SOULNOTE has released some technical details of the announced A-3 Super Integrated Amplifier. Here are the main features, highlights, and specifications.
Main features
⚫ Complete separation of left and right channel ground
The ground separation technology incorporated in the P-3 pre-amplifier is applied to this model with a power amplification circuit. Its structure is not the same as the so-called dual-mono construction.
⚫ Single push-pull output stage
The output stage uses a single push-pull SEPP circuit with can-type bipolar transistors as used in the M-3 monoblock.
⚫ 4-stage Darlington configuration with super-powerful driver and pre-driver.
To drive the CAN-type transistor easily, an ultra-powerful TO3-type transistor is used in the driver as well as in the pre-driver.
⚫ New Type-R circuit, fully balanced non-NFB
For voltage amplification, a newly developed single-stage Type-R circuit is adopted.
⚫ Ground switching selector
Disconnecting ground, which is one of the main features of the P-3 pre-amplifier, eliminates the sound quality degradation caused by ground loops when many playback devices are connected.
⚫ Relay-switching balanced attenuator
⚫ Ground anchor
The ground of the left and right channel power supply units is grounded to the left and right side metal insulated with ceramic washers, a special enclosure construction that acts as a ground anchor.
⚫ Super-strong power transformer
2x 700VA unimpregnated toroidal power transformers are used for power amplification.
⚫ High-speed non-NFB power supply
⚫ Copper busbar heat sink
⚫ Unfixed structure
⚫ Volume bypass function
⚫ Multiple-unit connection function
⚫ Record out function
Specifications
⚫ Input: 3 (balanced), 3 (unbalanced)
⚫ Output: 1 (loudspeaker)
⚫ Record Out: 1 (balanced), 1 (unbalanced)
⚫ Volume bypass: 1 (balanced), 1 (unbalanced)
⚫ Rated output: 120W + 120W (4 ohm)
⚫ Total harmonic distortion: 0.27% (1W, 8 ohm)
⚫ Frequency characteristic: 2Hz to 200kHz (+/-3dB, 1W, 8 ohm)
⚫ Input sensitivity: 480mV
⚫ S/N: 110dB
⚫ Maximum gain: 33dB
⚫ Power voltage: 230V AC 50Hz (EU model) / 115V AC 50Hz (US model)
⚫ Power consumption: 180W / 86W (during idling)
⚫ Maximum external dimensions (including spike feet): 454(W) x 184(H) x 407(D) mm
⚫ Weight: 31kg
⚫ Included accessories: 1x remote controller, 3x spike feet, 1x underboard, 1x spacer set (for
underboard floating), 1x power cable