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Unison Research Triode 25
Three amplifiers symbolize the success of Unison Research: the Simply Two, the Triode 20 and the legendary Absolute. On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the birth of Unison Research, we pay homage to these historic devices by offering the Simply Two and the Absolute in a limited and numbered “Anniversary” edition. We’ve also decided to offer a completely new version of the Triode 20 and named it, quite appropriately, the Triode 25.
The new Triode amplifier 25 has experienced a long and painstaking design and testing period despite the considerable experience already gained in the construction of its predecessor, the Triode 20. The Triode 25 can operate in two modes: triode and pentode. The latter is capable of delivering a maximum power output of over 45 watts per channel with a load of 6 ohms with harmonic distortion extremely contained across the entire audio band.
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Unison Research Triode 25
The Triode 25 compact integrated amp pairs classic tube character with modern connectivity, delivering a warm, engaging top-to-bottom presentation that excels in musicality and pace. Reviewers from HiFi News and Audiophilepure highlight its authoritative bass slam, textured midrange and smooth treble, plus an involving, deep soundstage. The unit’s built-in digital stage — featuring the ESS ES9018K2M USB DAC with USB-B, optical and coax inputs — makes it unusually versatile for a tube integrated. Construction is solid and user-focused (motorised volume, bias meter, pentode/triode and feedback options), and its 20kg, compact footprint suits small to medium rooms. In short, the Triode 25 is a well-rounded, characterful amplifier that pairs tube warmth and punch with modern features and strong value.
Pros
- Rich, musical tube presentation with strong bass punch and textured mids that handle rock and orchestral material with energy and warmth.
- Comprehensive digital connectivity including a high-quality ESS ES9018K2M USB DAC (USB-B, optical, coaxial) supporting up to 384kHz/DSD256, adding useful modern flexibility.
- Well-built, compact chassis with thoughtful controls (motorised volume, bias meter, pentode/triode and feedback switching) that make operation and system matching straightforward.
- Outstanding value for money for its class — reviewers note the combination of performance, features and build delivers exceptional bang for the price.
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Cons
- Output is modest for very large floorstanders or very large rooms; power is best matched to small–medium speakers and listening spaces.
- Pentode mode can introduce a touch more edge on complex high-frequency material compared with the smoother triode setting, so some users may prefer switching modes for certain recordings.
Sound Quality
89/100
Dynamics
89/100
Despite modest tube power (45W pentode / 25W triode), reviews note impressive punch and headroom: 'packs a delicious punch' and 'sufficient power on tap' (HiFi News) and 'effortless in the bass' (Audiophilepure). Given the push-pull EL34 topology and reviewers' explicit praise for slam and control, dynamics are strong for its class but not claimed as reference-level.
Soundstage Imaging
90/100
Both reviews highlight engaging, deep staging and good space: HiFi News notes 'delicacy, space and an involving, deep soundstage' and Audiophilepure describes instruments seeping into the room and a sweet, enveloping presentation. Imaging is focused and stable for a tube integrated of this power level.
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Build Quality
89/100
HiFi News reports the Triode 25 BE 'appears well put together' and praises the robust click of the source controller; the 20kg chassis and thoughtful controls reinforce that impression. No major mechanical or reliability concerns are mentioned in the reviews, supporting a high build-quality score.
Features Connectivity
91/100
The amp includes a high-quality ESS ES9018K2M USB DAC (supports up to 384kHz/DSD256), USB-B plus optical and coaxial digital inputs, plus line inputs, tape out and a subwoofer output — a richer-than-basic feature set. Applying the connectivity rules (flagship DAC + digital/USB inputs + sub/tape outs) yields a well-featured score within the 80-95 bounds.
Value for Money
98/100
HiFi News explicitly called the Triode 25 BE 'a bit of a steal' and noted it 'outperforms its size and price', while Audiophilepure's enthusiastic listening notes reinforce strong performance for the asking price (~5999). That superlative praise from a major reviewer, combined with the feature set and sonic performance, justifies a superlative value score.
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