UPDATE: The price is no longer $1,999 and there is now a new US distributor. This is still a very good piece even with the price bump, but the value proposition isn't as sweet as it was when this review went live. I still encourage an audition if possible.
@MagicMastering2 жыл бұрын
Sean, could you precise precise plus the reference of the Gold Lion tube? i would like to change it.
@yaniv-nos-tubes Жыл бұрын
you should try it with nos tubes they are much better than modern russian tubes. vintage mullards rca brimars or ge's are amazing ide start with mullards for smoothness ,brimars or rca's for warmth or ge's for clarity
@janulik9535 Жыл бұрын
@@yaniv-nos-tubes considering this amp, do you think I can get less wormth, (shift towards bright) from it than from cambridge cxa81?
@joeldouris94182 жыл бұрын
I can say with confidence that you haven't heard what this amp can do until you swap the tube, it's a major difference. I've been trying to match my Totem Hawks with an amp for over a year with no luck and Sean advised me to give the Primo a try. I didn't love it until I changed the tube, now its a match made in heaven. For tubes, I tried a Mullard and a Golden Lion (both 12AT7), preferred the Golden Lion. Intrigued to try others but I'm happy for now.
@twenty4seven3682 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing. Currently running hawks with Hegel h160. Maybe will try primo unico someday
@FlyGuy4573 жыл бұрын
I like the distinction you make between a listener and an enjoyer.
@DawidDoesTechStuff3 жыл бұрын
I bought the OG version of this amp recently for $870 used. Great sounding amp and it comes with a solid wood remote which is a nice touch.
@sonang77213 жыл бұрын
Wow, never knew you are also into Hi-fi stuff.
@ZeroFidelity3 жыл бұрын
Hey Dawid. Yeah, the price of these integrateds on the used market is awesome. I could even see people preferring the OG Unico, as the treble is more tame and the overall sound is slightly more romantic than what you get outta the Primo. I'm not sure if you still have it, but if ya do, enjoy!
@DawidDoesTechStuff3 жыл бұрын
@@ZeroFidelity Hey! Thanks for the reply. Yeah I still have it and really enjoy it. I prefer a more relaxed treble presentation, so it does work brilliantly for me. Great video by the way. 👍
@DawidDoesTechStuff3 жыл бұрын
@@sonang7721 Oh yeah! I have always loved HiFi.
@bardenhick21213 жыл бұрын
Had to double take when i saw this comment haha, i knew you had the 650’s (i think) but didnt think you were into 2 channel
@knobbshots3 жыл бұрын
Nice to see you doing a good-ole-fashion review again…this looks beautiful! Thanks
@BrianJamesReno3 жыл бұрын
I love these products that have been in continuous production for some time while going through very few revisions
@nathanbell69623 жыл бұрын
Yes like sugden stuff
@canaridissident7309 Жыл бұрын
Guarantee of quality.
@bobb.99173 жыл бұрын
BEAUTIFUL unit….as visually striking as my Italian espresso machine!! Molto Bella! Thanks for increasing my awareness! 👍🏼
@decoryder3 жыл бұрын
... that thing is absolutely fantastic - great review, and thx for exposing this amp to a greater audience!
@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph21203 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video review and Shoutout Sean 😃 Glad the Golden Lion 12at7 helped smooth the sound out and gave the integrated better performace overall .
@ZeroFidelity3 жыл бұрын
Thank YOU man! I didn't expect the 12AT7 to do much, and while it doesn't radically change the sound, it did improve things for the better.
@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph21203 жыл бұрын
@@ZeroFidelity Thats great Sean , I had a feeling the lower gain and quality of the tube would make a difference , I have already spent a grand buying tube/valves I been rolling tubes like crazy both Power/Pre tubes , And one thing i have heard for the 'MOST' part is that one tube doesn't sound better than the other tube, its the Synergy pairing with Speaker/Front end. Example My Elac ub52s sound best with the Golden lions Imho. While my 🔺 40th Comete sound best with my Psvane classic tubes 😆 (quality does matter also) Hope that made since. But me loving the Doge 😆 Thanks again Sean for the shoutout think i done gained like 40 subscriber's 😃
@javierartimemuniz70443 жыл бұрын
Thanks @Zero Fidelity for the hint. @@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120 I loved a couple of videos I have watched from your channel. I'll stay tuned. Keep it up.
@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph21203 жыл бұрын
@@javierartimemuniz7044 Thank you !!
@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph21203 жыл бұрын
Zero I got some more pretubes on order may take about 2 weeks but would like you to try out the Psvane classic 12at7 actually 'seems' to have lower gain than the Golden lions 12at7 and much smoother but the lions have very good clarity ! Sean i am having so much fun tube rolling ! Can't wait to review the Doge but i was asked to wait until Sept 😥
@blipco53 жыл бұрын
I just bought a Parasound A23+ and a P6 preamp. I'm thrilled with the sound but had I seen or even known about this Unico Primo, I would have bought it for its simplicity alone.
