pushing the volume to higher levels, the QX-2s prove to be highly enjoyable and fatigue-free for extended listening sessions. They possess a remarkably easy-going nature that extends across the entire frequency spectrum.
Furthermore, the bass performance is commendable, displaying a solid presence and appropriate weight. The bass neither overpowers nor lacks impact, although it could benefit from improved layering to enhance depth. Nevertheless, considering the price point, the QX-2s still outperform many competitors in lower frequencies department.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Mission QX-2s deliver an overall easy-going sound experience, albeit with some limitations in terms of layering, particularly in the vocals. They tend to sound slightly muffled and confined, unable to fully escape the speaker cabinet. However, these speakers excel in offering smooth and detailed highs, satisfying bass extension, and surprising power. If you prefer a softer sound signature, the QX-2s could be a good choice.
That said, as someone who considers vocal performance as key factor, I have to rate the Mission QX-2s with 4 stars due to the aforementioned vocal limitations. However, if this aspect was improved, these speakers could’ve compete among the best on the market.
