Soulnote E-2

The E-2 supports both conventional MC/MM cartridges and DS Audio photoelectric cartridges through technical collaboration with DigitalStream. This is an all-in-one phono equalizer that enables playback using a full range of phono cartridges.

Reviews:

Hi-Fi News, Outstanding Product

“...I found the Soulnote E-2 to be everything one could want in a phono amp, whether or not one owns a DS Audio cartridge. So clean, detailed and open is the sound that I can see users swapping cartridges just for the fun of it, to challenge the E-2's prowess. I fed it seven entirely different cartridges and it made each of them sing. This phono stage is utterly magnificent.” -Hi-Fi News, Read the Full Review Here

Product Description:

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 (ultralow 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

Link to the Manual