@OscarSanchez-tk3hx3 жыл бұрын
No man you did the right thing buying Parasound products John Curl the designer did the right thing just because this thing is from Italy doesn't mean is exceptional I own Technics class AA amplifier with my C 19 Carver vacuum tube preamp and I love the sound
@canaridissident7309 Жыл бұрын
@@OscarSanchez-tk3hx No one here is saying that it is good because it is from Italia. But obiouvsly it is pretty good and more obiouvsly it comes from Italia.
@canaridissident7309 Жыл бұрын
Simplicity is the way to go. Always.
@turbo77575 күн бұрын
Best review on this unit that I have heard to date. Great job. Just subscribed to your channel.
@hijmestoffels51712 жыл бұрын
I bought a Unico in 2006 and have never regretted it.
@hushpuppykl3 жыл бұрын
Your review is just spot on. I had that. It is a good integrated. Good build. Good sound. Don’t stick finger into the plastic cover of the IR control. It will detach. 🤣😂
@ZeroFidelity3 жыл бұрын
haha Thanks for the tip!
@sonang77213 жыл бұрын
I fall in love with the Italian sound when I listened to a pair of Rosso Fiorentino at an audio show a few years back.
@swiftraider7593 жыл бұрын
This Unico paired with a Mojo Dac goes to another level completely. This is my main rig for music listening and don't see any reason for upgrading for the value you get. I have the original version not the Primo. Rated at 85 Watts at 8 Ohm I can tell you I feel like I'm getting at least double that power. Only using about 30% when listening and it's plenty. It has the headroom for much more.
@tunio14ify Жыл бұрын
Exactly, I fully agree, I have the same well matched couple near 1.5 years. But now I replaced Mojo with Mojo 2! And now it is even better - imaging, instrument separation, depth, bass control. It is pretty fresh setup (2 weeks) but the differences are very obvious. And also I'm not going for anything else :)
@swiftraider759 Жыл бұрын
@@tunio14ify Very nice and glad to hear that. What kind of speakers are you utilizing? I currently have Sonus Faber Venere 2.5 that I enjoy. They do well with a variety of music but shine with Classical , Jazz, some soft rock. Hard rock not so much.
@MangoZen3 жыл бұрын
Great job Sean. If I didn’t already own a pretty satisfying system, this would be at the top of my list to audition
@khidu923 жыл бұрын
Glad you review Unico. It sounds really good.
@2ridiculous413 жыл бұрын
Oh no, last week it was an Australian accent and now it's Italian!
@markd42922 жыл бұрын
Cheers! Glad you mentioned Monitor Audio being a little tilted up in treble! Having enquired into Monitor Audio Silver 500's from a local dealer, he is totally anti Klipsch saying they are too bright, but to me: Monitor Audio is brighter than Klipsch. Go figure.
@fletchermunson62252 жыл бұрын
I am really happy with this amp. It really outshines a Vincent SV237 ($3k) Replacing the stock tube with a NOS RCA black plate 12AX7 ($100) did wonders, and also an excellent replacement tube is the PS Vane 12AX7 ($55)
@wilsentwins2 жыл бұрын
Vincent SV 237 MK is on my list, is it bad compare to this unico primo? Can we the noob change the tube in the unico primo?
@fletchermunson62252 жыл бұрын
@@wilsentwins The Vincent may be designed in Germany but as I recall made in China and the build quality of the Primo appears to be superior. The Primo is a powerful amp for it''s size. I have a 15x17 room and it drives my Dynaudio Special 40s and JBL 1600 HDI speakers to mid 80s db level at 3 to 4 out of 10 increments on the volume knob. The sound is round, nuanced, full, and tonally pleasing with lots of detail and "space". In comparison, the Vincent which I had for 30 days even after breaking, never matched the Primo for nuance, air and sound stage detail and scale. It was one of those products that just kind of presented the music with detail and good balance but it didn't "breathe" like the Primo. It sounded more solid-state while the Primo definitely gives you more tube flavor. With the Primo, changing the single tube has a marked impact on the sound. I have tested about eight different tubes in mine and it revealed each tubes character. (NOS RCA, PSVANE and Gold Lion Genelex being best in my opinion) Changing the tube in the Vincent seemed to yield little change. Vincent puts the tube up front in a little glass viewing space with a reflector behind it and a colored light. This arrangement make it difficult to get your fingers in there and change the tube. Seems like an audiophile version of a blue light on your back porch to attract flies. I also have a Schiit Freya+ and an Aegir amp. With a good cable these will run you $2000. Add a second Aegir and you are at $2800 all in with dual mono amps. This setup would be far superior to the Vincent for the same cost. In comparison, The Schiit setup is be a bit better than the Primo but they are very close and I listen to both. The Schiit setup also is three pieces and takes up more real estate. I never feel at all slighted listening to the Primo in comparison. I use a Bluesound streamer into a Schiit Gungnir DAC or an Audio Lab CRT transport for CDs.
@wilsentwins2 жыл бұрын
@@fletchermunson6225 thanks for sharing all the details bro, appreciate it. I also keep an eye on schiit, i thought schiit was worse than vincent. in my country it is not easy to ab testing hifi.
