Soulnote · A
A-0 ver.2
Pure musicality through a no-compromise, ultra-minimalist non-feedback circuit.
The Soulnote A-0 ver.2 represents the distilled essence of the brand's engineering philosophy, offering a direct, high-purity signal path identical in topology to the flagship A-3. By removing all non-essential circuitry and eschewing negative feedback entirely, this amplifier focuses on preserving the natural timing and temporal accuracy of the musical signal.
Despite its compact footprint and 10W output, the A-0 ver.2 utilizes a sophisticated four-stage Darlington configuration and a high-speed single push-pull output stage. This architecture ensures that the amplifier maintains immense control and drive capability, capable of communicating the subtle air-pressure changes and nuances present in even the most complex recordings.
Sonically, the A-0 ver.2 is characterized by a sense of effortless openness and holographic imaging. It avoids the clinical, sterile presentation of typical high-power designs, instead favouring a vivid, organic, and emotionally engaging sound that remains consistent and poised at any volume level.
Key Features
01
Discrete Non-NFB Circuitry
Features a fully discrete signal path with zero negative feedback, ensuring maximum transparency and temporal purity.
02
Flagship-Derived Darlington Architecture
Utilises the same four-stage Darlington configuration found in the flagship A-3 for superior dynamic control and transient response.
03
Flexible Pre-Out Functionality
Equipped with selectable High and Low gain modes and both XLR and RCA outputs for seamless system integration.
04
Direct Mechanical Grounding
Employs a three-point spike support system positioned directly beneath the transformer to dissipate mechanical resonance.
Chapter 01
The Art of Restraint
By deliberately limiting the output to 10W, Soulnote designers were able to focus exclusively on circuit quality and transient speed. The A-0 ver.2 shuns the pursuit of high-power specifications in favour of a minimalist architecture that eliminates the signal degradation inherent in complex, feature-laden designs.
This deliberate simplicity extends to the chassis, where a non-fixed top cover and direct mechanical grounding are used to let the component breathe, resulting in a sound field that feels naturally open and unconstrained.
Chapter 02
Refined Power Delivery
The ver.2 iteration introduces a newly developed bias circuit that replaces the previous LED-based implementation. This upgrade provides a substantial improvement in signal-to-noise performance, lowering the noise floor to reveal the finest micro-details in the recording.
Paired with high-frequency TO-220 transistors, the power stage offers a level of agility that makes the amplifier sound significantly more powerful than its ratings suggest, particularly in its ability to handle dynamic transients.
Chapter 03
System Versatility
While it serves as a masterclass in integrated amplification, the A-0 ver.2 is also a highly capable pre-amplifier. The inclusion of balanced XLR pre-out terminals—configured with floating ground technology—allows users to integrate it into high-end systems as a transparent control centre.
Whether driving high-sensitivity loudspeakers or serving as a heart for a high-end desktop system, its versatility is matched only by the purity and musicality of its output.
Specifications
ModelA-0 VER2 SF (Premium Silver) / A-0 VER2 BF (Premium Black)
OutputLoudspeakers: 10 W × 2 (8 Ω) ; Headphones: 3,0 W × 2 (32 Ω) ; Pre-Out: 2,0 V
Total harmonic distortionLoudspeakers: 0,2 % (10 Hz to 100 kHz, 3,3 W / 8 Ω) ; Headphones: 0,03 % (10 Hz to 100 kHz, 200 mW / 32 Ω) ; Pre-Out: 0,01 % (10 Hz to 100 kHz, 2 V / 10 kΩ)
Frequency responseLoudspeakers (8 Ω / 1 W): 5 Hz to 350 kHz (+0/–1 dB) ; Headphones (32 Ω / 200 mW): 5 Hz to 400 kHz (+0/–1 dB) ; Pre-Out (10 kΩ / 2 V): 5 Hz to 400 kHz (+0/–1 dB)
Input sensitivity/ImpedanceLINE 1, 2: 0,66 V / 10 kΩ (H), 4,0 V / 50 kΩ (L) ; LINE 3, 4: 0,66 V / 5 kΩ (H), 4,2 V / 25 kΩ (L)
Total gainH: 22 dB, L: 8 dB
S/N115 dB (IHF A network)
Dimensions430(W) × 109(H) × 418(D) mm
Weight8.0 kg
Included accessoriesSpikes, Power cable