top of page

Over-engineered perfection

The development of the UNUM is kindled
by the ambition of producing purest and cleanest transmission of both signals and power, reproducing the essence of the original
signal sources as total as possible.

Point to Point

The most common solution of building circuitry is by using a printed circuit board (PCB). As we investigate in this standard solution of the industry, we discover that it is impossible to maintain purity during transmission, because of the indirect connections between components. Signals froma component has to first pass through a soldering point, a soldering pad, a thin flat copper layer, a soldering pad, and finally to another soldering point again before reaching the next.This imperfect contact keeps recurring throughout the whole circuitry and reduces the purity of the transmission. The adhesive part which bonds the copper layer to the glass fibre board and the protective coating on the copper layer are inevitable due to the manufacturing process of PCB, which provide a poor environment for the transmission of signals.

​

The quality of the copper of the conduction layer, in terms of purity and crystal structure, cannot be determined and, by our findings, its profile lowers the quality of signal and power transmission. To achieve the purest and cleanest transmission, we decide not to use PCB. We start considering if we use the usual approach of valve amplifier, components are too far apart and a lot of connection wires are needed. If we directly connect components together, for the small size of solid-state components, it will be an impossible and unsafe work. We finally decide to go for a circuit board which can hold components, giving structural strength and possibility to work on.

​

We immediately think of PTFE as an alternative, which is famous for its outstanding dielectric property and high stability over environment changes. But we find that it is too soft in nature which causes structural problems when it comes to a larger piece. To solve this problem, we finally come to PEEK, a much more expensive engineered plastic. PEEK is very stable over environment changes and provides excellent dielectric properties. With its hardness and stiffness, it gives a superior condition for amplification.

​

As a result, all components are attached onto the PEEK circuit board and connected directly to each other without intermediate disturbance, reserving the quality of the original signal. Many soldering points are reduced than before. In our auditions, this approach gives much better purity as well as clean and direct sound. But as a big drawback of the solution, extra days of intensive works to build the circuit by labour and quality check are needed. 

Connections

PURIST, TO THE EXTREME

"all components are attached onto the PEEK circuit board and connected directly to each other without intermediate disturbance, reserving the quality of the original signal."

UNIBODY

CONSTRUCTION

Nuts and Bolts

It is common to use metal or stainless steel screws and braces in the industry, but we raise a big question. We pay attention to the magnetising effect and eddy current. When a signal or current goes through a metal plate, the electric field will generate a magnetic field within the metal and this potential energy affects back to the signal. In our test this magnetic field generates a blur and cloudy effect to the sound.

​

To further increase rigidity and stability of the whole, we decide to go for Titanium screws, in which the yield and tensile strength is higher than common stainless steel screws. Besides, titanium is more environmentally stable than stainless steel. As a result, amplification is under a much more stable environment.

​

Similarly, for transistors, whenever metal screws are used, it gives a less transparent, pure and direct sound. No metals. Yet, it has to be strong enough to firmly hold the transistors. Even usual plastic screws cannot do, PEEK again is the solution.

​

No details are too small to be missed.

100% HAND CRAFTED

SPECIFICATION

UNUM

 

Power
200 watts @ 8Ω
400 watts @ 4Ω
800 watts @ 2Ω

​

Power ( Bridged )
800 watts @ 8Ω
1600 watts @ 4Ω

 

Frequency Response
5 Hz to 75 kHz, -1 dB
10Hz to 40 kHz, ±0.1 dB

 

Distortion
(200 watts @ 8Ω)
<0.1% @ 1 kHz

 

Signal-to-Noise Ratio
103 dB, A-weighted

 

Input
1 balanced XLR input

 

Output
1 balanced XLR output

 

Input Impedance
200 kΩ

 

Output Impedance
0.0100Ω

 

Dimensions
W232 x H72 x D501 mm

 

Weight
19KG

UNUM Edition

 

Power
220 watts @ 8Ω
440 watts @ 4Ω
880 watts @ 2Ω

​

Power ( Bridged )
880watts @ 8Ω
1760 watts @ 4Ω

 

Frequency Response
5 Hz to 75 kHz, -1 dB
10Hz to 40 kHz, ±0.1 dB

 

Distortion
(220 watts @ 8Ω)
<0.1% @ 1 kHz

 

Signal-to-Noise Ratio
105 dB, A-weighted

 

Input
1 balanced XLR input

 

Output
1 balanced XLR output

 

Input Impedance
200 kΩ

 

Output Impedance
0.0095Ω

 

Dimensions
W232 x H72 x D501 mm

 

Weight
22KG

bottom of page