Unison Research Simply Italy

Simply Italy

 

The Simply Italy was inspired by the iconic Simply Two integrated amplifier from Unison Research, and produced to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Italian unification. It's been designed to be faithful to the Unison Research tradition, by making it an integrated amplifier design that sounds great and pays attention to important audio engineering principles that reduce performance-affecting interference.

Because of the overwhelming success of the design, the Simply Italy shares many of the design features of the Simply Two. Both are ultra-linear, single-ended Class A designs that produce 12W per channel, and both use EL34 valves in the output stage and ECC82 valves in the pre-amp and driver stages to achieve Unison Research's trademark imaging, clarity and musical precision. But the Simply Italy offers a wide range of new features that were designed and developed more recently.

First, the output impedance has been adjusted from 8Ω to 6Ω, making the amplifier compatible with a greater variety of loudspeakers. Also, since a true dual-mono configuration would be impractical in such a compact amplifier, Unison Research designed a new “Quasi-Dual-Mono” power supply. In this configuration, the power transformer and first filter stage of the power supply are doubled, separating all pre-amp stages to allow for lower cross-talk and low distortion.

Thanks to Unison Research's ability to design specialised transformers in house, the Simply Italy is able to have an output stage consisting of one EL34 in a single-ended ultra-linear configuration. This mode of operation for the output transformers allows the pentode EL34s to operate almost as if they were triodes. Furthermore, an additional toggle switch allows for an adjustment of negative feedback in the circuit. This means the sound character of the amplifier can be adjusted to suit specific types of music or listening environments.

The appearance of the Simply Italy has undergone radical changes, when compared to the Simply Two. The front panel is a locally-sourced wood that's accented by contrasting wood inserts around the controls, that also acts as an anti-resonant support for the metal chassis. Then two stainless-steel bands beneath the valves add a touch of refinement, while additionally aiding performance by thermally isolating the valves from the electronic circuitry and output transformers. Finally, the control knobs are made from non-magnetic stainless-steel with a sufficient diameter and weight to provide a smooth 'flywheel' effect with excellent feel and rotational precision.

The Simply Italy is supplied with an infra-red remote handset which allows for convenient control over input switching and the premium motorised volume pot from ALPS. The back panel is finished with four large gold-plated terminal connectors that allow any type of loudspeaker cable to be connected easily, alongside clearly marked RCA inputs for multiple audio sources.

Key Features:

• Ultra-linear, single-ended Class A integrated amplifier

• Based on the iconic Simply Two design

• Combination of EL34 and ECC82 valves used

• 6 Ohm impedance for easier matching

• Specially designed power supply to suit compact size

• Switchable toggle for changing the effects of negative feedback

• Wood panel front plate adds extra damping to metal casework

• Clearly-labelled inputs and outputs

• IR remote allows for convenient operation

• RK27 Series motorised potentiometer from ALPS used for the volume pot

• RC2 remote with black wood finish included

• Premium Cherry Wood front panel

 

Technical Data:

 

Type: Stereo Integrated Valve Amplifier

Output Stage: Single-Ended, Ultra-Linear, Class A

Output Power: 12W per-channel (approx.)

Output Impedance: 6Ω

Input Impedance: 47kΩ / 50pF

Negative Feedback: Switchable, 5dB or 1.8dB

Valves: 2 x ECC82 (12AU7,  2 x EL34 (6CA7)

Power Consumption: 85W

Fuses: T1A from 220V-240V

Dimensions (W x D x H): 26 x 35 x 19cm

Net Weight: 15kg

 

Industry Reviews

 

   What Hi-Fi?, July 2014

   Score: 5 Star

 

 

 

“we can think of no finer option than this Unison Research. It’s well built, solidly engineered and sounds great.”

 

   

    Hi-Fi Choice, April 2012

    Reviewed By: Jimmy Hughes

 

• Sound Quality: 4.5 Stars

• Value For Money: 4.5 Stars

• Build Quality: 4 Stars

• Features: 3 Stars

• Overall Score: 4.5 Stars

 

Comments of Note:

“Build quality is very good”

Regarding two position switch - “The lower setting produces a brighter, livelier and more forward sort of sound, while the higher setting sounds smoother and more refined.”

“My regular amplifier – Musical Fidelity’s kW-750 – offers a massive 750W per channel, and therefore has power to spare. That the little Simply Italy stood its ground against such a beast is quite an achievement.”

“the Simply Italy sounds beautifully integrated and very well balanced tonally. Treble is crisp and immediate, yet spacious and homogenous.”

“Speaking of midrange, the Simply Italy has a deliciously liquid sort of midband performance that’s smooth, round and full.”

“the Simply Italy managed to bring out lots of detail and tonal allure”

“listening to an orchestral recording of Liszt – the piano concertos and a couple of symphonic poems – with Denis Matsuev and the Russian National Orchestra on RCA – it was amazing to hear how gutsy and powerful the Simply Italy sounded. On this recording, the amp performed with absolute assurance, sounding hugely impressive.”

“Like top Italian footballers, you have to spend quite a lot more to find something offering comprehensively higher all-round quality.”

“LIKE: Rich open transparent sound; relatively small size; great value”

“Excellent sound and attractive retro looks from a compact, affordable design”

Important Notes for Buyers

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