Anyone familiar with Soulnote?

**Shadowfax** · August 18, 2023, 01:42 PM

Looks to be an old Japanese Designer from Marantz. He has some interesting Design Philosophy.
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY

Build Quality and looks appear top notch.

**Puma Cat** · August 18, 2023, 01:47 PM

Yes. I have their D-1N DAC in for review. Going to set it up next week. Will post photos once I do.

**SCAudiophile** · August 18, 2023, 02:27 PM

Great sounding and well designed gear that I've been following for a couple years.

I had the good luck to finally hear a full stack (their top models. .CD/SACD player acting as a transport, DAC, 10 mHz Master Clock, preamp, and monoblocks) at Capital Audiofest 2022:

220_20221113_130739_SOULNOTE-Japan-Full-System-Stack-1st-time-ever-in-USA.mp4 - Google Drive

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**Shadowfax** · August 18, 2023, 02:30 PM

Originally Posted by SCAudiophile

Great sounding and well designed gear that I've been following for a couple years.

I had the good luck to finally hear a full stack (CD/SACD player acting as a transport, DAC, 10 mHz Master Clock, preamp, and monoblocks) at Capital Audiofest 2022:

220_20221113_130739_SOULNOTE-Japan-Full-System-Stack-1st-time-ever-in-USA.mp4 - Google Drive

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Thanks, I was having trouble finding vids with music.

**SCAudiophile** · August 18, 2023, 02:35 PM

The speakers were one of the Perlisten models, and that's only a quick recording using my Samsung S21 Ultra cellphone.

In the room, it sounded amazing and even better than I thought I might find.

It's no secret I am a long-term Esoteric customer and fan. If they ever went out of business, I would immediately consider SOULNOTE as a #1 successor for my system based upon what I heard that day.

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**Puma Cat** · August 18, 2023, 03:09 PM

Quickie iPhone piccie of the SoulNote D-1N DAC...

**GSOphile** · August 18, 2023, 04:51 PM

I saw very positive review of their top line SACD player several years ago. Compared favorably with a similarly priced Esoteric and one other top brand. At the time there was no U.S. distribution.

**Shadowfax** · August 18, 2023, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by GSOphile

I saw very positive review of their top line SACD player several years ago. Compared favorably with a similarly priced Esoteric and one other top brand. At the time there was no U.S. distribution.

What is odd is that it says it is Japanese but the contact is Germany

**Mr Peabody** · August 18, 2023, 11:40 PM

That would have the ASR crowd up in arms. I'd love to have a listen to their gear..

I'm with him, I knew way back that receivers had better specs on paper than higher end gear yet that higher end gear blew the receiver away.

**kzhtoo** · August 19, 2023, 01:11 AM

I was looking into their P-3 SE preamp and looks to be extremely well built. Seemingly offer more in the box than similarly priced competitions.

I really like the look as well and rivals Esoteric which I always regard as best looking.

**mep** · August 19, 2023, 10:04 AM

How much is the P3-SE preamp? It looks very impressive being a true dual mono preamp with a huge power supply.

Just found the price. $25k.

**Puma Cat** · September 7, 2023, 03:07 AM

Just connected up the SoulNote D-1N D/A convertor tonight, and....VERY impressed.

Very natural-sounding and engaging; voices are superb. This is a fabulous-sounding DAC.

**XV-1** · September 7, 2023, 07:49 AM

a mate of mine has the E-2 phono stage. he luvs it. has an DS audio cartridge input as well.

**Mr Peabody** · September 7, 2023, 11:12 AM

How much in USD?

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

Just connected up the SoulNote D-1N D/A convertor tonight, and....VERY impressed.

Very natural-sounding and engaging; voices are superb. This is a fabulous-sounding DAC.

**Puma Cat** · September 7, 2023, 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by Mr Peabody

How much in USD?

IIRC, MSRP in the U.S. is $7,000.

**SCAudiophile** · September 7, 2023, 09:15 PM

They also have two other Lines (Series 3 and 2):

Soulnote Audio: Soulnote Series 3

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**SCAudiophile** · September 7, 2023, 09:17 PM

Soulnote Digital Line | atelier-13-audio

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**Mr Peabody** · September 8, 2023, 11:32 AM

At that price it would comcompete with the Baltic or T+A

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

IIRC, MSRP in the U.S. is $7,000.

**Puma Cat** · September 8, 2023, 02:09 PM

Originally Posted by Mr Peabody

At that price it would comcompete with the Baltic or T+A

Yes, as someone who owned a Baltic, it absolutely competes with a Baltic. In fact, it reminds me a lot of my Baltic-3. The Baltic is an absolutely lovely-sounding DAC, and the SoulNote is, as well. Very impressed.

**Puma Cat** · October 12, 2023, 02:26 AM

Listening to these tracks on the SoulNote D-1N tonight, as I've posted above, the SoulNote D-1N really is a beautiful-soundng DAC, I must say. "Superbe!", as the French would say...

