Mission’s decision to add a dedicated CD transport to its compact 778 Series is not about looking backward. It is about recognizing how people actually listen. The new 778CDT joins the 778X integrated amplifier and 778S music streamer to complete a lineup that reflects a broader reality in hi fi. CDs never disappeared, and in key markets like the UK, Japan, and Germany, they continue to outsell vinyl despite the latter’s highly publicized revival.
There are practical reasons for this that have nothing to do with sentimentality. A lot of new music is still released on CD. Most modern integrated and network amplifiers already include capable internal DACs and multiple digital inputs, making a dedicated CD transport the logical and efficient choice. Then there is the cost factor. Used CDs are plentiful and cheap. At local record stores in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, many titles sell for $2.99 to $3.99, which makes building a serious music library far more affordable than chasing limited pressings or juggling multiple streaming subscriptions.
And here is the uncomfortable truth that tends to get whispered instead of stated plainly. In many cases, CDs sound better than their streaming equivalents. Not always. Not universally. But often enough that it cannot be dismissed as imagination or nostalgia. Lower noise floors, consistent mastering, and freedom from bandwidth constraints still matter. Mission’s 778CDT is less about reviving a format and more about acknowledging that CDs remain a relevant, high value source in modern systems that already do digital very well.
Compact by Design, Serious About the Job
The 778CDT follows the same half-width shoebox format as the rest of Mission’s 778 Series, measuring 236 x 96 x 357 mm (9.3 x 3.8 x 14 inches, W x H x D). The front panel is clean and symmetrical, the OLED display is clear and dimmable, and the overall presentation feels purposeful rather than decorative.
Physically, it pairs perfectly with the 778X integrated amplifier and 778S streamer, forming a compact all-Mission stack that works in space-conscious listening rooms. Just as importantly, the 778CDT is not locked into a one-brand ecosystem. With a sub-£500 price in the UK, it lands in a genuine value category for listeners who already own a high-performance DAC or an integrated or network amplifier with digital inputs from any manufacturer. At the time of writing, USD and Canadian pricing has not yet been announced, but if Mission holds the same positioning, the 778CDT should remain firmly in the affordable end of the serious CD transport market.
Mission’s approach with the 778CDT is straightforward and largely engineering driven. The aluminium chassis is designed for rigidity, with internal layout and shielding intended to reduce vibration and electrical interference. The transport mechanism and tray assembly are built for long term reliability, with attention paid to maintaining consistent disc reading rather than adding unnecessary complexity.
The 778CDT uses a high precision CD mechanism paired with a custom designed servo control system. Disc rotation and tracking are managed to reduce read errors and timing instability before the signal is passed to an external DAC. The laser assembly and servo tuning are focused on stable operation and accurate data retrieval, which is the core requirement of any CD transport.
Control is handled by a dual core processing architecture that combines a 32 bit RISC CPU with a dedicated MCU. This structure allows servo control and error correction to operate independently and predictably. Power is supplied by an internal low noise toroidal transformer, with separate power paths for the motor and laser servo circuits and the digital decoder stage. This separation helps keep the digital data stream stable prior to output formatting.
A TCXO is used as the master clock for the servo and decoder sections. It is powered by an independent linear regulator and grounding scheme to limit power related timing variation. The extracted S PDIF signal is provided via both coaxial and optical outputs, with a specified output impedance of 75 ohms and a nominal output level of 500 mVpp.
In addition to standard CDs, the 778CDT supports CD R, CD RW, and data CDs. A rear USB A port allows playback from USB storage devices, supporting FLAC, WAV, WMA, AAC, MP3, and APE files using FAT16, FAT32, or exFAT file systems. The unit operates at a fixed 44.1 kHz sampling rate and includes an OLED display with CD text support and a full function remote control that is compatible with other Mission 778 Series components.
The 778CDT is finished in silver or black, weighs 5.04 kg, and draws less than 0.5 watts in standby. Functionally, it is a conventional CD transport built around stable disc handling, predictable power delivery, and standard digital outputs, without trying to be anything more than that.
The Bottom Line
The 778CDT does exactly what Mission needed it to do and nothing it didn’t. It completes the 778 Series with a properly executed CD transport that fits the system both physically and philosophically. There’s no SACD support, no multichannel playback, and no USB digital or I²S outputs. That is not an oversight. It’s a clear design choice aimed at listeners who already own a capable DAC or an integrated amplifier with standard digital inputs and simply want reliable CD playback done right.
It also lands in a sensible price category. This isn’t a statement product or a wallet stress test, and that matters. With Quad, Shanling, FiiO, and plenty of others re investing in CD playback hardware, Mission’s move looks pragmatic rather than nostalgic. CDs remain widely available, affordable, and still relevant, and the 778CDT acknowledges that reality without overcomplicating the solution. As the final piece in the 778 Series, it makes sense, it stays in its lane, and it gives CD listeners a clean, modern option that integrates easily into today’s digital focused systems.
For more information: mission.co.uk/778cdt/
Where to buy: £449 at Analog Seductions | Richer Sounds
Related Reading:
- Mission Debuts 778S Music Streamer With Qobuz, TIDAL, Spotify Connect & AirPlay 2
- Going Back To The Future With The Mission 778X Integrated Amplifier
- Are Audiophiles Really Flocking Back To CDs? Pro-Ject’s CD Box RS2 Tube Seems To Think So
- Quad 3CDT Arrives As The Quad 3’S Quiet, Disc-Spinning Sibling: A No-Drama CD Transport For Quad’s New Integrated