@fletchermunson62252 жыл бұрын
@@wilsentwins This is just an opinion. I'd give a listen to the Vincent. It does offer lots of features and if you like it, well, who is to say what you will be satisfied with.
@wilsentwins2 жыл бұрын
@@fletchermunson6225 bro, I just read it again, are you saying we can use aegir + vidar together?
@itamarkas3 жыл бұрын
Hi, Great review as always. Totally agree. Unison Research shines in the 'entry' level amps!
@andreigorin39673 жыл бұрын
Had the original Unico (with 2 tubes) for 6 or 7 years. Lovely amp! Upgraded to UR Unico 150 and it’s a beast of an amp. Will keep the original Unico for the second setup.
@BadMonkeyFinger_Audio3 жыл бұрын
I owned that one, too... the original with the solid block wood remote with only volume up and down. I wish I hadn't sold that amp... It was gorgeous, and sounded beautiful.
@damayor623 жыл бұрын
Great review as always! When one of my vintage systems bites the dust this will be a top contender to replace it. Thanks and Tee-Jay rocks.
@stimpy12263 жыл бұрын
Simple designs usually means high quality sound to my ears. It brings to mind most of the Audible Illusions pre amps especially the Modulus line. Beautiful sound, simple design. The difference is that it is a tube preamp line.
@Eschew_Obfuscation3 жыл бұрын
This review was well done in my opinion. I love your review style and point of view. I’d love to hear that integrated for myself. Keep up the great work!
@datdudeinred3 жыл бұрын
How on earth you always review something that nobody else even heard of. Bravo 🙌👏🏻 PS 1st to comment finally😂
@ZeroFidelity3 жыл бұрын
My favorite components usually come from the more obscure companies! Thanks for watching!
@dougg10753 жыл бұрын
It’s Italian, so there’s pride of ownership
@BadMonkeyFinger_Audio3 жыл бұрын
The original Unico I had happened to match extremely well with the various speakers I had at the time: NHT 2.5i, Neat Mystique II, StudioLab Reference 1, NHT 1.3. It brought all of those speakers to new levels of performance in a big way. It, of course, didn't have the grunt and balls-to the-wall output that its predecessor, the Bryston 4bst, had. HOWEVER, to my ear, it was much more refined than the Bryston, and still played without strain and far louder than my normal listening levels. In that room, with any of those pairs of speakers, it was sonic bliss. I'd love to own another original.
@kamadeva12 жыл бұрын
Upon your glowing recommendation, I got this last week, and I love it! Your description is dead on. I also paired it with my Denafrips Ares II DAC and it's a match made in heaven. The imaging and layering are truly remarkable.
@JPWinters2 жыл бұрын
Sounds like a nice match. Which speakers? And how does the amp sound at 90-95db?
@kamadeva12 жыл бұрын
@@JPWinters KLH Concords which are like 94dB efficient, so the amp hits dynamic peaks over 100dB no problem. I normally listen at like 70-85dB average.I wouldn't know for 90dB average as it would hurt my ears too much.
@PyxisLearning11 ай бұрын
Great, informative, and fun review! Thanks!
@noname-uo6hp3 жыл бұрын
Very cool Shawn. I have always enjoyed your class.
@thomasstanfel75893 жыл бұрын
Another great Zero Fidelity review.This is another amplifier I added to my Bucket List. And how do I get one of the big pimpin TEE JAY Stereo Bargainphile shirt ?
@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph21203 жыл бұрын
I got ya , Thomas I will email you on me lunch break today , pulling those 12hr shifts shhhhweee !
@neilba1 Жыл бұрын
Wow....that's VERY well made. Far nicer inside than I expected. Italians.....who knew?😉
@daniannaci32583 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Sean, for your description and encouragement of tube rolling. And with only one 12AX7 needed, it is especially easy to do. Preamp tubes like the 12 series definitely have an impact on sound due to their harmonic distortion signature, mostly 2nd order with some 3rd order, and little, of any,
@stevensullivan52873 жыл бұрын
I've got some killer 5751's that I'd love to hear in this unit. Paired with my Goldenear BRX I can imagine what the sonics overall would be like. Both are holo/spacial specialists, hang on baby.
@danielblais50473 жыл бұрын
@@stevensullivan5287 I have a GE 5751 in mine and it works wonders. The secret with this amp is to change the stock tube as soon as you can. It became such a better amp after the tube swap.
@stevensullivan52873 жыл бұрын
@@danielblais5047 Thanks for the insight, was pretty sure it would make a difference.
@danielblais50473 жыл бұрын
@@stevensullivan5287 tried a Gold Lion B759 yesterday. Wow, this is even better than the 5751. A little darker, more spacious presentation and deeper bass!
@rodkubo56793 жыл бұрын
I have the Unison Primo SE model - 140 wpc @ 8 ohms matched with totem sttaf speakers. A very enjoyable match. Also checked the retail outlet Osage Audio Products, LLC and they feature the Primo at the same price-point.
