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Experience the refined sound and design of Unison Research’s hybrid preamp and power amp, blending tubes and transistors for musical excellence.
A New Chapter for Unison Research’s Unico Series
Step into the world of Italian audio craftsmanship with the newly launched Unison Research Unico V2 series, featuring the hybrid preamplifier Unico Pre V2 and the power amplifier Unico DM V2. Crafted with a hybrid architecture combining vacuum tubes and solid-state components, these units embrace the classic “dual mono” design philosophy that has long been associated with pristine sound quality and musical authenticity.
This fresh generation takes the Unico line to new heights, marrying elegant aesthetics with technical innovation. Let’s unravel what makes these components truly stand out.
Unico Pre V2: A Flagship Hybrid Preamplifier with Timeless Design
From the moment you lay eyes on the Unico Pre V2, its commanding presence is undeniable. The front panel, forged from a robust 15mm thick aluminum plate, radiates solidity and precision. Available in two sophisticated finishes—Midnight Black and Velvet Gold—the tactile, finely treated surface is a joy to the touch and a feast for the eyes. A 2mm aluminum cover envelops the entire chassis, enhancing the sense of durability and visual coherence, while wooden inlays pay homage to Unison Research’s heritage, linking the past with the present in a tasteful nod.
The iconic Unison Research logo is elegantly integrated into the centrally located power button, combining brand identity with functional design—a subtle signature for enthusiasts who appreciate detail.
Engineered for Precision: Volume Control and Signal Integrity
Inside the Unico Pre V2, volume adjustment is handled by a high-quality integrated circuit equipped with precision resistors. This isn’t just technical jargon—it’s a commitment to delivering perfect channel balance and ultra-accurate level control, all while preserving signal integrity no matter the listening environment.
Unison Research has reimagined the amplifier’s architecture to remain true to the zero-gain philosophy and dual mono concept that underpin the brand’s signature musicality. The new three-stage design promises a sound that’s more balanced, dynamic, and engaging, designed to pull you deep into the music.
The Heart of the Sound: Hybrid Amplification Stages
The first amplification stage features a pair of ECC83 / 12AX7 Gold Lion vacuum tubes, which set the tonal character with remarkable signal purity, extremely low distortion, and whisper-quiet operation. Following this, carefully matched solid-state stages take over, ensuring smooth, precise, and consistently musical reproduction even under demanding conditions.
Connectivity is impressively versatile. Alongside analog RCA and balanced XLR inputs, the unit offers digital inputs and a dedicated phono stage for vinyl lovers. The phono input boasts passive RIAA equalization with a top-tier parts lineup, maintaining the natural quality of analog signals. You can tailor the load and gain settings for both MM and MC cartridges, making it a perfect fit for your favorite turntable.
Additional outputs include balanced XLR, two unbalanced RCA outputs for bi-amping, an active subwoofer output, and Line In/Line Out ports for integrating external processors or recording gear. A 3.5mm trigger output rounds out the feature set, enabling seamless system operation by synchronizing power on/off commands with other devices.
State-of-the-Art DAC and Digital Connectivity
The built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC) in the Unico Pre V2 is based on the acclaimed ESS Technology Sabre ES9018K2M chip, the result of painstaking development efforts. Its balanced output stage is harmonized perfectly with the tube circuits, ensuring superior digital conversion quality and tonal consistency.
Digital connectivity options are comprehensive, featuring USB, two coaxial S/PDIF, and two optical inputs—offering flexible interfacing with modern digital sources.
Unico DM V2: Power and Elegance in a Hybrid Power Amplifier
Matching the preamp’s sophisticated design, the Unico DM V2 power amplifier sports a fully refreshed, contemporary look. Its 15mm aluminum front panel is available in the same Midnight Black and Velvet Gold finishes, embodying the new Unico family style.
Under the hood, the amplifier embraces an uncompromising dual mono architecture. Each channel draws power from its own shielded, compound-filled toroidal transformer rated at 750 VA. This engineering choice minimizes electromagnetic interference, ensures complete channel separation, and crafts a spacious, stable, and three-dimensional soundstage.
Sophisticated Three-Stage Hybrid Amplification
The Unico DM V2’s amplification chain starts with a class A stage using two ECC82 / 12AU7 Gold Lion tubes per channel. This “heart” of the amplifier delivers speed, exquisite detail, and a natural musicality that captures the emotional essence of recordings.
A solid-state intermediate stage transparently bridges the tube section with the output stage, which employs an innovative push-pull configuration. Three pairs of MOSFET transistors wired in parallel power this final stage, designed to deliver the required current to your speakers while maintaining tight control, explosive dynamics, and smooth tonal flow.
Introducing ASHA Technology: A New Era for Hybrid Amplification
One of the standout innovations in the Unico DM V2 is the debut of ASHA technology. This technical breakthrough creates a unique output stage classified as class A-AB, combining the famed musicality of pure class A with the efficiency and reliability of class AB.
According to Unison Research, ASHA maintains distortion levels so low they’re virtually inaudible, and it keeps those levels consistent even at maximum power output. The result? Exceptionally natural sound packed with microdetails, capable of conveying complex music textures without resorting to tricks or gimmicks.
Even when playing quietly, the amplifier preserves the physicality, control, and bass depth that audiophiles crave, ensuring an immersive listening experience regardless of volume.
Power, Control, and Flexibility
Unico DM V2 is a powerhouse designed to tame even the most challenging speakers. In bridged mono mode, the two power supplies connect in parallel, effectively transforming the amp into a single-channel beast with a massive power reservoir.
This setup guarantees robust output whether driving 8-ohm or 4-ohm loads, delivering instant dynamic surges, impactful bass, and absolute command—all while preserving the amplifier’s signature finesse and natural sound.
Unison Research specifies maximum output of 270 watts per channel into 8 ohms, rising to 340 watts into 4 ohms. Bridged mono mode escalates this to a staggering 650 watts into either 8 or 4 ohms.
Pricing and Availability
The Unico Pre V2 preamplifier is priced at approximately $7,500, while the Unico DM V2 power amplifier is offered around $11,000. These Italian-made hybrids are expected to hit the market soon, ready to impress audiophiles who appreciate a seamless blend of tradition, innovation, and audio excellence.
“The new three-stage structure is designed for a more balanced, dynamic, and involving sound.” — Unison Research
Are you ready to elevate your audio setup with these beautifully engineered hybrid amplifiers? Which part of the Unico V2 series intrigues you the most—the preamp’s versatile DAC and phono stage or the power amp’s revolutionary ASHA technology?
FAQ
- What is the architecture of the Unico Pre V2 preamplifier?
The Unico Pre V2 uses a hybrid design with a dual mono configuration and a three-stage amplification chain that starts with ECC83 / 12AX7 Gold Lion tubes followed by solid-state stages. - Which digital inputs are available on the Unico Pre V2?
It offers USB, two coaxial S/PDIF, and two optical digital inputs. - What is ASHA technology in the Unico DM V2 amplifier?
ASHA is a proprietary output stage technology combining class A musicality with class AB efficiency, delivering ultra-low distortion and consistent sound quality at all power levels. - Can the Unico DM V2 operate in bridged mono mode?
Yes, bridging the two channels increases power output and current delivery, making it suitable for demanding speakers. - Does the Unico Pre V2 include a phono stage?
Yes, it has a high-quality phono input with passive RIAA equalization supporting both MM and MC cartridges.
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