Unison Research Preludio

Description

Description of Freakuence!

The Preludio dances gracefully between sweet and heavy, with a midrange that envelops you as if you were strolling along the Italian coast, full of emotion and nuance. Tight percussion gets you moving, high frequencies flirt with lightness, and low frequencies are understated yet solid. A beautiful piece of equipment—it really turns things into a party.

General description

The Unison Research Preludio is an integrated tube amplifier known for its reliable performance and high-quality finish. The design combines classic aesthetics with solid construction, resulting in a unit that is both visually appealing and functional.

With 14 watts per channel in Class A configuration, the Preludio delivers a warm and detailed sound. The amplifier is equipped with four line inputs and a tape/monitor input, providing ample connectivity options for a variety of audio sources.

The Preludio uses high-quality components and carefully selected tubes, which contribute to the device’s reliability and durability. The combination of technical precision and attention to detail makes this amplifier ideal for audiophiles seeking an authentic listening experience.

Unison Research Preludio Specifications

Type: Stereo integrated tube amplifier Output stage: Single-ended ultralinear Class A Output power: 14W per channel Inputs: 4 line, 1 tape/monitor Outputs: 1 tape, 1 subwoofer, RCA stereo Input impedance: 47 kOhm Output impedance: 6 ohms Feedback factor: 10 dB Frequency response (-1 dB): 20 Hz – 35 kHz Tubes: 2 x 6550, 2 x ECC82 Power consumption: 200 W max Dimensions: 37.5 cm x 40 cm x H 18 cm Weight: 18 kg

Background Information

The Unison Research Preludio is a hand-built integrated tube amplifier from Italy, designed by Giovanni Sacchetti. It uses EL34 tubes in a single-ended configuration for a warm, natural sound. The chassis is made of solid wood and brushed metal, combining aesthetics and acoustics. Internal wiring is done using meticulous point-to-point soldering to minimize signal distortion. Production and quality control take place entirely in Italy.

Brand History

Unison Research was founded in 1987 in Treviso, Italy, by founder Giovanni Maria Sacchetti. Sacchetti studied electrical engineering and classical piano. His technical and musical background formed the basis for his design philosophy. The first production unit was located in a small workshop in the Veneto region. In 1990 the first product was introduced: the Triode 20, followed by models such as Simply Two and Triode 25. A characteristic feature was the use of tube technology, especially EL34 and KT88 tubes. Starting in 1993, Unison Research also developed hybrid systems combining tubes with transistors. All products are completely designed and hand-assembled in Italy. In 2008, the company introduced the Unico series, featuring both integrated amplifiers and separate components. Production takes place in its own workshop in Italy, using only European-made components such as transformers and wooden enclosures.

Additional information

Merken	Unison Research
Kleur	Brown

Questions & Answers

What is the output power of the Preludio?

The power output is approximately 14 watts per channel in single-ended ultralinear Class A mode.

What types of tubes does the Preludio use in the output and preamplifier stages?

The output or power stage contains two KT88 tubes, and the preamp stage contains two ECC82 tubes.

Does the Preludio have a remote control for volume, and what type of controls does it have?

Yes, the volume can be adjusted using the infrared remote control or manually using the volume knob on the front panel.

How many inputs are available, and what are their impedances?

There are four line inputs plus a tape/monitor input with an input impedance of approximately 47 kΩ.

What speaker connections and impedances does Preludio support?

The output impedance is 6 ohms, and the speaker terminals are compatible with 4–8-ohm speakers.

What is the Preludio’s frequency response, and what is its range?

The bandwidth ranges from approximately 20 Hz to about 35 kHz at –1 dB.

Is there a subwoofer output, and how is it controlled?

Yes, there is a stereo RCA subwoofer output that is controlled via the amplifier’s volume control.

What should be done when using the device in countries with different mains voltages?

Check that the line voltage matches the specification on the back, slide in the correct fuse, and use the correct connection.

How long does it take for the Preludio to warm up properly and become operational?

The speakers take about 30 seconds to warm up and about 15 minutes to reach optimal sound quality; the subwoofer output is available after about 60 seconds.

Can the Preludio protect against short circuits at the speaker terminals?

Yes, there is short-circuit protection on the speaker terminals to prevent damage.

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All about | Unison Research Preludio

Description of Freakuence! | Unison Research Preludio

General description | Unison Research Preludio

The Preludio uses high-quality components and carefully selected tubes, which contribute to the device's reliability and durability. The combination of technical precision and attention to detail makes this amplifier ideal for audiophiles seeking an authentic listening experience.

