92%
Soulution Audio 727 preamplifier
What a difference noise makes!
soulution’s new reference preamplifier sets new benchmarks in terms of noise, phase errors, common mode rejection and distortion.
Input stage
The innovative input stage of the727 preamplifier enables exceptional common mode rejection without compromising the input stage by introducing noise. This is achieved with parallelized instrumentation amplifiers designed for wide bandwidth (20MHz), lowest noise (noise density < -160dBV/√Hz) and optimal common mode rejection (CMMR >105dB). This ensures that even the faintest musical signals can be properly received by the 727 preamplifier.
Volume control
Relay-switched high precision metal foil resistors form an 80 step (1 dB) volume control. Each channel has its own volume control resistor network. The volume control also allows balance adjustment. To avoid unpleasant clicking noises or harmful voltage peaks during volume adjustments, the 727 preamplifier is provided with a second volume control path which is active only during volume adjustments. This secondary, IC based volume control alters the volume without any click or pops. Once the new volume is set, the 727 will revert to the sonically superior path with its high-precision metal foil resistors.
Phono-preamplifier(optional)
Small and fine output signals, especially from MC cartridges, are received by an instrumentation amplifier optimised for lowest noise and highest common mode rejection. With its adjustable gain (+40 dB to +80 dB @ 1kHz) and termination impedance (20Ω to 1kΩ, 47kΩ, 0pF to 70pF) the phono input can be adapted very precisely to your pickup system. The use of very fast amplifier stages (-3dB @ 2MHz) ensures highly accurate reproduction of the RIAA equalization curve (frequency and phase response).
Output stage
The Class-A output stage has been optimised for speed, precision and high peak currents. Thanks to its low output resistance the output stage can drive even long cables without difficulty. With a frequency bandwidth of 20 MHz (-3 dB) and the accompanying minimal phase shift in the audio band, all details of the music are reproduced true to life. The result is a three-dimensional spatial sound experience full of musicality and natural timbres. The sheer power of the output stage guarantees that the rich detail of the music reaches your power amplifier.
Distributed Local Power Supply:
The basis for the dual mono power supply of the 727 preamplifier is a switched mode power supply (SMPS) which converts mains voltage into an intermediate DC voltage. Highly efficient DC-DC converters and extremely low-noise and fast linear regulators generate the supply voltages needed to operate the 727 preamplifier. Local linear regulators are placed next to each current sink (OpAmp, transistor, etc.). This ensures lowest noise levels on the analog supplies and shortest signal paths. Large filter capacitors, as typically used for linear power supplies with transformers and rectifiers, are no longer required.
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Soulution Audio 727 preamplifier — landmark linestage precision
The Soulution 727 is a consummate high-end linestage that pairs ultra-low noise and a very wide bandwidth with a musical, three-dimensional presentation. With 20MHz bandwidth, extremely low distortion and a noise floor supporting >120dB SNR, the 727 extracts micro- and macro-detail without sounding analytical. Imaging is tight and well-layered thanks to >130dB channel separation and a fully balanced signal path. Construction is substantial — a 28kg chassis, fine volume steps (1 dB) and an optional MM/MC phono card underline its engineering focus. Jonathan Valin of The Absolute Sound awarded it top honors, making it ideal for discerning listeners and reference systems seeking ultimate transparency and composure.
Pros
- Ultra-low distortion and very low noise deliver exceptional transparency and lifelike musical detail without harshness.
- Extremely wide bandwidth (20MHz) and >130dB channel separation produce precise imaging and a convincing three-dimensional soundstage.
- Robust build and thoughtful features — heavy chassis, fine 1 dB volume steps and an optional high-end phono module — suit reference-level systems.
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Cons
- Very high retail price and an expensive optional phono card limit the 727 to a narrow, ultra-high-end buyer pool.
Transparency
92/100
Reviewer praises "immeasurably low distortion" and the design's ability to add lifelike detail without steering toward analytical harshness. Measured specs back this up (SNR >120dB, THD+N <-120dB, noise density <-160dBV/√Hz, DC–20MHz bandwidth), indicating an extremely low noise floor and minimal coloration — the unit effectively 'gets out of the way.'
Sound Quality
92/100
Dynamics
92/100
Review notes lifelike musical detail and the design's wide bandwidth (20MHz) and ultra-low distortion, supporting excellent micro- and macro-dynamic retrieval. The 727 is described as delivering dynamic life and punch rather than compression or flatness.
Soundstage Imaging
92/100
Reviewer remarks that the 727 corrects a "parallax-like blur" and better delineates sonic images while preserving three-dimensional body. The high channel separation (>130dB) and balanced I/O support precise imaging and spacious, well-layered soundstaging.
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Build Quality
92/100
Heavy, substantial chassis (28 kg) and engineering-driven specs (very low output impedance, robust channel separation) imply premium construction and thorough power/ground design. Precise volume control (1 dB steps) and optional high-end phono card further indicate high-end component selection and craftsmanship.
Features Connectivity
90/100
Generous connectivity for a high-end linestage: 3× balanced XLR inputs, 2× RCA inputs, 2× balanced XLR outputs and 1× RCA output, plus an optional MM/MC phono card. Precise volume range (0 to -79 dB in 1 dB steps) and full balanced path capabilities position it well above a minimal preamp baseline.
Value for Money
86/100
Price is very high ($74,975; optional MM/MC phono card $11,975). TAS gives its highest recommendation and named it Solid-State Preamplifier of the Year, but the review does not explicitly frame the product as a bargain; value is therefore strong within its ultra-high-end niche but clearly targeted at a limited buyer pool.
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