@SnapperX314 күн бұрын
Just caught Randy's review and saw you had reviewed this a while back. Seems like it would be a.good match with my Wharfedale Lintons. Thanks for the review.
@LorDarkGoose3 жыл бұрын
Interesting. I had the original Unico (before Primo) with dual tubes in the preamp and absolutely loved it. I decided to switch to the Primo because it had a sub output and really regretted it. I really struggled with the harmonics in the high frequencies. Made all my music sound digital (even after rolling the tube). Especially evident on my Totem Rainmakers.
@ZeroFidelity3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing! I confess to purposefully omitting a fact from this review: I owned the original Unico. :D. I decided to say nothing as I know tons of people would expect me to recall an experience I had with a product from over 10 years ago as though it were yesterday. That said, what I do recall matches your experience. The original had a softer top-end and more of a romantic sound. It was extremely pleasant to the ears! Most of the time anyway. The problem was that the original homogenized the sound and wouldn't be happy with certain genres of music, like say, rock or electronic. The Primo seems more resolute and happy to play any form of music, with the tradeoff being that boost to the HF. I could see it not playing well with those Rainmakers or most speakers with metal domes.
@JC-oz6xn3 жыл бұрын
@@ZeroFidelity Still have the original with two tubes. Was warmer, more organic, soulful and funky. As far as volume and Rock? I dare you to listen to the Allman's "At Fillmore East" through that amp. The Kevin gray rendition will knock you down with tone and color! And that's through a speaker rated at 86 sensitivity. Sound did remain warm at volume and sounded robust. Still running original military grade Phillips tubes!
@kiudont2 жыл бұрын
Dear Zero Fidelity, once I've heard the top of the line Unico 150 and it' really impress me for realism of reproduction, every instrument seems "real" and the voices had a beautiful organic texture. In the same session I've heard also the Luxman 507ux ii and the MF Nu Vista 600, the first very analitical but also musical, the second extremely smooth and round but both lacks something in terms of realism compared to the 150. Speakers was the Opera V SE from the same Unison Factory I think. It will be great if you could make a review on the 150, and maybe compare it to your favorite gear that stands behind you! :) Congrats for your chanel and reviews
@lonestar89892 жыл бұрын
Would this be a good pairing with the ls50 metas and denafrips ares2 dac? Thanks.
@Aubury3 жыл бұрын
I have had one since 2004, a delight. My very best hifi buy. My NHS hearing aides, had me in rapture, so much fades away, over time, that it becomes the norm. Its return shakes one.
@dilbyjones2 жыл бұрын
Still one of the leaders in my book
@oleksiifilippov683 жыл бұрын
Oh, you’ve popped the hood again! That’s romantic! 😁 Great review!
@Novilicious3 жыл бұрын
Damn those Italians and their gorgeous workmanship. The Yamaha as1200 and kinky studios ex-m1 are totally different in terms of sound, but worthy competitors as well. So many good choices in the Under $3k price point
@ZeroFidelity3 жыл бұрын
It's a great time to love music and the gear that makes it sound awesome!
@viggozing5982 жыл бұрын
I've had this great amp since 2016, but only yesterday realized that the volume knob operation, unlike most other amps, was counter clockwise.
@canaridissident7309 Жыл бұрын
What ? ! Only if it is a volume knob operation that is reset to no volume each time it is turned off, othewise it is a speaker's killer
@fetaface12039 ай бұрын
Seriously?
@viggozing5989 ай бұрын
yes!
@viggozing5988 ай бұрын
yes! @@fetaface1203
@carlitomelon46103 жыл бұрын
Good to see this model is still being produced. Integrated amp without a DAC? Cool! I remember it being compared to my Musical Fidelity X-150v3 back in the naughties (04?). I had to dig the Mu-Fi out again when my Magnepan LRS arrived. It drives the 4ohm load well, thankfully. LRS need a high current amp: My 40w valve amp choked on the load! Sean:- Did you find a spec for 4ohm output from the Unico?
@ThresholdZhor3 жыл бұрын
I repaired one and let me tell you that is one of the best sounding integrated amps.
@cremersalex3 жыл бұрын
They way you described it, the Unico Primo sounds like a perfect amp for my Wharfedale Lintons!
@ZeroFidelity3 жыл бұрын
It really would be.
@amb3cog3 жыл бұрын
I was thinking how it would be great with my Denton 80th Anniversary, which is even more rolled off then those Lintons, or the Denton 85th Anniversary editions. But yea, it would be great with anything from that line, and probably the Diamond line too. Which I also love. Wharfedale speakers definitely don't get enough love IMHO. ✌️
@narcistimofte6448 Жыл бұрын
Did you buy the Unico for the Lintons?
@TheHammerofDissidence3 жыл бұрын
"AY, TONE!" Disappointed you didn't do this review with a Paulie impression from Sopranos.
@ZeroFidelity3 жыл бұрын
Dang! A missed opportunity.
@sankichoudhury2 жыл бұрын
@@ZeroFidelity hi, I want to buy this amp , please tell me that KLH MODEL 5 is appropriate with this amp
@rickmathis85903 жыл бұрын
Sounds like something that I might just have to audition. Thanks for another great review!
