Unico DM V2

The Unico DM v2 is the new flagship power amplifier 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 Unico PRE v2 and Unico DM v2.

Our Impressions (So Far)

The DM V2 is an exceptionally well made, utterly amazing sounding amplifier. The packaging and industrial design is akin to that of a luxury vehicle, think S-class Mercedes or Porsche. It is solid, heavy and utterly gorgeous. The power button is the final touch with it's wood accents. Truly first class.

The sonic attributes that I noticed first and foremost are the richness, dynamics and nearly limitless reserves of power. The richness likely comes from the internal class A tube stage. I have been listening to the Unison Triode 25 integrated most recently, and it reminded me of the Triode 25 in it's glowing presentation of music, but the DM V2 had far more control and scale. I had actually been considering a larger pair of speakers for my studio until I heard the DM V2 in my system. It made me realize that my small Aurai Z165 monitors weren't the problem, they just needed more power to scale up. With the DM V2, I could turn up the volume and the sound signature never became strained, the soundstage and dynamics just grew.

Imaging and soundstaging was exceptional at all volume levels. At lower levels, I had width, depth and height. and at larger levels it was equally 3D. If you find yourself turning the volume up to hear the ambiance and soundstaging in a recording, your current amp may be the problem. The DM V2 will deliver holography at any volume level.

The comparison to Modwright is sure to come up, since the DM V2 and Modwright power amp offerings are similarly priced. I would say that the Unison DM V2 and Modwright are equal in terms of power and control. The base sonic signatures are different in that the DM, V2 leans to a warmer, richer presentation. It presents the midrange and highs a little further back in the soundstage, and is oh so silky. The Modwright is a little more forward- staged in the midrange and upper frequencies in it's presentation, perhaps slightly leaner. Your mileage may of course vary. 

Design

The front panel is machined from a solid 15-mm-thick slab of aluminium. It conveys exceptional solidity and build precision. The Midnight Black and Velvet Gold finishes enhance every design detail, while the meticulously refined surface is pleasing both to the touch and to the eye.
The 2-mm-thick aluminium top cover wraps around the entire amplifier, reinforcing a sense of robustness and visual continuity. Even the venitlation cutouts create a design that is distinctive and very pleasing to the eye.

Wooden inserts recall the historic Unico logo, underlining the brand’s heritage. The Unison Research® logo itself becomes the On/Off power button: a distinctive detail that seamlessly combines functionality and identity.

Hybrid Architecture

Unico DM v2 adopts a refined dual-mono architecture, in which each channel is powered by its own 750 VA encapsulated toroidal transformer, potted and shielded to minimize electromagnetic interference. This approach ensures complete channel separation and delivers a wide, stable and three-dimensional soundstage.
In bridged mono mode, the power supplies are connected in parallel to provide an even greater energy reserve.

The three-stage amplification circuit has been designed to combine musicality, control and dynamics.
The first stage, a Class A valve stage using two ECC82 / 12AU7 Gold Lion valves, is the tonal heart of the amplifier, delivering speed, fine detail and a natural sound that conveys the full emotional impact of music.
The second stage is solid-state and operates transparently to adapt the signal to the output stage.
The final power stage features an innovative complementary push-pull configuration, using three parallel pairs of MOSFETs. Designed to deliver all the current required by the load, it ensures authoritative control, wide dynamics and consistently smooth, stable performance.

A.S.H.A.

With Unico DM v2, Unison Research® introduces the A.S.H.A. technology for the first time, marking a significant technical evolution that forms the foundation of the new Unico series developed around this innovative solution. From this technology comes a new and exclusive power-stage configuration, named Class A-AB, which combines the unmistakable musicality of Class A with the efficiency and reliability typical of Class AB.

The new architecture of Unico DM v2 ensures distortion levels that are virtually inaudible to the human ear, remaining consistent up to maximum output power. The result is extremely natural reproduction, rich in micro-detail and capable of conveying the full musical complexity without artefacts.
Even at low listening levels, the amplifier retains body, control and depth in the low frequencies, delivering a full and engaging sound under all conditions.

At the same time, Unico DM v2 is a highly powerful amplifier: a generous and constantly available energy reserve allows it to drive even demanding loudspeakers with authority. In monophonic (bridged) operation, the two power supplies are electrically paralleled, effectively transforming the dual-mono architecture into a true monophonic amplifier with a single, powerful power supply. This configuration makes full use of the available energy capacity and has been engineered to deliver maximum output power with both 8-ohm and 4-ohm loudspeakers, offering immediate dynamics, great impact, and a sensation of absolute control—without ever sacrificing refinement and naturalness.