• Overview – The Soulnote P-3 Preamplifier, released in 2022, is a reference solid-state preamplifier featuring a fully balanced, non-negative-feedback analogue design engineered to deliver exceptional transparency and musical realism.

• Zero-Feedback Architecture – Employing Soulnote’s proprietary non-negative-feedback circuit topology, the Soulnote P-3 Preamplifier preserves transient accuracy, harmonic integrity, and dynamic expression while maintaining an exceptionally low noise floor.

• Reference-Level Engineering – The Soulnote P-3 Preamplifier features dual-mono construction, discrete analogue circuitry, and mechanically isolated assemblies, delivering expansive soundstaging, precise imaging, and outstanding channel separation for flagship audio systems.

Type-R circuits are used inside the non-NFB balance amplifier

The output line amplifier uses Type-R discrete non-NFB balance circuits that have been finely tuned for preamplifier use. It also includes the newly-developed super high-quality naked foil resistors. With 1ohm emitter resistors and 3.9ohm output resistance, it delivers astonishing information detail and S/N presence for superior power preamplifier drive capabilities.

High-end resistance switching method audio volume control circuit

The best possible methods and the highest-quality parts create the best audio volume control. All the resistors in this unit are ultra high-quality, naked foil resistors. The switching relays also use the newly developed RSR-2-12D (Reference SOULNOTE Relay) ultralow loss custom relay. Volume control is configured with 144 steps in 0.5 dB intervals. Vibrancy and sound quality remain unaffected, even when lowering the volume.

RSR-2-12D (Reference SOULNOTE Relay)

An ultra-low loss glass tube sealed reed relay that performs similar to a mercury relay as a base has been further customized. This is an original custom relay created by SOULNOTE that can reach sound quality levels comparable to that of wire. Each P-3 contains 94 of these relays.

• Naim Audio NAC552 Preamp NAP500 Amplifier Overview – Released in the early 2000s, this flagship Class AB solid-state pairing delivers Naim’s highest level of musical transparency, current drive, and system authority using dual-chassis designs with external power supplies.

• Reference-Grade Preamp Performance – The NAC552 features suspended circuit boards, discrete Class A gain stages, and the 552PS supply, offering ultra-low noise, holographic imaging, and unmatched musical timing across all high-resolution sources.

• Flagship Power Delivery – The Naim Audio NAC552 Preamp NAP500 Amplifier system provides immense dynamic headroom, exceptional speaker control, and unparalleled clarity, combining precision transistor output stages with a massive toroidal supply.

• Ultimate Naim Engineering – Both units employ mechanical decoupling, rigid aluminium casework, and high-voltage regulation, ensuring long-term stability, low distortion, and reference-level performance in demanding audio environments.

• Dimensions – NAC552: 432 mm (W) × 87 mm (H) × 314 mm (D) with 552PS at 432 mm × 87 mm × 314 mm. NAP500 and its PSU each approx. 432 mm × 135 mm × 374 mm.

• Weight – NAC552 approx. 12 kg combined with PSU; NAP500 system around 40–45 kg, reflecting its heavy transformer mass and mechanically isolated dual-chassis architecture.

• Overview – The Accuphase C3850 Pre Amp, released in 2015, is a solid-state reference preamplifier featuring fully balanced circuitry and Accuphase’s AAVA volume control for ultra-precise, low-noise signal handling.

• AAVA Volume Technology – Utilizing Accuphase’s proprietary Analog Vari-gain Amplifier system, the Accuphase C3850 Pre Amp achieves exceptional resolution and channel balance without conventional resistive attenuation, preserving signal purity at all volume levels.

• Reference-Level Performance – The Accuphase C3850 Pre Amp delivers ultra-low distortion, expansive soundstage, and precise imaging, offering a highly transparent and natural presentation ideal for top-tier source and amplification systems.

• Specifications – Fully balanced solid-state design, AAVA volume control, frequency response 3Hz–200kHz, total harmonic distortion below 0.005%, multiple balanced and unbalanced inputs/outputs, high signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 110dB.

• Dimensions – Approximately 477 mm (W) × 156 mm (H) × 412 mm (D), featuring Accuphase’s classic full-width chassis with premium finishing and robust internal layout.

• Weight – Approximately 24 kg, reflecting extensive internal shielding, high-quality power supply design, and precision-machined construction for stable, low-noise operation.