The new half-size Mission 778S streamer pairs seamlessly with the 778X integrated amplifier from the same brand and takes up very little space.
You are, of course, under no obligation to combine the Mission 778S streamer with other components from the manufacturer’s lineup, but aesthetically it does make for a neat match. Thanks to its compact dimensions, the streamer occupies minimal space. As you would expect, it supports popular music streaming services such as Tidal, Qobuz and Spotify, while TuneIn internet radio is also on board. Apple AirPlay 2 is included, and DLNA/UPnP is supported as well. Network connectivity can be established wirelessly via Wi-Fi or wired via Ethernet. The icing on the cake is that the streamer is Roon Ready. Chromecast and Bluetooth are absent, but for devices in this category those features are arguably of limited value, especially for serious listening.
Upsampling at wish
At the heart of the 778S is an ESS Sabre ES9038Q2M DAC, supported by proprietary clock and power-supply circuits. Maximum supported PCM resolution is 32-bit / 768 kHz, with DSD support up to DSD512. If desired, PCM streams can be upsampled to 352.8 kHz or 384 kHz, with the aim of making any audible artefacts at lower sample rates effectively inaudible. In terms of outputs, you can choose between balanced XLR and standard RCA, alongside optical and coaxial digital outputs. A USB-A port is also present. For headphone listening, a dedicated 6.35 mm headphone output is provided.
The Mission 778S is available from around now, with a retail price of €949.