The Source, Reinvented: Soulnote Z-3

The Soulnote Z-3 is a flagship network transport built around a single, radical goal: hand the D/A converter a perfect, perfectly-timed signal and let it do far less work. Through Soulnote's ZERO LINK interface, the Z-3 all but eliminates the asynchronous components that smear digital timing — the source of so much of digital's fatigue. Built by ex-Marantz engineer Norinaga Nakazawa's team, it's the front end a reference system deserves.

ZERO LINK, Zero Compromise

Feed it from your network via SFP (optical or RJ45, switchable) or from a computer via USB, and the Z-3 outputs to a ZERO LINK-equipped DAC such as the Soulnote D-3 — locking transport and converter to a single clock so timing errors simply never arise. An ultra-low-phase-noise OCXO clock, a 260 VA transformer, 16 SiC rectifier diodes, and a non-rigid, titanium-accented housing with spike isolation directly under the transformers put it firmly in Series 3 reference territory. Support runs to PCM 768 kHz and DSD 22.6 MHz.

Three Devices in One

The Z-3 adapts to your system with three operating modes: a full network player (LAN to ZERO LINK), a ZERO LINK bridge (USB to ZERO LINK) to upgrade an existing source, or a network transport (LAN to USB). One box, several roles, one goal — the purest possible path from your files to your DAC.

Why You'll Love the Soulnote Z-3

• ZERO LINK output — clock-synchronous link that eliminates asynchronous timing errors
• Flexible network input — SFP optical or RJ45 (switchable), plus USB
• Three modes — network player, ZERO LINK bridge, or network transport
• Hi-res support — PCM to 768 kHz, DSD to 22.6 MHz
• Ultra-low-phase-noise OCXO clock — reference-grade timing
• Series 3 build — 260 VA transformer, SiC diodes, titanium isolation, 20 kg
• Hand-built in Japan — Premium Silver or Premium Black

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Z-3 and what does it do?

It's a flagship network transport/streamer: it pulls audio from your network or computer and delivers it to a DAC. Its key feature is ZERO LINK, which synchronises it to the DAC's clock for dramatically cleaner digital timing.

Do I need a ZERO LINK DAC to use it?

To get the full ZERO LINK benefit, pair the Z-3 with a ZERO LINK-equipped DAC such as the Soulnote D-3. It can also feed other DACs via USB in network-transport mode.

Can it upgrade my existing streamer?

Yes — in ZERO LINK bridge mode it takes a USB signal from an existing source and converts it to a clock-synchronous ZERO LINK output for your DAC.

Soulnote Z-3 Technical Specifications