SOULNOTE has been offering the 2 series—the integrated amplifier A-2, the D/A converter D-2, and the phono equalizer E-2—which has received high praise from many music enthusiasts worldwide. SOULNOTE is now proud to introduce Version 2, which build upon the core functions of the original 2 series while have been dramatically evolved using the knowledge gained from the 3 series.
Integrated Amplifier A-2 VER2
Key Features
• Parallel Push-pull Output Stage
The output stage features a parallel push-pull configuration with the same high-speed, high-power TO3P transistors used in the A-3.
• Precise Pairing of Transistors
Each transistor is precisely paired by hFE, eliminating the tonal smearing typically associated with parallel push-pull designs.
• Reinforced Driver Stage with TO3P Transistors
The driver stage also employs TO3P transistors identical to those in the output stage. By maintaining a high standing current in the drivers, hFE fluctuations caused by current changes in the output stage are instantly compensated, delivering exceptionally strong drive capability. This marks the key difference from the original model and represents a technological breakthrough.
• Refined Voltage Amplification
A newly developed voltage amplification circuit, created specifically for the A-2 VER2, significantly simplifies the circuit and introduces a completely re-engineered bias circuit for improved stability and performance.
• High-Capacity Power Supply
A large, unimpregnated toroidal power transformer has been adopted. By lowering the output voltage compared with the original, the A-2 VER2 prioritizes instantaneous current supply capability at low impedances over maximum output at 8 Ω, ensuring dynamic and responsive performance.
• Relay-based resistance switching volume circuit has been employed as the same as the original.
• Unfixed structure
Increased clearance of the unfixed top cover allows for a more open feel. Other features incorporate the know-how of the 3 series in the chassis structure. (E-2 VER2 and D-2 VER2 are also the same.)
Specifications
- Maximum output 80W × 2 (8 Ω), 160W × 2 (4 Ω)
- Total harmonic distortion 0.16% (1W, 8 Ω)
- Frequency response Speaker (8 Ω, 1W): 3Hz to 240kHz (±1.0dB)
- Input sensitivity/impedance LINE 1, 2, 3 (BALANCED): 700 mV/16 kΩ, LINE 4, 5, 6: 700 mV/8 kΩ
- S/N 110 dB (IHF A network)
- Power voltage 230V AC 50Hz
- Power consumption 210W, 70W (idling)
- Dimensions 430 (W) × 162 (H) × 423 (D) mm
- Weight Approximately 20 kg
- Included accessories Remote control, spikes, power cable
D/A Converter D-2 VER2
Key Features
• Optimized Analog Circuit
For DAC application, the fully balanced, non-NFB “New Type-R” (*) circuit is originally developed for E-3, has been optimized and implemented. This design achieves a level of clarity and dynamic energy approaching that of the 3 Series.
• Enhanced External Clock Connectivity
The external clock input now features a newly developed SMA connector with superior high-frequency characteristics and reinforced construction. This eliminates the need for conversion adapters when connecting the X-3 Clock Generator. When paired with the X-3, the D-2 VER2 delivers a remarkable improvement in tonality and refinement across the entire frequency range.
• Comprehensive Refinements inspired by the 3 Series
Expertise from the 3 Series has also been applied to the digital circuitry, power supply, and chassis design. The result is a significant enhancement in openness, musical presence, and expressiveness.
Specifications
- Input formal:
- USB PCM, DSD (DoP v1.1, ASIO Native)
- Coaxial・AES/EBU PCM, DSD (DoP v1.1)
- Supported Sampling Frequencies
- USB Coaxial・AES/EBU Max. 768 kHz (PCM) / Max. 22.6 MHz (DSD)
- Max. 192 kHz (PCM) / Max. 2.8 MHz (DSD64 DoP v1.1)
- PCM quantization bit rate
- USB 16-bit, 24-bit, 32-bit
- Coaxial・AES/EBU 16-bit, 24-bit
- Digital Input USB (Type B), Coaxial x2(SPDIF), AES/EBU
- External Clock Input 10 MHz (SMA 50 Ω)
- Analog Output level BALANCED x1, UNBALANCED x1
- Analog Output level (BALANCE) 6.2 Vrms
- Analog Output level (UNBALANCE) 3.1 Vrms
- Frequency characteristic 2 Hz to 20 kHz (+0/-1 dB)
- S/N 110 dB
- Total harmonic distortion 0.04% (NOS/44.1 kHz)
- Analog filter 1st-dimentional passive
- Power voltage 230V AC 50Hz
- Power consumption 32W
- Dimensions 430 (W) × 160 (H) × 405 (D) mm
- Weight Approximately 17 kg
- Included accessories Spikes, power cable
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Phono Equalizer E-2 VER2
Key Features
• Dedicated Optical Cartridge Input
The E-2 VER2 features the same XLR connector for separated power supply cables as employed in the E-3, maximizing the unique advantages of optical cartridges.
• Advanced Analog Circuit for Optical Cartridges
The fully balanced, non-NFB “New Type-R” (*) circuit from the E-3 has been directly implemented, ensuring uncompromising fidelity and musical expression.
• Refined MC/MM Circuit
The MC/MM stages have been significantly simplified with a newly designed bias circuit, achieving a notable improvement in sound quality and overall performance.
• Enhanced Chassis design
The unfixed top cover, also adopted in the A-2 VER2, has been further refined to contribute to sonic purity and resonance control.
• Extended Flexibility
MC loading is now supported up to 1 kΩ, offering greater compatibility with a wide range of cartridges. Furthermore, all of the original’s versatile features, including adjustable EQ curve functionality, have been fully retained.
Specifications
- Input sensitivity Gain Rated output RIAA deviation ±0.2 dB
- MC load resistance MM load capacitance MC: 0.4 mV, MM: 5 mV, OPT: 70 mV
- MC: 77 dB, MM: 55 dB, OPT: 32 dB
- BALANCED: 3.0 V, UNBALANCED: 1.5 V
- 3 Ω, 10 Ω, 30 Ω, 100 Ω, 300 Ω, 1 kΩ
- 100 P, 200 P, 350 P
- MM load resistance 47 kΩ
- Equalizer frequency
- ROLL-OFF [kHz] 1.59, 2.12 (RIAA), 2.59, 3.18, 6.89, FLAT
- TURNOVER [Hz] 250, 390, 500 (RIAA), 630
- LOW LIMIT [Hz] 50 (RIAA), 71, 100, 125, 150, FLAT
- Power voltage 230V AC 50Hz
- Power consumption 29W
- Dimensions 430 (W) × 160 (H) × 410 (D) mm
- Weight Approximately 20 kg
- Included accessories Spikes, Power cord
SOULNOTE’s design philosophy
Through his long career as a designer of audio equipment both in analogue and digital areas, Kato has been struggling to find out the reason why the improvement in static performance and the sound quality in playback did not always correspond.
Kato made a hypothesis about a counter-concept which he called dynamic performance.
The adoption of the NOS (non-oversampling) mode for PCM playback in digital-to-analogue conversion as well as a non-NFB (without negative feedback) circuit in amplifiers come from this hypothesis. Indeed, these worsen the measurement result in static performance, but a remarkable improvement can be recognised in dynamic one.
SOULNOTE believes dynamic performance keeping accuracy of the original waveform on the time axis as the most important for music playback, which is, however, still unmeasurable by any of the conventional methods.
At SOULNOTE, only listening dominates the determination and improvement of circuit, selection of parts and mechanical construction. This approach is a kind of antithesis against the supremacy of static performance.