Unison Research Unico DM v2

The DM v2 is the new flagship power amplifier of Unison Research's Unico series, and it introduces the company's A.S.H.A. technology. It pairs a Class A tube input stage with a powerful MOSFET output, in a dual-mono chassis that runs as a stereo amplifier or bridges into a single 650 W monoblock.

Tube musicality in front, current to spare behind it.

The Design

The front panel is machined from a solid 15 mm block of aluminum, with a 2 mm aluminum cover around the whole amplifier. Wooden inserts echo the historic Unico logo, and the Unison Research logo doubles as the power button. It comes in Midnight Black or Velvet Gold, the latter as a special order.

Dual-Mono Hybrid Architecture

Each channel has its own 750 VA encapsulated toroidal transformer, potted and shielded to minimize electromagnetic interference, which Unison Research says gives total channel separation and a wide, stable, three-dimensional soundstage. In bridged mono mode, the two supplies connect in parallel for an even larger energy reserve.

The amplification circuit has three stages, designed to combine musicality, control, and dynamics. The first stage is a pure Class A tube stage with two ECC82/12AU7 Gold Lion tubes, which Unison Research calls the tonal heart of the amplifier, bringing speed, rich detail, and a natural sound. The second stage is solid state and adapts the signal to the output stage. The output stage is a push-pull complementary design with three pairs of MOSFETs in parallel, built to deliver all the current the load needs for authoritative control and strong dynamics.

A.S.H.A. Technology

With the DM v2, Unison Research introduces A.S.H.A. for the first time, and it forms the basis of the new Unico series. It gives the output stage a new, exclusive Class A-AB configuration that joins Class A musicality to the efficiency and reliability of Class AB. Unison Research says the architecture keeps distortion practically inaudible and constant up to full power, and that the amplifier keeps body, control, and bass depth even at low volume levels. It also reserves ample power for demanding loudspeakers, and in bridged mono mode it's sized to deliver full power into both 8 and 4 ohm speakers.

Where It Fits

The DM v2 suits listeners who want tube character with the grip to drive difficult speakers, either as a single stereo amplifier or as a pair of bridged monoblocks. It's the matching partner to the PRE v2 preamplifier, and we can supply the pair together. We're happy to help you match it to your speakers.

Press Recognition

• Hi-Fi News, reviewing the Pre/DM v2 pair, gave it an Outstanding badge. The reviewer found the pair markedly different from earlier Unico separates and consistently thrilling and involving. Read the review at Hi-Fi News
• Hi-Fi News lab report on the DM v2. The magazine measured 2 x 240 W into 8 ohms and 2 x 405 W into 4 ohms, comfortably above Unison Research's ratings of 220 W and 340 W, and described it as a big, beefy solid-state power amp despite its tube input. Read the lab report

Questions about speaker matching, stereo versus bridged operation, or pairing with the PRE v2? Give us a call.

Specifications

• Type: Dual-mono hybrid power amplifier
• Output power (1 kHz, 1% THD), stereo: 220 W into 8 ohms; 340 W into 4 ohms; 370 W into 2 ohms continuous (limited by protections); 670 W peak into 2 ohms
• Output power, bridged mono: 650 W into 8 ohms; 650 W into 4 ohms
• Input stage: Pure Class A, ECC82/12AU7 Gold Lion double triodes
• Output stage: A.S.H.A. Technology, Class A-AB, three complementary MOSFET pairs
• Power supply: 750 VA encapsulated toroidal transformer per channel
• Inputs: 1 x RCA unbalanced; 1 x XLR balanced; 1 x remote power-on
• Outputs: 4 + 4 binding posts for bi-wiring; 1 x remote power-on
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 46 x 42 x 21 cm (18 x 17 x 8 in)
• Weight: 33 kg net
• Finishes: Midnight Black; Velvet Gold (special order)
• Maker: Unison Research, handcrafted in Italy