Unison Research Unico Due Integrated Amplifier

The Unison Research Unico Due is a hybrid integrated amplifier that pairs an ECC83 valve preamplifier with a Dynamic Class A solid-state output stage, delivering 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms. Built in Italy, it folds in an ESS Sabre DAC and a moving-magnet phono stage, so one chassis covers digital, analog, and vinyl with the warmth of valves and the grip of transistors.

Key Features of the Unison Research Unico Due

• Hybrid valve and solid-state design: A single ECC83 double-triode per channel runs the Class A preamp stage, feeding a Dynamic Class A bipolar output stage that keeps valve character while driving real loudspeakers.
• 100 watts per channel: 100+100W into 8 ohms, rising to 180+180W into 4 ohms, backed by 80,000uF of filter capacitance.
• Built-in ESS Sabre DAC: A USB input feeds an ES9018K2M converter that handles PCM up to 384kHz/32-bit and DSD256.
• Moving-magnet phono stage included: An MM phono board is fitted as standard and can be reconfigured for moving-coil cartridges.
• Standalone DAC and subwoofer outputs: A dedicated DAC line output and a volume-controlled subwoofer output open up extra system options.
• AV bypass input: One line input runs at fixed gain for clean integration into a home-theater system.
• Made in Italy: Hand-assembled by ARIA with selectable mains voltage and IR remote control.

A Valve Preamp With Solid-State Muscle

The Unico Due's character starts at its input stage, where a single ECC83 (12AX7) double-triode per channel runs in Class A and handles voltage gain before the signal reaches the power section. That valve front end feeds a Dynamic Class A output stage built around bipolar power transistors in a double complementary pair, what Unison Research calls its Super-Symmetric configuration. The result is the tonal richness of a valve preamplifier with the load tolerance and speaker control of a solid-state output, so you get the warmth without the fuss of running a full valve amplifier.

Dynamic Class A Power Delivery

Rated at 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms, the Unico Due nearly doubles to 180 watts into 4 ohms and reaches 290 watts into 2 ohms, so it stays composed into demanding loads. Dynamic Class A biasing lets the output stage hold Class A operation across normal listening levels and draw more current only when the music asks for it, which keeps the amplifier efficient without giving up the first-watt quality valve listeners care about. A large power supply with 80,000uF of filter capacitance and an encapsulated toroidal transformer sits behind all of it.

An ESS Sabre DAC On Board

A USB input feeds the Unico Due's internal ES9018K2M, one of the well-regarded ESS Sabre converters, which handles PCM files up to 384kHz/32-bit and DSD256. That makes the Due a complete digital source for a computer or streamer without a separate outboard DAC. A dedicated DAC line output sits alongside it, so the converter can also feed another component or a headphone amplifier independently of the preamp.

Phono Stage for Vinyl, MM or MC

The Unico Due ships with a moving-magnet phono board already fitted, set to 47kOhm / 220pF with 40dB of gain, and a service engineer can reconfigure it for moving-coil cartridges at 100Ohm / 440pF and 50dB. A selectable +10dB lift adds headroom for lower-output cartridges. RIAA equalization is active at low frequencies and passive at high frequencies, an approach that keeps the top end clean. Turntable owners get a genuine onboard phono stage rather than an afterthought.

Connections and Everyday Control

The rear panel carries three line-level RCA inputs, one of which can run as a fixed-gain AV bypass for a home-theater processor, plus tape and phono inputs and the USB digital input. Outputs include a tape loop, a volume-controlled subwoofer output for adding a sub or running a 2.1 system, and the independent DAC output. An IR remote controls volume and source, the front display dims or switches off, and a selectable mains transformer means US units arrive set for 120V operation.

Built in Italy

Unison Research builds the Unico Due in Italy through its ARIA workshop, and the internal layout shows it: a central heatsink tunnel, a bank of red reservoir capacitors, and a tidy mainboard with the valves mounted clear of the power supply. The encapsulated transformer and generous filtering reflect a power supply designed for the amplifier's current demands rather than a budget afterthought.

About Unison Research

Unison Research is an Italian manufacturer known for valve and hybrid amplifiers that put music first. The Unico line is its hybrid family, combining valve preamplification with solid-state output stages to make the valve sound practical for everyday systems and a wide range of loudspeakers. Each Unico model is built in Italy.

Explore the Unison Research Unico Line

The Unico Due sits in the upper half of Unison Research's Unico hybrid integrated range. For a more compact starting point, the Unico Primo is the line's entry and the Unico Nuovo steps up in power and chassis size. Above the Due, the Unico 90 is a purist line-level design, and the flagship Unico 150 delivers 150 watts per channel for demanding speakers and larger rooms.

The Listening Room Difference

We're a third-generation family business with a brick-and-mortar showroom in Chestertown, Maryland, and a reputation built on exceptional service and relentless passion for hifi. Whether you're visiting in person or ordering online, we bring decades of experience, personalized service, and honest guidance to every interaction. We don't just ship boxes. We help build systems, answer your questions like real humans, and make sure every detail of your setup is right, from the cables to the final connection. Our passion is helping you get the most out of your gear, with support that lasts well beyond the sale.

Unison Research Unico Due Specifications