atelier 13 audio
Soulnote Phono Preamp Line
HIDEKI KATO DESIGNS
Soulnote E-2 Phono Preamplifier
$ 9,000
Product Highlights
Non-NFB phono equalizer circuits dedicated to photoelectric cartridges
The equalizer components rely on differential emitter bypass channels incorporating new circuitry that significantly lowers circuit impedance. SOULNOTE's original perfectly balanced non-NFB circuits are free of electrical stress and do not require phase compensation nor do they poise band limitations. These circuits can fully accommodate photoelectric cartridges, which are uninhibited by the weight and inductive resistance limitations of coils and magnetic circuits.
The combination of the photoelectric system's exceptional transient responsiveness with non-NFB produces a shockingly vibrant and vivid music soundscape.
* Photoelectric cartridges do not support past Toshiba or Trio cartridges.
MC Load Switching
The E-2 comes equipped with six types of load impedance switching functions to extract the most from the MC cartridges being used.
Inputs capable of connecting with four types of systems
The E-2 allows for simultaneous connection and switching between four inputs: MC balanced inputs, MC/MM unbalanced inputs (2 types), and dedicated photoelectric cartridge inputs.
MM load capacity switching
Three kinds of load capacity switching functions are employed to fully demonstrate the extreme capabilities of MM cartridges.
Wide support of old-time EQ curves before RIAA advent (with MC/MM)
Six kinds of Roll-Off (high range attenuation frequency), four kinds of Turn Over (low range amplification frequency), and six kinds of Low Limit (ultra-low frequency amplification limit) are all independent of each other and can be changed individually.
Together, they offer a total of 144 types of curves, from Decca and Columbia to the first SP records (with Flat response). By using these individual adjustment knobs, you can choose the most appropriate equalizer curve, or, alternatively, you can use the included equalizer curve sheet to customize the equalizer curve. Above all else, we use mechanical relays for switching the equalizer curve and prioritize sound quality.
Perfectly balanced non-NFB phono equalizer circuits (with MC/MM)
The differential amplifier gain has precise RIAA characteristics as a result of the balanced load circuits and uses SOULNOTE's original perfectly balanced non-NFB circuits to eliminate the shortcomings of conventional NF and CR type circuitry. The board for each right and left channel are completely independent of each other, while the dual mono configuration creates precise and expansive spatial presentations.
Featuring a 400 VA massive toroidal transformer and high-speed non-NFB power supply
Using a extremely powerful 400 VA bifilar wound transformer as a single unit unveils the inherent potential of the GND and power supply. The combination of multiple small capacity condensers connected in parallel with a high-speed non-NFB regulator results in delicate playback that recreates a totally accurate soundscape reflecting minute sonic details, such the air rising from the stage.
Inverter function
The E-2 is equipped with an inverter function that switches between the balanced outputs' HOT and COLD to eliminate sonic warping as a result of the circuits.
Low gain function
The E-2 features a low gain function to reduce the output level in response to the available headroom of connected preamplifiers, etc.
Mono Mode
The E-2 has a Mono switch to output the left and right channels in mono.
Degaussing function (with MC/MM)
This function shortens the inputs. By enabling this feature, the phono cartridge can be effectively degaussed during record playback. It can also be used as a MUTE function when the needle settles on the record.
Balanced output
A strong, balanced output is obtained by employing a fully balanced non-NFB buffer amplifier that is even capable of driving loudspeakers.