@jamescox48233 жыл бұрын
Look at this, read the reviews avahifi.com/collections/solid-state-power-amplifiers/products/set-120-control-amplifier
@amb3cog3 жыл бұрын
@@jamescox4823 Honestly James. Having owned AVA products before, and not being very impressed at all. I seriously doubt that's anywhere near the SQ of this amp. I mean we're talking an actual tube preamp, with actual gain. Versus just adding more gain to an amp, and calling it a passive preamp. I'll take the two separate gain stages myself. All day, every day, and twice on Tuesdays. Thank you very much. Besides, it's a completely different sound signature anyway. Not to mention it's not made in Italy by a company that also makes $50,000 integrated tube amps. Sorry, but it's just on a lower rung. And while sure, many people will like it. How many will honestly like it better then the Unico? Besides Frank Van Alstine I mean. 🤣🤣🤣
@jamescox48233 жыл бұрын
@@amb3cog You are wrong, you need to listen to this amp. I have many amps including pure tube ultra valves and this one is categorically better. Do a little research, read all the reviews on this. My guess is you think B&W speakers sound good?
@amb3cog3 жыл бұрын
@@jamescox4823 Whatever you say Troll! ✌️
@jamescox48233 жыл бұрын
@@amb3cog So I call BS on your OPINION and the name calling starts! So now that we have established you are an opiniated snob we also know your political affiliation. Again I have several tube components and this amp is really good, esp paired with my Dennifrips DAC.
@exodusvelo3 жыл бұрын
you got me with the mozarella part already
@xstensl8823 Жыл бұрын
wonder how it would compare with my Rega Brio?
@Shaken_AND_Stirred3 жыл бұрын
I think it's beautiful. I love the looks of it. I just wished it had more power. I'm really looking to move up in the power department. It's ironic that you also show the M6si, as that has been my main choice, UNTIL, they started making the M6 500si again, which is what I really want. Great video. Thanks
@ZeroFidelity3 жыл бұрын
This Review was NOT sponsored by 'Wild Interiors'. That said, I kinda wish it was. :D :D
@thomasstanfel75893 жыл бұрын
What the heck is a " wild interiors"
@oleksiifilippov683 жыл бұрын
No biggie! Opened cover’s more than enough! Who cares about the other interior? 😆
@philipknight32703 жыл бұрын
Good review, but not at all a revelation as Unicos have been rated highly by reviewers and users for years. If you need more grunt and db's then get the Unico Secondo. I have used one for 11years and absolutely love it. Tests at over 110w into 8 and 180w into 4 ohms. Has driven ATC, Kef Ref one-two and currently Canton A45 without breaking a sweat. Beautifully built with dynamic, balanced, detailed SQ. Cheers.
@juanmillaruelo76472 жыл бұрын
There is a substantial market in the USA for a) tube or tubey sound.b) lively presentation c) subwoofer output to compensate down low (and offload quite a lot of power handling to the powered sub, giving the amp more breathing room). Power? 80wpc is still enough, but not for a "party amp". How does it handle current capability and crazy speakers that go down to 2 Ohms (sometimes even less)? How is customer support? When you plonk 2000 down you have to bear this in mind.
@_MD802 жыл бұрын
Hi Sean, great review. What's your opinion on the Unico Primo over the Kinki Studio EX-M1? Which would you rather keep?
@epi20453 жыл бұрын
I love this thing. Will be my next purchase. Dual sub outs and price… wow!
@Taffy843 жыл бұрын
Specs ate their website say 1 subwoofer out so I think that may be L/R sub out.
@2ridiculous413 жыл бұрын
I had a Unison Research something, maybe even a Unico something... about 15 years ago and very good it was too. I seem to remember it being close to your description. That was back in the day when you could such things cheaply on eBay.
@ZeroFidelity3 жыл бұрын
The original Unico had a softer sound. The tradeoff is that the sound was a bit more rough around the edges - in that budget kinda way.
@2ridiculous413 жыл бұрын
@@ZeroFidelity A lifetime of life has wrecked my memory of how it sounded. I just remember liking it at the time.
@ZeroFidelity3 жыл бұрын
@@2ridiculous41 - It was and still is a very easy integrated amplifier to like. Glad it was a part of your journey!
@2ridiculous413 жыл бұрын
@@ZeroFidelity YIKES!!! You said "part of your journey"!!! Just when I thought you had avoided the language conformity pandemic amongst hifi reviewers. "Holographic", "your journey"...
@Radarcb3293 жыл бұрын
The assertion of the high end could be due to tube compression. The beautiful thing about tube’s non-linear response which is octave distortion. But frequency response effect occurs because larger amplitude sounds get more reduction, so highs are relatively louder. Do the compression at lower power, in the pre-amp, allows it to be done more precisely quadratic.
@lukerabin50793 жыл бұрын
It is a nice piece of industrial design.
@timsdeskontask39583 жыл бұрын
Hey Sean - great review and I appreciate the work your doing. I was wondering if you thought the Unico Primo with the tube roll would work well with my Klipsch RP8000F?