It has all the wonderful quaities and attributes of a tube-powered component e.g. the Lampis, with none of the "hassle" of tubes, as it were.

**SoundRebels** · October 12, 2023, 03:39 AM

We had full set of top models and ... build quality is superb and sound in top Accuphase gears style but with better resolution and timing.

**Puma Cat** · October 12, 2023, 03:49 AM

Very nice, I can only imagine how good the top product line sounds.

**W9TR** · October 12, 2023, 08:13 AM

Originally Posted by kzhtoo

I was looking into their P-3 SE preamp and looks to be extremely well built. Seemingly offer more in the box than similarly priced competitions.

I really like the look as well and rivals Esoteric which I always regard as best looking.

That is stunning - beautiful execution.

**Puma Cat** · October 12, 2023, 01:51 PM

It is, very impressive execution and engineering.

I'd love to hear their top-line integrated amp sometime...

And speaking of interior shots...check this out:

**Ricky64** · November 22, 2023, 10:03 AM

I too just started hearing about Soulnote. Kicking around the idea of either the 3 series Preamp or Integrated. Interestingly, they are both priced the same at $25K. The A-3 Integrated starts shipping early 2024.

**WanderB** · November 23, 2023, 03:43 PM

I recently bought the D2 DAC, and I have to say that I'm really impressed! I bought it for a second setup, but as soon as I started listening to it... wow... I immediately moved the D2 to the main one, and it's still there (and for good!). It replaced an Aqua Formula xHD. I just ordered the P3 preamplifier, that will replace a Gryphon Sonata Allegro.

**Ricky64** · November 23, 2023, 04:12 PM

Originally Posted by WanderB

I recently bought the D2 DAC, and I have to say that I'm really impressed! I bought it for a second setup, but as soon as I started listening to it... wow... I immediately moved the D2 to the main one, and it's still there (and for good!). It replaced an Aqua Formula xHD. I just ordered the P3 preamplifier, that will replace a Gryphon Sonata Allegro.

I'm currently eyeing the P3. Currently have been running without a pre. Would be feeding into a Gryphon Essence Stereo.

**Boggy** · December 11, 2023, 09:49 PM

Hi. I am curious about the integrated amplifiers of Soulnote. There is no local dealer where I live so I would like to get an idea as to how they sound. To those who have heard or own/ed any of their integrated amplifiers, can you kindly describe their sound? Are they on the smooth and warm camp or neutral and detailed? How about their driving capabilities? Can they drive medium sensitive speakers? Any inputs will be much appreciated. Many thanks in advance!

**WanderB** · December 12, 2023, 05:00 AM

Originally Posted by Boggy

Hi. I am curious about the integrated amplifiers of Soulnote. There is no local dealer where I live so I would like to get an idea as to how they sound. To those who have heard or own/ed any of their integrated amplifiers, can you kindly describe their sound? Are they on the smooth and warm camp or neutral and detailed? How about their driving capabilities? Can they drive medium sensitive speakers? Any inputs will be much appreciated. Many thanks in advance!

Hi
I do not have the integrated, but I have the DAC D2 and the Preamplifier P3 (connected alternatively to a Gryphon Antileon Signature, an Accuphase A48 and a McIntosh MC275 VI) . The sound signature is definitely on the neutral/detailed side, but in a very refined and musical way. Not harsh at all, fluid and very fast and precise. For the driving capabilities I cannot tell you, but given the oversized transformers I'm pretty sure they can drive easily mid and also low sensitive loudspeakers.

**Boggy** · December 12, 2023, 10:20 AM

Many thanks for your reply!

**Puma Cat** · December 12, 2023, 01:33 PM

Originally Posted by WanderB

I recently bought the D2 DAC, and I have to say that I'm really impressed! I bought it for a second setup, but as soon as I started listening to it... wow... I immediately moved the D2 to the main one, and it's still there (and for good!). It replaced an Aqua Formula xHD. I just ordered the P3 preamplifier, that will replace a Gryphon Sonata Allegro.

Yes, I've been really, really impressed with the D-1/N DAC I have in for review, as well. Just a beautiful and very musical-sounding DAC. I'd place it in my personal list top 3 of my favorite DACs.

I've been listening to it this morning while doing some work on the laptop. It's on the lower right shelf. Granted the lighting is not perfect, as this was just a quickie iPhone snappie from the chair (which is not even in the listening position, presently).

Would love to get an Soul-Note integrated amp in for eval at some point, as I love a nice integrated.

**Ricky64** · December 21, 2023, 12:34 PM

Just ordered the P-3 preamplifier. I am hoping it brings some dynamics and tonal density to my system with no loss of speed.

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**MichaelsMinute** · December 21, 2023, 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by Ricky64

Just ordered the P-3 amplifier. I am hoping it brings some dynamics and tonal density to my system with loss of speed.

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Definitely let us know what you think of it!

