Soulnote E-2 Phono Stage
The E-2 is Soulnote’s phono stage from Series 2, their middle range of products.
Step up from Series 1 to Series 2 and the first thing you will notice is the larger casework, the E-2 stands at 160mm tall, 5cm taller than the E-1
Series 1 models all have the front panel milled from aluminium, step up to Series 2 and that continues around the sides, the build quality is first rate and the E-2 weighs in at 20kg. The top plate of the E-2 ‘floats’ on the chassis, it is not firmly attached or screwed down. Soulnote have always argued that the case construction is just as important the to overall performance as the actual components that make up the product itself.
The E-2 supports both conventional MC/MM cartridges and also the DS Audio photoelectric cartridges through technical collaboration between Soulnote and DigitalStream.
The E-2 has 2 pairs of RCA inputs, there is a third input which can be either RCA or XLR (but not both), there is a further RCA input for use with the DS Audio cartridges, outputs are both XLR and RCA, there is a huge amount of adjustment available from the front panel buttons.
From Soulnote……
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.