Specifications
Soulnote E-2 Phono Equalizer
Input sensitivity - MC:0.4mV, MM:4mV, OPT:50mV
Gain - MC:72dB, MM:52dB, OPT:30dB
Rated output voltage - BALANCE :2.8V, UNBALANCE:1.4V
RIAA deviation - ±0.2dB
MC load resistance - 3Ω, 6Ω, 12Ω, 24Ω, 40Ω, 100Ω
MM load capacity - 100P, 200P, 350P
MM load resistance - 47KΩ
Equalizer frequency ROLL-OFF [KHz] - 1.59, 2.12(RIAA), 2.59, 3.18, 6.89, FLAT
Equalizer frequency TURNOVER [Hz] - 250 , 390 , 500 (RIAA) , 630
Equalizer frequency LOW LIMIT [Hz] - 50 (RIAA) , 71 , 100 , 125 , 150 , FLAT
Power supply AC 120 V 50/60 Hz
Maximum external dimensions Body : 430 (W ) x 160 (H) x 410 (D) mm
Weight - Approx. 20 kg
Soulnote E-1 Phono Preamplifier
$ 5,000
10th Anniversary Special - $ 4,000
Product Highlights
Perfectly balanced, discrete non-NFB phono equalizer
The biggest advantage of non-NFB amplifiers is the exceptional transient responsiveness they obtain by indefinitely extending the high range. non-NFB amplifiers provide even more benefits with analog sources, which essentially have no range limitations. The E-1 builds upon the circuit layout and components of our legendary ph1.0 Phono Equalizer and refines the finer points of that model. By including RIAA elements in voltage amplification circuit loads, the E-1 features a unique circuit system that makes gain itself an RIAA characteristic and obtains uniform quality throughout the entire frequency range above 100 kHz, thus eliminating the drawbacks of both CR types that have problems with dynamic ranges at the high end and NF types that change NF volume depending on the range. The CR components use MELF with 1% accuracy and polypropylene film capacitors with 2% accuracy for perfect curve characteristics. The result is a phono equalizer with the soul of the ph1.0 and remarkable augmentation of clarity, information, and sonic realism.
Perfectly balanced circuits (for MC input)
The E-1 fully supports balanced cartridge input. The rear panel includes an operation selector and comes complete with balanced input XLR terminals. When using XLR two-core shielded cables for balanced inputs, the E-1 becomes a perfectly balanced non negative feedback phono equalizer from input to output. This creates an overwhelming soundscape that expands in three dimensions and sound with minutiae that will resonate in your soul.
Note: Setting the operation selector to balanced RCA inputs allows for balanced inputs, but it is effectively an unshielded setup and some noise may be produced. We recommend always using XLR two-core shielded cables. Also, please note that the operation selector is not an input selector. To ensure the best sound quality, the HOT RCA terminal and the 2nd XLR terminal pin are connected internally, as are the COLD RCA terminal (GND) and the 3rd XLR terminal pin. As a result, you cannot switch between two record players connected to the RCA and XLR terminals.
* The default setting is unbalanced (NORMAL)
Balanced output
A strong, balanced output is obtained by employing a fully balanced non-NFB buffer amplifier that is even capable of driving loudspeakers. Unbalanced outputs are output only through the HOT balanced output, just like with other SOULNOTE products.
Toroidal power supply transformer & non-NFB power supply
The E-1 incorporates 260 VA toroidal transformers with the same specifications as those used in the A-1 Integrated Amplifier. Darlington ripple filter circuits, fast recovery diodes, and 10 parallel 1,000 μF filter capacitors combine in a non negative feedback power supply that creates an inexhaustible sense of lightness.
Direct mechanical grounding construction
Spikes connect to the bottom of the transformer's center of gravity to directly expel harmful vibrations outside the unit without interfering with the unit housing itself. This achieves both supremely vibrant musical expression and a high S/N.
Metallic insulators as standard equipment (when under load)
Though plastic insulators are the conventional standard, we now use metallic insulators since they promote higher sound quality.
Specifications
Soulnote E-1 Phono Equalizer
Input sensitivity - MC: 0,5mV / MM: 5mV
Load resistance - MC: 3ohm, 6ohm, 12ohm, 40ohm, 100ohm / MM: 47kohm
Gain - MC: 70dB / MM: 50dB
Rated output - Balanced output: 2,8V / Unbalanced output: 1,4V
RIAA deviation - ±0,3dB
Power voltage 120V AC 50Hz
Maximum external dimensions - 430(W) × 109(H) × 409(D)mm
Weight - 9,5kg
HIDEKI KATO DESIGNS