Unison Research Triode 25 Black Edition

Buizencomplement: 2x ECC83 Gold Lion, 4x KT77 Gold Lion (push pull)

Uitgangstrap: Push-pull, ultralineair, klasse AB.

Uitgangsvermogen: 50 watt pentodemodus, 30 watt triode.

Ingang: 3x Line RCA, 1x USB, 1x SPDIF, 1x Toslink.

Uitgang: 1 subwoofer RCA (stereo), 1 line out.

Feedback: 10dB tot 12dB selecteerbaar.

Buizencomplement: 2 x ECC83 Gold Lion, 1 x ECC82 Gold Lion, 4 x KT77 Gold Lion.

Afmetingen: 30 cm x 20 cm x 45 cm (L x H x D)

Nettogewicht: 20 kg

Manual:

Contents Introduction 7 Unpacking and installation 9 Valve fitting 10 Operation 13 Controls, connections and settings 13 Bias setting 16 Feedback control 16 Triode/Pentode configuration 17 Remote control 17 Safety and maintenance 18 Cleaning the amplifier 18 Technical specifications 19 Troubleshooting, servicing and warranty 21 Declaration of conformity 43 EN 6 © A.r.i.a. Srl – Unison Research® Triode 25 Black Edition – 05/2024 EN Introduction Thank you and congratulations for purchasing the Unison Research® Triode 25 Black Edition valve amplifier – a product from A.R.I.A. Advanced Research In Audio S.r.l. Unison Research® has decided to celebrate with a special edition his most successful products. The Black Edition features more advanced technical and sonic performance, with a new look. The circuitry has been revised in the signal path and power management, again surpassing the milestones already achieved in the Triode 25. Thanks to its specially designed circuit the power valves of Triode 25 Black Edition can operate either in triode or pentode mode. With this new design we reduced the distortion and increased the power by 20% in Triode mode and 10% in Pentode mode. Triode 25 Black Edition has an output power of 50W in Pentode mode and 30W in Triode mode. The input selection circuit has been implemented using the same technology designed for our most valuable equipment and extreme care has been taken in the design of the ground paths and channel separation. The valuable audio signal, where possible, travels protected in high-quality coaxial cables. Every Unison Research® product is the accomplishment of our long experience in audio electronic design. Each of our products is the fruit of our passion for building unique and valuable pieces of audio equipment in which traditional craftsmanship and advanced electronics join together in harmony. Unison Research® uses only the finest components and materials. Each product is carefully inspected and tested at various stages of the production process to satisfy our own high reliability and quality standards. All the wood parts are hand made in solid wood by expert craftsmen and finished exclusively with natural organic lacquers. As well as giving a very pleasing appearance to the eyes, the wood also benefits sound quality by helping to dampen resonance in the metal chassis. Please read and follow all warnings and instructions in this user manual and all those indicated on the unit to get the best performance from your Triode 25 Black Edition for many years to come. 7 © A.r.i.a. Srl – Unison Research® Triode 25 Black Edition – 05/2024 EN 8 © A.r.i.a. Srl – Unison Research® Triode 25 Black Edition – 05/2024 EN Unpacking and installation Unpacking Please make sure that the packaging is undamaged and the product has not suffered rough handling during transportation. If this is the case, we strongly recommend you to contact your authorised Unison Research® dealer for advice before installing the unit. Keep all packaging materials: every time you will need to transport your Triode 25 Black Edition, its original purpose-designed carton will provide the safest protection and you will also help to protect the environment. Carefully remove your amplifier and all the accessories from the box. Inside the package you will find:         1 Unison Research® Triode 25 Black Edition amplifier 1 Power supply cable 1 User manual 4 KT77 Gold Lion valves 2 ECC83/12AX7 Gold Lion valves 1 ECC82/12AU7 Gold Lion valve 1 Allen Key 1 IR remote control Installation drivers and the DAC user manual can be downloaded from the Unison Research® website on the Triode 25 Black Edition page. Important notice After unpacking, please allow the Triode 25 Black Edition to adapt to the room temperature for some hours before operating. This time is needed to prevent any possible damage due to condensation which can eventually form during transportation. Please note that condensation can form every time the amplifier is moved between cold and warm places. Installation Your Triode 25 Black Edition should be placed on a flat surface in a safe place, out of the reach of children. Adequate clearance (at least 5cm) must be left above and around the device to guarantee good ventilation. 