Unison S2k
Unison Research S2K is a pure Class-A, single-ended integrated amplifier
using the KT-88 power output valve. A legend amongst audiophiles, the
KT88 is capable of giving outstanding performance, but in the past has
generally been employed in push-pull designs for extra power at the expense
of refinement.
When used in single-ended mode however, the power output from each KT88
is a generous 16 Watts, and the benefits to sound quality are quite remarkable.
In S2K this excellent valve reveals its true potential, providing fine
detail, transparency, speed, depth and a very wide tonal palette. The
listener will immediately be aware of a sense of "rightness" to
the sound, a sure sign of natural, unforced musical presentation.
Inside S2K
Unison Research has always followed a no - compromise approach in manufacture.
So every component used in S2K is specially selected on the basis of
sound quality and long-term reliability.
For example, perhaps the most important aspect in the design of a tube
amplifier lies in the quality of its transformers. Unison Research are
masters in the art of precision transformer manufacture, and those used
in S2K - both mains and output transformers - are specially made in house
to the very highest standard.
External Parts
Both volume and input selector controls are polished stainless steel.
The heavy weight of the volume control makes it silky smooth in operation
due to its balanced flywheel-effect. Beneath the valves is an attractive
satin stainless steel plate which reflects heat away from the electronic
parts thereby keeping the amplifier at its best working temperature.
The trim parts, in traditional Unison Research manner are crafted from
solid hardwood, and hand finished with organic lacquer to enhance the
natural beauty of the wood. Input and output connectors are all gold
plated. Those for the loudspeakers outputs are of the latest CE approved
isolating type and will accept all normally used connection methods.
Specification
Output Stage: Single - ended. ultralinear Class-A
Output power: Approx. 15 watt per channel
Outup impedance: 4 - 8 Ohm outputs
Input impedance: 47 kOhm / 50 pF
Negative feedback: 10 dB
Bandwidth: 15 Hz - 40 kHz
Valve complement: 2 x ECC 82 (12AU7 - 58I4A) 2 x KT88
Power consumption: 150 watt
Main Fuses: T 3.15 A from 100V to 120V T 1.6 A from 220V to 250V
Dimensions (cm): 27.5 x 41 x 16.5 11 x 16.2 x 6.5 inches
Net weight: Kg. 18 / 40.5 lb
Mark
Levinson 326S Baby version of the Ref 32 Pre-amp at a reasonable
cost of £6,995. Like most technologies the benefits of
the research for the reference products trickle down into more
affordable products like the 326s Pre-amp. You get alot of the
quality of its bigger brother, providing a jump in the quality
available at this price. |
Ayre Acoustics C-5xe
Universal Disk Player Stereophile Extract: "It ought
to be fairly obvious that I found the Ayre C-5xe more than satisfactory.
I didn't expect it to disappoint, but I was unprepared for just
how much it delighted me. I've heard a lot of impressive audio
components over the years, but I've heard very few that afforded
me greater musical pleasure or sent me on as many voyages of
musical discovery through discs I thought I knew well." - Wes
Phillips, July, 2005 |
Gryphon
Diablo The ultimate reference integrated amplifier at £6100.
The Gryphon sonic magic in a reasonable sized and georgeous case,
you must hear this as it puts most pre power combo's to shame,
pure music at its best. |
Brinkmann
LaGrange turntableThe Brinkmann LaGrange turntable is without
a doubt the best source component I have ever had the chance
to enjoy over an extended period of time. It represents a level
of perfection and emotional connection to music that I have never
heard before. - Danny Kaey extract from Positive Feedback |
Teac Esoteric DV-50SThe
Esoteric DV-50 is the most fun you can have with digital music
playback short of the dCS trio reviewed
by Michael Fremer in April 2003 (Vol.26 No.4). Given that the
dCS gear costs about six times as much as the DV-50, the Esoteric
is a screaming bargain, especially considering its hyper-advanced
technology, bulletproof build, and exceptional sound. You can even
play movies on it. - Stereophile Extract |
ProAc D100 The
imposing new Response D100 takes on the mantle of flagship model
from our legendary Response Four, which has delighted discerning
audiophiles for the last twelve years.
The D100's produce stunning music, effortlessly. The enhanced sensitivity
extracts the tiniest detail from any recording without brightness
or exaggeration. Greater bandwidth creates a huge soundstage, drawing
in the listener and creating a concert hall experience, where the
loudspeakers seem to melt from the scene.. |
