Mission 778X Integrated Amplifier Black

Mission 778X Integrated Amplifier Black

'Overall, this is certainly one of the best-built integrated amps we’ve come across at this level'

'This integrated has a nice, open balance that retains enough in the way of natural warmth to avoid charges of sounding clinical. It helps that dynamics are rendered in a controlled but expressive way and the music’s changing momentum is conveyed with conviction'

'It should be clear by now that the 778X is a fine all-rounder.' - What HiFi

With abundant digital and analog inputs and impressive audio fidelity, the 778X marks Mission's long-awaited return to producing integrated amplifiers after a hiatus of nearly four decades.

British loudspeaker specialist, Mission, launched its first integrated stereo amplifier, the 778, in 1983. Praised for its build quality, internal circuitry, simplicity of controls, and range of inputs, the 778 was a perfect match for the engaging musicality of Mission speakers at an affordable price. A year later, the Cyrus brand was launched as an offshoot for amps and other electronics, leaving Mission to focus on loudspeakers. In 2022, Mission launched the 778X, a new integrated amp with a compact, half-width design, updated inputs, and circuitry that exceeds modern-day standards while still delivering a great sonic match for Mission’s current range.

 Well Connected

The new 778X, is a versatile and affordable music amplifier built to cater to both digital and analogue sources. Unlike the original 778, which was limited to vinyl records and cassette tapes, the 778X can handle multiple sources, including smartphones, computers, CD players, turntables, and more. It features digital inputs such as USB Type B and S/PDIF sockets, as well as analogue inputs, including an MM phono input for turntables. The amp also supports wireless audio streaming via Bluetooth with various codecs. At an RRP of £549, the 778X offers high-quality sound and excellent value for money, making it a great option for music enthusiasts.

 Digital Delights

The Mission 778X amplifier has digital sources that can be connected through USB, coaxial, optical inputs, or Bluetooth reception. It has a built-in hi-res DAC based on the Sabre32 Reference family's ES9018K2M chipset, providing excellent dynamic range and ultra-low distortion. It supports hi-res PCM to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD to 11.2 MHz. The post-DAC active filter is crucial in producing high-quality sound and has been given great attention by Mission's design team, who used op-amps that work well with the ES9018K2M to achieve musical expression.

Amp it up

The 778X power amp stage uses a Class AB design with a low-noise 200VA toroidal transformer and 2x15000uF reservoir capacity, providing excellent dynamic range and control of the music. It delivers a conservatively rated 45W into eight ohms and 65W into four ohms through gold-plated speaker terminals. The preamp section is simple to maintain signal purity, passing line input signals to a precision, microprocessor-controlled analogue volume stage. The amp's physical layout protects the preamp section from noise interference, with independent low-noise power supplies for critical stages, resulting in excellent sonic performance across digital and analogue sources.

 Turntables and headphones

For vinyl aficionados, incorporating a phono stage optimized for moving magnet cartridges is a must-have. Our top-notch JFET-based circuit guarantees accurate RIAA equalization, elevating the amp's already remarkable format adaptability. Likewise, headphone enthusiasts will be delighted with the 778X's dedicated headphone amplifier. Boasting a current-feedback design and high slew rate, it delivers an energetic and nuanced performance, complementing a diverse array of headphones.

Technical Specifications