I’m looking for a nice compact integrated amplifier for my secondary turntable setup - I saw that this was released before Christmas (maybe only in the UK) but I have seen zero reviews for it, which I can’t help feeling is a bad sign. Does anyone have any views/comments on it? Otherwise, are there any other suggestions for amps I could consider? Key thing for me is that it’s as small as possible and includes a phonostage - so the PSAudio Sprout100 and Cyrus One are some other contenders. I’m actually a little surprised that this segment doesn’t have more competition.
I think the lack of review is because the product is still new. It is probably sitting in the queues of various reviewers. There are not many products in this size. Those with a phonostage are even rarer. What about low-profile full-size amps such as the Audiolab 6000A or Rotel A12?
Name something they didn't like. If it was bad they wouldn't do a review. Nearly all hi-fi these days is at least pretty competent. It's IAG so it's gong to share bits with Audiolab or Quad or both. All their amps are close cousins with a different look or branding.
I've just bought a 778X for the same purpose as you (arrived a couple of hours ago), i.e. a compact amp in a secondary system with a phono stage and a DAC. I was also contemplating a NAD D 3020, but NAD build quality doesn't seem to be so good nowadays (had a 3020A back in the day!). First impression is good - I've only tried the phono so far fed from a Fons/SME 3009/Shure M55 into MA Radius 90s.
I believe they're all Chinese made. sometime in the same factory premises. It doesn't really matter if the Label says Mission, Nad or something else.
So, I also bought the Mission 778X. Couldn't resist the price of just slightly more than 500 Euro for an open box unit. I always rather liked those quirky British half-width amps and this release from Mission is, at least to my taste, finally one that offers a truly great value and versatility for the money. And even more than that, it is built well. The case and knobs are solid and nice to operate, nothing feels cheap. Much better than the rather plasticky Rega IO, and in terms of power and the ability to drive a rather big variety of speakers the Mission is far ahead anyway. Despite all that it can still be bought at a decent price. That's pretty impressive I would say.
It was reviewed in What Hi Fi at the back end of last year. They liked it. I guess if you can, I’d try to compare it with the Cyrus One.
I ended up getting an open box Rega IO for £270 which I felt was a bit of a steal. It does the job admirably - as noted above, it’s a bit plasticky but perfect for what I need at the moment.
have had my eyes on this for a while. just looked, amazon selling it for 550. it may now be irresistible ..
The Cyrus One Cast streaming amp is on close out over here. I picked up a new one a few weeks back for less than half the recommended retail price.
