SOULNOTE E-2 Phono Equalizer

SOULNOTE E-2 Phono Equalizer

The E-2 supports both conventional MC/MM cartridges and DS Audio photoelectric cartridges through technical collaboration with DigitalStream.
This is an all-in-one phono equalizer that enables playback using a full range of phono cartridges.

non-NFB phono equalizer circuits dedicated to photoelectric cartridges
The equalizer components rely on differential emitter bypass channels incorporating new circuitry that significantly lowers circuit impedance. SOULNOTE’s original perfectly balanced non-NFB circuits are free of electrical stress and do not require phase compensation nor do they poise band limitations. These circuits can fully accommodate photoelectric cartridges, which are uninhibited by the weight and inductive resistance limitations of coils and magnetic circuits. The combination of the photoelectric system’s exceptional transient responsiveness with non-NFB produces a shockingly vibrant and vivid music soundscape.
* Photoelectric cartridges do not support past Toshiba or Trio cartridges.

MC LOAD switching
The E-2 comes equipped with six types of load impedance switching functions to extract the most from the MC cartridges being used.

Inputs capable of connecting with four types of systems
The E-2 allows for simultaneous connection and switching between four inputs: MC balanced inputs, MC/MM unbalanced inputs (2 types), and dedicated photoelectric cartridge inputs.

MM load capacity switching
Three kinds of load capacity switching functions are employed to fully demonstrate the extreme capabilities of MM cartridges.
Wide support of old-time EQ curves before RIAA advent (with MC/MM)

Manufacturer’s website SOULNOTE

SOULNOTE E-2 Phono Equalizer Specifications:

Input sensitivity   MC:0.4mV , MM:4mV , OPT:50mV
Gain   MC:72dB , MM:52dB , OPT:30dB
Rated output   Balanced output:2.8V , Unbalanced output:1.4V
RIAA deviation   ±0.2dB
MC Load resistance   3ohm , 10ohm , 30ohm , 100ohm , 300ohm , 1kohm
MM Load capacitance   100P , 200P , 350P
MM Load resistance   47kohm
Equalizer frequency ROLL-OFF [KHz]   1.59 , 2.12(RIAA) , 2.59 , 3.18 , 6.89 , FLAT
Equalizer frequency TURNOVER [Hz]   250 , 390 , 500(RIAA) , 630
Equalizer frequency LOW LIMIT [Hz]   50(RIAA) , 71 , 100 , 125 , 150 , FLAT
Power voltage   230V
Power consumption   48W
Maximum external dimensions   Main unit: 430(W)×160(H)×410(D)mm
Weight   20kg
Included accessories   Spikes

Temperature settings
The circuit current in SOULNOTE products relies on solutions with the highest emphasis on sound quality and safety. Functionality and sound quality generally improve when the transistors operate at higher temperature.。
Anti-vibration housing
SOULNOTE products place the highest emphasis on sound quality, so the top cover, chassis, and other components do not employ vibration isolation.
Regarding use of electronic equipment cleaners and contact rejuvenation products on SOULNOTE products
Commercially available electronic equipment cleaners and contact rejuvenation products could damage the resin components of SOULNOTE AC inlets. Do not use these types of chemical products on SOULNOTE equipment.

Please find reviews below:

https://www.kcsr.co.jp/en_soulnote.html

SoulNote E-2 Phono Stage received “Outstanding Product” Award. Review in “Hi-Fi News” Magazine, December 2023.

Complete review at https://www.hifinews.com/content/soulnote-e-2-universal-phono-preamp