S-3 D/A Converter
Best high-end converter for audiophiles seeking uncompromising, time-accurate digital playback.
Experience unparalleled audio fidelity with the Soulnote S-3 D/A Converter. Engineered with a commitment to dynamic performance, this converter prioritizes waveform accuracy for a truly immersive listening experience. It features groundbreaking ZERO LINK technology for perfect synchronization with compatible transports, eliminating asynchronous circuits. The dual monaural design utilizes four ES9038PRO DAC chips, isolated power supplies, and independent transformers. Operating exclusively in NOS mode for PCM playback, it maintains exceptional time-axis accuracy. For optimal performance, an external 10 MHz clock generator is required, ensuring ultra-low jitter.
$24999.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.8
/ 5
Category Rank
35
/ 562
#35 in Audio Converters
Price vs Category Average
+472%
Above average
Weight
27
/ kg
Who it's for
- Listeners prioritizing emotional connection and musical realism
- Audiophiles seeking an expansive and natural soundstage
- Purists demanding the highest level of conversion accuracy
Who should skip it
- Users requiring integrated streaming or modern digital convenience
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for entry-level or mid-range gear
- Owners of bright or overly analytical audio systems
Performance breakdown
Waveform Accuracy
NOS mode playback delivers exceptional time-axis precision for natural sound reproduction.
Channel Separation
Dual monaural architecture ensures a wide, distinct, and immersive soundstage.
Build Integrity
Heavyweight aluminum construction provides a rigid, resonance-free foundation for internal components.
Synchronization Precision
ZERO LINK technology eliminates asynchronous errors for seamless transport integration.
Signal Purity
Isolated power supplies and non-NFB circuits keep the noise floor remarkably low.
System Complexity
Requires an external 10 MHz clock for peak performance and optimal jitter.
Key Specs
Weight
27 kg
Maximum Dimensions
454 (W) × 170 (H) × 393 (D) mm
S/N Ratio
110dB
Total Harmonic Distortion
0.008%
Frequency Response
2Hz – 150kHz (+0/-1dB)
Digital Inputs
2 USB (Type B), 1 Coaxial, 1 AES/EBU
Analog Outputs
1 XLR, 1 RCA
External Clock Input Requirement
10MHz (BNC 50 Ohms)
Features
- ZERO LINK for perfect transport synchronization
- Dual monaural design for superior channel separation
- Four ES9038PRO DAC chips for high-current output
- NOS mode for accurate PCM playback
- Isolated power supplies for reduced interference
- Discrete Type-R non-NFB amplifier circuits
- Requires external 10 MHz clock for ultra-low jitter
- Premium aluminum construction
What customers say
The Soulnote S-3 D/A Converter earns exceptional praise for its musicality and technical prowess. Users consistently note its unique ability to blend forensic detail with an organic, emotionally engaging presentation. The core sentiment centers on the S-3 offering a fluid, analog-like experience, characterized by superb timing and dynamics, successfully transcending typical digital sound. The nonoversampling implementation is lauded for eliminating listening fatigue. Reviewers highlight the unit's transparency and speed, allowing complex music to breathe and revealing subtle textures. While positioned in the ultra-high-end category, the overwhelming consensus is that the S-3 delivers performance rivaling or exceeding much costlier competitors, establishing strong perceived value for sonic fidelity.
Know before you buy
ZERO LINK synchronizes the S-3 directly with a compatible transport, effectively removing asynchronous circuits. This creates a direct, unified connection that ensures perfect timing and data integrity between your digital source and the converter.
Yes, an external 10 MHz clock generator is required for the S-3 to function. This external reference is essential for achieving the ultra-low jitter performance that the unit is designed to deliver.
NOS (Non-OverSampling) mode avoids the digital filtering and pre-ringing associated with standard oversampling. This approach prioritizes time-axis accuracy and a more natural, transient-rich sound profile.
By using four ES9038PRO DAC chips in a dual monaural configuration, the S-3 achieves superior channel separation and high-current output. This design minimizes crosstalk and ensures that each channel is processed with complete independence for a more expansive soundstage.
The S-3 is a substantial piece of equipment weighing 27 kg and is constructed from premium aluminum. This heavy-duty housing is designed to provide structural rigidity and effective vibration damping to protect the internal components.
Yes, the S-3 features two USB (Type B) inputs, one coaxial input, and one AES/EBU input, allowing for versatile connectivity with a wide range of digital transports and computers.
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