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Soulnote A-3
Integrated Amplifier
Premium Silver/Premium Black
P-3 (pre-amplifier) and 2x M-3 (monoblock) into one enclosure without compromise
Complete separation of left and right channel GNDs
The GND separation technology incorporated in the P-3 pre-amplifier is applied to this model with a power amplification circuit. Originally, how to ground the GND of a power amplifier that handles high current to the chassis was a key design issue, and there is no precedent for GND non-grounding. However, ungrounding of the power amplifier's enclosure was achieved through simple non-NFB circuits, optimized artwork design, minimization of high current loops, elimination of inductance components, and other factors. This led to the birth of the integrated amplifier A-3 with completely separated left and right GND. Furthermore, by separating the control signals of the selector, volume, protection circuit, and other relays with a photocoupler, we could achieve complete GND separation, taking capacitance and inductive components into consideration. The three-dimensional sound field space and spaciousness are the new frontiers of integrated amplifiers.
4-stage Darlington configuration with super-powerful driver and pre-driver
To drive the TO3(Metal CAN-type) transistor easily, ultra-powerful TO3P transistors are used in the driver as well as in the pre-driver. Ensuring perfect current supply all the way to the bottom end without regard to hfe fluctuation at high currents makes it possible to achieve both deep expressiveness and an exciting groove.
Single push-pull output stage
The output stage uses a single push-pull SEPP circuit with a TO3(Metal CAN-type) bipolar transistor as used in the M-3. It realizes blur-free music reproduction with correct timing from ultra-low to super-high frequencies. The heart-stirring music reproduction is the result of the single push-pull that does not break the micro time axis accuracy.
Copper bus bar heat sink
A lightweight, compact copper plate is used as the main heat sink. This heat sink also serves as a bus bar for supplying power to the TO3(Metal CAN-type) transistor, and the terminals of the TO3(Metal CAN-type) transistor penetrate the bus bar and are mounted directly on the board underneath. This eliminates wiring, which is a drawback of the TO3(Metal CAN-type) transistor, and helps overcome instability caused by the inductance component, while at the same time avoiding sound quality degradation caused by the insulation sheet dumping on the device. The sound quality effect is also extremely impressive, with a sense of freedom and transparency due to the physical independence of the heat sink from the chassis. Furthermore, in the A-3, the power supply board and amplifier board are connected by a bus bar heat sink, which also serves as a structural component to form a block. It is truly a "four birds with one stone" heat sink.
New Type-R circuit, fully balanced non-NFB
For voltage amplification, a newly developed high-gain-to-GND single-stage Type-R circuit is adopted. Naked foil resistors are used generously for all resistors involved in amplifier operation.
GND switching selector
The selector that disconnects to GND was an important point of the P-3. This is also employed in the A-3. It eliminates sound quality degradation caused by GND loops that occur when many playback devices are connected. The highest grade RSR custom relay is applied for the relay.
Resistor-switching volume
The resistor-switching volume is the simplest and allows for the least freshness deprived from the sound source. Of course, RSR custom relays and naked foil resistors are used throughout. This is the highest-grade volume ever considered.
GND anchor
The GND of the left and right channel power supply units is grounded to the left and right-side metal insulated with ceramic washers, a special enclosure construction that acts as a GND anchor. A sense of openness and low-end grip is achieved at a high level.
Super-strong power transformer
2x 700VA unimpregnated toroidal power transformers are used for the power amplification, to the left and right. In addition, three power transformers, including the control system power transformer, are packed into one enclosure. They are all mounted vertically so that the magnetic field lines are parallel to the board.
High-speed non-NFB power supply
For the rectifying capacitor, a specially selected high withstand voltage small capacitance low magnification foil filter capacitor of only 470uF is used. To optimize the capacity, the number of units used was determined and the load on the power transformer was reduced. This further improved the real regulation of the ultra-powerful power transformer. For the rectifier diodes, SiC diodes of the latest specifications with enhanced allowable inrush current are used. This is the most powerful and high-speed power supply configuration ever considered. In addition, two large power relays with excellent sound quality are used independently and without fixing as power switches for the two main power transformer. In other words, the power switch on the front panel is dedicated to the control system sub-transformer. Independent power switch for each power transformer, which is a high current contact point, is extremely crucial for sound quality.
Unfixed structure
The amplifier block, terminals, AC inlet, top cover, and bottom cover are all unfixed. In particular, the amplifier block uses a three-point lateral sliding structure with titanium sliders. While escaping from the harmful vibration of the power transformer, it also releases its own intrinsic vibration.
Volume bypass function
One each of XLR and RCA can be set for volume bypass with gain fixed at 22dB. By connecting the output of an AV preamplifier, it can be used as an AV power amplifier.
Multiple-unit connection function
By connecting a 3.5Φ stereo mini-plug cable, multiple units can be linked (simultaneous control of volume, etc.). By setting a leader and a follower, all followers will follow the state of the leader. In addition, the follower can differentiate between the leader's and the follower's volume. This function enables, for example, volume control in a multi-amp configuration with digital channel dividers after DA conversion. Of course, the floating GND of the control system eliminates problems such as GND loops caused by coupling.
REC OUT function
REC IN / REC OUT terminals are provided to connect an open reel deck or digital recorder. A connection can be made with XLR or RCA cables.
Dealers selling Soulnote near you
Authorized dealers for Soulnote A-3
- Absoulute Audio plus Video — in-store — Aiken, South Carolina, United States (website)
- Supreme Acoustic Systems — in-store — Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (website)
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- Aalen Hifi — in-store — Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Wurtemberg, Germany (website)
- Anagram Audio — online and in-store — Bury St Edmunds, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Art & Voice — online (website)
- Art et son — online and in-store — Montréal, Québec, Canada (website)
- Art Sonique — France (website)
- Atelier 13 Audio — in-store — Forest Hills, Tennessee, United States (website)
- Audio Basic — in-store — Singapore, Singapore (website)
and 31 more verified dealers
The neutral, fast-moving Soulnote A-3 earns praise from Edgar Kramer at SoundStage Solo for its clarity, incisive transients, and tightly focused imaging. Its open soundstage, expressive midrange, and superb build make it a compelling high-end integrated, especially for listeners who value precision, pace, and resolution over heavy warmth.
Pros
- Exceptionally clear, neutral, and highly detailed sound with strong pace and rhythm.
- Fast transient response and impressive dynamic expression, especially on vocals and percussion.
- Open soundstage with tight image focus and precise placement of instruments and voices.
- Superbly finished, solidly built chassis with generous connectivity and useful switching options.
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Cons
- Bass weight is less substantial than very large muscle amplifiers, even if speed and timing remain excellent.
- Its presentation prioritizes precision and neutrality over lush warmth or a big, romantic tonal character.
Sound Quality
89/100
Weighted average of sub-criteria below. Reviews describe the A-3 as exceptionally balanced, pure, and highly articulate, with a neutral presentation that still manages to sound musical and engaging. The consensus is strongly positive, though the language is more about refinement, speed, and focus than outright lushness or monumental scale.
Transparency Resolution
92/100
The A-3 is repeatedly described as having 'refinement, purity, uncompromising musical information/detail, and precision,' alongside 'neutral and clear performance.' The review also highlights its ability to resolve low-level ambient information and deliver an open, clear window into recordings.
Tonal Balance Musicality
88/100
Edgar Kramer calls it 'super-neutral' but also says it 'nails the infusion of Soul in your music’s Notes,' which suggests a tonal balance that is clean yet still musical. The presentation is praised for clarity and presence, though it is not described as especially rich, warm, or romantic.
Dynamics
90/100
The amplifier's 'quickness and expert handling of transients' were 'always spot-on,' with 'snappy' drum attack and 'impressive dynamic expression' on saxophone. The only mild caveat is that bass weight is a bit lighter than very large muscle amps, even if speed and timing are excellent.
Soundstage Imaging
86/100
The soundstage is described as 'open and generous' with 'quite generous' dimensionality and very precise image placement. It does not come across as the last word in sheer scale or holographic extravagance, but focus, layering, and positional accuracy are clearly strong.
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Build Quality
91/100
The review is very positive on construction, calling the A-3 'superbly finished' and 'expertly constructed.' It is also described as 'superbly stiff and solid,' which supports a high score for engineering and cabinet solidity without relying on brand prestige or price alone.
Features Connectivity
86/100
The A-3 offers six line-level inputs total, split between three balanced XLR and three unbalanced RCA inputs, plus a Record In with volume bypass. That is a well-rounded but still fairly purist feature set for a high-end integrated amp, so it scores above baseline without entering fully loaded territory.
Value for Money
75/100
At AU$34,990, this is clearly a premium-price integrated amplifier, and the review does not frame it as a bargain or a value leader. The praise is for performance and construction rather than affordability, so the value case is respectable but not compelling against cheaper alternatives in the broader market.
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