91%
Mission MISSION 778X
Over the past 45 years, Mission has become famed for loudspeakers that break the norms of price-point, technology and design. Yet, in its illustrious history, Mission was also responsible for some equally prolific hi-fi electronics.
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.
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.
The phono stage is based around a JFET-based circuit with precise RIAA equalisation. It’s optimised for MM cartridges and as such, it’s a high-quality, low-noise input that eliminates any need for an additional phono pre-amp.
Complementing the typical RCA line inputs are digital and coax connection options and a built-in Bluetooth receiver with an aptX and AAC codec, meaning the 778X offers CD performance via Bluetooth wireless connection. The convenience of streaming music from smart devices, such as phones, tablets or PCs have never sounded so good!
Utilising the acclaimed ES9018K2M Sabre32 Reference chip with ESS Technology’s 32-bit HyperStream architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator, the Mission 778X offers ultra-low noise, a high dynamic range of digital audio files with a sampling rate of up to 384kHz (PCM) and DSD256.
Equal in performance to standalone headphone amplifiers, beyond the price- class of this complete system, the design offers high-speed output signal transition thanks to a high slew rate. The result is a dynamic, detailed and engaging performance with all manner of headphone types.
The Mission 778X ’s all round performance is engaging, detailed and refined. Detail, timing and dynamics excel, regardless of source or medium. Designed for the modern-day music enthusiast with a nod to our heritage, the Mission 778X does not discriminate when it comes to expression and enjoyment of your music reproduction.
Dealers selling Mission near you
Mission MISSION 778X
The Mission 778X is a compact, feature-rich integrated amplifier that pairs a naturally balanced sound with impressive spatial finesse. Built around an ESS Sabre32 ES9018K2M DAC and offering USB (384kHz/DSD256), coax/optical inputs, Bluetooth aptX and a dedicated MM phono stage, it delivers consistent performance across digital and analogue sources, according to What Hi‑Fi? and David Neice. Reviewers praise its controlled dynamics and wide, deep imaging that place musicians with clarity, while the solid chassis and tactile controls speak to quality construction. With 45W per channel it rewards sensible speaker pairing and suits listeners who want a compact, audiophile‑leaning amp with headphone output and strong connectivity. For those seeking value and musicality in one box, the 778X is a compelling choice, as also noted by Audiophilepure.
Pros
- Musical, even-handed tonal balance with strong midrange presence and detailed, composed presentation.
- Outstanding soundstage and imaging — reviewers note a wide, deep presentation with precise instrument placement.
- Comprehensive connectivity and high‑resolution decoding (ESS Sabre DAC, USB 384kHz/DSD256, coax/optical, Bluetooth aptX and MM phono).
- Solid build quality and user-friendly controls — well finished chassis and smooth, tactile dials.
&
Cons
- Faces strong competition in its price bracket and may be overshadowed by flashier rivals.
- Rated power (45W per channel into 8Ω) is modest and can limit headroom with very inefficient speakers or very large rooms.
Sound Quality
89/100
Dynamics
87/100
With 45W per channel (8Ω) the topology and power suggest modest expectations, but reviewers note the amp is 'never ran out of gas', unpacks guitar power cleanly, and renders dynamics in a controlled yet expressive way (Wall of Sound, What Hi‑Fi). That aligns with Class‑AB low‑power 'excellent' performance, so a high but realistic dynamics score is warranted.
Soundstage Imaging
92/100
Soundstaging is repeatedly praised: reviewers call the presentation 'outstanding', 'wide and deep' with pinpoint imaging and strong placement of musicians in the mix (Wall of Sound, What Hi‑Fi). The amp's ability to organize detail into a cohesive, holographic presentation supports a top‑tier imaging score.
Show Less
Build Quality
90/100
Multiple reviewers highlight solid construction — 'one of the best-built integrated amps we've come across at this level' and a general feeling of quality and good fit/finish (What Hi‑Fi, Wall of Sound). The chassis, controls and component choices present as well executed for the price bracket.
Features Connectivity
95/100
Very well equipped for its segment: ESS Sabre32 ES9018K2M DAC (USB B, up to 384kHz/DSD256), coaxial and two optical inputs, Bluetooth 5.0 aptX/AAC, dedicated MM phono stage, front 6.3mm headphone socket, and pre‑out. By the feature‑scoring rules this combination of high‑quality DAC, USB, digital inputs, Bluetooth, phono and headphone circuitry justifies a top score (capped at the 95 bound).
Value for Money
93/100
Reviewers explicitly call the 778X a 'true bargain' and praise its competitive pricing versus rivals, with statements that it 'costs considerably less' while delivering strong performance (Wall of Sound, What Hi‑Fi). That consistent language of justified premium and strong value supports an upper‑tier value score.
Reviews
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
FAST, EASY & NEAR
Find Mission Verified Dealers Near You
Mission dealers in the map