@diegov.77413 жыл бұрын
Mamma mia che recensione fantastica! Love from Italy!
@diegov.77413 жыл бұрын
PS I hate you guys a little bit, this amp is more expensive here in Italy than in the USA. Brutti stronzi!!!
@SmallRoomAudio3 жыл бұрын
Duuude that Italian accent, genius! 😆
@9hundred672 жыл бұрын
it looks delicious inside
@sudipdutt96993 жыл бұрын
Reminds me of 1st Puccini amplifier from AA. About 2 decades...
@jked74633 жыл бұрын
Sounds like it would pair up well with a high quality single driver full range speaker.
@SteveMallen2 жыл бұрын
Interesting review! How would this compare with, say, Marantz Model 30? I know there's no tone controls but I wonder how the phono stage compares for example? (Looking to upgrade from a Yamaha AS-801 here)
@MrMjdv013 жыл бұрын
Hello Sean, first time commenting on your review and I love it. I have a UR unico nuovo, an older model but the inside is pretty much the same layout. I noticed that you said you didn’t have the phono stage but if I’m correct, if you had the top of, directly behind the tube is a small print plate vertically mounted. In my layout that is where my phonostage is connected. So isn’t that the phono stage in your amp as well? Great review! I love my amp and if possible will se if I can update to the bigger brother. Thanks for all the details and the work in your video’s. Love it. Peace…
@andreytipaev80362 жыл бұрын
Hello. What speakers do use with this amp? I have the same and I'm looking for bookshelves that will be the best match. Thank you.
@aramis19727 ай бұрын
Great review, thanks. I have Unico Primo with Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G and I have a great sound for my taste. Now i’m serching that tube, but from technical specification from factory the original tube is ECC83 (12AX7) and not ECC81 (12AT7), how did you manage to use that valve?
@levb8579 Жыл бұрын
I had the Unico SE with Triangle Celius ES since the early 2000's. A bit of a mishap forced me to swap my Unico SE with its big brother the Unico Secondo a couple of years ago. And when Sean made the comparison between Triangle's Australe EZ with the Forte III's, I decided to pull the trigger on the Australe since no one around here carries Klipsch's Heritage speakers. Couldn't be happier. Now I'm thinking that maybe I should look into tube rolling. It's a toss-up between the Golden Lions & Telefunken Black Diamond, both around $125 / matched pair.
@yongdol734 ай бұрын
The lowest price you can get for Primo is usd 1,122 in Korea right now. A great value I have to say
@wilsentwins Жыл бұрын
I saw another review of this unico primo has 2 tubes? Is this the old model?
@markfischer36263 жыл бұрын
Here are two major reasons why hi fi sound cannot reproduce the tonality of concert hall sound. BTW, I'm not an audiophile, I'm an engineer, scientist, and music lover. 1. As sound dies out in a concert hall due to reflections the treble dies out faster. Typically a concert hall for a symphony orchestra as an RT, that is reverberation time, the time it takes for sound to fall by 60 db which is a factor of 1,000,000 1.8 to 2.0 seconds at 1 khz. By 8 khz it's half that. So the first sound you hear has the sharpest attack, the most transients, the greatest clarity. As the sound dies out it becomes mellower, warmer. So the tonality is inextricably linked to the reverberation. Because recordings to be played through loudspeakers must be miked closely they capture mostly the direct sound and mostly early reflections. What reflections they do capture is not in proportion to what you would hear live. 2. What you hear from a recording is ideally "overall flat frequency response" but that goes all the way back through the recording microphones. Every element in the recording and playback system can alter the overall frequency response. Therefore with no way to adjust the system frequency response for each recording's own unique spectral balance the one size fits all paradigm of contemporary high end high fidelity sound reproduction systems is flawed in this way. There's a lot more to high fidelity sound reproduction than this. My approach is studying sound fields using physics and mathematical modeling and engineering sound fields from memory of how they might sound live. It is a very complicated problem that no hi fi manufacturer addresses. In fact it takes an entire system approach to address it.
@johnmerriman274 Жыл бұрын
Hey Sean great review. I have been considering the Primo lately and am wondering if you have heard the Billie Mk2 and if so, how would you compare it to the Primo?
@chunchiattan76033 жыл бұрын
Definitely need audition after seeing this, Bravo indeed! How would you rate if this is to pair with KLH model 5? Would it be too much of liveliness as compare to your favorite pairing using Yamaha AS1200?
@ZeroFidelity3 жыл бұрын
Surprisingly enough - it's a very good match. So long as the treble switch on the KLH is on the minimum setting.
@pedroaraujo63004 ай бұрын
@@ZeroFidelity: preference: Unico Primo or Yamaha A-S1200 to pair with the KHL Model 5?
@kostass3124 Жыл бұрын
One more great review Sean !!! Hello from Greece :) You mention that the amp has elevated treble. My question is this: You always use a standard (external) DAC to review a unit ? Because if indeed true, this means we do not know exactly how fi the Primo performs since is effected by the sound of the dac. If not, you test with an analog source? And you also compare the Primo with the m6si. Which dac is used with the Primo? Just curious :) Cheers !
