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t talian manufacturer UnisonResearch marl(s its 25th anniversary

. r with three new products: specialeditions of the Simply Two and Absolute845 (arguably the company's most iconicproducts to date) and an homage to itsfirst integrated amplifier, the Triode 20.

But don't let this fool you, the Triode25 is no throwback. It's a thoroughlymodern valve-integrated amplifier withsome interesting features. You can evenbuy a version with a built-in DAC (for anextra E15O), although our review sampleisn't so equipped.

On the surface, this line{evelintegrated amplifier is little differentfrom much of the valve-basedcompetition, featuring as it does, a

preamp section with a pair of ECC83

valves and a quartet ofEl34s to drivethe speakers. Yet have a closer lookand Unison Research delivers a

number of interesting twists to theestablished formula.

Flickof aswitchThe Triode 25 can be switched fromPentode to Triode mode at the flick of aswitch, even while you're listening tomusic. Pentode and Triode refers to theconfiguration the output valves work in- and switching between the twosettings gives a distinct change ofcharacter to the 25.

In Pentode mode, the power output is45 watts per channel. This gives theamplifier enough grip to work well witha relatively wide range of speakers,

TECH SPECS

lntegrated Yes

Tuner presets No

Power output45 wattsDAB/FM/MWLWinternet radio No

Line level in 5

Tape loop 1

Remote control Yes

Finishes 1

Dimensions (hwd)2Ox3Ox45cm

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though we still wouldn't necessarilypartner this integrated with somethinginsensitive in a large room. But mostsensibly selected speakers, in a smallto medium-sized room (say less than25m sq), can be driven to decent, if notquite head-banging, levels.

In this configuration, this UnisonResearch sounds controlled, relativelyneutral and nicely detailed. There's stillthe fluidity that people associate withvalve products but here it's coupled tomuch of the dynamic grip transistor-based alternatives are capable of.

Play Prince's Srgn 'O'The Times arldthe 25 is happy to punch out the beats,making a decent fist of communicating

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the song's jittery, rhythmic drive.Prince's vocals are precisely drawn, anddelivered with all the insight and nuance

we'd hope for. This amplifier pulls ahead

of rivals in its abllity to render voices

with convincing texture and delicacy.

There's an undeniable naturainess

to the way it does this that makeseven talented competition such as

Roksan's Caspian M2 sound a littlemechanical in comparison.

Move on to more delicate music and

this integrated sounds even more athome. Given something like PJ Harvey's

White Challc, it responds with the kind offinesse that makes us wonder whetherit's worth spending more. There's plentyof detail here. and the kind of fluid

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dynamics and fuIl-bodied balance thathas us listening for hours. Flick the littlechrome toggle switch between thevalves to the Triode setting and twothings happen: power output drops

to 22 watts per channel and the sonicpresentation becomes even moregraceful. There are losses in terms ofgrip and bass punch, and possibly even

outright precision. But the upside is a

more spacious sound with some notablegains in refinement.

Beguiling expedenceListening to the amplifier in Triodemode is a beguiling experience thatworks brilliant'ly with gentler music.Given a small-scale classical piece orsome easy-going jazz, the Triode settingwould be our first choice. Ifyou have a

wlder music collection, the Pentodeoption is more of an all-rounder. It'smore tolerant of speaker choice too.

The ability to tweak doesn't end there.The level of feedback used in the circuitcan also be changed between twooptions (5dB and 1.8dB) with the flick ofa switch. We tend to prefer the lowsetting due to its more expressivedynamics and increased level of fluidity.The choice could be affected by thepartnering system though, so it's wellworth experimenting here.

Move away from sound quality andthere's still much to admire here. Buildquality is up to Unison Research's usualhigh standards the Triode 25 feels like asoiid, well-made unit and it's finishedwell. A11 the controls feel suitablychunky and operate with precision. We

even like the wooden-cased remotehandset, although we wish the buttonson the system remote were moreresponsive in feei - and better shaped.

More maintenanceValve amplifiers need more maintenancethan transistor alternatives. The largerpower amplifier valves (EL34s) will tendto need replacement before their smallercounterparts. Factor in changing the setofvalves (around f140) every five-to-seven years (depending on use).

Each valve's bias current will needadjustment periodically too. In mostdesigns this invoives messing about inthe circuitry with a multimeter andscrewdriver, but in this design it's doneeasily using the built-in gauge andadiustment controls.

The left and right banks ofvalves are

selected separately with a switch justadjust until the pointer is dead centrebetween the green and red markings.While we find the exposed valves quite

attractive, they do run hot and thosewith young children or pets may need

to mal<e use of the supplied cover. It'srelatively attractive as such things go,

though, and is easily removed if youneed to do so.

Track recordUnison Research's track record withsensibly priced valve amplifiers is

second to none. The Triode 25 is yetanother strong performer that marriesfine sound and distinctive aestheticswith pleasing build.

If you value subtlety and finesseabove all else there are few betteralternatives at this price.

Ratimg*****FOR Sonic delicacy and insight; impressive

refinement and dynamic fluidity; terrific build;

distinctive look

AGAINST Needs careful system matching

VERDICT Yet another superb design

from Unison Research. Great to use and

even better to listen to

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