Mission 778X Integrated Amplifier (Black)

Product Information

With a preamp section that optimizes music and a high-resolution onboard DAC utilizing the ES9018K2M chipset, supporting sampling rates up to 384kHz (PCM) and DSD256, this amplifier sets a new standard for audio excellence. Designed for easy placement in any HiFi cabinet, the Mission 778x boasts a compact and dependable design that adds a stylish touch to home decor.

Built around an ESS Sabre32 ES9018K2M DAC, it offers one USB-B, two optical and one coaxial inputs alongside a Bluetooth connection that is aptX and AAC compatible. Something was scratching away at the back of my head that I had heard an amplifier with similar (not identical) power figures and many of the same characteristics as the 778X but I couldn’t remember where from. The new 778X has much in common with its forebear from 40 years ago –a compact, half-width design that exudes elegant simplicity and delivers a sound that belies its diminutive footprint. Material used has been FLAC, AIFF, DSD, Tidal, Qobuz and Spotify with some vinyl getting a look in too.The 778X’s power amp stage is a Class AB design incorporating a low-noise 200VA toroidal transformer. The built-in DAC, powered by the ES9018K2M chipset and 32-bit HyperStream architecture with Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, provides immersive audio with sampling rates of up to 384kHz (PCM) and DSD256. This high-quality, low-noise, JFET-based circuit provides precise RIAA equalisation, adding to the amp’s already impressive format flexibility. Founded in the 1970s as a company dedicated to acoustic innovation and development, Mission is a brand that purveys lifestyle audio that fuses Hi-Fi heritage with contemporary design.

The 778X’s power amp stage is a Class AB design incorporating a low-noise200VA toroidal transformer. Much effort has gone into the physical layout of the 778X’s circuitry, protecting the sensitive preamp section from noise interference.This is based around the ES9018K2M chipset from the Sabre32 Reference family, enabling the amp to benefit from ESS Technology’s 32-bit HyperStream architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator. The neighbouring internal DAC is built around an ESS ES9018K2M chip and with special attention reportedly paid to the post-DAC filter.

This is followed by 2x 15,000uF reservoir capacity (30,000uF in total) while the amp’s output from its gold-plated speaker terminals is rated at 45W into 8ohm and 65W into 4 ohm. The Mission is a class AB amplifier and generates a useful 45 watts into 8 ohms which rises to 65 into 4. The Mission very effectively avoids any unwanted emphasis on the frequency response to deliver a presentation that is usefully neutral. The added bonus being it has a bluetooth setting, so I can listen to any music off my laptop when not using my turntable. The pre-amplifier outputs can be used for connecting the 778X to an outboard power amplifier or subwoofer.Capitalising on the modern-day trends of traditional styling with value in pedigree, the Mission 778X echoes a long-lost legacy in home audio, with stunning aesthetics.

Its sound is free-flowing and fleet of foot, smoothly controlled yet fully engaging the listener in their music of choice. Above all, every part of its technical design is focused on delivering sonic excellence –a means to achieve a marvellous musical end. From the press release: “The preamp section is kept as simple as possible to maintain signal purity, with line input signals passing to a precision, microprocessor-controlled analogue volume stage.With known good recording inputs, the result was a refined and smooth sound, with clarity and detail without fatigue. Doug Brady had a passion for all things music and was instrumental in establishing some of the UK’s finest ‘High Fidelity’ audio electronic and turntable brands such as Naim, Rega and Chord Electronics.