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DACs — Soulnote D-2
Description, images, technical data and specifications
Soulnote D-2
Image source — © Soulnote
The D-2 is a digital-to-analogue converter from Soulnote, built around the well-regarded ES9038PRO conversion chip with an extraordinarily wide bandwidth. The D-2 brings Soulnote's considered engineering to standalone digital conversion.
Key specs that matter
The ES9038PRO conversion chip handles digital-to-analogue conversion, a well-regarded flagship-tier chip within the ESS Sabre family. DSD compatibility reaches DSD512, with PCM support up to 32-bit/768kHz. Frequency response spans an extraordinary 2Hz to 120,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB, matching the D-1N. Signal-to-noise ratio is 110dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise at 0.008% at 22kHz. At 430 x 160 x 405mm and 17kg, the D-2's considerably greater weight than the D-1N's 11kg reflects more serious internal transformer and power-supply componentry.
Sound and use context
Expect clean, detailed conversion reflecting the solid 110dB signal-to-noise figure, combined with the extraordinarily wide 2Hz-120kHz bandwidth matching the D-1N's bandwidth performance within a considerably heavier chassis.
Pairing
Soulnote's own E-2 phono stage and M-3 power amplifier offer natural, brand-coherent pairings for a fully Soulnote-voiced system.
Alternatives
Soulnote's own D-1N offers a somewhat lighter alternative built around a different conversion chip within the same broader digital source catalogue.
Key specs that matter
The ES9038PRO conversion chip handles digital-to-analogue conversion, a well-regarded flagship-tier chip within the ESS Sabre family. DSD compatibility reaches DSD512, with PCM support up to 32-bit/768kHz. Frequency response spans an extraordinary 2Hz to 120,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB, matching the D-1N. Signal-to-noise ratio is 110dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise at 0.008% at 22kHz. At 430 x 160 x 405mm and 17kg, the D-2's considerably greater weight than the D-1N's 11kg reflects more serious internal transformer and power-supply componentry.
Sound and use context
Expect clean, detailed conversion reflecting the solid 110dB signal-to-noise figure, combined with the extraordinarily wide 2Hz-120kHz bandwidth matching the D-1N's bandwidth performance within a considerably heavier chassis.
Pairing
Soulnote's own E-2 phono stage and M-3 power amplifier offer natural, brand-coherent pairings for a fully Soulnote-voiced system.
Alternatives
Soulnote's own D-1N offers a somewhat lighter alternative built around a different conversion chip within the same broader digital source catalogue.
Specifications
Model name
D-2
Conversion type
N/A
Engine
ES9038PRO
DSD compatability
Yes
Parameters
up to 32 bit / 768 kHz and DSD512
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
2
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
120 000
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
N/A
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Analog outputs
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
110
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
0.008
Dimensions (mm)
430 × 160 × 405
Weight (kg)
17
Official link
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