9 © A.r.i.a. Srl – Unison Research® Triode 25 Black Edition – 05/2024 EN We also suggest to leave enough free space behind your Triode 25 Black Edition to allow the connecting cables sufficient room to bend without forcing or straining them, and we strongly recommend not to place the device directly on the top of a power amplifier or, in general, close to any source of heat. Valves fitting The Triode 25 Black Edition is supplied with a protective cage for the valves. This can be removed to allow valve fitting and replacement. To remove the cage, proceed as follows. Unscrew the four M4 screws that secure the cage with the Allen key provided; when the valve cage is free from the screws, pull the cage toward the front of the device and lift it up. Fit the valves into their corresponding sockets (valve V1R to position V1R etc.), noting the position of the guide (or pins) which ensure the correct orientation for each valve. When fitting (or removing) valves, use firm but gentle pressure. Never use force! V1L/R: V2: V3L/R: V4L/R: 10 ECC83/12AX7 ECC82/12AU7 KT77 KT77 © A.r.i.a. Srl – Unison Research® Triode 25 Black Edition – 05/2024 EN Important Please make sure that all the sources and amplifier are switched off before insert valves or doing every input or output connection. Insert the valves into the corresponding sockets, taking care to observe the insertion key and the indications on them. Power sources The Triode 25 Black Edition is set at the Unison Research® factory to the correct mains voltage of the country it is shipped to. Before switching on the amplifier, please check that the mains voltage indicated on the rear panel corresponds to the mains voltage in your area. Never connect the Triode 25 Black Edition to AC mains if the local voltage doesn’t match the value indicated on the Triode 25 Black Edition! The mains fuses are located in the built-in fuse-holder in the IEC mains socket on the rear panel. Important safety notes The mains voltage setting may not be changed by the user. Always replace fuses only with new ones of the same type and value. The Triode 25 Black Edition must be connected to a mains socket outlet with an efficient earth connection. Unplug the Triode 25 Black Edition during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. Refer all servicing to authorised service personnel. Servicing is required when the Triode 25 Black Edition has been damaged in any way (e.g. the power-supply cord or plug is damaged), any liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into it, it has been exposed to rain or moisture, it does not operate correctly, any smoke or unusual smell is coming from it or it has been dropped. 11 © A.r.i.a. Srl – Unison Research® Triode 25 Black Edition – 05/2024 EN 12 © A.r.i.a. Srl – Unison Research® Triode 25 Black Edition – 05/2024 EN Operation Before switching on verify that all inputs/outputs are properly connected; ensure also the volume control is at the minimum (fully anti-clockwise) position. After switching on, allow around 30 second for the valves to stabilise and begin operating before turning up the volume control. The unit will give its best listening performance when fully warmed-up, which takes around 15 minutes from switch-on. When switching from one source signal to another and before switching off the unit, we suggest turning down the volume. Controls, connections and settings 1 1. 2. 3. 4. 2 Input selector Switch on/off 3 Remote control receiver Volume control 4 13 © A.r.i.a. Srl – Unison Research® Triode 25 Black Edition – 05/2024 EN 1 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 14 2 Feedback selector 3 Bias adjustment L channel Bias indicator Bias check selector Bias adjustment R channel Pentode/Triode mode selector 4 5 6 © A.r.i.a. Srl – Unison Research® Triode 25 Black Edition – 05/2024 EN 1 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 2 Main AC inlet 3 Right Loudspeaker output Left Loudspeaker output Sub Out Line Out Analog Inputs 4 Digital Inputs (Usb, Optical, S/Pdif) 5 6 7 15 © A.r.i.a. Srl – Unison Research® Triode 25 Black Edition – 05/2024 EN Bias setting To ensure long valve life, it is recommended to check the bias after each power-on. Manual bias calibration is done individually for each channel. The bias of the output stage is fixed but partially adjustable by the user. The bias selector switch allows the user to check the bias of both left and right channels. The “Bias Selector” switch selects the channel whose bias is to be displayed; once the adjustment is complete, return the switch to the centre position. Bias is adjusted by turning potentiometer “Adjust L” or “Adjust R”: it is important to adjust the bias of each channel so that the instrument needle is in the centre, between the green and red sectors. Important: while listening, keep the bias selector switch in centre position. ATTENTION The potentiometers act on the bias even if the meter is switched off. If you think for any reason the bias has been altered, repeat the Bias set procedure. A reduced current at the output valves (the meter needle in the green area) reduces the output power and increases the distortion. An excessive current (needle in the red zone) reduces the output valves life. A change in the line voltage can cause a variation in the bias. Feedback control The feedback control switch allows user adjustment of the amount of feedback applied to the amplifier’s internal circuit. In position “High” the feedback applied is approx. 12dB; in position “Low” the feedback is approx. 