New Mission Streamer 778S

Mission moves 778S network player into production

Mission has officially taken its first network player from prototype to production. The Mission 778S, first shown as a working concept at the High End Audio show in Munich in 2024, is now a finished product and is scheduled to be available for delivery from the end of January.

Designed as a natural visual and functional partner to the Mission 778X integrated amplifier, the 778S shares the same compact form factor and clean design language. Measuring just 236 × 98 × 357 mm, the 778S combines a space-efficient chassis with modern streaming technology, a high-quality internal DAC, and a wide range of connectivity options.

The front panel follows a symmetrical layout with two rotary controls for source selection and volume, complemented by a dimmable OLED display. Rather than album artwork, the display focuses on clear, text-based playback and system information, prioritising readability and simplicity.

For network connectivity, the 778S supports dual-band Wi-Fi as well as Gigabit Ethernet via RJ45. A USB-C port allows direct connection to Windows or macOS computers, while two USB-A ports are provided for external storage devices such as hard drives, SSDs, and USB flash drives.

Analog audio output is available via both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connections. For digital integration, the 778S offers coaxial, optical, and USB-A digital outputs, making it easy to connect to an external DAC if desired. A front-mounted headphone output is also included for private listening.

At its heart, the 778S features the ESS Technology ES9038Q2M Reference DAC, employing 32-bit HyperStream architecture and Time Domain Jitter Eliminator technology for ultra-low noise and high signal integrity. All incoming audio is precision-upsampled to 352.8 kHz or 384 kHz, pushing digital artefacts beyond the audible spectrum and allowing the DAC to operate in its optimal linear range. The result is cleaner transients, greater dynamic nuance, and a more natural soundstage.

Silent Angel streaming platform

Mission states that the objective behind the 778S was to create a compact music streamer delivering high sound quality at a sensible price point. As network players are a new category for the brand, Mission chose to collaborate with an experienced streaming technology partner.

After evaluating several options, Mission selected Silent Angel a company founded in 2014 that has since established a strong reputation in network streaming platforms. Silent Angel’s technology is designed with a focus on sonic performance and stability, and the platform is supported by a dedicated control app developed for ease of use and reliable operation.

With the 778S, Mission expands the 778 Series into the streaming domain, combining classic styling, modern connectivity, and a specialist streaming platform in a compact, system-friendly component.