Unison Research Unico Primo

The unison research Unico Primo integrated amplifier is a hybrid integrated stereo amplifier capable of delivering not less than 85W RMS continuous on a 8ohm load with both the channels driven with real music. While the design is no longer new, it is a classic in terms of performance vs. price. Multiple reviews have declared the Unico Primo an incredible audiophile value. There is no question on that. This is a music lover's integrated. Pro Tip: Replacing the stock Russian tube with a Gold lion (about $62) takes the performance of the Primo up by a significant amount. The noise floor is lowered, midrange and high frequency transparency is increased and the sound just locks in. Trickle Down Tech That Is Truly Unique During the design of Reference power amplifier, the Unison Research technical did a deep investigation into the sonic performance of the ECC83/12AX7 double triode in particular configurations. Their results, after much trial and error as well as extensive listening, led the designers to the idea of using this kind of triode in Unico line instead of the more commonly implemented ECC82/12AU7. But Wait There's More! Just to make this entry level integrated amplifier a well equipped contender against his competitors the design includes a low impedance active stereo output dedicated to an active subwoofer, and a phono input. Build Quality The Primo is heavy. Much heavier than the price tag would suggest. The aluminum chassis and knobs look high end (way nicer and more rigid than stamped steel and plastic), ensures high rigidity and affirms the high quality of the internal parts, and the quality of the sound. They have paid attention to the power supply, with a beefy transformer and lots of filter capacitance all designed to improve dynamics, bass, and drive. Reviews Nemo Propaganda (YouTube) Stereophile Positive Feedback Zero Fidelity (Youtube) Specifications Output power: 85W RMS into 8 ohms Frequency response: -0.1dB @ 10Hz, - 0.5dB @ 100kHz Input stage: Pure A Class Tube stage (1 x ECC83/12AX7) Output stage: Dynamic A Class POWER MOSFET complementary pair Inputs: 4 line unbalanced, 1 phono Line Outputs: 1 tape, 1 sub (volume controlled) Speaker level connectors: 4 + 4 bi-wiring Power consumption: 340W max Dimensions: 43.5cm x 9.5cm x 43cm Net weight: 15kg What's in the box Amp Power cord Remote