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High Fidelity Audio

Soulnote · Pre Amplifiers
P-3

Soulnote — Pre Amplifiers

P-3

A reference-grade pre-amplifier engineered for absolute temporal and spatial purity.

At the summit of Soulnote’s engineering, the P-3 pre-amplifier represents a singular pursuit of musical truth through the elimination of traditional design compromises. By employing a fully discrete, non-negative feedback Type-R balanced circuit, the P-3 preserves the vital temporal integrity of the original signal, ensuring that every nuance of the performance remains intact from source to output. Positioned as the definitive control centre for reference-level systems, the P-3 is constructed with a uncompromising dual-monaural architecture. This design features entirely independent power supplies, transformers, and circuitry for each channel, achieving channel separation that provides a vast, coherent soundstage. It serves those who demand a playback experience defined not by technical artifice, but by the natural, breathing immediacy of live music. The sonic character of the P-3 is marked by exceptional transient speed, harmonic richness, and a startlingly quiet background. It possesses the rare ability to project performers into the room with palpable presence, offering a vibrant, full-bodied presentation that remains smooth and crystalline throughout the entire frequency spectrum. By prioritising the time domain and mechanical resonance control, the P-3 elevates the performance of any connected power amplifier, bringing a new level of emotional engagement to the listening experience.

Key Features

01

Type-R Discrete Non-NFB Circuit

A fully balanced, discrete amplification stage designed to eliminate phase distortion and provide pure, high-speed signal transmission.

02

Precision Naked Foil Resistors

Utilises 156 custom-developed, naked foil resistors to ensure signal purity and ultra-low noise floor throughout the volume control.

03

Floating Chassis Construction

The main circuit boards and top cover are mounted without mechanical fixing to dissipate vibrations and prevent mechanical stress.

04

Dual-Monaural Independence

Complete separation of left and right channels, including dedicated power supplies and GND anchoring for an expansive stereo image.

05

Reference Soulnote Relay (RSR-2-12D)

Custom-designed ultra-low-loss relays provide a signal path with fidelity comparable to direct wire connections.

Engineering Philosophy

Chapter 01

Engineering Philosophy

The P-3 is the result of designer Hideki Kato's commitment to dynamic performance over static laboratory measurements. By rejecting global negative feedback and oversampling, Soulnote focuses on the impulse response and timing accuracy, which they identify as the most critical factors for human auditory perception. This purist approach ensures that the music remains untainted by the blurring typical of modern digital-era circuitry.
Manufacturing Process

Chapter 02

Manufacturing Process

Quality control is managed through intensive listening tests rather than just technical specifications. The chassis features vertical transformer mounting to prevent leakage flux and a three-point spike grounding system that drains harmful vibrations directly into an included wooden platform. Every component, from the Jodelica AC inlet to the double-bearing optical rotary encoder, is chosen for its specific contribution to a vivid, natural sound signature.
Listening Notes

Chapter 03

Listening Notes

The P-3 is not a sterile or clinical pre-amplifier. It presents a sound that is forward, present, and holographic, placing instruments with pinpoint precision within a transparent soundscape. Bass is tight and authoritative, while the mid-range gains a sense of fluidity and warmth that makes vocals feel remarkably tangible. It is an instrument of extreme resolution that maintains total composure during even the most complex musical passages.

Specifications

InputXLR x4, Cinch x4
OutputXLR x3, Cinch x1 (selectable XLR or Cinch)
Total harmonic distortion0.0015% (1.5Vrms)
Frequency characteristic2Hz ~ 1MHz (±3.0dB)
Residual noise13μV (20kHz L.P.F.)
Maximum output21Vrms
Output impedance6.8ohm
Maximum gain11 db
Power voltage230V AC 50Hz
Power consumption20W
Maximum external dimensionsMain unit: 454(W) × 174(H) × 430(D)mm
Weight25kg
Included accessoriesSpike board, spikes, remote controller, power cable