Soulnote Z-3 Network Transport

The Z-3 is Soulnote’s Network Transport, it’s from Series 3, their flagship range – this model is the only network transport they offer in their entire line up of products.

With Series 3 the build quality and fit/finish takes a step up over Series 2, it is also larger the Z-3 is 174mm tall.  As well as being larger, the design of Series 3 is marginally different to Series 2, the construction is superior as is the level of isolation in the way the chassis and sockets are all floated to maximise performance.

The Z-3 can be used in a few different ways in a system.

There is a single SFP network input so you can connect via an ADOT fibre kit or a Melco switch. If you possess neither of this you can get a RJ45 to SFP adapter to use a traditional network cable.

The Z-3 can stream Tidal and Qobuz, controlled by a variety of 3rd party control apps (JPLAY, Bubble, MConnect etc), plus it is a Roon Ready Endpoint, it will also play music via UPnP, so serving music stored on a NAS drive is no issue either.

In terms of digital output there are 2 options, USB A to connect the Z-3 to a USB DAC such as a D2 or another brand of DAC. The other output option is Soulnote’s proprietary ZERO LINK connection, this utilises a DVI as a carrier, due to the fact is has enormous bandwidth. The connection is used to connect to Soulnote’s flagship DAC, the D-3.

When used with a D-3 DAC and the Z-3 Clock Generator the 3 boxes make for a formidable combination.

From Soulnote……

Ultra-powerful non-NFB discrete power supply

The Z-3 uses the same digital high-reguration transformer as D-3. An unprecedented 260 VA large-capacity transformer is used to create four non-NFB discrete power supply circuits separated from each circuit winding. It uses a total of 16 ultra high-speed SiC rectifier diodes and 70 low-magnification electrolytic condensers. This provides endless expressive power with overflowing clarity and directness.

ZERO LINK

ZERO LINK drastically reduces the work of the D/A converter and completely eliminates the use of asynchronous components in the D/A converter housing. In the Z-3, ZERO LINK replaces every asynchronous component to transmit only signals polished beautifully by the clock to the D/A converter. The resulting sound quality is an unprecedented leap forward in the sonic universe. This solution surpasses the highest levels of analog playback.

By incorporating an optical link module, this opens up the door to optical cable connections. And the use of an SFP RJ45 module allows for compatibility with regular LAN cable connections.

By the way: The optical link module, RJ45 module, optical cables, and LAN cables are not included with the Z-3.

SC Cut ultra low phase noise OCXO

An SC Cut OXCO is installed in the dedicated SFP circuit clock. Although it is an asynchronous component, every effort was made to counteract its effects by maximizing the clock quality. When ZERO LINK is connected, the high-quality D/A converter master clock transmitted by ZERO LINK is used in the I2S generation circuit and Non-PLL Sync is applied.

A dedication to non-rigid housing

Beyond the plate, we went above and beyond to create a non-rigid housing, including the AC inlet, I/O terminals, circuit boards, and circuit board chassis. We applied the full breadth of SOULNOTE expertise to components like titanium washers, spike placement directly under the transformers, and more. The air volume presented by the relatively large housing contributes to an unprecedentedly vast soundscape.

The Z-3 can be used in the following three ways:

1. As a ZERO LINK network player (LAN input – ZERO LINK output)

You can create the ultimate separate network player by inserting an optical link module or RJ45 module into the SFP port and using it as a LAN input, then using a ZERO LINK connection with the D-3 or S-3 ver. 2. This connection method will create the highest quality sound.

* LAN input is compatible with DLNA, OpenHome, and diretta (LAN DAC).
* diretta input is only possible when connecting with diretta compatible devices.

2. As a ZERO LINK bridge (USB input – ZERO LINK output)

By using the USB input to connect to your computer or music server, you can use it as a ZERO LINK bridge with output from the ZERO LINK. High-quality ZERO LINK sound can be easily obtained by using the Z-3 in the same way as a general USB DAC.

* The USB input is compatible with Bulk Pet and JPLAY.

3. As a network transport (LAN input – USB output)

You can use it as a high-definition network player by connecting it to your USB DAC.

* USB input – USB output is not possible.