Mission 778X Integrated Amplifier (Black)

Product Information

So, it’s appropriate now. I can pair the new Mission integrated amp, the 778x, with my beloved B&W 685. Two brands that I have a lot of love for coming together to make musical magic. A speaker that sounds great no matter what I connect it to and a full-featured, half-width amp ready to drive them. In the world of digital music files, this means the 778X offers class-leading, ultra-low noise digital audio file compatibility, with a sampling rate of up to 384kHz (PCM) and DSD256! This amplifier comes equipped with all of the features that a modern-day music lover could need: • 1 x Coaxial,

The front of the amp sports a pair of rotary controls – one for source selection, the other for volume – surrounded by white LEDs to show current status. Between these are the IR sensor, power button and 6.3mm headphone output. Digital sources connected through the USB, coaxial and optical inputs, or paired via Bluetooth, are served by the 778X’s built-in DAC. 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. Mission claims that hi-res PCM is supported to 32-bit/384kHz, alongside up to DSD256. Although high spec, the Sabre32 Reference DAC chips aren’t the easiest to implement. The sound can appear harsh and overly bright if the amplifier’s circuitry isn’t good enough. If the DAC is paired well, the level of detail and musicality from the Sabre32 chips can be captivating. A critical element is the post-DAC active filter. Mission says its design team has paid great attention to this part of the circuitry, using op-amps chosen for their ability to match the ES9018K2M. The preamp section has been deliberately kept simple to maintain signal purity. The line input signals are passed to a precision, microprocessor-controlled analog volume stage. Mission has put a lot of effort into the physical layout of the 778X’s circuits, protecting the sensitive preamp section from any possible noise interference. Due to the use of independent low-noise power supplies for all critical stages, Mission claims the 778X excels with all digital and analog sources. For the MKII version of the LX Series, Mission has updated the crossover to produce a smoother performance from the speakers, with a notable improvement on off-axis balance. To aid timing and rhythm, the LX series speakers use Mission’s inverted driver geometry, placing the midrange driver above the tweeter. The wavelengths from the woofers and tweeters coincide at the listener’s head height.Wireless streaming comes by way of Bluetooth for audio streaming from smartphones, tablets and the like, with support for multiple codecs, including aptX and AAC. We reserve the right to refuse installation should our engineers think that the existing electrical or plumbing points are unsafe and in need of maintenance or if they are unable to install to existing furniture. Thus, the Mission 778X is a revisit of a classic Mission amplifier concept that was the Mission 778 – an affordable integrated amplifier that offered simplicity in operation but over-performed in the driving of loudspeakers. The team at What Hi-Fi? has made no secret of its desire to see smaller, better-sounding hi-fi arrive this year. And from what we’ve seen so far, Cambridge Audio’s going to deliver exactly that with its new MXN10 streamer. Our Installation Service only includes connecting to existing points and fixings. This does not include installing or moving plumbing, connection points or electrics. Installing new points or moving existing points is the customer’s responsibility we can recommend local tradesmen however this will be at the customer’s expense and we not accept any liability for their work.

Either in store or from the comfort of your own home. We appreciate life is busy, so why not let us make it a little easier for you.

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After running in for the first day at low volume, I went ahead with a Listening test from the phono stage, then Bluetooth and a wired input at various volumes. With known good recording inputs, the result was a refined and smooth sound, with clarity and detail without fatigue. The bass was deep, rich, punchy and really controlled, even at high volumes of 10 plus. Mission has this week announced the 778X, the UK company’s first integrated amplifier since it made the 778 in 1983, just before forking off its amplifier designs under the Cyrus brand. The 778X shares the original’s ‘half-width’ form factor which houses a low-noise 200VA toroidal transformer, a 30,000uF power supply and a Class A/B output stage that nets 45pwc into 8 Ohms and 65wpc into 4 Ohms. The Naia also has a titanium vertical bearing housing and spindle, tungsten balance weight shaft and weight, and uses Rega’s one-piece polished aluminium arm tube. As an added layer of allure, it uses the same ZTA zirconium-toughened alumina (ceramic) material as the Naiad for its central bearing. The end result is a seriously cool-looking turntable.