Mission has officially unveiled its first music streamer, the 778S, priced at £799 / $1699. This standalone device is designed to complement the 778X stereo amplifier, which marked Mission’s return to the amplifier market in late 2022. The 778X was well-received, garnering five stars for its exceptional sound quality and compact design.
The 778S was first previewed at High End Munich in May 2024, but full details and pricing were kept under wraps until now. Built in collaboration with streaming expert Silent Angel, the 778S boasts modern features including support for Qobuz, Tidal, Spotify, TuneIn internet radio, and AirPlay 2. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and compatibility with DLNA/UPnP for seamless streaming from local storage.
Equipped with the ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC chip, the 778S aims to deliver high-quality sound while minimizing noise and distortion. It supports high-resolution audio formats up to 32-bit/768kHz PCM and DSD512, with the ability to upsample PCM streams. The device also features multiple physical connections, including USB-C, USB-A, balanced XLR, RCA outputs, and a headphone socket.
While lacking a full-color display, the 778S includes a dimmable OLED for essential information. Available in silver or black from late January, it competes with models like the Cambridge Audio CXN100 and the Bluesound Node Icon. Mission promises the 778S will deliver a ‘fluid, full-bodied, detailed and dynamic’ performance, aiming to bring ‘sonic rapture’ to music lovers.
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