Reference Control, Type-R Circuitry: Soulnote P3

The Soulnote P3 is a reference preamplifier that treats the delicate job of volume and source selection with flagship seriousness. At its heart is Soulnote's Type-R discrete non-NFB balanced circuit, finely tuned for preamplifier use, delivering astonishing information detail and signal-to-noise presence — and the drive to command even demanding power amplifiers. Hand-built in Japan, it's the control centre a top-tier system deserves.

Aerospace-Grade Resistors, 144-Step Volume

The P3 is equipped with 156 ultra-precise naked foil resistors developed to aerospace-grade standards, paired with 1-ohm emitter resistors and 3.9-ohm output resistance for astounding detail and presence with vanishingly low distortion (0.0015%). Its volume control is a resistance-switching design offering 144 steps in exact 0.5 dB intervals, using 94 custom RSR-2-12D relays and read by an optical rotary encoder with dual bearings and a flywheel — a control that feels as precise as it sounds.

Dual-Mono, Floating, Uncompromised

A fully dual-monaural construction gives each channel completely separate circuitry, power supplies and isolated grounds, powered by 600 VA of transformer capacity (280 VA per channel plus control). Floating circuit boards keep vibration at bay. Four XLR and four RCA inputs feed three XLR and one RCA output, with a maximum output of 21 Vrms from a low 6.8-ohm output impedance — ready to drive anything.

Why You'll Love the Soulnote P3

• Type-R discrete non-NFB balanced circuit — reference detail and S/N
• 156 aerospace-grade naked foil resistors — astounding presence, THD just 0.0015%
• 144-step, 0.5 dB volume — resistance-switching with 94 custom relays
• True dual-mono — separate circuits, power supplies and grounds per channel
• Generous I/O — 4 × XLR + 4 × RCA in; 3 × XLR + 1 × RCA out
• Powerful drive — 21 Vrms max output, 6.8 Ω output impedance
• Hand-built in Japan — Premium Silver or Premium Black, 25 kg

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Type-R circuit?

It's Soulnote's discrete, non-NFB balanced amplifier topology — here finely tuned for preamplifier duty — which delivers exceptional detail and signal-to-noise without the feedback most preamps rely on.

How precise is the volume control?

Very — it's a resistance-switching design offering 144 steps in 0.5 dB increments, using 94 custom relays and 156 naked foil resistors, read by an optical encoder with a flywheel for a beautifully weighted feel.

Will the P3 drive my power amplifier?

Yes — with a 21 Vrms maximum output and a low 6.8-ohm output impedance, it has the drive for virtually any power amplifier, including Soulnote's own M-3 monoblocks and A-3 Core.

Soulnote P3 Technical Specifications