Soulnote E-1 Phono Equalizer

MINT Magazine Review

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.