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Soulnote E-2 VER 2
Phono Equalizer
PREMIUM SILVER / PREMIUM BLACK
The E-2 supports both conventional MC/MM cartridges and DS Audio photoelectric cartridges through technical collaboration with DigitalStream. This is an all-in-one phono equalizer that enables playback using a full range of phono cartridges.
Non-NFB phono equalizer circuits dedicated to photoelectric cartridges
The equalizer elements is configured with a differential emitter bypass circuit and a new circuit is adopted to significantly reduce circuit impedance. SOULNOTE's original perfectly balanced non-NFB circuits are free from electrical stress and do not require phase compensation or bandwidth limitation. These circuits allow the benefits of photoelectric cartridges to be maximized. The combination of the photoelectric system's exceptional transient responsiveness with non-NFB produces a shockingly vibrant and vivid music soundscape.
* Photoelectric cartridges do not support past TOSHIBA or TRIO cartridges.
MC LOAD switching
The E-2 is equipped with six types of load impedance switching features to extract the most from the MC cartridges in use.
Inputs capable of connecting with four types of systems
The E-2 allows simultaneous connection and switching between four inputs: MC balanced, MC/MM unbalanced (2 types), and dedicated photoelectric cartridge.
MM load capacity switching
Three kinds of load capacity switching functions are employed to fully demonstrate the extreme capabilities of MM cartridges.
Wide support of old-time EQ curves pre-RIAA (at MC/MM)
Six kinds of Roll-Off (high range attenuation frequency), four kinds of Turn Over (low range amplification frequency), and six kinds of Low Limit (ultralow frequency amplification limit) are all independent of each other and can be changed individually. Together, they offer a total of 144 types of curves, from Decca and Columbia to the first SP records (with Flat response). By using these individual adjustment knobs, the most appropriate equalizer curve can be selected, or, alternatively, the equalizer curve can be customized to use the included equalizer curve sheet. We use mechanical relays for switching the equalizer curve to ensure the highest sound quality.
Perfectly balanced non-NFB phono equalizer circuits (at MC/MM)
The differential amplifier gain has precise RIAA characteristics as a result of the balanced load circuits and uses SOULNOTE's original perfectly balanced non-NFB circuits to eliminate the shortcomings of conventional NF and CR-type circuitry. The boards for the right and left channels are completely independent of each other, while the dual mono configuration creates precise and expansive spatial presentations.
Featuring a 400 VA massive toroidal transformer and high-speed non-NFB power supply
Using an extremely powerful 400 VA bifilar wound transformer as a single unit unveils the inherent potential of the GND and power supply. The combination of multiple capacitors of small size connected in parallel with a high-speed non-NFB regulator results in delicate playback that recreates a totally accurate soundscape reflecting sonic details, such as the air rising from the stage.
Chimney-type heat sink
The heat sink is a newly developed chimney type that pursues a shape with high cooling efficiency and low intrinsic vibration.
Phase inversion feature
The E-2 is equipped with a phase inversion function that switches between the balanced outputs' HOT and COLD to eliminate sonic warping as a result of the circuits.
Low gain feature
Considering the headroom of the connected preamplifier, etc, the E-2 is equipped with a low gain feature to lower the output level.
MONO mode
The left and right channels are combined and output as monaural.
Degaussing feature (at MC/MM)
"Short-circuit the input". By enabling this feature, the phono cartridge can be effectively degaussed during record playback. It can also be used as a MUTE feature when the stylus settles on the record.
Balanced output
A strong balanced output is obtained by employing a fully balanced non-NFB buffer amplifier that is even capable of driving loudspeakers.
Dealers selling Soulnote near you
Authorized dealers for Soulnote E-2 VER 2
- 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 richly musical, open presentation of the E-2 VER 2 impressed HiFi News’ Ken Kessler with an instant lift in sound quality, huge scale, and superb cartridge matching. Its warmth never blurs detail, while bass weight, snap, and DS Audio flexibility make this a seriously accomplished phono stage for vinyl obsessives.
Pros
- Delivers a warm yet highly detailed sound with strong openness, scale, and imaging.
- Handles MM, MC, and DS Audio optical cartridges with broad adjustability and balanced connectivity.
- Produces substantial bass authority and convincing dynamic drive without sounding polite or dull.
- Build quality feels exceptionally solid and premium, with heavyweight construction and refined fit and finish.
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Cons
- MC loading options may feel a little limited for fastidious users who want extremely fine impedance tuning.
- It needs around an hour of warm-up before reaching its best sound.
Sound Quality
93/100
The E-2 VER 2 is described as a major step up in sound quality, with Ken Kessler calling it 'utterly magnificent' and noting an 'instant elevation in sound quality' versus multiple phono stages in the £500-£7000 range. The balance of the presentation is warmly musical yet still clean and open, so this lands firmly in excellent territory rather than merely good.
Transparency Noise Floor
92/100
The review repeatedly emphasizes how clean, detailed, and open the sound is, with no hum, hiss, or buzz complaints across several systems and cartridges. That supports a very quiet, highly transparent stage, though the language stops just short of explicit 'dead quiet' or 'black background' superlatives.
Tonal Balance Musicality
94/100
Kessler says the E-2 'oozes warmth' and 'caress[es] the music,' while also sounding sweet and richly textured. The tonal balance is clearly generous and musical, with enough clarity to avoid sounding overly soft or over-warm.
Dynamics
91/100
Despite its warmth, the E-2 is not judged polite or sluggish; the Stevie Wonder cut is said to have been conveyed with 'snap and force.' That suggests strong rhythmic vitality and convincing transient energy, though the review leans a bit more toward flow and ease than outright aggression.
Soundstage Imaging
95/100
The stage is described as sounding 'huge,' with a strong sense of scale and placement, including an image that was put 'right in the middle of the room.' That is unusually strong spatial praise and points to excellent width, depth, and image solidity.
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Cartridge Compatibility
94/100
On paper and in practice, this is a very flexible universal phono stage: MC, MM, and DS Audio optical support, plus balanced inputs/outputs, multiple gain/load options, and EQ settings. Kessler fed it 'seven entirely different cartridges' and said it made each of them sing, which is excellent evidence for broad compatibility without exceeding the evidence for a 95+ score.
Build Quality
92/100
The chassis made an immediate heavyweight impression, and the review specifically praises the 'beautiful build quality,' likening it to 'the best that Switzerland can muster.' That is strong build praise, and the 20 kg mass plus substantial execution reinforce the sense of seriousness, though the evidence is still primarily from one reviewer.
Value for Money
86/100
At £6800, it is certainly expensive, but the review explicitly frames it as 'affordable' by today's high-end standards and notes that comparable fully loaded competitors can cost as much as £60,000. Against that backdrop, the price looks justified rather than cheap, giving it solid premium-value credentials.
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