Unison Research Unico PRE v2

Overview Unico PRE v2 is the new flagship preamplifier in the Unico series, featuring a completely renewed design that is both elegant and modern. The project reflects the new stylistic language of the Unico product family, officially introduced with the Unico PRE v2 and Unico DM v2. Design The front panel, machined from a solid 15-mm-thick aluminium block, conveys solidity and outstanding build precision. The Midnight Black and Velvet Gold finishes enhance every design detail, while the carefully refined surface is pleasing both to the touch and to the eye.
The 2-mm-thick aluminium top cover wraps around the entire amplifier, contributing to a sense of robustness and visual continuity. Wooden inserts recall the historic Unico logo, underlining the brand’s heritage. The Unison Research® logo takes center stage by becoming the On/Off power button: a distinctive detail that seamlessly combines functionality and identity. Volume control in the Unico PRE v2 is handled by a high-quality integrated circuit using precision resistors. This solution ensures perfect channel balance and extremely accurate volume adjustment, preserving signal integrity under all operating conditions. Circuit Design Unison Research® has completely redesigned the amplifier architecture, remaining faithful to the philosophy of zero global feedback and to a dual-mono topology, long regarded as synonymous with naturalness and musicality. The new three-stage structure has been developed to deliver a more balanced, dynamic and engaging sound.
The first stage, based on a pair of ECC83 / 12AX7 Gold Lion valves, defines the amplifier’s sonic character, providing outstanding signal purity, extremely low distortion and exceptionally quiet operation. The subsequent solid-state stages operate in perfect synergy with the valve section, ensuring a fluid, precise and consistently musical reproduction, even under demanding listening conditions. Connectivity Unico PRE v2 has been designed to offer maximum versatility. It features RCA, XLR, digital and a phono inputs, allowing easy integration into any audio system, from traditional to advanced configurations. In addition to the XLR output, there are two RCA outputs dedicated to bi-amping, an unfiltered subwoofer output, and Line In / Line Out connections, ideal for integrating external audio processors or recording systems. The unit also includes a 3.5-mm trigger output for synchronized power-on of power amplifiers and other connected devices, simplifying daily system operation. DAC Section The integrated DAC, based on the Sabre ES9018K2M converter, is the result of a long and meticulous development process. The balanced output architecture has been designed to integrate perfectly with the valve circuitry of the preamplifier, ensuring high-quality digital conversion and tonal coherence. The digital section offers extensive connectivity, including one USB input, two S/PDIF inputs, and two optical Toslink inputs, making it easy to connect all major digital sources. Phono Stage The integrated phono stage features passive RIAA equalization and high-precision components, preserving the quality and naturalness of the analog signal. Selectable load and gain settings allow the use of both MM and MC cartridges, enabling optimal matching with different cartridge types and ensuring the best possible sonic performance. All adjustments are easily accessible from the rear panel, providing maximum configuration flexibility.   Tech spechs Type: Fully balanced hybrid preamplifier Valves: 2 × ECC83 / 12AX7 Gold Lion Operating mode: Class A Output stage: Solid state Volume control: Infrared Analogue inputs: 3 × Line RCA 3 × Line XLR 1 × Phono MM / MC 1 × Line In Digital inputs: 1 × USB 2 × Toslink 2 × S/PDIF Maximum input voltage: 2.58 Vrms (RCA) – 5 Vrms (XLR) Input impedance: 20 kΩ (RCA) – 57 kΩ (XLR) Gain: 20 dB (RCA) – 15 dB (XLR) Outputs: 2 × RCA 1 × XLR Dual subwoofer output Line Out 1 × 12 V Remote Power On Maximum output voltage (@1% THD+N, 1kHz): 8 V (RCA) – 16 V (XLR) Distortion: 1% THD @ 1 kHz Output impedance: 770 Ω (RCA) – 1500 Ω (XLR) Global feedback: 0 dB Power consumption: 50 VA DAC: Sabre ES9018K2M USB: USB-B input, PCM up to 384 kHz, native DSD up to 256×, DoP up to 128× Toslink: 2 × inputs up to 192 kHz S/PDIF: 2 × inputs up to 192 kHz Dimensions: 45 × 43 × 14 cm (17.5 × 17 × 5.5 inches) Net weight: 11 kg