[JonnyBingham]

How do you think an Arcam FMJ CD33 or CD36 (I understand their sound is very similar) would go with the Unison Research Unico amp? Do you think this would give much away when compared to using the amp with the Unico CD - has anyone heard the Unico CD? Is it really worth 75% more than the price of the Arcam FMJ Cd33 - I imagine the Unico is a warmer sound, although they're both characteristically warm CD players - and maybe less detail. I've heard it's got a pretty big soundstage.

The Unico gets a glowing review from hifi choice, which can be seen here, gaining 5 stars and called a fine all-rounder!
Unison Unico CD review from TechRadar UK's expert reviews of CD players & recorders

I had a Nait 5i for a while but couldn't really get on with it as I hoped, so I think I'll sell it on (probably for a small loss) and pay the difference for a Unison Research Unico amp modified to level 2 by Underwood hifi, and pair it with one of these 2 players, or (be sacriligious) and get a Cambridge audio DAC connected to it playing USBs and sell my Arcam rDock on, or get a dedicates transport.

Has anyone compared the original Unico (stock model) to the new Unico Primo. I'd be interested in knowing impressions. I could ask UKD directly, but I suspect they'd be biased towards the new model if they think it determines whether I buy new from them or s/h or ex demo.
Cheers

[GYRODEC1]

Hello,

It all depends on what sort of music you like listening to. If it's Jazz, Classical or Acoustic music than by all means go for the Unico amp. But if you listen to Pop, Rock, R'n'B and Dance than you might have to look for a better amp to match with the Arcam FMJ CD33 or 36.

Good Luck

[JonnyBingham]

The unico is not a valve amp but a hybrid amp, so to the best of my understanding is a good all-rounder? It just uses mullard valves at the pre-amp stage. To quote the review of the Unico primo, which I've heard is like a unico scaled down in power, on Techradar
"It is, of course, solid state, in that the output stage uses MOSFETs, though they have the reputation of being the most valve-like of solid-state devices. But MOSFETs frequently don't live up to the stereotypes and lack a certain grace and transparency, which isn't an issue here"

I thought that the Unico, be it the Primo or the original which the Primo was based on, was not overly valve like in sound, and from what I've heard it's bass which some might see as a weakness next to comparably priced players in the case of the Preludio, is actually 1 of it's main strengths.
I plan to stop all this hifi obsessing soon hopefully (for everyones sanity's sake)

[JonnyBingham]

So you don't think the Unico amp will work with rock music (which is about half of what I listen to)?
Has anyone hear heard the Unico CD - how does it compare to the best of Arcam's FMJ Cd players?

[CJROSS]

Jonny on another forum I use a chap started with an all Unico Setup including CDP, then went to an all Naim 5 setup, he then kept the Nait and used a Rega Saturn CDP IIRC, then he went to a Moon I-5 and paired that with a Cambridge Audio 840C, he runs these into a classic pair of Yamaha NS1000s. If I was buying a new CDP in the £1000-1500 region the one I’d get is the CA 840C. £750, XLR outpurs, also can be used as a DAC with 2 digital inputs. Also very good reviews all over the forums.

it is a no brainer IMHO in the £1000 cdp sector.

[morgooni]

NAD C565BEE should have serious consideration too! Same specs as Arcam CD37 (with a little better adjustments) and half price! Very good sounding player!

[karkus30]

Valve amp. Go get a Graaf. Reliability can be questionable, but they do big sound stage, powerful and have a more European sound compared to the big American muscle amps. Bit like a Ferrari compared to a Dodge Viper.