Anyone familiar with Soulnote?

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.
 
Ricky64 said:
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.
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Great update - thanks for sharing.

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

How is the D-1 compared to Lumin P1? I know you love the P1 so much (I have it and love it too), so just curious which one you prefer.
 
normie610 said:
Hi Puma,

How is the D-1 compared to Lumin P1? I know you love the P1 so much (I have it and love it too), so just curious which one you prefer.
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They are both superb. I couldn't say that I prefer one over the other with respect to audio quality with respect to the DAC functionality. The P1's DAC is so good that I don't feel any needed to buy the D-1N to have comparable functionality and audio quality. A key advantage of the P-1 for me is it's...simplicity. It provides superb streaming, D/A conversion and preamp functionality, all in a single box. As such, my main system (not counting the turntable "subsystem" only needs 2 PCs and 1 pair of IC's. Simple. And...simple is good. Less stuff to "go wrong" and less stuff to be susceptible to noise factors. Nelson's* been tellin' us about the advantages of "simplicity" for years now. 👍

That being said, if I had a standalone preamp and needed a "standalone" DAC, the SoulNote D-1N would be at the top of my list. It's really superb.

*–Long time tenet espoused by Nelson Pass: The simplest circuits sound the best. Papa is right.
 
Puma Cat said:
They are both superb. I couldn't say that I prefer one over the other with respect to audio quality with respect to the DAC functionality. The P1's DAC is so good that I don't feel any needed to buy the D-1N to have comparable functionality and audio quality. A key advantage of the P-1 for me is it's...simplicity. It provides superb streaming, D/A conversion and preamp functionality, all in a single box. As such, my main system (not counting the turntable "subsystem" only needs 2 PCs and 1 pair of IC's. Simple. And...simple is good. Less stuff to "go wrong" and less stuff to be susceptible to noise factors. Nelson's* been tellin' us about the advantages of "simplicity" for years now. 👍

That being said, if I had a standalone preamp and needed a "standalone" DAC, the SoulNote D-1N would be at the top of my list. It's really superb.

*–Long time tenet espoused by Nelson Pass: The simplest circuits sound the best. Papa is right.
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Thanks for this! Contemplating on "upgrading" my DAC, there's nothing wrong with the P1, really it sounds fantastic, but just been wondering what "higher tier" DACs would bring to the table. Was looking at D-3, MPD-8, Weiss Helios or APL's offerings (DSD-SR comes to mind) but not sure how significant the effect will be since I'm listening only to headphones.
 
normie610 said:
Thanks for this! Contemplating on "upgrading" my DAC, there's nothing wrong with the P1, really it sounds fantastic, but just been wondering what "higher tier" DACs would bring to the table. Was looking at D-3, MPD-8, Weiss Helios or APL's offerings (DSD-SR comes to mind) but not sure how significant the effect will be since I'm listening only to headphones.
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If I may share my perspective on your comment: "....but just been wondering what "higher tier" DACs would bring to the table."

If I may most respectfully ask a question for consideration: "Would you really feel that much more FULFILLED in your life by having a D-1N?"

If, yes, then get one.

But...from my own perspective having extensive first-hand experience with both, the answer would be: "No."

The P1 sounds fantastic, as you well know, and in my own direct experience, I felt no need or preference to replace the P-1's DAC functionality with the D-1N. That's how good the P-1 is.

So...I would use part of the funds for a purchase of the D-1N to purchase some lovely and well-mastered recordings, and use perhaps the rest taking a nice vacation somewhere. You'll remember that nice vacation for the rest of your life.

Just my 2¢.

Cheers, and as Hans Beekhuizen says: "Enjoy the music."
 
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