• SoulNote A-1 Ver. 2 Integrated Amplifier

    •⁠  Product Overview – SoulNote A-1 Ver. 2 Integrated Amplifier, released in 2022, is a solid-state Class AB integrated amplifier using Soulnote’s zero-feedback philosophy, delivering exceptional speed, transparency, and natural musical flow.

    •⁠  Circuit Architecture – Designed with fully discrete, non-NFB circuitry and simplified signal paths, the amplifier prioritises phase accuracy, micro-dynamic resolution, and tonal purity, appealing to listeners seeking uncoloured, high-resolution playback.

    •⁠  Sound Performance – The SoulNote A-1 Ver. 2 Integrated Amplifier offers agile bass control, vivid midrange articulation, and extended treble clarity, pairing effortlessly with revealing loudspeakers and high-quality digital or analog sources.

    •⁠  Specifications – Output power is approximately 80 W per channel into 8 ohms and 160 W into 4 ohms, featuring wide bandwidth, high current delivery, and a robust linear power supply.

    •⁠  Dimensions – Approximate chassis dimensions are 454 mm (W) × 179 mm (H) × 407 mm (D), housed in a resonance-controlled aluminium enclosure optimised for electrical stability and thermal management.

    •⁠  Weight – The unit weighs approximately 24 kg, reflecting its substantial transformer, high-capacity power supply components, and rigid mechanical construction designed to minimise vibration and noise.

  • Linn Kandid Moving Coil Cartridge

    Product Overview – The Linn Kandid Moving Coil Cartridge, introduced in 2012, employs a nude micro-ridge stylus and optimized body geometry to achieve exceptional tracking accuracy, revealing fine musical detail with remarkable transparency.

    Advanced Motor System – Its low-mass boron cantilever and precision coil assembly deliver rapid transient response, low distortion, and superior retrieval of micro-information, making the Kandid a reference choice for high-end vinyl playback.

    Synergy & Compatibility – Designed primarily for Linn Ekos SE tonearms and Klimax LP12 systems, the Kandid ensures ideal mechanical alignment and resonance control, maximizing performance in well-matched analog front ends.

    Construction Quality – The rigid machined housing and open-body design reduce unwanted resonances and standing waves, providing cleaner frequency extension and more accurate tonal reproduction across the audible spectrum.

    Dimensions – Linn Kandid Moving Coil Cartridge is Approx. 18 mm (W) × 17 mm (H) × 18 mm (D), compact and lightweight for optimal cartridge-tonearm integration and fine-tuning adjustability.

    Weight – Around 7 grams, ensuring compatibility with medium-mass tonearms and enabling precise VTF and azimuth calibration.

  • Mark Levinson No. 5101

    Mark Levinson No. 5101 – The Mark Levinson No. 5101 is a premium Class A analogue output CD/SACD player and network streamer offering refined musicality, wide dynamic range and high-resolution playback for modern high-end audio systems.

    Digital Processing & Converter Performance – Using a high-performance ESS Sabre Pro DAC with precision clocking and isolated digital pathways, it delivers exceptional resolution, low noise and accurate imaging for CD, SACD and streamed content.

    Streaming Integration & Connectivity – Supporting UPnP, network streaming, USB playback, coaxial/optical inputs and robust analogue RCA/XLR outputs, the Mark Levinson No. 5101 integrates seamlessly into sophisticated digital and hybrid audiophile systems.

    Discrete Analogue Stage & Sonic Character – Featuring Mark Levinson’s discrete, fully balanced PurePath analogue stage, it provides rich tonal density, precise transient control and natural harmonic structure across all music genres.

    Product Dimensions –  Measures 438 mm (W) × 133 mm (H) × 457 mm (D), offering a rigid, resonance-controlled chassis engineered for stability and quiet mechanical operation.

    Product Weight – Weighing approximately 15.7 kg, the equipment benefits from a robust linear power supply and heavy internal architecture, reducing vibration and improving overall sonic clarity.

  • Focal Kanta N1 Bookshelf Speakers Pair with Stands

    •⁠  Overview – The Focal Kanta N1 White/Black Bookshelf Speakers with Stands, released in 2018, are high-performance two-way standmount loudspeakers featuring Focal’s Beryllium tweeter and Flax mid-bass driver for exceptional clarity and precision.

    •⁠  Advanced Driver Technology – The combination of Focal’s pure Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter and proprietary Flax sandwich cone mid-bass driver delivers remarkable transient speed, natural tonal balance, and highly detailed treble extension.

    •⁠  Sonic Presentation – The Focal Kanta N1 White/Black Bookshelf Speakers with Stands produce expansive imaging, articulate midrange, and tight controlled bass, making them ideal for high-resolution stereo systems in medium-sized listening rooms.

    •⁠  Specifications – Two-way bass reflex design, 6.5-inch Flax mid-bass driver, Beryllium inverted dome tweeter, 8-ohm nominal impedance, 88dB sensitivity, frequency response approximately 46Hz–40kHz, recommended amplifier power 25–150W.

