SOUL NOTE E-1

Pre owned. In excellent condition. No visible signs of wear. Includes original packaging and manual.

The SOULNOTE E-1 phono equalizer represents a refinement of the legendary ph1.0 Phono Equalizer. This advanced model has been designed to explore the limitless possibilities of analog recordings while preserving the purity and tonal balance that define the brand. Its main feature is the use of perfectly balanced, fully discrete, non-feedback (non-NFB) circuits that ensure exceptional transient response and an extended high-frequency range without compromising sound quality. This design makes the E-1 particularly advantageous for analog sources, which have no inherent bandwidth limitations, enhancing transparency, clarity, and sonic realism.

The E-1’s circuit builds upon and refines that of the ph1.0 by integrating RIAA elements directly into the voltage amplification circuit. As a result, the RIAA gain characteristic becomes an intrinsic aspect of the circuit, ensuring consistent performance across frequencies above 100 kHz. This approach eliminates the typical drawbacks of CR and NF circuits, which often suffer from limited dynamic range or volume variations depending on frequency. The CR components — such as 1% tolerance MELF resistors and 2% precision polypropylene film capacitors — guarantee perfect curves and optimal performance.

On the input side, the E-1 is fully compatible with balanced cartridges. The rear panel includes an operation selector and XLR terminals for balanced inputs, allowing the amplifier to function as a fully balanced non-NFB phono equalizer from input to output. This configuration creates an immersive and three-dimensional soundstage, with details that resonate deeply with the listener. The operation selector also supports balanced RCA inputs, but the use of two-core shielded XLR cables is strongly recommended to achieve the best possible sound quality.

The E-1 also offers several practical features, including a LOAD selector for MC input impedance adjustment, with settings ranging from 1,000 ohms to 3 ohms. The MM function supports both MM cartridges and MC step-up transformers. Additionally, the LOW CUT (subsonic filter) reduces woofer movement caused by record warping, improving overall playback stability. The strong balanced output, achieved through a non-NFB buffer amplifier, is powerful enough to drive speakers directly, while unbalanced outputs are available via the HOT balanced output.

Power is supplied by a 260 VA toroidal transformer — the same used in the A-1 integrated amplifier — with Darlington filters, fast-recovery diodes, and ten 1,000 μF capacitors connected in parallel. This non-feedback power supply design delivers a sense of infinite sonic lightness and effortless musical flow.

From a mechanical standpoint, the E-1 employs a direct grounding system with spikes that connect to the transformer’s center of gravity, efficiently dissipating unwanted vibrations without affecting the chassis. This contributes to a lively musical presentation and a high signal-to-noise ratio. Moreover, metal isolators are now standard instead of traditional plastic ones, further improving sound quality, especially under load.

Technical specifications:

• Input sensitivity: MC: 0.5 mV / MM: 5 mV
• Load impedance: MC: 3Ω, 10Ω, 30Ω, 100Ω, 300Ω, 1kΩ / MM: 47kΩ
• Gain: MC: 70 dB / MM: 50 dB
• Nominal output: Balanced: 2.8 V / Unbalanced: 1.4 V
• RIAA deviation: ±0.3 dB
• Power supply: 230V AC 50Hz
• Power consumption: 48 W
• External dimensions (main unit): 430 (W) × 109 (H) × 409 (D) mm
• Weight: 9.5 kg