Soulnote S-3 Reference

SFORZATO Corp. and SOULNOTE teamed up to create ZERO LINK, the ultimate link that aims for high sound quality by eliminating asynchronous circuitry from D/A converters. Connecting a network transport equipped with ZERO LINK creates a network system that is completely synchronized with the DAC clock, achieving dramatic improvements in sound quality by eliminating asynchronous circuits in S-3 Reference.

The power channels comprise the majority of the S-3 Reference body. The power supply for both the analog and digital systems are non-NFB power supplies using large, high-quality low magnification electrode foil capacitors housed under the SACD mechanism.

Foaming Teflon-covered single copper wires

All wires for the analog signals and the power supply use a SOULNOTE foaming teflon-covered single copper wire reference cable. Soldering them directly to the circuit boards eliminates any contact points.

The S-3 Reference uses the same highly regarded NOS (Non oversampling) mode used in the D-2. This mode does not generate the pre- and post-echoes observed in FIR oversampling.

Impulse output waveform with an FIR oversampling filter

Pre- and post-echoes are artificial “sounds” created by data calculations before and after the data is interpolated. They make waveforms like sine waves appear smoother, but calculation algorithms can affect the sound quality or ambiguity and be added to the time-axis.

Impulse output waveform in Non oversampling mod

This waveform can only be achieved by combining a non-NFB discrete amplifier with superb transient response performance. Because music waveforms are actually a series of impulse waveforms of different heights, Non oversampling mode eliminates any ambiguity in the time axis information, creating a more realistic and natural sound quality and an expansive listening environment to the human ear, which is extremely sensitive to the time axis.

* Non oversampling mode cannot be used with DSD (SACD).

The digital and analog systems are separated in the power transformer, with each system mounted independently on an aluminum base that transmits transformer vibrations from each base to a grounding spike. This eliminates motor or digital noise from entering the analog power supply while simultaneously avoiding intermodulation from two vibration sources, which commonly is a weakness of dual transformer configurations. A vital component of sound quality, the transformer base’s sandwich structure features an aluminum side floated at three points by titanium spacers and employs optimum materials, structure, and shape to eliminate resonance and avoid dumps.

The SACD mechanism is mounted directly on a grounding spike through the machined aluminum base. This ideal construction emits vibrations from the mechanism directly to the grounding spike, while maintaining the physical location of the mechanism with a high degree of accuracy.

The floating audio board construction used in the SOULNOTE 2nd Series has further evolved so that the audio board itself is rests on three stainless steel spikes using spike receptacles engraved into the chassis. The parts of the aluminum audio board have been machined and made lighter, and the entire board has been meticulously tuned so that it almost sounds like there is no board at all.