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In Reply to: Unison Research Unico SE: synergy with ProAc Response 1SC speakers? posted by TrondH on April 13, 2007 at 05:52:21:
The Totem Model 1 Signature and ProAc Response One SC are my long-time minimonitor references.What's wrong with your current Creek pair? I like 'em.
The Unico SE is a decent amp, but no better or worse than the Creek 5350SE. In order to better the 5350SE, you may want to consider Creek's own Destiny. Otherwise, if I were in your shoes, I'd just save up for either the BAT VK-300x SE or Simaudio I-7. With the ProAc, I'd go with the BAT's more layered sound. With the Totem, I'd probably prefer the Simaudio's focus, extension, and grip.
The BAT and Simaudio both use the Philips RC5 protocol, same as Creek.
Hmm, now that I think about it, if you plan on upgrading to a balanced source, the Ayre integrated amp's balanced input sounds wonderful.
While I haven't blogged much about integrated amps, I have written a lot about the Totem and ProAc minis. Do a search on my blog below.
-Lummy The Seahorse
Follow Ups:
Thanks for the advice Lummy.
I do like the Creek but I could need just a little bit more warmth. I thought a hybrid amp like the Unico SE could do just that, without adding the "swampy" bass of many tube amps. the Unico SE is more than twice the price of the Creek 5350SE and considerably more expensive than the Creek Destiny - are you sure you are not talking about the regular Unico model when you say that it is no better or worse than the Creek 5350SE?
Regards
Trond
Yes, I have heard the SE. In fact, I have not heard the regular Unico or the solid state Unico i.The SE is quite good. Because my friends and I had 12AU7s, we even rolled some, and yes, they do have an effect on the SE's performance. Still, if I were building a system (and I am) around an integrated amp, hands down, the BAT VK-300x SE and Simaudio I-7 are far, far superior. The user interfaces and sound quality are leagues better than the unico SE, so much so, that I'd save my money, wait, and then get the Sim or BAT. Plus, if you're in North America, the Sim and BAT, unlike the Unico SE, do appear on the used market.
I should know. My main system consists of the Simaudio P8 and W7. Other than offering more inputs, this combo is maybe only 20% better (sonically) than the I-7. If I lost everything, and had to start over, I'd go with the I-7 or VK-300x SE as the centerpiece. With either of these amps, I could simply forget about amplification, and turn my attention towards the other parts of the system. I would feel no need, given budget constraints, to upgrade the BAT or Sim. With a Unico SE, I would quickly get the itch to upgrade.
I have extensive experience with Creek gear, and I agree; in most rooms, you won't get a "warm" sound out of the Creeks. I suppose that, were I to keep the Creeks, I'd use cables that err on the burnished side. I would, therefore, choose XLO LE or Kimber Select over Nordost Valhalla. If I needed a warmer tone, I would go with the Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor over my Thiel CS2.4. Heck, if I picked the Cremona Auditor first, I could always budget and late r acquire the I-7, and absolute killer match for the Cremona Auditor. Have a smaller room? The Creek 5350 is a good match for the Totem Model 1 Signature.
Really, there are infinite ways to go. You just have to make a timeline, budget, and visualize what your ultimate long-term system would look like. Skip all the intermediate steps. Short on cash, but want a quick fix? Play around with AC outlets. Who knows? Maybe the Oyaide gold-plated outlet is all you need.
Bu again, my main concern about the Unico SE, good though it is, is that it's in that in-between stage. It may only be slightly better than the creek you already have. But it's far short of the standard set by the Sim I-7 and BAT VK-300x SE.
Thanks again for your thorough advice Luminator.
I will check out the Sim and BAT (but I live in Norway, and I don't even know if they sell these brands over here).
Or maybe I will go in another direction, as you also suggest: maybe a new AC outlet or a filter like the Isotek GII mini sub will do the trick? I have also played with the idea of buying a new cdp (the Rega Saturn looks nice!) but it will probably not add any warmth to my system, just more details.
My room is not very small (around 35 to 30 square meters I guess). I am using Chord cables: Chord Odyssey 4 (bi-wire), Chord Chorus and Chord powerchords.
Best regards
Trond
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