    •⁠  Dimensions – Each speaker measures approximately 422 mm high × 234 mm wide × 391 mm deep, while the dedicated stands elevate the speakers to optimal listening height for improved imaging.

    •⁠  Weight – Each speaker weighs approximately 14 kg, while the matching stands add additional stability, supporting precise positioning and reduced cabinet vibration during high-output listening.

  • Mark Levinson No. 5101

    Premium Digital Hub – The Mark Levinson No. 5101 combines a high-end CD player, network streamer, and DAC in one chassis, offering reference-grade digital playback with precision engineering and ultra-low-noise architecture.

    Advanced DAC Architecture – The unit employs a premium ESS Sabre DAC with fully balanced analog stages, delivering exceptional resolution, dynamic accuracy, and a refined tonal character suited for high-performance systems.

    Versatile Connectivity – With support for USB, coaxial, optical, and Ethernet streaming, the Mark Levinson No. 5101 integrates seamlessly into modern setups, ensuring flexible playback across multiple digital platforms.

    Robust Build Quality – Its heavy-machined aluminum chassis minimizes vibration and interference, enhancing overall sonic purity while maintaining the distinctive industrial aesthetic expected from Mark Levinson.

    Dimensions – Approx. 438 mm (W) × 130 mm (H) × 500 mm (D), offering a substantial footprint optimized for rigidity and internal component isolation.

    Weight – Around 16–18 kg, reflecting the premium power supply, reinforced chassis, and high-density digital circuitry.

  • Audience frontRow Reserve Speaker Cables (2.5m)

    Reference-Level Design – The Audience FrontRow Reserve Speaker Cables (2.5m) feature advanced UHVP conductors and precision geometry engineered to deliver ultra-low distortion, exceptional transient accuracy, and lifelike musical coherence.

    Ultra-High Voltage Process – These cables undergo Audience’s UHVP conditioning technology, enhancing conductivity, microdynamic expression, and tonal purity while maintaining a natural and immersive presentation across demanding high-end systems.

    Premium Construction – Audience FrontRow Reserve Speaker Cables (2.5m) utilize cryogenically treated metallurgy, low-mass terminations, and dielectric optimization to reduce noise, improve timing accuracy, and maximize system transparency.

    System Synergy – Designed for top-tier amplifiers and speakers, the cable’s stable impedance and high bandwidth ensure seamless integration, improved rhythmic drive, and superior spatial imaging across complex recordings.

    Dimensions – Length: 2.5 meters. Flexible, low-mass construction designed for easy routing and compatibility with tight or complex rack layouts.

    Weight – Lightweight yet robust, engineered to minimize mechanical resonances while retaining durability and consistent long-term electrical performance.

  • SoulNote A-2 Ver. 2 Integrated Amplifier

    Soulnote A-2 v2

    Soulnote A-2 v2 is a fully balanced, non NFB integrated amplifier designed to preserve timing, texture, and dynamic swing while offering flexible operating modes for real systems.

    Design and engineering

    The A-2 v2 carries Soulnote’s discrete, wide bandwidth gain architecture with a short signal path and mechanical tuning derived from the Series 3 program. Revisions to device selection, biasing, and grounding reduce stored energy and lower audible residue, yielding cleaner transients and a more stable image.

    What changed from A-2 (previous version)

    The v2 platform strengthens current delivery and simplifies the voltage gain loop for higher purity. The driver stage also uses the same TO3P transistor as the output stage. By passing a large current through the driver, it instantly compensates for HFE fluctuations caused by current changes in the output stage. This is the biggest difference and breakthrough from the prior version. The power amp mode now hard bypasses selector and volume control for those who prefer a separate preamp. Chassis and top cover treatment improve resonance control compared to the earlier A-2.

    Connectivity and control

    Balanced and single ended inputs are relay switched, with a balanced attenuator for consistent channel tracking. Four modes cover integrated stereo, bi amp mono, power amp stereo, and power amp bi amp. Control logic is isolated so audio circuits remain quiet during operation.

    What distinguishes it

    Fast, high current drive with a lively, uncompressed presentation and the flexibility to act as a true power amp when required.

    Who it is for

    Listeners who value natural timing, wide bandwidth clarity, and the option to reconfigure the amplifier as their system evolves.

    In the box

    Main unit, metal remote control, AC power cable, spike feet, documentation.

  • HANA Umami Black MC Cartridge

    •⁠  Product Overview – HANA Umami Black MC Cartridge, released in 2020, is a flagship moving-coil design featuring an Alnico magnet system and ultra-rigid body construction for reference-level analog playback.

    •⁠  Design Philosophy – Precision-machined duralumin body with ebony top plate provides exceptional resonance control, allowing the cartridge generator to operate with greater stability, lower noise floor, and enhanced musical focus.

    •⁠  Sonic Performance – HANA Umami Black MC Cartridge delivers deep, articulate bass, lifelike midrange tonality, and finely resolved treble, excelling in soundstage depth, microdynamics, and natural harmonic texture.

