Purpose-Built for Optical Vinyl: Soulnote E-3

The Soulnote E-3 is a reference phono equalizer built for one mission and built to do it perfectly: extracting every last drop of music from DS Audio optical cartridges. This is not an MM/MC phono stage — it is a dedicated, completely non-NFB equalizer for the optical-cartridge format, with a signal path so short the music passes through just four transistors from input to output. The result is the vivid, immediate, uncannily alive sound that defines Soulnote at the top of its game.

Four Transistors, Zero Feedback

At its core is Soulnote's newly developed discrete, non-NFB, balanced "New Type-R Circuit." By embedding the equalization into a minimalist balanced amplifier — and refusing any global feedback — the E-3 achieves RIAA accuracy within ±0.2 dB while keeping the signal path astonishingly pure. Gain is 34 dB balanced (28 dB unbalanced) at 1 kHz, with a maximum output of 12 V balanced.

Reference Build, Single-Minded Focus

One XLR and one RCA input (used one at a time) feed balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs, in a 27 kg chassis grounded on spike feet — the same obsessive, vibration-controlled construction as the rest of Soulnote's Series 3. For the vinyl enthusiast who has embraced DS Audio's optical system, the E-3 is the equalizer designed to match it.

Why You'll Love the Soulnote E-3

• Dedicated DS Audio optical stage — purpose-built for the optical-cartridge format
• Only four transistors in the path — new discrete non-NFB balanced Type-R circuit
• RIAA within ±0.2 dB — accuracy without a feedback loop
• Balanced and single-ended — XLR and RCA in and out
• 34 dB balanced gain — up to 12 V balanced output
• Series 3 reference build — 27 kg, spike-foot grounding, Premium Silver or Black

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the E-3 work with moving-magnet or moving-coil cartridges?

No — the E-3 is dedicated exclusively to DS Audio optical cartridges. For MM, MC and optical support in one unit, see the Soulnote E-2 ver.2. The E-3 is the specialist for those committed to the optical format.

Why does an optical cartridge need a special equalizer?

DS Audio optical cartridges output a different signal from magnetic cartridges and require dedicated equalization and power. The E-3 is engineered specifically for that format, extracting its full potential.

What inputs and outputs does it have?

One XLR and one RCA input (used one at a time), with balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs.

Soulnote E-3 Technical Specifications