Soulnote D-1 ver 2 Digital to Analogue Converter
The D-1 ver 2 is Soulnote’s entry level Digital to Analogue Converter, the ver 2 model is the replacement for the original D-1N. As with all of the ver 2 models the D-1 has undergone a visual facelift, they’ve lost the fluted lines and now have more in common visually with the range topping Series 3
This new DAC offers a superb feature set and specification. In performance terms it ticks lots of boxes, the presentation is typically Soulnote, highly engaging, natural, accurate tonality and a wonderful sense of simply sounding correct. The original D-1N was a strong model but this version builds on that in every way.
The Soulnote D-1 ver 2 is literally just a DAC, there is no network connection or streaming , it is reliant on connecting a digital transport to it like CD or a streamer/server.
Build quality is excellent as is the overall finish. Series 2 and Series 3 offer an even more premium finish and build, but Series 1 certainly cuts no corners at the price points.
The D-1 uses the ESS9038PRO DAC chipset, USB-B supports up to and including 32-bit/768 kHz PCM and 22.6 MHz DSD (DSD512). There are also 2 RCA inputs and a single AES/EBU input.
Analogue outputs are present on both RCA and XLR. On the front panel you may have spotted a lock range button, this allows you to choose 1 of 4 settings – this enables you to match the clock accuracy of transmitting devices connected to the D-1.
When used in PCM mode there is a NOS mode (non-oversampling), this will not function with DSD material.
From Soulnote……
New Type-R Circuit
The analogue circuit employs the “New Type-R Circuit” developed for SOULNOTE’s flagship phono equalizer E-3, optimized for the digital-to-analog. The power supply circuit also incorporates the same non-NFB regulator circuit found in D-2 ver.2.
Resistor IV circuit
The IV conversion circuit is crucial for achieving a richly musical sound. It employs the same resistor IV circuit found in D-2 ver.2. This achieves the analogue stage to be fully non-NFB.
ES9038PRO
By employing the ES9038PRO in a left-right independent configuration, it delivers powerful current output without unnecessary features.Analogue filter less
By almost eliminating analogue LPF, it enables the organic and vibrant music reproduction inherent to NOS. This effect is also effective during DSD playback.
Analogue filter less
By almost eliminating analogue LPF, it enables the organic and vibrant music reproduction inherent to NOS. This effect is also effective during DSD playback.
NOS mode
In addition to the conventional FIR oversampling mode, the D-1 ver.2 has adopted a NOS (non-oversampling) mode, which is a non-NFB version adapted to operate in the digital domain. When this mode is selected, the pre-echo and post-echo observed in the impulse response of FIR oversampling do not occur.
Impulse output waveform in FIR oversampling filter (analog output)
Pre- and post-echoes are artificial “sound” 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 NOS mode
This waveform can only be achieved through a combination with a non-feedback discrete amplifier that eliminates analogue filters. Because music waveforms are actually a series of impulse waveforms of different heights, the NOS mode eliminates any ambiguity in the time axis information, creating more realistic and natural sound quality and an expansive listening environment to the hearing acuity of humans, which is extremely sensitive to the time axis.
* The NOS mode cannot be used with DSD.
A power transformer with A 260 VA large-scale toroidal transformer
The power transformer uses a 260 VA large-scale toroidal transformer. This constitutes a power amplifier class non-NFB power supply. The power supply for non-NFB discrete amplifiers, which has an exceptionally high voltage setting of ±43 V, offers playback that is both detailed in its spatial expression and filled with energy.
Eight types of power supplies that use SOULNOTE’s original high-speed discrete regulators
The power supplies for DAC peripheral circuits are equipped with independent left and right, analog and digital power supplies, respectively. The D-1 ver.2 also contains a power supply for the crystals, USB, logic, and S/PDIF differential receiver. These eight types of power supplies use SOULNOTE’s original high-speed discrete regulators, thereby, it manages to bring out the ability of the high-voltage ES9038PRO to the limit.
Direct mechanical grounding construction
A three-point support configuration — one at the front and two at the rear—enables the placement of one foot directly beneath the transformer. This achieves a mechanical grounding that allows transformer vibrations to be directly released outside the chassis. As a result, the fuzziness of the sound caused by chassis dumps can be removed and the soul of sound can be reproduced.
