Unico vs A3.2 amp - a toss-up choice ?


Hi, For the last few months I have not been able to make a final decision as to which amp I should go .Unico(unison research 80W hybrid)? or A3.2(MF,115 W SS)? with the Unico one would get warmer and smoother mids and highs ,YET less power;while A3.2 is perhaps lean-sounding(compare to Unico)YET more power to play large orchestral music. Someone has suggested me to replace the Unico's stock tube for a better bass,YET wonder if this would give Unico a full-bodied sounding in playing large orchestral music ? I really need input on this.Your opinion and suggestions is highly appreciated and thanks in advance. BTW,I used AhTjoeb4000CDP(Amperex7308 tubes);TruthLink IC(harmonic tech);Analysis plus Oval 9 spkr cable.
Simon
simonleemd
Responding to SIMONLEEMD- I have owned the A3 MF Integrated and thought the 3.2 offered superior resolution in the form of slightly greater detail ,and slightly more extended top end.The difference in low frequency however was not slight at all-the 3,2 was far more extended without any lack of definition.This is the main difference in the latest generation of MF integrateds,subjectively speaking.
tracer
Thanks Rbrowne for the info which I find it quite helpful and reassuring indeed .
Simon
Salut mon ami.
The Unico might emulate well the exquisite refinement of the "tres" expensive Pathos Twin Tower integrated, wich again is itself an hybrid using the 12ax7 as input stage. Much more natural soundind, I am convince, than any solid state in your price range, (and many time more), yet, irrespective of tubes selection, they should not be able to deliver the proper weight and impact associate with the large orchestra. You would want a richer tonal presentation, burnished brass, airy, textured and forcefull bass along with an over all large-scale dynamique ability. In your price category and with an hight- average speaker sensitivity like yours, a push- pull, EL 34 based tube amp would be my choice. The Conrad-Johnson's CAV-50 integrated will give you that, along with oustanding imaging and timbre accurracy, low- noise floor and substantiel hall's presence. This is a 45 w, 4 ohm amp that is classiquelly configured to make solid state of higher wattages much less convincing dynamiquelly than they should. It is $ 2,500, but if you dont mind buying used, it might eventually be accessible to you. Cheaper variation with similar configuration exist ((Antique Sound Lab ,etc) but I have not experienced them.
Hi,tracer. Would you pass on your listening experiences on the A3.2 please.(I am particularly interested in its bass reproduction ) Thanks in advance.
Simon
Thanks Philjolet. my spkr is Ascent850 by Quadral- please refer to www. quadral.com for specs(89dB,4-8ohm,3-way bass reflex,floorstander, nominal/music power(w) :150/300).
Simon
I own the 3.2 integrated.With a tubed source,I wouldn't be as concerned about edge or treble quality.
tracer