**Puma Cat** · December 21, 2023, 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by Ricky64

Just ordered the P-3 amplifier. I am hoping it brings some dynamics and tonal density to my system with loss of speed.

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You're hoping it will brings some dynamics and tonal density with "loss of speed" or "no loss of speed"? 🤔

😺

**Ricky64** · December 21, 2023, 02:45 PM

Oops. It is me that is losing speed.

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**Puma Cat** · December 21, 2023, 11:23 PM

Originally Posted by Ricky64

Oops. It is me that is losing speed.

Ha!

Absolutely no worries!

Cheers.

**Jerome W** · December 25, 2023, 07:55 AM

Hello friends,

I have listened to the full top level Soul Note system at the Aldelphi in Singapore, with Vivid full range speakers. Sources were their top of the line sacd / dac and the phono stage fed by a Torqueo T12H Exclusive turntable.
I have to write a complete article about this because the sound was one of the very best I ever heard. Just to die for actually. Alive and natural to a degree that very few can achieve.

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**SCAudiophile** · December 25, 2023, 08:26 AM

I had a similar experience with the whole top-line stack at Capital Audiofest 2022,...absolutely excellent!

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**Ricky64** · January 10, 2024, 11:47 PM

P-3 in the house

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**Ricky64** · January 17, 2024, 02:48 PM

I've had a week with the unit in my system. I am going from no pre to this, so some findings are likely not just characteristic of the P-3. The sound stage is moved forward, with an excellent increase in height and width. Incredible dynamics, micro and macro. Holographic like imaging..in two dimensions though. Much improved density of mid and lower midrange instruments. It is a very involving and realistic sound. I am getting two not so desirable findings. There is a tilt upward in higher midrange. Some of this is offset by more prominent and rounder bass (this adds a touch of warmth which is welcome). Also, while the stage is moved forward, it's depth is flattened. The latter improved somewhat by pulling speakers out further. While my room is large, I have seating constraints which require me to have a near field position, so I would rather not have a nearer, less deep soundstage. Standing back in the room the sound is impressive and realistic. I like the construction, remote, and the volume knob feel is outstanding. I am going to try some different cabling and tweaking with an expert friend, and see if I can improve this. If not, this will not be the best pre for my situation.
I do chuckle when once talking to George Kyomi, a high end audio and professional musician in Chicago, who once challenged me to explain imaging depth in real life performances...

**Ricky64** · February 12, 2024, 12:34 AM

Follow up to above. With some tweaking, the midrange peak smoothened out. The overall tonal qualities are of a slightly forward presentation, roundish bass, lovely density and tonal qualities to midrange instruments and vocals. and no lack of treble. It sounded quick and rhythmic, but never fatiguing. Again, soundstage not as deep as some other units I listened too. Imaging in my setup was less precise than the three other pre's I listened to (Aesthetix metis, Grimm Mu2, and Accuphase C3900). There was something very natural/realistic and pleasing about the sound. I really looked forward to listening to the system when the P-3 was in it. I enjoyed the industrial look, and the remote and volume knob feel were excellent. I wound up purchasing the Accuphase C3900, which trumped the P-3 in bass control and imaging, while still feeling spacious and organic (at a higher price point). TMR Audio's generous audition policy allowed me an extended period with the P-3. The C3900 is on order. Tonight, I boxed up the P-3 to return, and felt quite sad about this. I'll be interested to see how SoulNote does as they try to establish themselves in the US market. I'd also like to hear the A-3 integrated someday.

**MichaelsMinute** · February 12, 2024, 09:57 AM

Originally Posted by Ricky64

Follow up to above. With some tweaking, the midrange peak smoothened out. The overall tonal qualities are of a slightly forward presentation, roundish bass, lovely density and tonal qualities to midrange instruments and vocals. and no lack of treble. It sounded quick and rhythmic, but never fatiguing. Again, soundstage not as deep as some other units I listened too. Imaging in my setup was less precise than the three other pre's I listened to (Aesthetix metis, Grimm Mu2, and Accuphase C3900). There was something very natural/realistic and pleasing about the sound. I really looked forward to listening to the system when the P-3 was in it. I enjoyed the industrial look, and the remote and volume knob feel were excellent. I wound up purchasing the Accuphase C3900, which trumped the P-3 in bass control and imaging, while still feeling spacious and organic (at a higher price point). TMR Audio's generous audition policy allowed me an extended period with the P-3. The C3900 is on order. Tonight, I boxed up the P-3 to return, and felt quite sad about this. I'll be interested to see how SoulNote does as they try to establish themselves in the US market. I'd also like to hear the A-3 integrated someday.

Great update - thanks for sharing.

What's the price difference between the P-3 and the C3900?

**Ricky64** · February 12, 2024, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by MichaelsMinute

Great update - thanks for sharing.

What's the price difference between the P-3 and the C3900?

Retail pretty readily available with a search. Significant discounts are attainable for both units.

Thread: Anyone familiar with Soulnote?