Integrated Amp Reviews

Unison Research Unico Primo integrated amplifier Specifications

Sidebar 1: Specifications

Description: Two-channel, hybrid integrated amplifier with MOSFET output stage. Tube complement: one ECC83 (12AX7). Inputs: 5 analog (RCA), optional MM/MC phono stage. Outputs: Tape, Subwoofer. Power output: 80Wpc into 8 ohms (19dBW). Frequency response: –0.2dB at 10Hz, –0.5dB at 100kHz. Total harmonic distortion: 0.15% at 10W, 1kHz. Channel separation: 83.7dB, 1kHz. Signal/noise: 90dB. Phono input impedances: MM, 47k ohms/220pF; MC, 100 ohms/440pF. Negative feedback: 10dB. Damping factor: >50. Power consumption: 380W max.
Dimensions: 17" (435mm) W by 3.7" (95mm) H by 16.8" (430mm) D. Weight: 30.8 lbs (14kg).
Finishes: Silver, Black.
Serial number of unit reviewed: 500868.
Price: $2400; MM/MC phono board, $150; optional black faceplate, $150. Approximate number of dealers: 20.
Manufacturer: Unison Research, A.R.I.A. Advanced Research in Audio, via Barone 4, 31030 Dosson di Casier (Treviso), Italy. Tel: (39) 0422-633547. Fax: (39) 0422-633550. Web: www.unisonresearch.com. US distributor: Colleen Cardas Imports, PO Box 912, Brewerton, NY 13029. Tel: (970) 275-9086. Web: www.colleencardasimports.com.

COMPANY INFO
Unison Research
US distributor: Colleen Cardas Imports
PO Box 912
Brewerton, NY 13029
(970) 275-9086
www.colleencardasimports.com
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
fetuso's picture
Submitted by fetuso on June 23, 2016 - 5:35pm

That was fun reading. Being a first generation Italian-American myself (Sicilian actually) I enjoy reading about Italian designed audio gear. Puzzling that they would take such little care in the packaging. I can't wait for your review of the Music Hall mmf7.3. It's on my upgrade list. I currently use a mmf2.2 that has served me well, especially considering it only cost $300 after the price dropped.

ken mac's picture
Submitted by ken mac on June 23, 2016 - 7:07pm

Thanks for your nice comments. The UR is a great sounding piece, even if the packaging is negligible.

klosterman's picture
Submitted by klosterman on June 24, 2016 - 3:40pm

Doesn't matter how nice the sound if it arrives broken.

audiodoctornj's picture
Submitted by audiodoctornj on July 1, 2016 - 8:47pm

Dear Ken,

I read the review with gusto, you hit this review out of the park, except for a couple of caveats, one the fact that the way less expensive Primo has a bigger sound stage was a great point, and underlays how good the Primo is, and the fact that you were comparing a very affordable integrated to much more expensive Shindo gear, demonstrates how special this gear is, okay so you were having a little less extreme deep bass then you would like. I would say to that, it is still a relatively inexpensive amplifier, I wouldn't expect to be be better in all ways to much more expensive equipment.

We have found the Primo is very sensitive to good cables, especially power cords. We have gotten spectacular results with the Wire World cabling, and good component isolation, which helps bring out the deep bass as well as improving all aspects of the Primo's performance.

In our shop we have compared the Primo to almost all of the major competitors, and quite frankly the Primo smokes them all.

The Primo is a hybrid so you get the best of tubes with the best of solid state, the Primo offers a true glimpse into the magic of really expensive gear.

If you want to hear everything in an integrated amplifier, the more expensive Unico 50 which is now the Unico 90 model, gives you the warmth and huge sound stage of the Primo, with even better bass, and far greater resolution.

We used to sell a very expensive line of Japanese components and ones from Denmark, and when ever you compared the Unison product the customers almost invariably picked the Unison.

Under $10k you would be hard pressed to find a better integrated amplifier, which has this number of magical properties as the upper end Unico line from Unison, the stuff is absolutely killer, and Collen and Marc are the best importers with fantastic customer service.

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