Unison Research
Unico DS
Unison Research launches Unico DS flagship digital source
The Unico DS follows the design language of the Unico PRE preamplifier and Unico DM power amplifier as their digital-source companion. It is offered in Midnight Black and Velvet Gold finishes.
Georg S. Kuklick
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Unison Research has launched a flagship source combining network streaming, CD playback and digital-to-analogue conversion. The Unison Research Unico DS incorporates a CD transport, an ESS SABRE ES9038Q2M DAC and a fully balanced Class A valve analogue output stage.
Streaming support includes Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Qobuz Connect, alongside Roon Ready certification and DLNA/UPnP network playback. The unit provides wired Ethernet connectivity, while wireless networking requires an optional USB Wi-Fi adapter. Control is available through the mConnect Control app for Android and iOS. Bluetooth playback and two USB ports for external storage provide additional ways to play music.
The USB-B digital audio input accepts PCM up to 768 kHz, native DSD256 and DSD over PCM up to DSD128. AES/EBU and coaxial S/PDIF inputs support sampling rates up to 192 kHz, while the two optical Toslink inputs accept up to 96 kHz. Digital outputs comprise AES/EBU, coaxial S/PDIF and Toslink connections. RCA and balanced XLR analogue outputs deliver maximum levels of 2.5 V and 5 V respectively, with trigger input and output connections also provided.
The input stage uses two Gold Lion ECC83/12AX7 dual triodes in a differential configuration, with two Gold Lion ECC82/12AU7 valves in the final amplification stage. A Frequency-Dependent Feedback circuit reduces negative feedback as audio frequency rises. The converter circuitry uses five independent low-noise voltage regulators and Analog Devices AD8599 operational amplifiers for current-to-voltage conversion. A dedicated FPGA handles digital signal routing and processing, alongside two independent low-jitter clock oscillators and seven selectable digital filters.
The enclosure has a front panel machined from 15 mm solid aluminium, a 2 mm aluminium top cover and wooden accents referencing the original Unico logo. An OLED display sits above the CD drawer, with four dedicated transport-control buttons and a Unison Research emblem that doubles as the power button. A remote control is included. The unit measures 450 × 430 × 140 mm and weighs approximately 10 kg.
Key specifications
Product type | Network streamer, CD transport and DAC |
|---|---|
DAC | ESS SABRE ES9038Q2M |
Analogue output stage | Fully balanced Class A valve circuit with Frequency-Dependent Feedback |
Valves | 2 × Gold Lion ECC83/12AX7 input-stage dual triodes; 2 × Gold Lion ECC82/12AU7 final-stage valves |
Converter power regulation | Five independent low-noise voltage regulators |
Current-to-voltage conversion | Analog Devices AD8599 operational amplifiers |
Digital processing | Dedicated FPGA for signal routing and processing |
Clocking | Two independent low-jitter oscillators |
Digital filters | Seven selectable filters |
Signal-to-noise ratio | 120 dB |
XLR output noise | 5 µV RMS |
Distortion | 0.001%; measurement conditions unspecified |
Sources
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