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Soulnote E-3
Soulnote E-3
PHONO EQUALIZER – available in Premium Silver / Premium Black
A phono equalizer dedicated to DS Audio optical cartridges.
A new Type-R circuit, fully balanced non NFB
Newly developed discrete, non-NFB, balanced amplification circuit (New Type-R circuit) dedicated to optical cartridges. Not only the voltage amplification, but also the output stage is a single system that operates entirely with respect to GND, eliminating push-pull and bias circuits. From input to output, the signal passes through only four transistors. A very simple non-NFB circuit protects the freshness of the music signal with excellent transient response of optical cartridges.
Super-strong power supply with three power transformers
The power supply consists of three transformers: a large transformer dedicated to the New Type-R Circuit with independent left and right circuits, and a transformer for the LED power supply of the optical cartridge. For a phono amplifier of only 19W, the power consumption has a power supply capacity equivalent to that of a 500W power amplifier. This margin supports unwavering music reproduction.A newly developed power transformer with copper short ring is used as the analog power transformer.This further improves the fine expression by suppressing noise caused by leakage flux.
High-speed non-NFB power supply
For the rectifying capacitor, a specially selected high withstand voltage small capacitance low magnification foil filter capacitor is used. To optimize the capacity, the number of units used was determined and the load on the power transformer was reduced. This further improved the real regulation of the ultra-powerful power transformer. For the rectifier diodes, SiC diodes of the latest specifications with enhanced allowable inrush current are used. This is the most powerful and high-speed power supply configuration ever considered. In addition, two large power relays with excellent sound quality are used independently and without fixing as power switches for the two main power transformer. In other words, the power switch on the front panel is dedicated to the control system sub-transformer. Independent power switch for each power transformer, which is a high current contact point, is very effective in terms of sound quality.
Power Separated Phono Cable Compatible
The XLR input terminals are compatible with the "power supply separated phono cable" developed by DS Audio and Uesugi Laboratories. By separating the paths of the fine phono signal and LED current, the SN and dynamism that are the characteristics of optical cartridges are further improved.
Unfixed structure
The amplifier block, terminals, AC inlet, top cover, and bottom cover are all unfixed.
RSR-2-12D (Reference SOULNOTE Relay)
An ultra low loss glass tube sealed reed relay that performs similar to a mercury relay as a base has been further customized. This is an original custom relay created by SOULNOTE that can reach sound quality levels comparable to that of wire. The E-3 uses the RSR-2-12D for all relays through which audio signals pass.
Ultra high-quality naked foil resistors
We have applied artificial satellite grade ultra-high precision foil resistors with exceptional temperature properties and have made additional customizations with an emphasis on sound quality. These ultra-high sound quality resistors were developed in-house and employ a naked foil design to eliminate dumps with mold resin. The E-3 uses ultra high-quality naked foil resistors for all resistors related to sound quality.
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Professional Reviews 83/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
91/100
Cartridge Compatibility
54/100
Build Quality
82/100
Value for Money
85/100
Soulnote’s E-3 brings near-silent transparency to DS Audio optical cartridges, pairing powerful, fully extended bass with clean treble shimmer and an especially natural, enveloping midrange. The Absolute Sound found its relaxed neutrality and deeply focused imaging unusually revealing, making this substantial energizer a compelling centerpiece for a dedicated optical analogue system.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Exceptionally low noise floor and highly transparent presentation.
Natural, enveloping midrange with powerful, extended and detailed bass.
Clean, clear treble with convincing shimmer and decay, plus palpable image depth.
&
Cons
Works only with DS Audio optical cartridges; it cannot accommodate MM or MC designs.
Large, heavy 60 lb chassis demands a serious installation.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 91/100
The Absolute Sound found the E-3 exceptionally quiet, highly transparent, and notably natural through the midrange. Its presentation is described as essentially neutral with a slight coolness rather than tube-like warmth, while bass extension, treble cleanliness, and spatial focus were all strong points.
Transparency Noise Floor
95/100
The reviewer had to put an ear next to the speaker with the volume fully raised to hear any noise, an unusually emphatic endorsement of silence in use. They also called it the most transparent phono stage they had used in their system, with an unforced and relaxing clarity.
Tonal Balance Musicality
92/100
The E-3 was heard as broadly neutral, with a slight tilt toward the cool side but without the sterility sometimes associated with solid-state electronics. Its especially enveloping, natural midrange, extended detailed bass, and clean, shimmering treble made for a highly convincing musical presentation.
Dynamics
85/100
The review points to powerful, well-extended bass and percussion with convincing shimmer and decay, suggesting good energy and transient expression. It says less directly about large-scale dynamic swings or rhythmic drive, however.
Soundstage Imaging
91/100
A vocal-and-piano recording was reproduced with the singer placed deep in the right channel and the piano farther back toward the left, producing a palpable sense of recorded space. That description suggests convincing image placement and depth rather than merely broad width.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Cartridge Compatibility
54/100
The E-3 is dedicated exclusively to DS Audio optical cartridges and cannot be used with conventional moving-magnet or moving-coil designs. Balanced and single-ended connections are provided, but only one input type may be connected at a time, so its flexibility depends entirely on committing to the optical-cartridge format.
Build Quality
82/100
The reviewer notes that the E-3 is a very large, heavy component at roughly 60 lb, consistent with its specified 27 kg mass. The supplied spike system and substantial chassis suggest a serious installation-oriented product, although the review says little about internal construction or long-term durability.
Value for Money
85/100
At $22,300, the E-3 is a major investment even within specialist high-end analogue systems. The review offers no direct comparison with similarly priced optical-cartridge energizers or explicit judgment on whether its performance justifies the asking price.
Reviews
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Authorized dealers for Soulnote E-3
- Absoulute Audio plus Video — in-store — Aiken, South Carolina, United States (website)
- Supreme Acoustic Systems — in-store — Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (website)
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- Aalen Hifi — in-store — Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Wurtemberg, Germany (website)
- Absolute Hi End — in-store — Ormond, Victoria, Australia (website)
- Anagram Audio — online and in-store — Bury St Edmunds, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Art & Voice — online (website)
- Art et son — online and in-store — Montréal, Québec, Canada (website)
- Art Sonique — France (website)
- Atelier 13 Audio — in-store — Forest Hills, Tennessee, United States (website)
and 36 more verified dealers
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