Unison Research Preludio Specifications | Unison Research Preludio

Background Information | Unison Research Preludio

Brand History | Unison Research Preludio

Questions & Answers | Unison Research Preludio

What is the output power of the Preludio?

The power output is approximately 14 watts per channel in single-ended ultralinear Class A mode.

What types of tubes does the Preludio use in the output and preamplifier stages?

The output or power stage contains two KT88 tubes, and the preamp stage contains two ECC82 tubes.

Does the Preludio have a remote control for volume, and what type of controls does it have?

Yes, the volume can be adjusted using the infrared remote control or manually using the volume knob on the front panel.

How many inputs are available, and what are their impedances?

There are four line inputs plus a tape/monitor input with an input impedance of approximately 47 kΩ.

What speaker connections and impedances does Preludio support?

The output impedance is 6 ohms, and the speaker terminals are compatible with 4–8-ohm speakers.

What is the Preludio's frequency response, and what is its range?

The bandwidth ranges from approximately 20 Hz to about 35 kHz at –1 dB.

Is there a subwoofer output, and how is it controlled?

Yes, there is a stereo RCA subwoofer output that is controlled via the amplifier's volume control.

What should be done when using the device in countries with different mains voltages?

Check that the line voltage matches the specification on the back, slide in the correct fuse, and use the correct connection.

How long does it take for the Preludio to warm up properly and become operational?

The speakers take about 30 seconds to warm up and about 15 minutes to reach optimal sound quality; the subwoofer output is available after about 60 seconds.

Can the Preludio protect against short circuits at the speaker terminals?

Yes, there is short-circuit protection on the speaker terminals to prevent damage.

Reviews & awards | Unison Research Preludio

What Hi-Fi?

The What Hi-Fi? review notes that the Unison Research Preludio is severely limited in power at 14 watts per channel, making it demanding when it comes to speaker selection—ideally, speakers with a sensitivity of at least 90 dB. The midrange is praised as expressive and emotional, with generally smooth, sweet treble, and the sound initially comes across as somewhat restrained “out of the cold” but opens up significantly once the tubes reach operating temperature.

TechRadar

states that the Preludio is a rhythmically confident amplifier that impresses in terms of liveliness, control, and imaging. At the same time, they note that it falls somewhat short in reaching the very low frequencies and in power output compared to some solid-state models.

Kronos AV

emphasizes that despite its “mere” 14 watts per channel, the Class A design performs so brilliantly that the listening experience is closer to that of a 40- to 50-watt solid-state amplifier. They praise the natural reproduction of vocals and instruments, and state that it excels with acoustic music, jazz, and blues—but that it is less suitable for harder rock or classical music at high volumes.

StereoLife

writes that the Preludio offers exceptional depth, clarity, and macro-dynamics, and that the sound initially seems slightly muffled but develops into something very compelling after a few minutes of warm-up. They avoid technical details about wattage in their description, but do note that the bass is “soczysty, przyjemnie mruczący” (rich, pleasantly rumbling), though it isn’t extremely powerful in terms of volume.

Hi-Fi Choice (via World Radio History)

notes that the Preludio has a very flat frequency response, something rarely achieved in this type of design with single-ended tube amplification. They also note that although it delivers roughly the promised 13–14 watts per channel, its power drops significantly at very low frequencies (20 Hz)—a characteristic shared by virtually all single-ended designs.

Unison Research Preludio

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Description

Additional information

Questions & Answers

All about | Unison Research Preludio

Description of Freakuence! | Unison Research Preludio

General description | Unison Research Preludio

Unison Research Preludio Specifications | Unison Research Preludio

Background Information | Unison Research Preludio

Brand History | Unison Research Preludio

Questions & Answers | Unison Research Preludio

What is the output power of the Preludio?

What types of tubes does the Preludio use in the output and preamplifier stages?

Does the Preludio have a remote control for volume, and what type of controls does it have?

How many inputs are available, and what are their impedances?

What speaker connections and impedances does Preludio support?

What is the Preludio's frequency response, and what is its range?

Is there a subwoofer output, and how is it controlled?

What should be done when using the device in countries with different mains voltages?

How long does it take for the Preludio to warm up properly and become operational?

Can the Preludio protect against short circuits at the speaker terminals?

Reviews & awards | Unison Research Preludio

What Hi-Fi?

TechRadar

Kronos AV

StereoLife

Hi-Fi Choice (via World Radio History)

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