Great sound for hi-fi stereo, perfect match for HT, black ash vinyl finish looks like real wood, stonking value cannot be beat - best bang 4 yer $!

Absolutely nothing significant so far.

Mission 700ASi - This model is new for 2000 and has an upgraded D class 150WRMS amp compared to previous 700AS model with 100WRMS. Otherwise specs look very similar, same 10’ cone, weighs 36 lbs, approx 16’’ cube. MSRP is $500 but I managed to track down an excellent deal at www.proactiveelectronics.com for $310 inc. shipping.
Out of the box, you immediately sense that this is a well built sub with beautiful black ash vinyl finish that is hard to distinguish from the matching real wood veneer finish of my other main 77 series HT speakers (774, Fronts + 77c1, Center + 77DS, Surrounds). Setting up is a doddle using the LFE line input connected to my Arcam 10 DAVE LFE Line Level output. I simply set the Arcam processor to 0 db for the Subs AV and Stereo output levels and then tuned the subs volume level pot to match the white noise level of my other speakers at my listening position with the aid of an RS sound meter.
So onto some real stereo music and comparing the SQ with the sub intermittently switched on/off this sub definitely added some extra low end to the 774s which normally bottom out at 42Hz. Playing with the Arcam calibration up and down the odd dB confirmed that the original white noise level setup was more or less spot on to within 1 dB as far as my ears were concerned when playing music. The bass was still tight and comparable to the 774s controlled bass but thankfully reaching down towards another octave. Bass drums sound alot more rounded as if you weren't quite getting the whole picture before. I hate boomy bass and I'm not impressed with any room buzzings and physical vibrations that I experienced in Soundtrack's demo room when auditioning their flag ship models - Def Tech and BA PV1000. Yes, they sounded good but went too low for my needs. The Mission sub was purchased for HT as a priority and the freq response from around 30Hz and up is almost perfect for 99% of DVD film sound tracks (Denon site quotes 40Hz but this is def wrong, manual states 30 Hz+ and this is inline with my tested sine wave tones).
The same calibrated level setup for HT/AV as the stereo music mode seemed to give enough bass when demoing DVDs. Some people like to increase the level slightly for exaggerated HT surround sound but I found this a bit too much for my viewing pleasure. I’m a bit of a stickler for perfect matched equalized sound levels, hence the sound meter!). As far as HT sound tracks go, the Mission was faultless for my needs. OK, it doesn’t go as real low as the top end subs just noted, but the 30 Hz response gives me all the bass I’d need for virtually all HT experiences and is more than adequate for my stereo music pleasure. In my town house the front radiated cone/port is more efficient in directing the sound towards the listener and reduces the chance of annoying my adjacent neighbors compared to any down firing designs. I've not experienced the annoying auto sensing problems mentioned by others below - no popping etc. Maybe a soft mute and/or more sensitive sensing circuit has been added on this later 'i' version - the 4 to 5 minute delayed auto-off switch works great to me.
I would say that the Mission is very close in overall quality/performance to the Boston Acoustic PV600. At around $450 best price for the PV600, that is good value, but this makes the Mission 700ASi, at a third less in price, absolutely killer value for the performance and build quality. I would have no reservations in recommending this sub at the sub $500 price point – Look else where if falling and breaking pictures and ornaments is more your cup of tea!

Similar Products Used:

Boston acoustics PV range, Definitive Tech etc.

Pounds. For and 8" it really performs. Has variable crossover. Doesn't take up as much space as the big boys.

I quite like the way this baby works.

I use this product with a Pioneer D409 Receiver. The sub performs. A recommended buy for anyone just getting into the Home Theatre Zone.

clean sound, attractive cabinet, great performance for the $

none yet

Since any Bose speaker cannot really be classified as a subwoofer, it doesn't take much to fill their shoes. This sub, however, does more than that. I auditioned several brands at several dealers and friends homes and the 70AS does an incredible job. I have to admit that the $199 floor model pricetag did sway my decision, but I have no regrets choosing this product over the others I was considering. I haven't yet placed a meter in the room or done any fine tuning with a CD or DVD, but the sound by just tuning my system "by ear" suits my needs just fine. No one I've spoken to that knows about Mission speakers had any ill comments. My British pals are proud of this Yank for choosing the lesser known brand from their country.

Similar Products Used:

ahem.......ah......ah....OK.....bose