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Soulnote Z-3
Network Transport
Premium Silver/Premium Black
Flagship Network Transport developed to maximize ability of ZERO LINK by eliminating any bottlenecks at the development stage
There is no need to upgrade the Z-3 software.
The Z-3 is a certified device as Roon Ready. It receives music stream based a protocol called RAAT from the Roon core via network, and offers playback in high quality. The Roon core can be set up easily by adding the free software provided by Roon on your Windows/MAC PC.
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ZERO LINK
ZERO LINK is the ultimate link, jointly developed by SFORZATO and Soulnote to achieve the highest possible sound quality in digital playback equipment. ZERO LINK drastically reduces the work of the D/A converter and completely eliminates the use of asynchronous components in the D/A converter housing. In the Z-3, ZERO LINK replaces every asynchronous component to transmit only signals polished beautifully by the clock to the D/A converter. The resulting sound quality is an unprecedented leap forward in the sonic universe. This solution surpasses the highest levels of analog playback.
Includes a dedicated ZERO LINK cable.
Ultra powerful non-NFB discrete power supply
The Z-3 uses the same digital high-regulation transformer as D-3. An unprecedented 260 VA large-capacity transformer is used to create four non-NFB discrete power supply circuits separated from each circuit winding. It uses a total of 16 ultra high-speed SiC rectifier diodes and 70 low-magnification electrolytic capacitors. This provides endless expressive power with overflowing clarity and directness.
SFP port
By incorporating an optical link module, this opens up the door to optical cable connections. Besides the use of an SFP RJ45 module allows for compatibility with regular LAN cable connections.
The optical link module, RJ45 module, optical cables, and LAN cables are not included with the Z-3. Please consult with your local retailer.
SC Cut ultra low phase noise OCXO
An SC Cut OXCO is installed in the dedicated SFP circuit clock. Although it is an asynchronous component, every effort was made to counteract its effects by maximizing the clock quality. When ZERO LINK is connected, the high-quality D/A converter master clock transmitted by ZERO LINK is used in the I2S generation circuit and Non-PLL Sync is applied.
A dedication to non-rigid housing
Beyond the plate, we went above and beyond to create a non-rigid housing, including the AC inlet, I/O terminals, circuit boards, and circuit board chassis. We applied the full breadth of SOULNOTE expertise to components like titanium washers, spike placement directly under the transformers, and more. The air volume presented by the relatively large housing contributes to an unprecedentedly vast soundscape.
A variety of applications
The Z-3 can be used in the following three ways.
1. As a ZERO LINK network player (LAN input – ZERO LINK output)
The ultimate separate network player can be created by inserting an optical link module or RJ45 module into the SFP port and using it as a LAN input, then using a ZERO LINK connection with the D-3 or S-3 Reference. This connection method will create the highest quality sound.
LAN input is compatible with DLNA, OpenHome, and diretta (LAN DAC).
diretta input is only possible when connecting with diretta compatible devices.
2. As a ZERO LINK bridge (USB input – ZERO LINK output)
By using the USB input to connect to your computer or music server, it is also possible to use as a ZERO LINK bridge with output from the ZERO LINK. High-quality ZERO LINK sound can be easily obtained by using the Z-3 in the same way as a general USB DAC.
The USB input is compatible with Bulk Pet and JPLAY.
3. As a network transport (LAN input – USB output)
As a high-definition network player can be used by connecting it to your USB DAC.
USB input – USB output is not possible.
Dealers selling Soulnote near you
Authorized dealers for Soulnote Z-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 zero-noise design, deep staging, and exceptionally calm flow make the Z-3 a serious network transport for reference systems. Carsten Barnbeck of Fidelity Magazine praises its pitch-black background, expansive soundstage, and rock-solid stability, while the optical SFP input and ZERO LINK output underline its ultra-clean digital focus.
Pros
- Delivers a very calm, spacious presentation with deep, sharply defined staging and fine dynamic contrast.
- Uses proprietary ZERO LINK and optical SFP input to keep signal handling ultra-clean and isolated from interference.
- Roon, DLNA, OpenHome, and Diretta compatibility worked reliably over a long listening period without crashes.
- Heavy-duty build and resonance-control engineering suggest a very carefully executed transport.
&
Cons
- Requires an external clock or compatible Soulnote partner component to operate, which limits standalone use.
- Lacks a built-in DAC, internal clock, web interface, and native streaming-service support, so setup remains system-dependent.
Sound Quality
93/100
Weighted average of sub-criteria below.
Overall Sound
94/100
Review language is strongly enthusiastic, with the streamer said to have 'blown our socks off' and to deliver a sonic character associated with 'calm' and 'serenity'. The reviewer describes huge spatial depth, sharply outlined staging, and fine dynamics against a 'pitch-black background', all of which point to an exceptionally transparent and musically convincing transport feeding a good DAC.
Digital Signal Integrity
91/100
The Z-3 is presented as a serious digital-engineering exercise: direct streamer-to-DAC connection via Soulnote's proprietary ZERO LINK approach, native-resolution delivery up to the DAC's capability, and avoidance of up/down-sampling and digital filtering. The optical SFP network input is also highlighted as a galvanic isolator, and the reviewer stresses that these measures keep signal processing 'ultra-clean' and free from external interference.
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Build Quality
91/100
The chassis and internals are described as packed with resonance-control measures, floating components, extensive internal segregation, and unusual power-supply parts such as many small capacitors and SiC rectifier diodes. The loose housing cover and overall vibration-management approach suggest carefully executed engineering rather than cosmetic overbuild, and the reviewer clearly sees the construction as purposeful and sophisticated.
Features Usability
89/100
Weighted average of sub-criteria below.
Streaming Software
87/100
The Z-3 is controlled via DLNA, OpenHome, Diretta, or Roon, and the reviewer reports that all of this worked 'without any problems or crashes' over almost five weeks. That is very solid practical usability for a network transport, though the emphasis is on compatibility and stability rather than on a richly featured proprietary app ecosystem.
Features Connectivity
93/100
Connectivity is unusually well thought out, especially the optical SFP network input that provides galvanic isolation and supports long cable runs. The included adapter for users who do not want to buy a dedicated opto-converter is also a nice touch, and the combination of ZERO LINK and USB output gives the Z-3 meaningful flexibility in high-end digital systems.
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Value for Money
78/100
At 15,855, this is clearly a high-priced specialist transport, and the review language is far more about technical ambition and sonic excellence than affordability. The performance appears strong enough to justify interest in the right system, but there is no explicit value praise, and the price places it in a premium niche where expectations are naturally very high.
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