Soulnote D-1 Ver2 DAC

Read the TMR review of this item in our blog, The Gearhead!

Soulnote D-1 Ver2 D/A Converter Key Features:

• Optimized New Type-R Analog Circuit – Refined analog stage derived from Soulnote’s higher-end designs for natural, expressive sound.
• Dual ES9038PRO DAC Architecture – Independent left and right channel processing with proprietary NOS support.
• True NOS Playback – Eliminates conventional analog low-pass filtering for organic, vibrant musical reproduction.
  Resistor-Based I/V Conversion – High-end current-to-voltage design prioritizes musicality and tonal realism.
• High-Current Power Supply Design – Large non-impregnated toroidal transformer paired with non-NFB regulation enhances dynamic expression.

Product Description:

Pure Digital Conversion With Analog Soul

The D-1 Ver2 reflects Soulnote’s philosophy of prioritizing musical vitality over technical excess. Designed as a true high-performance D/A converter, it combines advanced digital processing with a carefully voiced analog output stage to deliver a sound that is organic, dynamic, and emotionally engaging.

Optimized Analog Circuit Design

At the heart of the D-1 Ver2 is Soulnote’s “New Type-R” analog circuit, originally developed for the E-3 and optimized here specifically for digital-to-analog conversion. The analog stage is supported by the same non-NFB regulator topology used in higher-end models, ensuring stability, speed, and freedom from the sonic constraints often introduced by feedback-based designs.

Dual ES9038PRO Architecture With NOS Mode

The ES9038PRO DAC chip is employed in a fully independent dual-mono configuration, with separate devices handling the left and right channels. Chosen for its clean current-output design and absence of unnecessary internal processing, the ES9038PRO allows Soulnote to fully implement its proprietary non-oversampling (NOS) mode. This approach preserves timing accuracy and harmonic integrity while avoiding the artificial character associated with heavy digital filtering.

Eliminating The Analog Low-Pass Filter

By eliminating the conventional analog low-pass filter, the D-1 Ver2 achieves the organic, lively sound character that NOS playback was originally intended to deliver. This design philosophy extends to DSD playback as well, allowing music to flow with natural dynamics and tonal richness across formats.

Resistor-Based I/V Conversion

Critical to the DAC’s sonic character, the current-to-voltage conversion stage uses the same resistor-based I/V design found in Soulnote’s upper-tier models. This approach emphasizes musical coherence, texture, and realism, avoiding the sterility that can arise from op-amp-based solutions.

Power Supply Designed For Musical Drive

A large, non-impregnated toroidal transformer forms the foundation of the D-1 Ver2’s power supply. Working in concert with Soulnote’s non-NFB regulation circuits, it delivers stable current and energy reserves that allow the DAC to reproduce music with passion, scale, and dynamic ease that defies its class.

Specifications: