Soulnote D-1N

D/A Converter

PLATINUM SILVER / BLACK

Compatible with 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and 22.6 MHz DSD (DSD512) sound sources.
A perfectly balanced discrete non-NFB D/A converter using independent monaural modes equipped with non-oversampling mode.

Compatible with max. 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and max. 22.6 MHz DSD (DSD512) sound sources

In addition to compatibility with new high-resolution sound sources across a range of PCM and DSD formats from USB inputs, the D-1N also supports coaxial digital inputs (2 systems) and AES/EBU.

ES9038PRO, ESS' flagship 32-bit DAC, installed independently in the left and right channels

The ES9038PRO, flagship 32-bit DAC produced by ESS, is installed separately in the left and right channels through a monaural mode that achieves the world's highest specs (DNR140 dB).

An analog stage consists of perfectly balanced discrete non-NFB amplifiers

SOULNOTE's original discrete non-NFB amplifier that extends into the MHz region receives up to 120 mA from the ES9038PRO and amplifies this power for the output. The base is a perfectly balanced, non-NFB discrete circuit also used in the Phono Equalizer E-1. The voltage, current, and transistor temperature in each stage were "thoroughly investigated while listening to the sound". As a result, the ES9038PRO has been further evolved as a dedicated amplifier. The combination of the ES9038PRO and the discrete non-NFB amplifier achieves lively music playback bursting with energy that cannot be obtained from standard OP amplifier circuits. By completely eliminating the heavy load and TIM distortion that can be a problem with normal feedback IV amplifies, the D-1N delivers energetic and soulful music playback.

A clock with ultra-low jitter crystals

Because it has the largest impact on sound quality, the clock uses ultra-low jitter crystals with phase jitter of less than 1 ps. The layout places it as close to the DAC chip as possible to create the ideal clock-wave pattern. This succeeded in obtaining a touch feeling as if cutting through the air.

A power transformer with a 260 VA large-scale toroidal transformer

The power transformer uses a 260 VA large-scale toroidal transformer. This constitutes a power amplifier class non-NFB power supply. The power supply for non-NFB discrete amplifiers, which has an exceptionally high voltage setting of ±43 V, is aused to offer playback that is both detailed in its spatial expression and filled with energy.

Direct mechanical grounding construction

Supported by three spikes, one on the front side and two on the rear side. In this way, the spike pins can be placed directly under the transformer, and mechanical grounding can be achieved to allow harmful transformer vibrations to escape directly out of the chassis.
As a result, the fuzziness of the sound caused by chassis dumps can be removed and the soul of sound can be reproduced.

Equipped with eight types of power supplies that use our original high-speed discrete regulators

The power supplies for DAC peripheral circuits are equipped with independent left and right analog- and digital power supplies, respectively. The D-1N also contains a power supply for the crystals, one for USB, one for logic, and one for the SPDIF differential receiver. These eight types of power supplies use SOULNOTE's original high-speed discrete regulators, thereby, it manages to bring out the ability of the high-voltage ES9038PRO to the limit.

NOS mode

In addition to the conventional FIR oversampling mode, the D-1N also includes a new NOS(non-oversampling) mode, which is a non-NFB version adapted to operate in the digital domain. This mode does not generate the pre- and post-echoes observed in FIR oversampling. It also suppresses extremely low noise levels with analog outputs, with no difference in levels between the two modes.

Impulse output waveform with an FIR oversampling filter (D-1N analog output)
Pre- and post-echoes are artificial "sounds" created by data calculations before and after the data is interpolated. They make waveforms like sine waves appear smoother, but calculation algorithms can affect the sound quality or ambiguity and be added to the time axis.

Impulse output waveform in NOS mode (D-1N analog output)
This waveform can only be achieved by combining a non-NFB discrete amplifier with superb transient response performance. Because music waveforms are actually a series of impulse waveforms of different heights, the NOS mode eliminates any ambiguity in the time axis information, creating more realistic and natural sound quality and an expansive listening environment to the hearing acuity of humans, which is extremely sensitive to the time axis.
* The NOS mode cannot be used with DSD.

Metallic insulators as standard equipment (when shipping)

Though plastic insulators are the conventional standard, metallic insulators are adopted since they promote higher sound quality. (common for all models)

Lock range switching features to extract the best quality from connected equipment

The optimum lock range can be chosen from four levels, depending on the clock accuracy of transmitting devices connected to the D-1N.

Inputs: USB (Type B), coaxial (two sets), AES/EBU (four sets)

Outputs: XLR (one set), RCA (one set)