Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Serious impact and presence along with excellent bass output and control
- Impressively smooth, articulate, and fast
- Good sense of color and a real sense of liveliness to music
- Natural flow and sounds fast and assured
Product Considerations
- Needs to play loud to deliver the full experience of the music
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Sounds very powerful, much more so than the 130 watt per channel Class D NAD C389 amp
- Not as liquid overall as the all-tube Rogue Audio Chronostark, but the trade-off is much better bass control and definition
Takeaway: The Unico Nuovo gives music vigor and liveliness, making it great for people who like to dance to their music. It delivers an authentic taste of hifi sound, with both polish and verve.
All
Unico Nuovo
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Output Power: 95W RMS/ 8Ohm
- Frequency response: -0.1dB @ 10Hz, -0.5dB @ 100kHz
- Input Impedance: 50kOhm // 47pF
- Sensibility: 260mV RMS
- Input stage: Pure A Class, parallel Valve stage, ECC83/12AX7
- Output stage: Dynamic A Class POWER MOSFET complementary
- Input: 5 Line RCA (1 phono optional)
- Line Output: 1 tape, 1 sub (with volume control)
- Output Connector: 4 + 4 bi-wiring
- Feedback factor: 10dB
- THD: 0.15% @ 10W/1kHz
- Power consumption: 400W max
- Size: 43.5cm x 9.5cm x 43cm
- Weight: 16kg
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Unison Research products are hand-crafted in Italy, using locally sourced materials and distinctive design elements like wood trim and stainless steel, creating a unique visual aesthetic.
- They specialize in hybrid amplifier designs, using tubes in the preamp stage and solid-state MOSFETs in the output stage, aiming to capture the sonic benefits of both technologies.
- They custom-design and manufacture their own transformers, tailoring them to specific amplifier models for optimal performance and a unique sonic signature.
- Unison Research designs incorporate minimal stages and often utilize zero feedback, prioritizing sonic purity and a balanced sound across a wide range of music genres.
Select products
Simply Italy
- Positioning: The entry-level integrated amplifier in the Unison Research lineup.
- Description: Offers a compact design with a focus on delivering high-quality sound through its single-ended, ultralinear Class-A output stage. It stands out with its optional USB DAC board, making it versatile for digital audio sources, unlike the more traditional analog-only models like the S6.
Unico Primo
- Positioning: A mid-range integrated amplifier in the Unison Research lineup, offering a balance of performance and affordability.
- Description: Features elegant design and robust build, with a Dynamic A Class POWER MOSFET output stage. Its multiple RCA inputs, including an optional phono stage, offer greater system compatibility compared to the more basic Simply Italy.
Triode 25
- Positioning: A versatile mid-to-high range amplifier, celebrating Unison Research's 25th anniversary with advanced features.
- Description: Notable for its ability to switch between triode and pentode modes, offering flexibility in sound output. Its dual-mode operation and higher power output provide enhanced versatility.
Performance
- Positioning: A premium offering, designed for those seeking high power and classic design.
- Description: Delivers 45 watts per channel with a dual mono design, providing a powerful and immersive audio experience. It surpasses the S6 in power. Its bi-wiring capability and elegant design enhance its functionality.
Reference
- Positioning: The flagship monoblock amplifiers in the Unison Research lineup, offering the highest level of performance.
- Description: Designed for ultimate power and precision, featuring a double parallel single-ended Class-A design. With 80 watts of output power, they exceed the Performance model. Their superior build and advanced technology represent the pinnacle of the lineup.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
We’re an Italian company that sources everything as locally as possible. Italian through and through—everything we do is done here in Italy. Italian gear really does have its own sound. Sounds more romantic, less analytical. Very listenable. Low levels of ear fatigue.
We’re still hand making tube amps and continually refining them. New innovations in grounding, such as each component being grounded independently so they're really quiet as far as tube amps go, is an ongoing focus—always evolving mature tech.
But we also have new modern tech that's a hybrid of solid state and tube—to give you the best of both worlds. You can run pretty much any speaker you want.
In short, it’s a really easy to listen to sound.
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
Opera speakers are a great pairing because they're under the same parent company . When Unison is voicing their amps, they use Opera speakers, and vice versa.
However we've had no issues with pairing with Unison research. (But if you're looking at tube gear, you do have to be more careful because you do need a more sensitive speaker.)
In fact, are your speakers very technical? Pairing with Unison Research can help tame that a bit.
Used
Unison Research
What if you spend more?
The New Simply 845 ranks at the top of Unison Research’s line of integrated tube amplifiers, second only to the historic ABSOLUTE 845. The SIMPLY 845, like the ABSOLUTE 845, also employs the famous 845 direct-heated triodes, tubes well known for remarkable durability and extraordinary sonic qualities. The great advantage of integrated amplifiers is the incorporation in a single chassis of the preamplifier and the power amplifier. This makes it possible to eliminate the need for high-cost interconnect cables that are never truly neutral to sound reproduction. It should be noted that in the renewed production of the Simply 845 its size has been reduced by bringing all input and output connectors, strictly gold-plated and of a new type, to the rear of the amplifier.
