Decidedly different

Posted by: J.N. on 21 October 2002

(Used to be someone's sales slogan for Naim gear.)

Anyroad; a glowing review of the Unison Research 'Unico' integrated amplifier caught my attention and I bought one, ostensibly as an ideal partner for my Quad ESL 57's.

It's a valve/mosfet hybrid.

I'm currently assessing it, in between a CDSII and SBL's. Its fluid, intimate and three dimensional sound is a joy to witness and it sure does things with the mid-range and sound-stage that Naim amps do not.

It falls down a bit in the PRaT department; with a lack of absolute grip and slam on dynamics.

BUT; it is £750, 80 wpc and an absolute bargain.

Anyone else with experience of the Unison Research amps?

Posted on: 22 October 2002 by DAVOhorn

Dear John,

great to see a NAIM enthusiast having different equipment to listen to.

Different manufacturers approach the same ideal from different points of view.
This is what in my opinion makes this a fun hobby and i enjoy visiting friends houses to listen to different systems and also to be introduced to new music.
It is rare that i dont buy some of the music that i have heard at one of these evenings.

I have listened over the years to many NAIM systems and while i can appreciate that the owner enjoys what it does i would not purchase NAIM.

But friends have and are very loyal customers.

I look forward to hearing this new amp in the not too distant future.

regards David