So I wanted to see/hear for myself how the missions compared to the
similarly priced wharfs, polks so I dragged my a** out to see the
famous wharfs, polks, dalis, paradigms and the missions for the very
first time.
Before I left, I burnt a CD with few mp3 so that I can use that as a
reference in different setups.
First stop was at the missions. Sound & vision had the mission mv8
towers along with the mv centre and the ms-8 sub. The sub was box
packed though. First impression is that the mission mv8 towers and
the mv centre are very well built. Heavy wood enclosing and good
looking as well. The towers and centre are pretty huge when compared
to the diminutive Bose AM satellites that I have at home.
I was not interested in the whole package and wanted to hear the
towers only. They connected the mv8 to something called audiohall
CD player and stereo ampilifer. They said they are very high end.
Anyways the cd player did not play my mp3 CD and I had them change
it to a mass market DVD player.
I had the following songs
1 - Aaoromale ( from vinnaithandi varuvaaya ) to hear the guitar
2 - Guzarish (from Ghajini) to hear the bass/vocals
3 - Mudhal mazahi Enai (from Bheema) for the bass/vocals etc
Anyways the guitar sounds came very well and the vocals were good.
MV8 lacks bass. At lower volumes bass might seem to be OK but when
the volume is increased it clearly shows that it does not have the
thump that you might need. So anyone wanting to buy the MV8 towers
alone - think again. If you have a sub already at home, it is fine,
without a sub you will definitely feel lot lacking. Also it did
little bit harsh (wouldnt say too bright or forward but little bit
harsh - but tolerable). It also sounded a little tinny at times.
To sum up, the MV8 for music sounded average at best.
If you want to buy just the towers for music, you are better off
buying something else. The whole package with the sub etc is a much
better option.
Also even if you are ready to spend about 12 - 15k, and if your
primary requirement is music, you are better of with say wharf 9.1
or 9.2.
All that said, for 20k the entire package would be a killer deal
(ofcourse compromise on music). Even at 24k it is still a very
good deal, so if you are looking for a good entry level HT speakers
with the looks etc and if the group buy for less does not work out
you must seriously consider the MV8 package. I am sure it will not
disappoint you provided you dont keep your expectations way too
high. I am sure you will be mighty happy just looking at the size
and build of the towers, sub, centre (rears I did not see).
They also had the paradigm atoms BS which sounded much better with
better bass than the MV8 but these are priced at 23k and not in
my budget.
Next stop was for the Polks. I wanted to audition the Polk Tsi 200.
They did not have the Tsi 200 but had the RTA 3 and Tsi 300 MRP at
22k and 21k. RTA series are higher end compared to Tsi. RTA 3 is a
BS and Tsi is FS. I played the same songs again.
Both the polks sounded better than the MV8. Contrary to what we
keep hearing in HFV that BS would sound better than a FS at the
same price range, I felt the Tsi 300 FS sounded better than the
RTA 3 BS inspite of being at a lower end compared to the RTA series.
The shop owner also agreed that FS are normally better than BS and
that he always recommends FS as fronts for his customers.