Unison Research has unveiled a new set of amplifiers. The Unico V2 series consists of the Unico Pre V2 preamplifier and the Unico DM V2 power amplifier. Both amplifiers feature a hybrid circuit, i.e., with tubes and solid-state amplifiers, and a dual-mono design.
Unison Research Unico V2: Preamplifier with analog and digital inputs
The Unico Pre V2 from Unison Research is the new top-of-the-line preamplifier in the Unico series, featuring a completely redesigned, elegant, and modern design. This project follows the new style of the Unico product family, which was first officially introduced with the Unico PRE V2 and Unico DM V2.
The Unico PRE V2's front panel is crafted from 15-millimeter-thick aluminum and exudes solidity and precision. The Midnight Black and Velvet Gold finishes enhance every detail of the design, while the meticulously crafted surface is both tactile and aesthetically pleasing. The 2-millimeter-thick aluminum top plate encases the entire amplifier, contributing to a sense of robustness and aesthetic continuity. The wood inlays reference the historic Unico logo and underscore the brand's connection to its heritage. Inside, the Unison Research logo takes center stage and is integrated into the power button: a distinctive detail that combines functionality and identity.
In the Unico PRE V2, volume control is handled by a high-quality integrated circuit with precision resistors. This solution guarantees perfect channel balance and extremely precise listening level adjustment, maintaining signal integrity under all operating conditions.
Unison Research has completely redesigned the amplifier's architecture, remaining true to the zero-gain, zero-gain philosophy and dual-mono circuitry that has always been synonymous with naturalness and musicality. The new three-stage structure is designed, according to the manufacturer, to deliver a more balanced, dynamic, and immersive sound.
The first stage, based on a pair of Gold Lion ECC83 or 12AX7 tubes, determines the amplifier's sonic character and guarantees high signal purity, extremely low distortion, and exceptionally quiet operation. The subsequent solid-state stages work perfectly with the tubes, ensuring smooth, precise, and consistent musical reproduction, even under the most demanding listening conditions.
Connections
The Unico PRE V2 is designed for maximum versatility, according to the company. It features analog RCA and XLR inputs, as well as digital inputs. There's also a turntable input.
In addition to the XLR output, there are two RCA outputs for bi-amping, an unfiltered subwoofer output, and Line In/Line Out connections, ideal for connecting external audio processors or recording devices. The equipment is completed by a trigger output with a 3.5 mm jack connector, which allows you to synchronously switch on power amplifiers or other connected devices, simplifying the system's daily use.
Unison Research Unico PRE V2: DA conversion
The integrated digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is based on the Sabre ES9018K2M DAC chip and is the result of long and careful development. The balanced output architecture is designed to optimally integrate with the preamplifier's tube circuitry, guaranteeing high conversion quality and tonal consistency.
The digital section offers a wide range of connection options, with a USB input, two S/PDIF inputs and two optical inputs.
Unison Research Unico V2: phono preamplifier
The integrated phono amplifier is built with passive RIAA equalization and high-quality components to optimally preserve the quality and naturalness of the analog signal. The ability to select the load and gain allows the use of both MM and MC cartridges, allowing the phono amplifier to be adapted to the cartridge in use.
Unison Research Unico DM V2: Stereo Power Amplifier
The Unico DM V2 is the new top-of-the-line power amplifier in the Unico series, featuring a completely redesigned, elegant, and modern design. Like the Unico PRE V2, its appearance follows the new style of the Unico product family.
The front panel, like the Unico PRE V2, is made of 15mm-thick aluminum, and the manufacturer offers a choice of Midnight Black and Velvet Gold finishes. The two-millimetre-thick aluminum top plate encloses the entire amplifier. The wooden inlays reference the historic Unico logo.
Unison Research Unico DM V2: Hybrid Architecture
The Unico DM V2 utilizes a sophisticated dual-mono architecture, with each channel powered by a 750 VA encapsulated toroidal transformer. This transformer is resin-coated and shielded to minimize electromagnetic interference. This choice guarantees complete channel separation and a wide, stable, and three-dimensional soundstage.
In bridged mono mode, the two channels are bundled into one channel and the power supplies are connected in parallel for an even larger energy reserve.
The three-stage amplification circuit is designed to combine musicality, control, and dynamics. The first stage, featuring Class A tubes and either two ECC82 or two 12AU7 Gold Lion tubes, forms the sonic heart of the amplifier: it guarantees speed, rich detail, and a natural sound that brings out all the emotion of the music. The second stage, with solid-state technology, operates transparently to adapt the signal to the output stage. The output stage utilizes an innovative push-pull configuration with complementary technology, featuring three pairs of MOSFETs connected in parallel. This configuration is designed to deliver all the necessary current to the load, ensuring powerful control, wide dynamics, and consistently smooth and stable sound.
Unison Research Unico DM V2: ASHA technology
With the Unico DM V2, Unison Research introduces ASHA technology for the first time, marking a significant technical evolution and laying the foundation for the new Unico series, which has been developed around this innovative solution. This technology results in a new and exclusive output stage configuration, called Class A-AB, which combines the unmistakable musicality of Class A with the efficiency and reliability characteristic of Class AB.
The Unico DM V2's new architecture guarantees a distortion level that is virtually inaudible to the human ear and remains constant up to the maximum available power. The result is an extremely natural sound, rich in micro-detail and capable of conveying all musical complexity without gimmicks. Even at low volumes, the amplifier maintains body, control, and depth in the bass, ensuring a full and immersive listening experience under all circumstances.
At the same time, the Unico DM V2 is a powerful amplifier: a generous and always-available energy reserve ensures it can drive even complex loudspeakers convincingly. In mono mode (bridge connection), the two power supplies are electrically connected in parallel, effectively transforming the dual-mono architecture into a true mono amplifier with a single, powerful power supply. This configuration allows for maximum utilization of the available energy capacity and is dimensioned to guarantee maximum power delivery for both eight-ohm and four-ohm speakers. This results in direct dynamics, a strong impact, and a feeling of absolute control, without ever sacrificing refinement and naturalness.
Unison Research claims a maximum power output per channel of 270 watts into eight ohms, 340 watts into four ohms. In bridged mode, the amplifier is a mono amplifier capable of delivering 650 watts into either eight or four ohms.
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