SOUL NOTE A-1

The SoulNote A-1 integrated amplifier, a special edition created to celebrate the brand’s tenth anniversary, is a masterful synthesis of advanced technical research and refined musical sensibility. Available in elegant Platinum Silver and Black finishes, it fully embodies SoulNote’s design philosophy, centered on fully balanced, discrete, non-NFB (non-negative feedback) circuits. Every aspect of its construction has been meticulously revisited to highlight the unique characteristics of this architecture—from star-wired ground planes and centralized local regulators to direct signal paths and optimized drive current. All of these elements contribute to a sound that is faster, more vivid, and more expansive.

Its power supply, also a high-speed discrete non-NFB design, features a newly developed bifilar-wound, high-capacity toroidal transformer with separate windings for the positive and negative rails. Impedance has been significantly lowered through the use of multiple high-voltage, low-capacity filter capacitors connected in parallel, along with fast recovery rectifier diodes. Even the component layout has been refined to keep current loops as short as possible by placing the rectifiers close to the transformer, increasing both speed and signal-to-noise ratio.

To eliminate any deterioration from mechanical contacts over time, all signal path connectors have been removed, resulting in a completely contactless architecture. A three-dimensional printed circuit board layout further reduces impedance in the power supply lines and preserves signal purity.

The output stages use high-precision, matched transistors with low parasitic capacitance and high transition frequency. This meticulous pairing enhances imaging accuracy and delivers greater depth and three-dimensionality to the sound. Instead of a conventional potentiometer, volume is controlled by a newly developed relay-switching balanced attenuator. This design eliminates channel mismatch, offers superior clarity even at low volumes, and allows for more accurate imaging.

The amplifier’s symmetrical chassis is built with high rigidity to control resonance and optimize vibration balance. Its side panels are designed to release, rather than contain, sound—achieving the expansive, high-resolution sonic signature SoulNote is known for. A newly designed, heavy aluminum front panel not only enhances structural control of resonance but also gives the unit a striking, robust appearance.

With direct mechanical grounding, spikes are connected to the center of gravity of the transformer, discharging harmful vibrations directly without transmitting them through the chassis. This ensures the purity and vibrancy of the musical signal is preserved. To further elevate performance, SoulNote includes metallic insulators instead of traditional plastic ones, particularly beneficial under load conditions. Every design and engineering choice in the A-1 exists to serve one purpose: delivering a sound that is lifelike, spacious, and exhilarating.

Technical Specifications

• Maximum output power: 80W × 2 (8Ω), 120W × 2 (4Ω)
• Total harmonic distortion: 0.08% (30W at 8Ω)
• Frequency response: 3Hz to 300kHz (±1.0dB, SPEAKER output at 8Ω, 1W)
• Input sensitivity / Impedance: LINE1 (balanced) 700mV / 16kΩ; LINE2, LINE3, LINE4 700mV / 8kΩ
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 110dB (IHF A network)
• Power supply voltage: 230V AC, 50Hz
• Power consumption: 190W (in use), 90W (idle)
• Maximum external dimensions (main unit): 430mm (W) × 109mm (H) × 418mm (D)
• Weight: 10.0 kg
• Included accessories: Remote control, spikes, power cable