Unison Research Simply Phono External Power Supply at Vinyl Sound Buffalo, NY USA

The Unison Research Simply Phono External Power Supply is a dedicated outboard power supply from Unison Research (Treviso, Italy), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY, USA. Designed as the purpose-matched power source for the Unison Research Simply Phono tube phono preamplifier, this external supply physically separates the mains transformer and rectification circuitry from the Simply Phono's audio circuit, eliminating the two primary mechanisms by which power supplies degrade phono stage performance: electromagnetic field coupling from the mains transformer into the signal path, and conducted noise from the AC supply into the sensitive first gain stage. In the UK and several other markets, the Simply Phono is supplied with this upgraded external power supply as standard, confirming its status as an essential companion to the phono preamplifier rather than an optional accessory.

Why an External Power Supply Matters in Phono Preamplification

A phono preamplifier operates at signal levels far below those of any other component in a high-end system -- a moving-magnet cartridge produces between 2 and 5 millivolts, and a moving-coil cartridge as little as 0.2 millivolts. At these signal levels, noise contributions from the power supply that would be inaudible in a line-level amplifier become directly audible as hum, hiss, or a reduction in low-level musical detail. The Simply Phono's external power supply addresses this challenge by placing the mains transformer -- the primary source of electromagnetic field radiation in any power supply -- in a physically separate enclosure connected to the audio chassis by a low-noise DC cable. With the transformer's magnetic field confined to the external unit, the Simply Phono's four ECC83 tube stages receive a clean, regulated DC supply with minimal superimposed noise, allowing the phono stage's passive RIAA network and ionic-bias first gain stage to perform at their full capability.

Engineered for the Simply Phono Circuit

The Simply Phono External Power Supply is designed specifically for the electrical requirements of the Simply Phono's four-ECC83 Class A circuit. The output voltages, current ratings, and filtering characteristics are matched to the heater and anode supply demands of the ECC83 tubes operating in the ionic bias parallel configuration of the first gain stage and the subsequent amplification stages. Using a generic or third-party power supply with the Simply Phono is not recommended, as mismatched supply voltages or insufficient filtering can degrade tube operating points and introduce noise at the most sensitive point in the signal chain. The external PSU connects to the Simply Phono via a dedicated DC umbilical, and the complete system -- phono stage plus external supply -- weighs 3 kg and occupies a compact footprint suitable for any equipment rack position.

Key Features

• Eliminates Transformer Electromagnetic Interference: Physical separation of the mains transformer from the audio circuit removes the primary source of EMI coupling into the phono stage's first gain stage.
• Reduces Conducted Mains Noise: External rectification and filtering isolate AC supply noise before it reaches the ECC83 tube heater and anode circuits.
• Purpose-Matched for Simply Phono: Output voltages and current ratings are specifically engineered for the Simply Phono's four-ECC83 ionic bias Class A circuit.
• Standard Supply in Select Markets: Included as standard with the Simply Phono in the UK and other markets, confirming its role as an integral performance component rather than an optional upgrade.
• Compact and Discreet: Small footprint allows flexible equipment rack positioning independent of the Simply Phono chassis.
• Italian Engineering: Designed and produced within Unison Research's Treviso facility as part of the complete Simply Phono system.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Unison Research Simply Phono External Power Supply?

The Unison Research Simply Phono External Power Supply is a dedicated outboard power supply from Treviso, Italy, designed exclusively for use with the Unison Research Simply Phono tube phono preamplifier. It physically separates the mains transformer and rectification circuitry from the Simply Phono's audio chassis, eliminating electromagnetic field coupling and conducted AC noise from the phono stage's four-ECC83 Class A signal path.

Is the external power supply necessary, or is it optional?

The Simply Phono External Power Supply is a performance-critical component rather than a cosmetic upgrade. In markets such as the UK, Unison Research supplies it as standard with the Simply Phono, reflecting the company's own assessment that the external PSU is the correct configuration for the phono stage. At the signal levels a phono preamplifier handles -- as low as 0.2 millivolts for moving-coil cartridges -- power supply noise that would be inaudible in a line-level component becomes directly audible. The external PSU addresses this by removing the noise source from the audio enclosure entirely.

How does an external power supply improve phono preamplifier performance?

A mains transformer generates a magnetic field that radiates into surrounding components and PCB traces. In a combined chassis design, this field can induce small voltages into the phono stage's input wiring and first gain stage -- at phono signal levels, even very small induced voltages are audible as hum or a slight veiling of low-level detail. Separating the transformer into its own enclosure removes this field from the audio circuit. Additionally, the external supply's dedicated filtering removes AC ripple from the supply rail before it reaches the ECC83 tube heaters and anodes, reducing hiss and improving the noise floor of the complete system.

Can the Simply Phono Power Supply be used with other phono preamplifiers?

No. The Simply Phono External Power Supply is designed specifically for the Unison Research Simply Phono preamplifier, with output voltages and current ratings matched to the Simply Phono's ECC83 tube circuit requirements. It should not be used with other phono preamplifiers or audio components, as mismatched supply voltages can damage tubes or degrade circuit operating points.

Where can I buy the Unison Research Simply Phono Power Supply in Buffalo, NY or the USA?

The Unison Research Simply Phono External Power Supply is available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY, USA. Vinyl Sound is an authorized Unison Research dealer serving western New York and the United States. Contact the Vinyl Sound team to confirm current availability and to purchase it alongside or separately from the Simply Phono preamplifier.