Unison Research Unico Primo

The Unico Primo packs the knowledge, technology, and passion Unison Research puts into its finest flagship products into a small integrated amplifier. Unison Research describes it as an example of Italian style and design, with an elegant, understated look, solid construction, carefully chosen components, and near-artisan assembly done entirely at its factory in Treviso.

A flagship's ambition, in a compact amplifier.

The Design

The Primo is a stereo integrated amplifier with a hybrid circuit. The input stage is a Class A triode stage built around a single ECC83 (12AX7) tube. The output stage uses four power MOSFETs with dynamic Class A bias, and it delivers more than 80 W of output power. Unison Research lists a feedback factor of 10 dB, a damping factor above 50, and a frequency response that is flat to -0.1 dB at 10 Hz and -0.5 dB at 100 kHz.

Connections

The Primo has five RCA inputs, one of which can be fitted with an optional phono stage, plus a tape input. Outputs are a tape RCA and a stereo RCA subwoofer output.

Optional Phono Stage

The optional phono stage takes moving magnet or moving coil cartridges, with a switchable gain of +0 dB or +10 dB. Its RIAA equalization is active at low frequencies and passive at high frequencies.

Where It Fits

The Primo is the way into the Unico range: a single-box amplifier for an entry-level tube-flavored system, or a second system, with the option of vinyl. We're happy to help you decide between the Primo and the Unico Nuovo or Unico 150.

Press Recognition

Reviews of the Unico Primo are on the way. Unison Research, founded in 1987 in Treviso by a group of audiophiles led by Giovanni Maria Sacchetti, is recognized as Italy's leading maker of tube amplifiers.

Questions about the Primo, whether to add the phono stage, or how it compares with the rest of the Unico range? Give us a call.

Specifications

• Type: Hybrid stereo integrated amplifier
• Output power: More than 80 W
• Output stage: 4 x power MOSFET, dynamic Class A bias
• Input stage: Class A triode, 1 x ECC83 (12AX7)
• Sensitivity: 260 mV
• Input impedance: 50 kΩ / 47 pF
• Frequency response: -0.1 dB at 10 Hz; -0.5 dB at 100 kHz
• Feedback factor: 10 dB
• Damping factor: More than 50
• Inputs: 5 x RCA (one can take the optional phono stage); 1 x tape RCA
• Outputs: 1 x tape RCA; 1 x stereo subwoofer RCA
• Power consumption: 380 W maximum
• Dimensions: 43.5 x 43 x 9.5 cm
• Weight: 14 kg net
• Optional phono stage: MM 47 kΩ / 220 pF, 40 dB gain; MC 100 Ω / 440 pF, 50 dB gain; gain selection +0 / +10 dB; maximum input 120 mV at 1 kHz (MM); THD 0.09% at 5 mV, 1 kHz, MM
• Finishes: Silver; Black
• Maker: Unison Research, handcrafted in Italy