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Power amplifiers stereo — Unison Research UNICO DM
Description, images, technical data and specifications
Unison Research UNICO DM
Image source — © Unison Research
The Unico DM is a stereo power amplifier from Unison Research of Treviso, Italy, built as a hybrid with valves at the input and MOSFET transistors at the output. The letters DM refer to its dual-mono layout. Unison Research designed it as a companion for the Unico Pre preamplifier, while noting that it also integrates into most other quality systems. This version replaced an earlier amplifier of the same name, and the company says the update went well beyond a facelift, with the most important design parameters reworked so that the newer unit is sturdier and more powerful than its predecessor.
Key specs that matter
In stereo operation each channel delivers 160 W RMS continuous into 8 ohm. In bridged mono mode the output rises to 650 W RMS continuous into 8 ohm. Frequency response is flat at 10 Hz and only 0.1 dB down at 100 kHz. Maximum power consumption is 900 W. The case measures 43.2 cm wide, 17.8 cm high and 43.9 cm deep. It weighs 25 kg net.
Engineering and use context
Voltage amplification starts in a pure Class A double valve stage using the ECC82 type, also sold as the 12AU7. After it comes an output stage that Unison Research describes as dynamic Class A, based on three complementary pairs of power MOSFETs. The same pairing of a valve front end with a transistor output runs through the Unico family, which also includes integrated amplifiers and the matching preamplifier. Operation in stereo or in bridged mono makes the Unico DM usable both in a conventional stereo system and as one half of a mono pair, where the user buys a second unit and bridges both. The dual-mono description from the maker indicates that the two channels are laid out as separate circuits inside the shared case.
Pairing
Signal comes in through one unbalanced RCA input or one balanced XLR input, which covers preamplifiers with single-ended as well as balanced connections. The loudspeaker terminals are four plus four binding posts intended for bi-wiring, which lets bass and treble sections of a loudspeaker with split terminals receive their own cable runs. For a matched front end the maker points to the Unico Pre, a hybrid preamplifier from the same range that offers balanced and single-ended outputs.
Alternatives
Apart from the Unico DM and its v2 revision, the current Unison Research catalogue holds no further stereo power amplifier.
Key specs that matter
In stereo operation each channel delivers 160 W RMS continuous into 8 ohm. In bridged mono mode the output rises to 650 W RMS continuous into 8 ohm. Frequency response is flat at 10 Hz and only 0.1 dB down at 100 kHz. Maximum power consumption is 900 W. The case measures 43.2 cm wide, 17.8 cm high and 43.9 cm deep. It weighs 25 kg net.
Engineering and use context
Voltage amplification starts in a pure Class A double valve stage using the ECC82 type, also sold as the 12AU7. After it comes an output stage that Unison Research describes as dynamic Class A, based on three complementary pairs of power MOSFETs. The same pairing of a valve front end with a transistor output runs through the Unico family, which also includes integrated amplifiers and the matching preamplifier. Operation in stereo or in bridged mono makes the Unico DM usable both in a conventional stereo system and as one half of a mono pair, where the user buys a second unit and bridges both. The dual-mono description from the maker indicates that the two channels are laid out as separate circuits inside the shared case.
Pairing
Signal comes in through one unbalanced RCA input or one balanced XLR input, which covers preamplifiers with single-ended as well as balanced connections. The loudspeaker terminals are four plus four binding posts intended for bi-wiring, which lets bass and treble sections of a loudspeaker with split terminals receive their own cable runs. For a matched front end the maker points to the Unico Pre, a hybrid preamplifier from the same range that offers balanced and single-ended outputs.
Alternatives
Apart from the Unico DM and its v2 revision, the current Unison Research catalogue holds no further stereo power amplifier.
Specifications
Model name
UNICO DM
Input sensitivity (mV)
N/A
Input impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Max current (A)
N/A
Output power (8Ω) (W)
160
Output power (4Ω) (W)
N/A
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
10
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
100 000
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (0% global feedback) (%)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (100% global feedback) (%)
N/A
Max power consumption (W)
900
Damping factor
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
431 × 431 × 439
Weight (kg)
24.9
Official link
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