@fabricesenut5778 Жыл бұрын
There is no DAC inside the Unico Primo.
@hurtsinagoodway3 жыл бұрын
I picked up the original version (power switch in back) and love it. A pair of the latest Elac Uni-Fi Reference bookshelves should be here in a few days . . thinking this should be a great match. I’m currently running it with a Mullard but intrigued about trying it with the Gold Lion. I know it’s only $40 but any thoughts if this particular switch would be worth the hassle to try?
@alexanderpinontoan34923 жыл бұрын
Next review Opera Loudspeakers, same company as Unison Research. They have good looking and musical loudspeakers.
@666chew3 жыл бұрын
Noticed it only uses a pair of output devices per channel so it's fast, which would explain the quick and lively description.
@gabrielbacca381 Жыл бұрын
This is a great video. Very interesting hybrid amp. does anyone know how does this Unico Primo compare to the Heaven11 [Billy] hybrid amp in terms of sound stage ?
@MichaelLivingston-me3 жыл бұрын
The Italians really know how to make beautiful objects. There I go, I've objectified an amplifier. I'm sure I've crossed a line somewhere. I have to wonder how well it would mate with Sonus Faber. Their Maxima Amator looks like a nice match for a small tower..
@froidd7582 жыл бұрын
I bought a Unico Secondo used with an installed pair of RFT tubes...and I'm very happy with the sound... lush and satisfying os what I describe it.. Wondering how much different if I change it to a pair of Gold Lions.
@robertm85183 жыл бұрын
Excellent review!
@danilovujovic37963 жыл бұрын
I have found your comparison with the M6si the most intriguing part of the video. Considering there are some similarities in their respective sound signatures with the higher registers being slightly elevated, would the speaker matching recommendation for M6si be similar as well: e.g. Buchardt Audio S400, Dynaudio Evoke Series, Harbeth, etc? Thanks and keep up the good work 👍
@ZeroFidelity3 жыл бұрын
Very similar in terms of ideal speaker matching, yep.
@danielblais50473 жыл бұрын
I had 3 integrated amps: Naim Supernait 3, M6si & Unico Primo (with the stock tube replaced by a GE 5751). Tried all 3 with my Harbeth M30.1. I sold the M6si as I found it had too much grit in the trebble and the soundstage was too forward. The Supernait 3 is now paired with my Martin Logan Montis in another system while the Primo is happy driving the Harbeths. This is one of the most underestimated integrated amps out there... if you replace the stock tube...
@enjoyunreality2 жыл бұрын
@@danielblais5047 do you think the primo has better sound quality then the supernait 3 ?
@danielblais50472 жыл бұрын
@@enjoyunreality That is a tough question. I think if you factor in price: yes. In absolute terms where price is not factored in, I think the Naim is more revealing and has more drive, especially with harder to drive speakers like my Martin Logan Montis. I now have a Gold Lion tube in the Primo and I think it makes sweeter with small jazz ensembles or vocal music. At more than 2X the price, you have to realy dedicated to go for the Naim instead of the Primo...
@a29h173 жыл бұрын
Hi Sean!, Excellent review BTW. How would you say the Unico Primo compares to the Yamaha A-S2200 in high-frequencies performance and in overall sound. I am looking to buy an integrated amplifier and want something for upbeat tempo music such as rock/jazz fusion. I don't like smooth rolled-off highs.
@enricobabic31773 жыл бұрын
Hi mate greetings from Australia. Im going through the process of building up my 2 channel system, My first purchase was a Avid Sequel SP turntable with a SME Series 4 tonearm and 2M Bronze cart, phono stage is Simaudio MOON 110LP V2. Have just bought The Unico Primo which will replace a Sansui G-7700 powering a pair of AR94's which have been recently refurbished. I'm thinking of replacing the AR's with a pair of KLH Model 5's. In your opinion will these speakers add an improvement and will they pair well with my system. Cheers Enrico.
@ukbij2 жыл бұрын
Sean, there seems to have been a power supply upgrade on this model. The previous one has this curved heat sink around the transformer unlike the rectangular one in your sample. It also does not have that protective casing with Unison branding around the transformer. Some online stores talk about this and mention, how Unison improved the dynamics, bass performance with the upgrade which also included the caps. Do you have a view on this. I am seeing some 2nd hand options coming into the used market with the older PS. They pair with the RC2 remote. So I am assuming they are not the previous generation model pre 2011.