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Product Strengths
- Wide and deep soundstage, with a depth extending as far as 70 feet in one test
- Music reproduction is natural and realistic, creating a sense of instruments and voices being present in the room
- High frequencies and cymbals shimmer and crash realistically
- Impeccably constructed and manufactured with original circuit solutions
- Capable of drama, delicacy, and danger which transcends reproduction — turning the act of listening into a full-fledged experience
Product Considerations
- Selector knob on top of the unit is difficult to access when the tube cage is installed
- Speakers need to be a good match for the amplifier's 23 watts of power
- Bass was shy and ill-defined when used with the Dynaudio Contour 60i speakers
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Conrad Johnson Premier 10 & 11A, the Simply 845 has a wider and deeper soundstage and better reproduction of high frequencies and cymbals
- Compared to PrimaLuna (top-of-the-line), the Simply 845 sounds better sonically
- Compared to Line Magnetic Audio LM-845iA Integrated Amp, the Simply 845 does delicate better
Takeaway: The Simply 845 is a revealing integrated amplifier that makes music sound magical and is an excellent choice, especially for horn speaker lovers. This amplifier transforms speakers into something wonderful and will enhance the music experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Refinement and smoothness in sound
- Exceptional build and finish, including exquisite woodwork
- Seductive midrange and overall musicality
- The Sinfonia has a romantic, addictive sound that's better suited to classical music
Product Considerations
- Not the last word in slam
- Needs careful system partnering to sound its best
- Dynamics were very good, although not exactly of the same caliber as with the ModWright preamp and amp
- When pushed to the extremes, during the most dynamic passages, the Sinfonia began to reach its limit—compressing gently and giving up some of the low frequency control
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Sinfonia offers a smoother, warmer, and more seductive sound, while the S6 amplifier sounds a little 'faster' and more linear
Takeaway: The Sinfonia is a fine amplifier with a beautiful build that delivers a refined and smooth sound. It's a good choice for enjoying music and will make your eyes smile with its hand-made Italian design.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Delivers a warm, musical, and enveloping sound
- The tube system gives the sound a warm and smooth signature, with excellent mid and high frequencies
- The amplifier reproduces a richly detailed and well-balanced soundstage
- Even at high volumes, the amplifier shows no signs of compression or fatigue
Product Considerations
- The bass, while well controlled and articulate, is not as deep and impactful as in some solid-state amplifiers
- The S6 Black Edition requires manual adjustment of the rest current of the tubes (bias) using circular instruments and switches/trimmers
Takeaway: The Unison Research S6 Black Edition offers audiophiles top-notch sound performance and an exclusive modern design, making it ideal for those seeking excellence in both aesthetics and functionality. Its warm and engaging sound makes listening to music a treat.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Enleum was launched as a new brand with the AMP-23R. While our legacy AMP-13R had already been praised all around the world for its performance and unique design, we pushed the boundaries to create the AMP-23R with a new circuit that truly enhances the existing performance. We have drastically improved the PCB circuit board design, chosen new internal components and upgraded our JET2 Bias design. And the reviews and awards are unanimous. The AMP-23R's physical size and footprint may be compact, but with the all new chassis and thermal heatsink design, we've launched a product that's fit for the next generation reference compact amplifier. The unique design is the DNA of our new Enleum Brand and was already awarded the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2021 and iF Design Gold Award 2022. The AMP-23R proudly showcases Enleum's expertise in technology and design.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Addictive sound signature, unlike any other amp, with otherworldly instrument and voice reproduction
- Delivers serious magic with Fleetwood Deville and Klipsch Heritage speakers, revealing obscure details and creating a massive soundstage
- Dynamics for days
- Combines the qualities of a nice SET amp without the downsides, like noise or tube replacement
- Exceptional build quality and design with high-quality parts
- Only has two RCA inputs, no XLR balanced connections
Product Considerations
- Heavy speaker cables can cause the amp to tilt
- The volume dial functions as a gain dial, which may be different than what some users are accustomed to
- May not be suitable for hard-to-drive speakers in the 85db range that dip into 2–4 ohms
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The AMP23R offers more texture, layering, mid-bass, and vocal presence than Nagra INT
- The AMP23R is more organic, ethereal, and dynamic than Kinki Studio EXM1
- It sounds better than the Vinnie Rossi L2iSE, so long as the speakers are easy to drive
- The Enleum has more delicacy and finesse than Pass Labs and Cary Audio
- The AMP23R stacks up with the finest gear such as ampsandsound Bryce monoblocks
- Pass Labs First Watt SIT-3 offers a bit more organic, warmer presentation
Takeaway: The Enleum AMP-23R is a small but mighty integrated amplifier with a unique and addictive sound signature, and it is built with high-quality components. It's a great choice for those with sensitive speakers looking for a reference-quality system in a compact package.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Sweet sounding treble and expressive, emotional midrange
- Detailed across the board, and remarkably easy to listen to
- Strong rhythm, lively sound, excellent articulation, and a very good sense of being there
- Fast dynamics and good three dimensionality
- Voices and instruments are very naturally reproduced
- Connectivity options...
