We think

We believe the Soulnote P-3 is a reference line preamplifier that, in the Soulnote Series 3, bridges the gap between the highest measurement precision and musical emotion. It demonstrates that a preamplifier can be not only clean and technically superior, but also deeply involved in the musical experience: sober enough to deliver transparency, warm enough to prevent the musical material from being rendered like mere data. For listeners who demand timbres, stage imaging, and dynamics while simultaneously achieving great detail, the P-3 is a true touchstone—anyone who has ever used it will hear that detail, quality, and soul come together here.

Product presentation

The Soulnote P-3 is a high-end line preamplifier that makes no compromises. It offers four balanced (XLR) and four unbalanced (RCA/Cinch) inputs, as well as three XLR outputs plus a switchable RCA output. The P-3 delivers a maximum output voltage of 21 Vrms with a maximum gain of 11 dB . Its frequency range extends from 2 Hz to 1 MHz (±3 dB) with a very low THD of 0.0015% . Particularly impressive is its heavy weight—approximately 25 kg —which indicates the use of large transformers and high-quality components. Power consumption is approximately 20 W in operation.

Special features

What makes the Soulnote P-3 special are the many small technical details that, when taken together, have a big impact. For example, Soulnote uses naked foil resistors , a special type of very high-quality foil resistor without additional resin or potting compounds, in order to keep distortion and temperature sensitivity to a minimum. There is a self-developed relay switch type (RSR-2-12D) that is used both as an input selector and for volume control - high quality, with low contact damping, precise and durable. The P-3 is constructed as a completely separate mono unit (twin mono), and the housing and internal elements are designed to minimize vibrations and resonances as much as possible. Also integrated is a switch to avoid GND loops (“ground loops”) - both the signal and ground connection can be switched so that inactive sources do not affect the sound.

Technology & Materials

The internal technology of the P-3 contains everything that makes Soulnote a top brand: The output stage uses a balanced Type-R circuit without negative feedback (non-feedback balanced circuit) , which ensures a very clean, undistorted output signal. The volume is controlled via a relay switching system with typically 144 steps in approximately 0.5 dB increments, meaning volume changes occur with almost no audible transition. The construction is designed to preserve detail even at lower volumes. The transformers are generously dimensioned, and the layout was conceived to ensure short paths and a stable, interference-free power supply. Mechanically, the P-3 also relies on high-quality materials, rigid aluminum housing elements, and solid cooling structures that ensure thermal stability and reduced self-resonance.

Sustainability & Manufacturing

The Soulnote P-3 is built in Japan with a high level of vertical integration and great care. Every component is carefully tested, and the housing and switches/parts exposed to potential stress are dimensioned for longevity. The design emphasizes repairability and component quality – this is evident in the relays, resistors, and the power and voltage supply. The design of the housing and heatsinks also indicates a long service life where neither component fatigue nor cost-cutting measures will compromise the sound quality.

Technical data (specs)

Inputs: 4 x XLR (balanced), 4 x RCA / RCA (single-ended)
Outputs: 3 x XLR (balanced), 1 x Cinch/RCA (switchable or deactivated)
Maximum output voltage: 21 Vrms
Maximum gain: 11 dB
Frequency response: approx. 2 Hz – 1 MHz (±3 dB)
Total harmonic distortion (THD): about 0.0015% at 1.5 Vrms
Residual noise: approx. 13 µV (at 20 kHz low pass)
Output impedance: 6.8 ohms
Power consumption: about 20 W in operation
Dimensions: approx. 454 × 174 × 430 mm (W × H × D)
Weight: approx. 25 kg
Scope of delivery: remote control, power cable, spike board, spikes

Test reports / press reviews

There are German articles, for example, in HiFiStatement , praising the P-3 as a preamplifier that offers an exceptionally homogenous sound. The reviewer emphasizes that the P-3 exhibits only marginal noise at both quiet and loud levels, and that vocals and acoustic instruments experience a very natural and differentiated reproduction. It is also emphasized that the P-3 "delivers close to what one would expect from the best tube preamplifier, but without their typical drawbacks."

An international review at Positive Feedback describes the P-3 as a "large, heavy, and technically impressive preamplifier." It particularly praises the wealth of detail, the way it reveals micro-information, and the overall richness of the sound without excessive coloration.

Background / History / Development

Soulnote was founded by former employees of renowned companies, and the Series 3 product line represents a particularly high standard of development. The P-3 represents the line preamplifier in this series, laying the foundation for excellent systems—often coupled with preamplifiers, power amplifiers, SACD players, etc. The developer placed particular emphasis on ensuring that measurement data and the listening experience are as close as possible. Its appearance and technical features demonstrate that the P-3 was designed not as a "simply measurement-oriented" preamplifier, but as part of a comprehensive musical system.

Basic knowledge

A few technical connections that help to better classify the P-3:

• Type-R circuit / non-feedback design: Avoid negative feedback (NFB) to preserve dynamics and naturalness, even if measurements such as distortion or frequency linearity are then somewhat more difficult to optimize.

• Relay volume control: Relays instead of potentiometers mean lower contact resistance and less distortion from mechanical elements or switching contacts – ideal for high-quality signals.

• Ground Loop / GND Switching: When signals from multiple sources are combined, ground loop issues can cause hum or distortion. Switches that separate both signal and ground are very effective in this regard.