Soulnote E-1 Phono Equalizer

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)

Functions

• Input load impedance selection function (LOAD selector): Choose between 1,000 ohms, 300 ohms, 100 ohms, 30 ohms, 10 ohms, and 3 ohms. (for MC input)
• MM input function: Pressing the MM button enables use of MM cartridges and MC step-up transformers.
• Low-range cutoff (subsonic filter): Turning the LOW CUT switch ON reduces woofer movement as a result of record warping, etc.

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.