GR-Research X-LS Encore vs Mission LX-3 MKII

Last updated: September 16, 2026

Short answer: the Mission LX-3 MKII. It ranks #80 of 130 bookshelf speakers by sound quality; the GR-Research X-LS Encore ranks #83.

GR-Research X-LS Encore vs Mission LX-3 MKII

What the GR-Research X-LS Encore offers: An amazing value, especially if you managed to snag one of these built by AV123 in the early 2000s for $200-300. CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally flat on-axis response, especially in the listening window. Predicted in-room response is generally smooth and on-target. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is pretty clean above 200Hz. Watch for: A slight depression in the upper bass and some peaking in the lower bass shows up on-axis, along with directivity error in the crossover region. Vertical directivity requires staying within about 20 degrees of the tweeter axis. At 96dB SPL/1m distortion becomes “rather unhappy,” with bass distortion, a possible woofer issue around 2kHz, and a tweeter problem above 7kHz. As a DIY kit, it requires building the cabinet and crossover yourself.

What the Mission LX-3 MKII offers: A large affordable standmount with a 6.5-inch woofer, 88dB rated sensitivity and useful bass. ASR measured 48Hz estimated in-room extension, a controlled Q of 0.60, a 5.52 subwoofer-assisted preference score and reasonable +/-55-degree horizontal coverage. Watch for: On-axis smoothness of 0.217 and predicted in-room smoothness of 0.344 reveal clear response unevenness, with a -0.46dB-per-octave downward tilt. The 345mm-tall, 8.4kg cabinet is bulky and current US availability is limited.

Buy the GR-Research X-LS Encore if the price is the priority over sound quality, or the Mission LX-3 MKII if sound quality is the priority over the price.

Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.

Buy the Mission LX-3 MKII at Richer Sounds (£249/pair) →Buy the GR-Research X-LS Encore at Gr-research →

Specifications Side By Side

GR-Research X-LS Encore Mission LX-3 MKII
Price$1300 per pair£249 per pair
Ranked#83 of 130 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers#80 of 130 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers
Bass Extension (-10dB)44Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)-
Bass Extension (-3dB)64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)-
Dimensions13.5"H x 8.5"W x 12.1"D (342.9 x 215.9 x 308 mm)13.6H x 8.9W x 12.1D in
Impedance8 ohms8 ohms nominal, 4.1 ohms minimum
Sensitivity84.4dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 87dB manufacturer specified)88dB
Drivers6.5" Peerless M-165 paper composite cone, non-resonant polymer frame woofer, 1" Peerless India T26SG tweeter1" microfiber-dome tweeter, 6.5" composite-fiber woofer
Weight17 lbs (7.7 kg) each18.5 lbs (8.4 kg) each
Woofer Cabinetported-
Enclosure-2-way, bass-reflex
Country-United Kingdom (design)
Spinorama Preference Score-3.26
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub-5.52
Buy the Mission LX-3 MKII at Richer Sounds (£249/pair) →Buy the GR-Research X-LS Encore at Gr-research →

More worthwhile head-to-heads for Mission LX-3 MKII:

Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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The Two Speakers In Full

GR-Research X-LS Encore: $1300 per pair Gr-research eBay

GR-Research X-LS Encore ranking card

Pros: An amazing value, especially if you managed to snag one of these built by AV123 in the early 2000s for $200-300. CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally flat on-axis response, especially in the listening window. Predicted in-room response is generally smooth and on-target. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is pretty clean above 200Hz. Measured bass extension of 64Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 84.4dB.

Cons: A slight depression in the upper bass and some peaking in the lower bass shows up on-axis, along with directivity error in the crossover region. Vertical directivity requires staying within about 20 degrees of the tweeter axis. At 96dB SPL/1m distortion becomes “rather unhappy,” with bass distortion, a possible woofer issue around 2kHz, and a tweeter problem above 7kHz. As a DIY kit, it requires building the cabinet and crossover yourself.

Full GR-Research X-LS Encore review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)44Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)64Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Dimensions13.5"H x 8.5"W x 12.1"D (342.9 x 215.9 x 308 mm)
Drivers6.5" Peerless M-165 paper composite cone, non-resonant polymer frame woofer, 1" Peerless India T26SG tweeter
Impedance8 ohms
Sensitivity84.4dB (measured by Audio Science Review; 87dB manufacturer specified)
Weight17 lbs (7.7 kg) each
Woofer Cabinetported
Check current price at Gr-research →Search eBay for GR-Research X-LS Encore →

Mission LX-3 MKII: £249 per pair Richer Sounds eBay

Mission LX-3 MKII ranking card

Pros: A large affordable standmount with a 6.5-inch woofer, 88dB rated sensitivity and useful bass. ASR measured 48Hz estimated in-room extension, a controlled Q of 0.60, a 5.52 subwoofer-assisted preference score and reasonable +/-55-degree horizontal coverage.

Cons: On-axis smoothness of 0.217 and predicted in-room smoothness of 0.344 reveal clear response unevenness, with a -0.46dB-per-octave downward tilt. The 345mm-tall, 8.4kg cabinet is bulky and current US availability is limited.

Full Mission LX-3 MKII review and specifications →

CountryUnited Kingdom (design)
Dimensions13.6H x 8.9W x 12.1D in
Drivers1" microfiber-dome tweeter, 6.5" composite-fiber woofer
Enclosure2-way, bass-reflex
Impedance8 ohms nominal, 4.1 ohms minimum
Sensitivity88dB
Spinorama Preference Score3.26
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub5.52
Weight18.5 lbs (8.4 kg) each
Check current price at Richer Sounds (£249/pair) →Search eBay for Mission LX-3 MKII →