10dB. 16 © A.r.i.a. Srl – Unison Research® Triode 25 Black Edition – 05/2024 EN The choice between the two positions will depend on user preference; a difference in the level of feedback can provide an improvement in the interface between amplifier and loudspeakers. Feedback affects some of the amplifier`s parameters, such as damping factor, bandwidth, distortion, therefore you should choose the position that sounds the best during a listening session. There is no need to switch off the amplifier or lower the listening volume. Triode – Pentode configuration Thanks to its specially designed circuit the power valves of Triode 25 Black Edition can operate either in triode or pentode mode. In Triode mode the output power of amplifier is roughly halved and the sonic character takes on that typical quality of triode operation. Pentode mode is actually an “ultralinear” configuration that achieves the power of pure pentode mode but with a much higher sound quality. Switching between Triode and Pentode mode can safely be carried out when the amplifier is working. Note however that repeated or continuous switching has to be avoided, as this could cause stress either to the valves and the output stages of amplifier. Small differences in bias level between the two modes of operation are to be expected and correction carried out in the normal way. During the change from Triode to Pentode a click may be heard on the speakers. Remote control The amplifier is equipped with a ready-to-use infrared remote control for the volume control. Replace the battery only with other of the same type (CR2032). Fuses The values for the mains fuses are:   6,3AT/250V voltage 100V/120V/130V 3,15AT/250V voltage 220V/230V/240V 17 © A.r.i.a. Srl – Unison Research® Triode 25 Black Edition – 05/2024 EN Safety and maintenance Do not open the amplifier! High voltages are present inside! There are no user serviceable parts inside, and all service operations should be undertaken only by an Authorized Service Centre. Please note that any service work or modification to the unit carried out by unauthorised personnel will invalidate the warranty. For any service enquiries, please contact your dealer in the first instance. Do not spill any liquid into the amplifier! If that should happen, switch off immediately and remove the mains plug from the wall. Take the amplifier to an Authorized Service Centre for checking. When inserting the mains plug into the wall socket or mains outlet, make sure the On/Off switch on the unit is in the Off position. If you do not intend to use the unit for a long period, remove the mains plug from the mains supply. NEVER switch on the unit if it is covered! Never attempt to remove the valves when the unit is switched on! If you need to remove and replace the valves, do it only when the valves are cold, the unit is switched off and the AC cable has been unplugged from the amplifier. Replace valves exclusively with others of the same type, possibly selected. Avoid shocks and vibrations to the unit, which can damage and reduce the life of the valves. Cleaning the amplifier Cleaning the unit should take place only when it is switched off and the valves are cold. Use a soft dry cloth. Do not use solvents or alcohol-based detergents. Do not rub hard the silkscreen printings. 18 © A.r.i.a. Srl – Unison Research® Triode 25 Black Edition – 05/2024 EN © A.r.i.a. Srl – Unison Research® Triode 25 Black Edition – 05/2024 19 Technical specifications Type Valve Power Amplifier Valves V1L/R: ECC83/12AX7 V2: ECC82/12AU7 V3L/R, V4L/R: KT77 Operating Mode Class AB Output Stage Push-Pull Triode or Ultralinear Bias Fixed, partially adjustable by the user Inputs 3 Analog inputs 3 Digital inputs (Usb, Optical, S/Pdif) Output Power 50W Pentode mode on 6Ω 30W Triode mode on 6Ω Input Impedance 47kΩ Unbalanced Outputs Speaker outputs Sub Out line level, not filtered Line Out Output Impedance 6Ω Power Consumption 300W maximum Dimensions 30 x 45 x 20 cm (w x d x h) 12 x 18 x 8 inches (w x d x h) Net Weight 20kg (44lbs) Main Fuse 6.3A slow type (100V-120V) 3.15A slow type (220V-240V) DAC Converter Sabre ES9018K2M USB PCM up to 384kHz DSD native up to 256x DoP up to 128x Tos-link Up to 192kHz S/PDIF Up to 192kHz EN 20 © A.r.i.a. Srl – Unison Research® Triode 25 Black Edition – 05/2024 EN Troubleshooting, servicing and warranty All Unison Research® products are built to the highest possible standards and they’re subjected to numerous strict quality checks. If your Triode 25 Black Edition does not seem to be working properly, please check this list of possible causes before submitting the product for repair. Triode 25 Black Edition does not power up There is no sound from the system Ensure the Triode 25 Black Edition is connected to the mains power supply correctly. Ensure that there is mains power at the socket. Check the fuse in the IEC socket on the Triode 25 Black Edition. Check that your amplifier is switched on. Check that the correct input has been selected on your amplifier. Ensure that your source is not muted. Ensure that the loudspeakers are connected correctly and are not defective. There is no sound on one channel Check bias on bias meter. Check that the speakers are connected correctly. Check that input cable is connected correctly. Distorted sound on one or both channels Check bias on bias meter. Servicing If you encounter a problem that you are unable to solve, please contact your local Unison Research® dealer: in the website www.unisonresearch.com you can find our official partners. If the dealer is also unable to solve the problem, the unit will be returned to the Unison Research® distributor in your country. Warranty Repairs will only be made under warranty if the unit is returned to your local dealer or distributor for your country correctly packed in its original packaging. Unison Research® takes no responsibility for defects or damage arising from accident, misuse, abuse, wear and tear, neglect or unauthorized repair, adjustment and/or modification. The valves have a 90-day warranty from the purchase date of the amplifier.