Unison Research Simply Italy
Unison Research has been involved in the
valve revival for longer than most and the Simply Italy is in many ways a
reprise of its classic Simply Two model. In common with its famous predecessor,
the Simply Italy has a single-ended output stage which uses one EL34 per
channel. With only one ECC82 double triode driver for each EL34, the Simply
Italy has by far the clearest signal path of any amplifier here and is constructed
using quality components mounted on a well finished PCB.
Inspired
by the Simply Two integrated, this Simply Italy model employs EL34 pentodes in
a single-ended ultra-linear configuration. Includes IR control
The output stage features traditional auto-bias
which keeps the circuit simple, but this coupled with single-ended operation is
not the most efficient way to use the valves (or output transformers).
Consequently the output power is low: just 12W into 6ohm is claimed. Negative
feedback is taken from the loudspeaker terminals and the user can select how
much effect this has by using a toggle switch.
Five line inputs and a recording output are
provided, as well as a universal-type remote control which is housed in a large
block of wood. Despite its multitude of keys, the only function of the Simply
Italy that it can operate is the motorized volume control.
Telling vocals
In the test system, the Unison did not suit
Level 42 and gave a gritty, fizzy treble and loose, wayward bass. Switching to
maximum feedback tidied up the bass and was a very worthwhile improvement.
Excellent vocal clarity suggested that the
Katie Melua track would be more enjoyable and to a large extent this was true.
Each word was packed with detail and the underlying instrumentation was smooth
and nicely proportioned; only the occasional sibilant highlight remained to set
my ears on edge.
It was with the Mahler movement that the
Simply Italy really shone: it had a seemingly boud less soundstage that allowed
each performer to be placed perfectly, as its key strength. The presentation of
the strings was also outstanding with the full range of dynamics being handled
without and descent into harshness or confusion.
Sound quality: 7.5/10
Four
single-ended lines inputs are complemented by a tape output and a single set of
4mm loudspeaker binding posts. There are no 8/4ohm speaker taps – the Simply
Italy is optimized for 6ohm loads
Lab report
Unison’s 12W rating is fractionally out of
reach for the Simply Italy under continuous conditions where it achieves 10-11W
up to 2% distortion into 8ohm and 8W/4ohm up to 4% THD. Relaxing the THD limit
even further under dynamic conditions, it manages 13W, 8.7W and 3.6W into 8, 4
and 2ohm loads through its single tap output. Nevertheless, while distortion is
moderately high (0.65% at 1W/8ohm to 1.4% at 5W and 2.6% at 11W) the Simply
Italy has the best channel matching of all the amps in our test – the
characteristics of left and right are almost identical. With more than a few
tube amps, left and right often measure like two different amplifiers… Output
impedance is moderate, again, but uniform at ~13ohm across the audio band while
the A-wtd S/N ratio is good enough at 81.9dB (re. 0dBQ). Into non-reactive
loads it also shows a gentle, low-bass rise of +0.3dB/20kHz and is flat out to
-0.2dB/20kHz and -4dB/100kHz. Partner with sensitive loudspeakers and it’ll
surely sing.
Dynamic
power output versus distortion into 8ohm (black trace), 4ohm (red), 2ohm (blue)
and 1ohm loads (green)
Specifications
·
Power output (<2% THD, 8/4ohm): 11W / 7W
·
Dynamic power (<2% THD, 8/4/2/1ohm): 13W /
8.7W / 3.6W / 1.3W
·
Output impedance (20Hz-20kHz): 1.57-1.09ohm
·
Frequency response (20Hz-20kHz):+0.27dB to
-0.20dB
·
Input sensitivity (for 0dBW/12W): 48mV / 180mV
·
wtd S/N ratio (re. 0dBW/12W): 81.9dB / 92.7dB
·
Distortion (20Hz-20kHz, 5W/8ohm): 1.12-3.0%
·
Power consumption (Idle/Rated o/p): 105W / 103W
·
Dimensions (WHD): 260x190x350mm
Group test verdict
Prioritizing which of these amplifiers to
buy is not straightforward, since they have all clearly been designed with
different preferences in mind, making the ideal choice the one where the
designer’s goals most closely match your own needs.
The Pathos is arguably the most technically
competent amplifier here, as well as being the smallest and the neatest, yet
its resolutely rational solid-state presentation may well not be what the
diehard valve fan is looking for. If, however, you prefer your valves to be a
side dish rather than the main course it could prove ideal,
At the opposite end of the spectrum, the
Unison Research Simply Italy is a valve amp through and through and so has much
of the character that one would expect. It excelled in the area of imaging but
with some music I found the treble to be just a bit too fierce for really relaxing
listening. This may well make it an ideal match for ‘full range’ single drive
unit loudspeakers, or for traditional types which are otherwise too ‘relaxed’.
The Ming Da MC368-BSE and the Icon Audio
Stereo 40 are difficult to separate – not surprisingly since they share a
common background. The costlier Ming Da doesn’t sound much more powerful in
practice but has the capacity to offer a marginally more evenly balanced sound,
making it my preference for sound quality.
Against this, the Icon is better featured,
more versatile and supported by an organization famous for making valve
amplifier ownership as easy and straightforward as possible. For anyone new to
valves this may well be the compelling reason to choose this model above all
the others.
Sharing the honors
This leaves two very different amplifiers
to share the top honors. I enjoyed the Ariand Pro-845SE a great deal. As with
many amplifiers which run very low amounts of feedback, the measured
performance looks a bit dubious but with the right partnering equipment and
very sensitive speakers the sound is brisk and involving. With a well-chosen Phono
stage I could see the Ariand slotting very nicely into a sweet-sounding LP
replay system.
The
Ariand Pro-845SE and Icon Audio Stereo 40, with its improved performance, are
both ‘high value’ tube amplifiers
Outstanding winner
My pick of the bunch though is the Mystère
IA 11, which really surprised me with the smoothness and neutrality of its
presentation as well as the quality of its finish and the care which has also
been taken over styling. Its sound is ideally suited to long term listening,
especially if you have a preference for the gentler musical genres. There is
plenty of power available which means that you are not restricted to very
sensitive loudspeakers, although matching may require some experimentation due
to its high output impedance.
The
Mystère IA 11, an outstanding design rated at 40W but capable of 60W. Build,
finish and sound are exemplary
Only the rather basic facilities let the IA
11 down – a recording output (also useful for driving a headphone amplifier)
and a remote volume control would make it easier to build a system around but
these are minor considerations when you hear how this amplifier sounds. In my
book, it’s outstanding.
