UNISON RESEARCH UNICO 90

The Unison Unico 90 is a Dual-mono integrated amplifier that delivers 100W at 8 Ohms and 160W at 4 Ohms, designed with a hybrid AB class circuit and zero feedback. The heart of this amplifier consists of a hybrid structure, where the gain and sound character are determined by a single tube stage. For this, ECC83 and ECC81 tubes are used, configured in a way to achieve the lowest possible output impedance, a feature reminiscent of the most prestigious valve amplifiers. The result is pure, detailed sound quality with powerful and dynamic response.

The output stage utilizes three pairs of thermally stable Class AB HEXFETs for each channel, an approach already established in the Unico 150 model, which has been adapted and reduced for the Unico 90, while maintaining effectiveness and quality. The design of this amplifier is based on the experience and technical choices that have made Unison famous, particularly the decision to minimize the active amplification stages. With a single two-stage circuit and zero global feedback, the Unico 90 aims for maximum structural simplicity, avoiding complications that could negatively affect distortion.

The preamplifier section is fully passive, and the volume control is designed to ensure the minimum possible noise. The use of an ALPS potentiometer further improves channel balance precision, while the input switching control employs miniaturized, shielded mechanical relays positioned behind the connections to reduce crosstalk. The integrated design of this amplifier reflects the philosophy of its founder, Giovanni Maria Sacchetti, combining both the preamplifier and power amplification sections into a single circuit, optimizing space and minimizing the signal path.

The Unico 90 is built with high-quality components and fiberglass printed circuit boards. The power transformers, one for each channel, are vertically mounted, shielded, and encapsulated to ensure optimal performance and stability. Connectivity is broad and versatile, with six gold-plated unbalanced RCA inputs and two pairs of balanced XLR inputs. It also features a bypass input for integration into multichannel systems, and the outputs include a line-level output for an active subwoofer and two pairs of binding posts for speakers, both active and connected in parallel to facilitate bi-wiring.

The Unico 90 is a pure analog amplifier, without DAC, network, USB, or Bluetooth, designed to drive a wide range of modern speakers thanks to its power and Dual-Mono nature, providing independent power to each channel. The product’s solid and traditional design takes inspiration from the aesthetics of the Unico 150 model, with a three-plate aluminum front panel available in satin silver or black finishes. The volume control and input selection are managed via two large knobs, with blue LEDs indicating the selected input and flashing to signal that the tubes are warming up.

Unison recommends waiting about ten minutes after powering on to achieve the best performance. The amplifier is operated via the front panel controls or the included RC2 remote, which is finished in wood and features small buttons. With over 30 years of experience, Unison Research continues to deliver quality products fully made in Italy, from design to production and listening tests, providing music enthusiasts with an extraordinary sound experience. Despite its appearance as a typical integrated amplifier, the robust chassis perfectly reflects the handcrafted Made in Italy philosophy that has always distinguished the brand.

Technical Specifications:

• Power: 100+100 W RMS at 8Ω / 160+160 W RMS at 4Ω
• Frequency Response: -1dB @ 12Hz and 45kHz -3dB
• Input Impedance: 21KΩ // 300pF
• Sensitivity: 860mV RMS
• Input and Gain Stage: Pure Class A, with ECC83 tubes + ECC81 double totem-pole
• Output Stage: Thermostable Class AB, with complementary HEXFETs (3 pairs per channel)
• Number of Stages: 2, signal amplification and power amplification
• Inputs: 6 line (3 unbalanced, 2 balanced, 1 unbalanced bypass)
• Line Outputs: 1 tape, 1 sub (with volume control)
• Output Connections: 4 + 4 bi-wiring
• Global Feedback Factor: 0 dB
• Local Feedback Factor: 0 dB
• THD: < 0.15% @ 1kHz, 1 W / < 0.5% @ 1kHz, 10 W
• Output Impedance: < 0.4 ohms, resistive across all audio frequencies
• Power Consumption: 550 W (maximum power at 8 ohms)
• Dimensions: 43.5 cm x 44 cm x 18 cm (h)
• Weight: 20 kg