Предусилители — Soulnote P-3

The Soulnote P-3 is a line preamplifier from the Series 3 range of the Japanese company, built with dual monaural construction in which the left and right channels have separate systems and completely separate ground configurations. It is sold in silver or black finishes.

Key specs that matter

Four XLR and four RCA inputs are provided, and the outputs comprise three XLR sockets and one RCA socket, with a choice between the XLR and RCA output. Output impedance is 6.8 ohms and maximum output reaches 21 Vrms, with a maximum gain of 11 dB. Frequency response extends from 2 Hz to 1 MHz within plus or minus 3 dB. Total harmonic distortion is 0.0015 percent at 1.5 Vrms, and residual noise is 13 microvolts measured with a 20 kHz filter. The chassis measures 454 mm wide, 174 mm high and 430 mm deep and weighs 25 kg. Power comes from 230 V AC at 50 Hz, with consumption of 20 W.

Engineering and use context

The amplification uses discrete Type-R balanced circuits without negative feedback, tuned by Soulnote specifically for preamplifier use. Volume is set by a resistance switching circuit with 144 steps of 0.5 dB. Soulnote fits 94 of its custom RSR-2-12D relays in the P-3, each an ultra-low loss reed relay sealed in a glass tube. The unit carries 156 naked foil resistors, a foil type made without moulding resin and chosen for its temperature properties. Two 280 VA toroidal transformers feed the audio sections, one per channel in line with the dual mono layout, and a separate 40 VA control transformer brings total capacity to 600 VA, which Soulnote describes as the highest in its history and equal to the A-2 amplifier. Circuit boards and covers use a floating construction. A 3-point spike system attaches directly to the transformer bases so that vibration is not passed into the chassis. The box contains a spike board, spikes, a remote control and a power cable.

Pairing

A multiple device connection system uses UART signalling for master and slave operation, so the volume of several amplifiers in a multi-amplifier system can move in step. Within Series 3 the E-3 phono equalizer can occupy one of the XLR inputs. The E-3 is designed only for DS Audio optical cartridges, so owners of moving coil or moving magnet cartridges have to look elsewhere for a phono input.

Alternatives

Across Series 0, 1, 2 and 3 the P-3 is the only standalone Soulnote line preamplifier, so the brand offers no other model of this category.