Mission 778X Integrated Amplifier (Black)

Product Information

PA20, PA21, PA22, PA23, PA24, PA25, PA26, PA27, PA28, PA29, PA30, PA31, PA32, PA33, PA34, PA35, PA36, PA37, PA38, PA39, PA40, PA41, PA42, PA43, PA44, PA45, PA46, PA47, PA48, PA49, PA50, PA51, PA52, PA53, PA54, PA55, PA56, PA57, PA58, PA59, PA60, PA61, PA62, PA63, PA64, PA65, PA66, PA67, PA68, PA69, PA70, PA71, PA72, PA73, PA74, PA75, PA76, PA77, PA78, PA79, PA80 The 778X’s power amp stage is a Class AB design incorporating a low-noise 200VA toroidal transformer. 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 preamp section’s line input signals pass to a precision, microprocessor-controlled analogue volume stage. Mission states that 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. This is partnered with carefully planned preamp circuitry, protecting it from noise interference in concert with independent low-noise power supplies for all critical stages. Digital sources connected through the USB, coaxial and optical inputs, or paired for Bluetooth reception, take full advantage of the 778X’s built-in hi-res 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 to deliver excellent dynamic range and ultra-low distortion. Hi-res PCM is supported to 32-bit/384kHz, alongside DSD to 11.2 MHz (DSD256). Well done Mission! It’s a winner in my opinion! I’ve heard more expensive amps that don’t perform as well.

The Fyne Audio Vintage Five were a wonderful surprise hit with the What Hi-Fi? team at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2023 in February. The Rega Brio is an integrated amplifier designed to provide powerful amplification and a range of inputs for various audio sources. Let’s delve into the key features of the Rega Brio: 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. Wharfedale originally teased the Dovedale at Munich High End 2022, but it only properly lifted the lid on the new speakers in February. Digital sources connected through the USB, coaxial, optical inputs and Bluetooth feed into the 778X’s DAC based on the ES9018K2M chipset from the Sabre32 Reference family. The DAC enables the amplifier to access ESS Technology’s 32-bit HyperStream architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator to deliver outstanding sound and ultra-low distortion. Hi-res PCM is supported to 32-bit/384kHz, alongside DSD to 11.2 MHz (DSD256).

Performance

the same. Their internal layout is visibly different for starters and looking at their boards as much as the resolution of the pics allows, suggests some components on those boards are different too. It does feel though, like the Leak might have been a starting point for the 778X and this is replicated in some aspects of the performance.

Today’s Mission 778X maintains the influence of simplistic operation, large tractile controls, and a multitude of inputs. It’s a compact, ’80s inspired integrated amplifier that is fully equipped to meet the demands of modern music lovers, from vinyl fans to digital streamers. Modern twists, such as LED level indicators and all-encompassing connectivity options, make the 778X a truly contemporary integrated amplifier. Boasting a genuine 65 watts (@4 ohms) of power via an utterly modern and refined signal path, to standards akin to the exemplary standards to which Mission loudspeakers are developed. Build Quality: The 778X is built with precision and quality in mind. The cabinet is crafted with attention to detail, reducing vibrations and resonance that can detract from sound quality. The construction ensures that the speakers look elegant and deliver sound faithfully. The new Mission 778X maintains the influence of simplistic operation, large tractile controls, and a multitude of inputs. It’s a compact, ’80s inspired integrated amplifier that is fully equipped to meet the demands of modern music lovers, from vinyl fans to digital streamers. 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.Today’s Mission 778X maintains the influence of simplistic operation, large tactile controls, and a multitude of inputs. It’s a compact, ’80s inspired integrated amplifier that is fully equipped to meet the demands of modern music lovers, from vinyl fans to digital streamers. Modern twists, such as LED level indicators and all-encompassing connectivity options, make the 778X a truly contemporary integrated amplifier. Boasting a genuine 65 watts (@4 ohms) of power via an utterly modern and refined signal path, to standards akin to the exemplary standards to which Mission loudspeakers are developed. The first reason that we’re especially excited is that it shares so much of the same DNA as its more expensive sibling and comes with a few firsts for the company. Highlights include that the Naia's skeletal plinth is now made out of carbon fibre – a first for Rega. The RB titanium tonearm is also new.

Like all Vintage speakers, they also look gorgeous. The speakers are hand-built of birch ply, which has been hand-finished in oiled walnut veneer and burr walnut inlays. Like the larger Fifteen, it has an anodised gold trim and leather grille tab. Trust us when we say the pictures we took at the show don’t do justice to quite how nice they look.Sharper eyes not thrown off by the huge Mission logo on the top plate will notice the similarity between the 778X’s chassis (and power button) and the Audiolab 6000A’s chassis (and power button). That could be because Mission and Audiolab are owned by the same parent company: China’s IAG. Naim is another big-name British hi-fi brand celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. And to do so it’s treating us, and hi-fi fans in general, to the new NSC 222 streaming preamp and NAP 250 power amp.