Unison Research CD Due
Best hybrid player for audiophiles seeking warm, high-resolution analog sound.
The Unison Research Unico CD Due is a premium CD player and DAC, merging warm analog sound with advanced digital capabilities. Crafted in Italy, it features a robust metal chassis and a shielded CD mechanism for optimal performance. Its hybrid tube output stage, using four ECC83 tubes, delivers a rich and engaging listening experience. With extensive digital inputs including USB, coaxial, AES/EBU, optical, and Bluetooth, it seamlessly handles high-resolution audio up to DSD256. The ESS Sabre ES9018K2M DAC ensures exceptional clarity and detail, complemented by selectable digital filters for personalized sound.
$5499.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
114
/ 273
#114 in CD Players & Recorders
Price vs Category Average
+19%
Above average
DAC Chip
90182
/ ESS Sabre ESKM
Who it's for
- Design-conscious listeners who value premium Italian craftsmanship
- Audiophiles seeking a rich, analog-like listening experience
- Digital music lovers needing a versatile high-resolution DAC
Who should skip it
- Owners with limited rack space or poor ventilation
- Budget-focused buyers looking for entry-level digital playback
- Listeners preferring the convenience of maintenance-free solid-state gear
Performance breakdown
Sonic Character
Hybrid tube stage provides a lush, organic warmth to digital playback.
Digital Versatility
Extensive input options handle everything from legacy CDs to high-res DSD.
Build Integrity
Robust Italian metalwork ensures long-term stability and vibration resistance.
DAC Precision
ESS Sabre chip delivers exceptional clarity and surgical detail retrieval.
Sonic Customization
Selectable digital filters allow for precise tuning of the output signature.
Interface Accessibility
Lack of a remote control limits convenience in a modern living space.
Key Specs
DAC Chip
ESS Sabre ES9018K2M
Valve Output Stage
4 x ECC83
SNR
128dB (A weighted)
THD+N
0.0003%
Supported Playback Formats
PCM up to 384kHz, DSD up to 11.2MHz (USB)
Dimensions
45cm x 38cm x 13cm (H)
Weight
10Kg
Connectivity
USB, S/PDIF (Coaxial), AES/EBU, Toslink, Bluetooth
Features
- Hybrid tube output stage for rich sound
- Versatile digital inputs including USB and Bluetooth
- High-resolution audio support up to DSD256
- Selectable digital filters for sonic customization
- Balanced and unbalanced analog outputs
- Solid-state output option for sonic flexibility
- Distraction-free listening with display off
- Premium Italian craftsmanship
What customers say
The Unison Research CD Due earns high praise for its exceptional musicality, delivering a warm, rich, and analog sound signature thanks to its tube output stage. Owners consistently report that it transforms listening into an immersive, emotional experience by revealing deep nuance in recordings. Beyond its sonic prowess, the Italian craftsmanship and robust build quality contribute to a premium ownership feel. Its dual functionality as a high-performance DAC with multiple inputs adds significant value and future proofs the investment. While a considerable purchase, the prevailing view is that the CD Due justifies its cost through superior performance and enduring design, making it a reference component for those seeking musical flow.
Know before you buy
Yes, it is a fully functional DAC. You can connect external digital sources via its USB, coaxial, AES/EBU, or optical inputs to take advantage of the high-quality ESS Sabre chip and tube output stage.
The four ECC83 tubes add a layer of warmth, harmonic richness, and depth to the audio signal. This provides a more organic, analog-like presentation compared to purely solid-state players.
Yes, the CD Due offers a solid-state output option. This allows you to switch between the tube-warmed sound and a more direct, neutral solid-state signature depending on your preference or the music genre.
The USB input supports high-resolution audio files up to PCM 384kHz and DSD256 (11.2MHz), ensuring compatibility with most high-fidelity digital music libraries.
No, the Unison Research CD Due does not include a remote control. All operations, including input selection and filter adjustments, are managed via the front panel controls.
Yes, the CD Due features integrated Bluetooth, allowing you to wirelessly stream audio from your smartphone, tablet, or computer directly through the player's high-quality DAC and output stage.
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