Unison Research Simply Italy – Integrated Valve Amplifier
The Unison Research Simply Italy is a modern reimagining of the highly successful Simply Two, one of the world’s most acclaimed integrated valve amplifiers. Building on the legacy of the Simply Two, the Simply Italy preserves the musicality and reliability that made its predecessor beloved while introducing a refined design and new technical improvements.
Design and Construction
The Simply Italy stays true to Unison Research’s tradition of crafting integrated amplifiers that enhance audio performance while simplifying audio setups. By housing both preamp and power stages within a single chassis, the Simply Italy reduces the need for extensive cabling, enhancing signal integrity and lowering costs.
Visually, the Simply Italy reflects a contemporary Italian design ethos. The wooden detailing, now focused on the front panel, adds elegance, with circular wooden inserts giving the controls a refined touch. Two satin stainless-steel bands under the valves not only elevate the amplifier’s aesthetics but also improve heat dissipation, isolating key electronic circuits and transformers for enhanced reliability and sound quality.
Pure Class-A Circuitry and Superior Transformers
The Simply Italy’s amplification stages operate exclusively in pure Class-A, ensuring the highest level of sound fidelity. The output stage uses a single EL34 pentode in an ultra-linear configuration, a design that mimics triode operation for a natural, smooth sound. The preamp section features ECC82 twin triodes, providing exceptional linearity with minimal harmonic distortion, resulting in a clean and transparent signal.
Unison Research’s expertise in designing and manufacturing high-quality transformers is a key feature of the Simply Italy. Few manufacturers produce their own transformers, but Unison Research’s custom output transformers play a pivotal role in the amplifier’s sonic performance, enabling a seamless match between the amplifier and speakers.
Precision Engineering for Enhanced Sound
The Simply Italy includes several advanced engineering techniques to optimize performance:
- Ionic Bias System: Eliminates feedback to preserve signal purity and minimize phase distortion.
- Quasi-Dual-Mono Power Supply: Separates power for the preamp stages to reduce crosstalk and distortion, ensuring cleaner sound.
- DC Filament Supply: Prevents AC interference in the signal path, maintaining audio clarity.
Practical Features and Usability
The Simply Italy’s attention to detail extends to its usability. It comes with a remote control that interfaces with the ALPS motorized volume potentiometer for precise analog volume control. The amplifier supports speakers with impedances between 4 and 8 ohms, thanks to its 6-ohm output impedance, making it versatile for various loudspeaker setups.
The amplifier’s four gold-plated terminal connectors accommodate a variety of speaker cables, ensuring a high-quality connection. Control knobs, machined from non-magnetic stainless steel, provide a smooth, weighted feel, contributing to the amplifier’s tactile excellence. The wooden elements also serve a functional purpose, helping dampen chassis resonance to protect delicate internal components.
Compact Excellence
With an output power of 12 watts per channel, the Simply Italy may seem modest, but its meticulous engineering ensures it delivers rich, full-bodied sound. Its compact form factor reflects thoughtful internal design, with optimized power tracks, precise signal routing, and effective ventilation ensuring long-term reliability and consistent performance.
The Simply Italy embodies the essence of Italian craftsmanship, delivering timeless aesthetics and uncompromising audio performance. Whether you're an audiophile or a music lover, this amplifier offers the perfect blend of simplicity, elegance, and sound quality—making it a valuable addition to any high-end audio system.