    •⁠  Specifications – Nude microline stylus on boron cantilever, output 0.4 mV, internal impedance 6 ohms, recommended load >80 ohms, optimized for high-end MC phono stages.

    •⁠  Dimensions – Standard cartridge form factor, approximately 28 mm (L) × 16 mm (W) × 16 mm (H), compatible with most tonearms using standard half-inch mounting.

    •⁠  Weight – Cartridge weight approximately 10.5 g, offering excellent mass compatibility with medium to high-mass tonearms for optimal tracking and mechanical stability.

  • BAT REX 500 Power Amplifier

    •⁠  Overview – BAT REX 500 Power Amplifier, released in 2023, is a flagship Class AB solid-state amplifier using N-channel MOSFET output stages and a dual-mono architecture for reference-level dynamics and authority. 

    •⁠  Power Architecture – Designed with Balanced Audio Technology’s SuperPak+ power supply and zero global feedback, the REX 500 delivers effortless control, fast transients, and unwavering stability into demanding loudspeaker loads. 

    •⁠  Sonic Performance – With spectral balance, expansive soundstaging, and deep transient grip, this amp scales orchestral crescendos and subtle passages alike, preserving musical detail and impact even at high listening levels. 

    •⁠  Specifications – BAT REX 500 Power Amplifier offers 500 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 1000 watts into 4 ohms, fully balanced input-to-output topology, wide 3 Hz–250 kHz bandwidth, high slew rate, and fuseless protection for uninterrupted power delivery. 

    •⁠  Dimensions – Approx. 483 mm (W) × 254 mm (H) × 597 mm (D), with a substantial chassis and thermal design that supports extended high-power operation without sag or coloration. 

    •⁠  Weight – Approximately 63 kg, reflecting massive power supplies, dual-mono construction, and extensive heatsinking to ensure long-term reliability and minimal distortion under load. 

     

    •⁠  Product Review

    https://www.hifinews.com/content/bat-rex-500-power-amplifier

    https://www.stereophile.com/content/balanced-audio-technology-rex-500-power-amplifier

  • SOULNOTE A-3 Reference Integrated Amplifier

    •⁠  Overview – SOULNOTE A-3 Reference Integrated Amplifier, released in 2021, is a solid-state Class AB integrated design without DAC or phono, engineered for ultimate signal purity and unrestricted current delivery.

    •⁠  Circuit Philosophy – Built around SoulNote’s zero-feedback, non-parallel architecture, the amplifier prioritises instantaneous current response, wide bandwidth, and natural harmonic flow, appealing strongly to purist audiophiles.

    •⁠  Sonic Character – SOULNOTE A-3 Reference Integrated Amplifier delivers exceptional dynamic contrast, dense tonal colour, and expansive soundstage depth, excelling with difficult loudspeaker loads and revealing high-resolution source components.

    •⁠  Specifications – Rated at approximately 120 W per channel into 8 ohms and 240 W into 4 ohms, with ultra-high current capability, wide frequency response, and discrete output devices optimised for low impedance control.

  • SOULNOTE D-3 DAC

    •⁠  Overview – SOULNOTE D-3 DAC, released in 2020, is a reference-class digital-to-analog converter designed with SoulNote’s zero-feedback architecture to deliver highly accurate, ultra-low distortion conversion and musical transparency.

    •⁠  Digital Architecture – Utilising discrete analogue filter stages and precision clocking, the D-3 DAC preserves timing integrity and dynamic expression, providing outstanding resolution and spatial coherence from PCM and DSD sources.

    •⁠  Sound Quality – The SOULNOTE D-3 DAC is prized for its natural midrange clarity, refined treble extension, and low noise floor, allowing connected preamplifiers and amplifiers to reveal deeper musical nuance across genres.

  • Aavik U-588 Unity

    Aavik U-588 Unity Overview – The Aavik U-588 Unity, introduced in the late 2010s, is a flagship Class D solid-state integrated amplifier with premium DAC functionality, offering exceptional musical resolution, ultra-low noise, and stunning dynamic power.

    Advanced Noise-Reduction & Resonance Control – Built with Aavik’s Tesla coil noise-suppression system, dither circuitry, and resonance-optimized chassis design, the Aavik U-588 Unity delivers remarkable clarity, microdynamic precision, and tonal purity across all sources.

    High-Current Class D Authority – The Aavik U-588 Unity features massive current reserves, lightning-fast transient response, and exceptional speaker control, enabling effortless handling of complex music passages at realistic listening levels.

    Premium DAC and Connectivity – Integrated with Aavik’s high-end digital architecture, the U-588 provides ultra-clean digital conversion, low-jitter performance, and flexible input options ideal for modern streaming and high-resolution playback systems.

    Dimensions – Approx. 102 mm (H) × 384 mm (W) × 400 mm (D), with a low-profile yet substantial chassis designed to minimize vibration and enhance electrical stability.

    Weight – Around 12 kg, reflecting its heavy shielding, robust power supply, and resonance-controlled construction.

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