89%

Unison Research Simply 845

Name: Unison Research Simply 845
Brand: Unison Research
SKU: simply-845
Rating: 4.4 (21 reviews)

View at Unison Research

The New Simply 845 ranks at the top of Unison Research’s line of integrated tube amplifiers, second only to the historic ABSOLUTE 845. The SIMPLY 845, like the ABSOLUTE 845, also employs the famous 845 direct-heated triodes, tubes well known for remarkable durability and extraordinary sonic qualities.
The great advantage of integrated amplifiers is the incorporation in a single chassis of the preamplifier and the power amplifier. This makes it possible to eliminate the need for high-cost interconnect cables that are never truly neutral to sound reproduction. It should be noted that in the renewed production of the Simply 845 its size has been reduced by bringing all input and output connectors, strictly gold-plated and of a new type, to the rear of the amplifier.

Dealers selling Unison Research near you

Join us at T.H.E. Show SoCal 2026!

Overall Score 89/100

Nicely Roasted

Unison Research Simply 845 — Handcrafted 845 Single‑Ended Class A Integrated Amp

The Simply 845 delivers a harmonically rich, velvety midrange and extended treble from its pair of 845 direct‑heated triodes in a pure Class A single‑ended topology. Low‑parasitic layout and premium components yield coherent imaging, natural dynamics and finely layered sound that rewards careful system matching. Construction is artisanal: hand‑wound output transformers, thicker copper PCB traces and gold‑plated rear connectors underline its build quality. Ideal for efficient speakers in small-to-medium rooms or systems prioritizing musicality over brute power. Reviewers at StereoLife Magazine and Ian White / ecoustics highlight both its sonic virtues and craftsmanship, making the Simply 845 a compelling choice for audiophiles seeking tonal refinement.

ecoustics

"Get the amplifier correct and these can hit one hard emotionally with some recordings."

StereoLife Magazine

"The Simply 845, like the Absolute 845, also employs the famous 845 direct-heated triodes, tubes well known for remarkable durability and extraordinary sonic qualities."

Pros

Artisanal build with bespoke parts — hand‑wound output transformers, thicker-than-standard PCB traces and gold‑plated connectors point to exceptional construction quality.
845 direct‑heated triodes and low‑parasitic design produce a harmonically rich midrange and extended treble with low distortion.
Pure Class A single‑ended topology offers natural microdynamics and coherent imaging that reward careful system matching.

Cons

Modest 23W single‑ended output limits headroom—best paired with efficient speakers or a subwoofer for larger rooms.
No built‑in phono stage; vinyl listeners must add an external phono preamp.
Uses 845 tubes which require periodic maintenance and can be costly to replace, increasing long‑term ownership costs.

Sound Quality

86/100

Dynamics

86/100

All stages operate in pure Class A with single-ended 845 output delivering 23W — reviewers note the Class A topology which yields very musical dynamics but the 23W single-ended power limits headroom for demanding speakers. Score reflects excellent dynamics for its topology/power class but not unlimited slam for low-efficiency/low-impedance loads.

Soundstage Imaging

87/100

Construction details (hand-wound output transformers, low-parasitic layout) and low distortion point toward strong imaging and clarity; while reviewers do not provide extensive staging measurements, the materials and topology imply a coherent, well-layered soundstage with good instrument focus typical of SE 845 designs.

Show Less

Build Quality

94/100

Review describes handcrafted output transformers, thicker-than-standard copper PCB traces, anti-inductive polypropylene capacitors and gold-plated connectors — all signs of premium, meticulous construction. Heavy chassis and bespoke parts indicate high craftsmanship and robust thermal/current handling consistent with high-end tube builds.

Features Connectivity

83/100

Provides four line-level inputs, tape and subwoofer RCA outputs, rear gold-plated connectors and a motorized ALPS RK27 potentiometer. Lacks phono stage, digital inputs/DAC, balanced I/O, and headphone output; feature set is competent but conservative, placing it slightly above the minimal baseline.

Value for Money

90/100

StereoLife describes the product as combining craftsmanship and advanced technology into 'unique pieces of great value.' At a listed price around $10,999, the amp targets the high-end tube market; reviewers imply the build and sonic quality justify a premium, so value is assessed as a justified premium for its class.