@amb3cog3 жыл бұрын
Great review Sean! So tempted to pick this up. It sounds to me like this is the best deal out there right now, if the sound signature, and power level fits you, and your setup. Assuming SQ is your goal anyway. And let's face it. 80 watts isn't exactly low powered IMO. More like medium power. My 60 watt power channel Akitika GT-102 can get louder then I need, as can my Marantz 2275 at 75 watts per. Heck even the Marantz pm6006 (40 watts per) I bought for my girlfriend gets crazy loud on all my speakers. Some of which are only 86db too. So while yes you're not powering a pair of Cerwin Vega's at party levels. In most rooms. 80 watts is quite a lot actually. And many times, in small rooms like mine, those extra watts. And that extra bass boost some amps have, like the MF M6si, can actually become a problem. Especially is you have floorstanders, or speakers that are on the edge of working well in your room already. I guess what I'm saying is that high powered, low powered, and medium powered amps all have their advantages. As well as their weaknesses. And I would hate to see someone not consider this, just because they're under the mistaken belief that it won't have enough power. So to those people, I say. Try it out, and see. Because I doubt you're doing better then this for the money. It clearly beats out many $3k amps out there in SQ, just not power, and features. Something many people won't even use anyway. And besides, you've got the ability to tune it to your liking via tube rolling anyway. And there's accessories out there to add features.
@ZeroFidelity3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching Scott! The Primo is a great amp for sure, and a very solid value at its current asking price.
@claudionesdebologna25333 жыл бұрын
I don't doubt a 40watts amp can sound loud but... a 100 watts, 150 watts, 200 watts amp will keep its composure at high levels, as in all the frequencies are carried together with the same balance
@amb3cog3 жыл бұрын
@@claudionesdebologna2533 It's not that simple at all. It depends on the speakers, and the amps. And the room, and the max volume you listen at. There's plenty of 200 watt amps that can't drive a pair of Magnepan LRS speakers, but a 70 watt Hegel, or a 60 watt Naim will drive them all day. That's why I said to give it a try. And besides it's not a 40 watt amp. It's an 80 watt per channel @ 8ohms amp. And it will power most speakers to reasonable listening volumes in most rooms. But no it's not going to play at 100db happily, unless you have very efficient speakers. I own about 20 pairs of speakers, and this amp will drive them all in my room just fine. Same as that 40 watt Marantz did. Watts is probably the most misleading spec out there. Every single new audiophile spends way too much time concentrating on watts, and many other basically meaningless specs. Watts does not tell you the amount of current the amp has, and that's what really matters in most cases. You, and everyone else out there should do themselves a huge favor, and stop looking at specs. And start concentrating on the equipments abilities in the real world, and on who designed it. Some of the best amps you'll ever hear are low wattage.
@chuckisidro86243 жыл бұрын
Great video Sean! Since you mentioned it, what’s the update on the Dynaudio Contour i bookshelf speakers? 👍🏻
@ZeroFidelity3 жыл бұрын
Still a good ways out. I appreciate your enthusiasm!
@latts522 жыл бұрын
Enjoyed the review. I have the unico due with two 12ax7 input tubes. Do you think it would be safe trying two 12at7 tubes? I have a pair of Siemens NOS 12at7 tubes on hand…
@jamesrobinson91763 жыл бұрын
I'd like to pick up their cd player, I hear it's good.
@earthstick3 жыл бұрын
I'm still using the original Unico. Similar to this, but 2 ECC82 tubes. I rarely crank the volume, but the sound does change when I do. Some people say it gets 'airy', I think thin.
@adotoshny3 жыл бұрын
Hi Sean. I like your videos and the way you providing information. But it feels like you rushing somewhere constantly - it is just not natural pace for you. It came up with recent videos and when I'm looking back - I see more cozy and engaging talk. I do think that you are receiving lots of comments and people tend to pickup information really quick these days but my preference staying with your old approach. Come on, we talking about music - do we need to speed track on x1.25 to listen it quicker? I hope pointed my thoughts here. It keeps coming to me with each new video from you and couldn't keep it to myself anymore 😂 Please continue to create videos as you want, I will be subscriber regardless. Thank you.
@dellestom11432 ай бұрын
Hi from Italy 😉 I'm an happy owner of the model Unico Nuovo (2 ECC83 - 1 each line preamp and power 95W+95W). I would ask a suggestion about the match with Martin Logan ElectroMotion ESL model, hybrid too loudspeakers. Do you think the Unico has enough power to move the electrostaic panels? Is the match in high frequency right? Many thanks
@-Ambos-3 жыл бұрын
Nice review! Would a Subwoofer compensate the lack of power? Not sure if my thinking ist wrong
@og23852 жыл бұрын
Hi I like your to the point reviews Look at Rogue Sphinx V3 Integrated ampTube / Class D Including MM /MC Included Made in the USA keep it up OG
@getstarted483 жыл бұрын
Hey Sean. Nice review man, as usual! Looking to replace my Musical Paradise MP-301 MKIII Integrated, although it still sounds great, but since my speakers are Quad ESL 57's, I think I should be looking for a little more power. Would the Unico be suitable? If not, what would be your recommendation?
@a88888888a4 ай бұрын
Did you get the unison? How was it
@nate_84033 жыл бұрын
I wonder how this would compare to a hegel h95. Does that tube make a worthwhile difference?
@peterhaslund2 жыл бұрын
Do you have any experiences with the Unico 150? Might it be comparable sonically with more oomph?
@gianlucavanelli50552 жыл бұрын
Does someone know the difference b/w unico primo and unico secondo? Which is more recent? And how do both compare to unico nuovo?