Product Considerations
- Fussy about speakers, ideally speakers should have a sensitivity rating of at least 90dB
- Outputs only 14W per channel, so partnering speakers must be compatible
- May lack a little bass and absolute power
- Not necessarily going to suit everyone's needs, it still has limitations, and will probably not suit those looking for a powerhouse amplifier or for playing rock or classical music at high levels
- Can develop a trace of hardness in loud passages that seems to restrict dynamics a little
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Simply Italy, the Preludio is superior and is worth the extra over the cheaper model if funds permit
Takeaway: The Preludio is a well-built amplifier that offers a classy sound with good detail and natural voice reproduction. If partnered with compatible speakers, it can provide an intimate and emotive listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Improved technical details provide finer sound quality compared to the standard model
- Refined circuitry is featured in both the signal path and power supply for improved sound
- Electronic polarization ensures a stable operating point for the power tube, eliminating the need for auto-bias
- It uses KT77 Gold Lion power tubes and EXX82 Gold Lion signal tubes
- A revised output transformer with a five-winding section further improves sound quality
Product Considerations
- Relatively low power output at 10 watts per channel
Takeaway: The Unison Research Simply Italy Black Edition is a tube-based stereo amplifier with refined signal processing and elegant design, offering a special sound experience. It offers everything needed to get started with the special sound philosophy of the Italian hifi manufacturer Unison Research.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Packs many features into a small frame, offering an 'all-in-one' solution by integrating streaming, DAC, preamp, and amplification
- The sound quality is clear, detailed, smooth, refined, articulate, and neutral, with good soundstage and imaging
- Offers a wide array of input options (analog and digital) and streaming service compatibility, making it versatile
- Its Class D amplification (Hypex NCore) is powerful (150Wpc) and efficient, running cool compared to traditional amps
- The industrial design and aesthetics are highlighted positively, with its sleek look, swappable side panels, and user-friendly interface, enhancing its lifestyle appeal
Product Considerations
- The headphone preamp may not satisfy serious headphone enthusiasts without a dedicated amp
- There is a noted lack of bass management
- The StreamMagic app lags behind the likes of Bluesound and Yamaha MusicCast in terms of its interface
- Some reviewers found a slight softening of the bottom end
- One review notes some power supply noise in bench tests, but at inaudible levels
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Offers wider soundstage, depth, and polish than the Naim Uniti Atom, but the Naim Uniti Atom has a greater sense of musicality and tighter rhythmic fabric
Takeaway: The Cambridge Audio Evo 150 is a versatile and attractive all-in-one system with excellent sound quality and a comprehensive feature set, making it a great choice for those seeking a simple yet high-performing audio solution. It provides a streamlined experience without sacrificing sound fidelity.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers a comprehensive and flexible specification, functioning as a headphone amplifier and streaming preamp
- Produces superb sound quality, described as clear, pure, detailed, dynamic, and musical, without being overly analytical, regardless of genre or recording quality
- Features a well-made, elegant, and attractive design with a beautiful screen for album art and a satisfying volume control
- Supports a comprehensive range of streaming services and digital formats including AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Bluetooth, UPnP, and Internet Radio, and is Roon Ready
- Intuitive and stable app, especially for those who know what they want to listen to
Product Considerations
- The price is high relative to other headphone amplifiers/DACs on the market
- The front display is not a touchscreen
- Some might prefer a more analytical sound presentation
- The HDMI ARC connection is absent
- The Naim app lacks polish compared to dedicated music apps
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Cambridge Audio Evo 150 and NAD M10—the Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is specifically focused on headphone use
- As a headphone amp, it is every bit as good as the Chord Hugo TT2
- Naim puts less of itself into the performance as opposed to McIntosh MHA200
Takeaway: The Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is a great self-contained system for headphone listening, with an easy-to-use interface and a beautiful design. It is a quality product that can be a centerpiece for your home audio.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Sonic clarity, detail resolution, and control
- Sturdy build and fine finish with solid casework and nicely damped
- Flexible product offering integrated, pre-amp, or pre-power combo options
- Balanced nature means that no particular genre of music is favored above any other
- Impressively equipped with a wide range of inputs including RCA, XLR, Coax, Optical, USB B, and Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD and LDAC
Product Considerations
- Dynamic contrasts could be stronger
- Rhythmic drive could be stronger
- Phono stage a little flat-footed
- The display graphics on the screen can be on the small side to read from across a room
- Treble could be more exciting and dynamic
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Audiolab 6000A: Offers better instrumental separation, clarity of guitar strings, and a fuller bass response
- Vs Naim Nait XS3 or Rega Elicit Mk5: Delivers less entertainment and rhythmic drive
Takeaway: The Audiolab 9000A is a capable and flexible amplifier offering sonic clarity and a range of features to slot easily into most systems. It charms and delights, never forcing music onto your ears but always upgrading the sound for great speaker performance.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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