UNISON RESEARCH UNICO PRE V2

Unico PRE v2 represents the pinnacle of the Unico series, a preamplifier that combines advanced technology with contemporary design. The aesthetic line is completely renewed, consistent with the new stylistic language introduced by the Unico family, blending elegance and modernity in every detail.

The front panel, machined from 15 mm thick solid aluminum, conveys solidity and precise craftsmanship. The Midnight Black and Velvet Gold finishes enhance the design details, while the surface, meticulously refined, is pleasing both to the touch and to the eye. The 2 mm aluminum top cover envelops the entire preamplifier, giving a sense of robustness and aesthetic continuity, while the wooden inlays recall the historic Unico logo, creating a bridge between tradition and innovation. The Unison Research® logo becomes an integral part of the design, transforming into the On/Off power button, a distinctive element that combines aesthetics and functionality.

The volume control is entrusted to a precision resistor circuit that ensures perfect channel balance and extremely accurate level adjustment, preserving signal integrity under all listening conditions. The internal architecture has been completely redesigned while maintaining the philosophy of no global feedback and dual-mono circuitry, long associated with naturalness and musicality. The new three-stage structure delivers a balanced, dynamic, and engaging sound: the ECC83/12AX7 Gold Lion tubes define the sonic character with very low distortion and quiet operation, while the solid-state stages interact harmoniously with the tubes, ensuring smooth, precise, and consistently musical reproduction even in the most demanding listening conditions.

The connectivity of Unico PRE v2 is designed for maximum versatility. It features RCA and XLR analog inputs, digital and phono inputs, allowing seamless integration into both traditional and advanced audio systems. The two RCA outputs dedicated to bi-amping, the XLR output, the unfiltered subwoofer output, and the Line In / Line Out connections allow the insertion of external processors or recording configurations. A 3.5 mm trigger output enables synchronized powering of power amplifiers or other connected devices, simplifying daily use. The integrated DAC, based on the Sabre ES9018K2M converter, integrates perfectly with the tube circuits, providing high-quality digital conversion with tonal consistency. The digital section includes one USB input, two S/PDIF inputs, and two Toslink optical inputs, accommodating all major digital sources with ease.

The integrated phono stage uses passive RIAA equalization and high-precision components to maintain the natural quality of the analog signal. Load and gain can be selected, adapting the stage to both MM and MC cartridges for optimal performance. The adjustments, easily accessible from the rear panel, ensure maximum flexibility and customization for everyday use.

Technical Specifications:

• Type: Fully balanced hybrid preamplifier
• Tubes: 2 × ECC83 / 12AX7 Gold Lion
• Operating mode: Class A
• Output stage: Solid state
• Volume control: Infrared
• Analog inputs: 3 × Line RCA; 3 × Line XLR; 1 × Phono MM / MC; 1 × Line In
• Digital inputs: 1 × USB; 2 × Toslink; 2 × S/PDIF
• USB: USB-B input, PCM up to 384 kHz, native DSD up to 256×, DoP up to 128×
• Toslink: 2 × inputs up to 192 kHz
• S/PDIF: 2 × inputs up to 192 kHz
• DAC: Sabre ES9018K2M
• Maximum input voltage: 2.58 Vrms (RCA) – 5 Vrms (XLR)
• Input impedance: 20 kΩ (RCA) – 57 kΩ (XLR)
• Gain: 20 dB (RCA) – 15 dB (XLR)
• Outputs: 2 × RCA; 1 × XLR; dual subwoofer output; Line Out; 1 × Remote Power On 12 V
• Maximum output voltage (@1% THD+N, 1 kHz): 8 V (RCA) – 16 V (XLR)
• Distortion: 1% THD @ 1 kHz
• Output impedance: 770 Ω (RCA) – 1500 Ω (XLR)
• Global feedback: 0 dB
• Power consumption: 50 VA
• Dimensions: 45 × 43 × 14 cm (17.5 × 17 × 5.5 inches)
• Net weight: 11 kg