Soulnote E-1 ver.2 Phono Stage

Soulnote E-1 ver.2 Phono Equalizer

The Soulnote E-1 v2 is a fully discrete, no-negative-feedback phono equalizer that accepts Moving Coil, Moving Magnet, and DS Audio optical cartridge inputs. It is the Series 1 phono equalizer in Soulnote's lineup and introduces several significant upgrades over the original E-1, including a new optical cartridge input, the New Type-R output circuit developed for the flagship E-3, a refined MC/MM equalizer stage, and a dedicated discrete non-NFB power supply for the optical input section. The E-1 ver.2 shares the same fundamental design philosophy as all Soulnote electronics: fully discrete circuitry, no negative feedback anywhere in the signal path, and a substantial power supply that is unusual in scale for a product in this category.

Cartridge Compatibility: MC, MM, and Optical

The E-1 ver.2 accommodates three cartridge types through a single chassis. Moving Coil cartridges connect via XLR or RCA inputs, with six selectable MC load impedance settings ranging from 3 ohms to 1k ohm. Moving Magnet cartridges and MC step-up transformers are supported via the MM input mode, activated by a front-panel switch. The fixed MM load resistance is 47k ohms.

The third input type is for DS Audio optical cartridges. DS Audio's photoelectric cartridges generate signal using an LED light source and a photodetector rather than electromagnetic induction, and they require a dedicated equalizer circuit rather than a standard RIAA stage. The E-1 ver.2 provides a dedicated optical input with 70mV input sensitivity and 32dB gain for this purpose. A separate discrete non-NFB power supply regulator, the same type used in Soulnote's higher-tier models, is dedicated to the optical cartridge circuit. Soulnote notes that the addition of an optical cartridge input is unusual for a product at the Series 1 level.

Circuit Architecture

Discrete, No-Negative-Feedback Design Throughout

All analog circuits in the E-1 ver.2 use fully discrete, no-negative-feedback designs. This applies to the MC/MM equalizer stage, the output amplifier, and the power supply regulator for the optical input. Soulnote's position, consistent across all of its products, is that negative feedback degrades the musical quality of the signal even when it improves measured distortion figures. The E-1 ver.2 applies this approach throughout, which Soulnote describes as unusual for a product at this price point in the phono equalizer category.

New Type-R Output Circuit

The output amplifier stage of the E-1 ver.2 uses what Soulnote calls the New Type-R circuit, a topology that was originally developed for the E-3, the company's flagship phono equalizer. The use of this circuit in the E-1 ver.2 represents a direct transfer of E-3 output stage technology into the Series 1 product. The official description associates the New Type-R circuit with what the company describes as an organic and warm character, though this is Soulnote's characterization of the design intent rather than an independently measured attribute.

Refined MC/MM Equalizer Circuit

The ver.2 revises the MC/MM equalizer circuit in two ways relative to the original E-1. The local emitter follower stage has been removed, simplifying the signal path. Additionally, the LED-based bias circuit from the original design has been replaced with a newly developed bias circuit. Soulnote states that both changes contribute to a significant improvement in MC/MM sound quality. The simplified circuit is consistent with the brand's broader preference for shorter, less complex signal paths.

Balanced MC Input

The E-1 ver.2 supports balanced input for MC cartridges via XLR connection. When connected with a two-core shielded XLR cable in balanced mode, the signal path from input to output operates as a fully balanced, no-negative-feedback phono equalizer. The operation selector switch on the unit must be set to balanced mode to enable this. Soulnote notes that the balanced configuration is the preferred operating mode for MC cartridges when the cabling and setup permit it.

There is an important operational constraint to understand regarding the input connections. The RCA and XLR input terminals are connected internally: the RCA HOT terminal shares the same node as XLR pin 2, and the RCA COLD/GND terminal shares the same node as XLR pin 3. The operation selector changes how the input signal is received, but it does not function as a selector between two independent input sources. As a result, it is not possible to connect two separate turntables simultaneously, one to the RCA terminals and one to the XLR terminals, and switch between them. The default factory setting is unbalanced (NORMAL). Soulnote also notes that selecting the balanced mode while using the RCA terminals creates an unshielded balanced connection, which may introduce noise and is not recommended.

Power Supply

The E-1 ver.2 is equipped with a 260VA non-impregnated toroidal power transformer, a size that Soulnote describes as exceptional for a phono equalizer. The transformer feeds a non-NFB power supply built from fast-recovery diodes, ten parallel 1,000 microfarad filter capacitors, and a Darlington ripple filter circuit. The dedicated power supply for the optical cartridge input section uses the same discrete non-NFB regulator found in Soulnote's higher-tier phono equalizers. Power consumption is 24 watts.

Mechanical Design: Direct Mechanical Grounding Construction

The E-1 v2 uses a three-point spike foot support system with one spike at the front and two at the rear. This configuration allows one of the spike points to be positioned directly beneath the power transformer. The stated purpose, consistent with Soulnote's approach across all of its products, is to allow transformer-generated vibration to conduct out through the chassis at the shortest possible mechanical path rather than dispersing through the chassis structure. The spike feet are included as standard accessories.

Additional Features

MC Load Impedance Selector

When operating in MC mode, the E-1 ver.2 provides six selectable input load impedance settings: 3 ohms, 10 ohms, 30 ohms, 100 ohms, 300 ohms, and 1k ohm. Matching load impedance to the specific MC cartridge in use is a standard practice in high-end analog playback, as cartridge output characteristics interact with the load presented by the phono stage. The range of six settings covers the full spectrum of MC cartridge requirements from low-impedance moving coils at 3 ohms to high-impedance designs at 1k ohm.

MM Input Mode and Subsonic Filter

A dedicated MM mode is activated via a front-panel MM button, enabling the use of Moving Magnet cartridges or MC step-up transformers at a fixed 47k ohm load. A subsonic filter (low-cut switch) is also provided, available in MC and MM modes. Engaging the subsonic filter reduces low-frequency content below the audible range, which can otherwise cause excessive woofer excursion with warped records.

The E-1 ver.2 in the Soulnote Lineup

Soulnote's phono equalizer lineup currently includes the E-1 ver.2 in Series 1, the E-2 ver.2 in Series 2, and the E-3 in Series 3. The E-1 ver.2 is notable within the series structure for carrying over the New Type-R output circuit from the flagship E-3, making it a direct point of contact between the Series 1 and Series 3 product tiers. Its optical cartridge input also places it in a category of phono equalizers that can serve both conventional analog cartridges and DS Audio's photoelectric cartridge systems from a single unit. The E-1 ver.2 pairs naturally with the A-1 ver.2 integrated amplifier in a Series 1 system, though its balanced output and flexible input configuration make it compatible with a wide range of system contexts.

The Soulnote E-1 ver.2 is available in Premium Silver and Premium Black, manufactured in Japan, and measures 430 x 109 x 409mm at a weight of approximately 9.5kg.