Wireless loudspeakers systems are unquestionably the future of hi-fi and while that might make cable manufacturers rather upset, consumers are going to benefit in a huge way thanks to new systems like the Mission LX Connect which offer wireless connectivity, powered loudspeakers, and a hub for connecting all of their source components.
Mission doesn’t get a lot of coverage in N. America and that really needs to change because the company (which is part of IAG and a sister brand to Quad, Wharfedale, and Audiolab) builds really solid loudspeakers.
The company had a few down years but the sonic performance of its most recent loudspeakers has earned countless awards across the pond and it has been a brand focused on delivering better sound quality that is affordable for many years.
Hence our interest in the new Mission LX Connect Wireless system that looks to be a genuine challenger to the KEF wireless loudspeakers at a comparable price.
The Mission LX Connect system consists of a compact hub with an OLED display, and a pair of 60W active wireless speakers based on their LX-2 Mk II bookshelf loudspeakers.
If you’re looking for a relatively compact desktop system or something that could work well in a smaller room, the LX Connect keeps cables to a minimum (power cords) and looks like a rather solid option for those who stream from their computer or smart phone.
According to Mission, the LX Connect Hub “intelligently transmits left and right audio signals to the appropriate speaker via uncompressed, 5.8GHz wireless audio signal transmission”.
The two loudspeakers do not have to be connected to one another which adds to their placement flexibility.
The included hub is about the size of a short hardcover book; there are analog, optical and coax digital inputs, along with a dedicated HDMI ARC connection for TVs, movies and games. The system also supports Bluetooth aptX HD for steaming from your smart phone or tablet.
While not Roon Ready, the LX Connect is Roon Tested, which means that you can run Roon software through your Mac or PC and it has been certified that it will work.
As the owner of an Audiolab 6000A Integrated Amplifier, I’m curious to hear how the internal DAC of the LX Connect compares. Audiolab was tasked with developing the 32-bit/192kHz DAC for the system hub and my experience with their DACs has been very positive.
The Mission LX Connect system will be available soon in N. America with a retail price of $1,699 USD.
For more information: mission.co.uk/lx-connect/
Mike Cornell
November 21, 2021 at 1:23 pm
Missing Airplay2, so kind of a deal-breaker.
Ian White
November 21, 2021 at 3:03 pm
Mike,
It doesn’t support it natively but what if you use Roon with it? Assuming that you use Roon, that platform supports AirPlay2.
I’m getting one in 2022 to review and I’m going to try everything with it.
Ian