Non-NFB Vinyl, From Input to Output: Soulnote E1 Phono Stage

The Soulnote E1 Phono Stage brings Soulnote's completely non-NFB philosophy to the delicate art of vinyl replay — a perfectly balanced, discrete phono equalizer designed to unlock the sonic realism and clarity buried in your records. Built by ex-Marantz engineer Norinaga Nakazawa's team, it delivers the transient speed and extended, natural high frequencies that only a non-NFB amplifier can.

RIAA the Soulnote Way

Rather than conventional CR or NF equalization, the E1 incorporates the RIAA elements into the voltage-amplification circuit loads, ensuring uniform quality across the entire frequency range — remarkably, right up beyond 100 kHz. The result eliminates the drawbacks of both traditional approaches, for perfect curve characteristics and a striking gain in clarity and realism.

Balanced, Flexible, Built for Any Cartridge

The E1 fully supports balanced moving-coil input via XLR terminals — becoming a truly balanced, non-NFB phono equalizer from input to output — while an MM input handles moving-magnet cartridges and MC step-up transformers. A six-position LOAD selector (1,000 / 300 / 100 / 30 / 10 / 3 ohms) dials in the perfect match for your cartridge, and a LOW CUT switch tames woofer pumping from warped records. A fully balanced non-NFB buffer drives the strong, balanced output.

Why You'll Love the Soulnote E1

• Completely non-NFB phono stage — fast transients, extended, natural highs
• RIAA in the voltage-amp loads — uniform quality beyond 100 kHz
• Balanced MC input — fully balanced from input to output via XLR
• MM support — for moving-magnet cartridges and MC step-up transformers
• 6-position load selector — 1,000 / 300 / 100 / 30 / 10 / 3 ohms
• LOW CUT switch — controls woofer movement from warped records
• Hand-built in Japan — Premium Silver or Premium Black

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the E1 support both MC and MM cartridges?

Yes — it has a balanced XLR moving-coil input plus an MM input (which also suits MC step-up transformers), with a six-position load selector to match your cartridge.

What does the non-NFB design do for vinyl?

By building the RIAA equalization into the voltage-amplifier loads rather than a feedback loop, the E1 achieves uniform response beyond 100 kHz with the fast, natural transient response non-NFB circuits are prized for.

What load settings are available?

Six MC load impedances: 1,000, 300, 100, 30, 10 and 3 ohms.

Soulnote E1 Technical Specifications