Soulnote, a high-end Japanese audio brand established in 2004 by ex-Marantz director Norinaga Nakazawa, made a significant return to Western markets in 2022. Known for exceptional build quality across various price points, Soulnote’s entry-level offerings redefine high-end standards, while their premium gear competes with the best globally, distinguished by unique design elements that set them apart from both Western and Japanese competitors.
As Jameson, founder of INDULGR magazine, I navigate the pinnacle of high-end audio, the “ultra-high-end.” My focus is on absolute sonic excellence, honed by years as both a dealer and a discerning customer. In this realm, only gear delivering exceptional performance at any price commands my attention. Value is secondary to ultimate capability unless something dramatically over or underperforms relative to its cost in the endgame luxury audio landscape. Currently developing a flagship listening space at INDULGR HQ to rigorously evaluate top-tier audio, we aim to surpass the capabilities of other publications. But for now, let’s delve into the Soulnote A-3 integrated amplifier.
Introduction: Redefining Expectations for Integrated Amplifiers
My relationship with integrated amplifiers is complex. While conceptually appealing for space-saving and aesthetic simplicity, particularly in secondary or office systems, they often fall short sonically compared to separate pre-amplifier and power amplifier setups. My quest for the ultimate “Super Integrated” continues, and the Soulnote A-3 immediately caught my attention upon news of its release as a flagship 3 Series integrated model. After several months of evaluation, it’s evident the A-3 maintains the exceptional build quality and sonic integrity of Soulnote’s flagship 3 Series components. Remarkably, it retains the brand’s distinctive ‘voodoo magic’ within an integrated format. The A-3 effectively merges elements from Soulnote’s flagship P-3 preamplifier and the powerful M-3 monoblock amplifiers into a more streamlined, single-chassis design. This integration yields sonic attributes rarely encountered in integrated amplifiers, challenging the traditional performance gap between integrated and separate components, even when considering dedicated monoblock power amplifiers. For a brand known for relatively modest power output in solid-state designs, yet substantial within the Japanese amplifier context, the A-3 appears to make no compromises in its class of “Japanese Super Integrateds.” This raises the question: can an integrated amplifier truly compete with the nuanced performance of dedicated monoblock amplifiers? The Soulnote A-3 makes a compelling case.
Aesthetics and Architecture: Bold Minimalism
The Soulnote A-3, consistent with the 3 Series, achieves a tastefully bold yet minimalist aesthetic within high-end audio. Its design language diverges from typical Japanese audio conventions, injecting a welcome sense of restraint into international markets. Soulnote avoids simply echoing established high-end designs. Instead, their aesthetic seamlessly integrates into modern high-end homes, serving as either a centerpiece or a subtle complement to diverse architectural styles. The amplifier exhibits flawless finishing, both externally and internally, radiating manufacturing excellence. Initial impressions might mistake design choices—like the subtly teetering top plate—as flaws. However, with Soulnote, every detail is deliberate, driven purely by the pursuit of superior sonic performance.
Unconventional Design: Kato-san’s Dynamic Philosophy vs. Static Measurements
To truly grasp Soulnote’s design ethos, one must understand its chief designer, Hideki Kato. Kato-san’s design philosophy prioritizes dynamic performance over static measurement parameters, which are often the focus of contemporary amplifier designers. He argues that music, far exceeding simple sine waves, demands a design approach that captures its dynamic complexity. In Kato-san’s view, measurement-centric designs often neglect dynamic performance—the very essence of musical reproduction. This aligns perfectly with INDULGR’s mantra: trust your ears. Kato-san contends that an over-reliance on measurements can lead to technically proficient but sonically uninspiring results. This focus on dynamic, listening-driven design has been largely overlooked in Western markets, where static measurement benchmarks still dominate audiophile discussions. Kato-san does not disregard measurements entirely; they are employed as necessary, but always secondary to the ultimate goal of achieving audio nirvana for musical fidelity, not merely perfect test signals. While some might view Kato-san’s methods as unorthodox, even bordering on ‘voodoo’, the sonic outcomes are undeniable. His expertise is profound.
This ‘voodoo’ extends beyond circuit design and is immediately apparent upon interacting with the A-3. As mentioned, the top plate subtly yields under pressure. The binding posts and power receptacle are intentionally floating and unmounted. The amplifier rests on three spikes, designed to couple with an included wooden spike-receiving platform. The Soulnote team emphasized that the amplifier should indeed be spiked directly into the beautifully finished wood. Internally, this unconventional approach continues with unmounted PCBs. Despite the chassis’s intentional lack of rigidity, damping material is notably absent. Each design choice is the result of rigorous listening tests, solely aimed at optimizing musical reproduction. Every element is evaluated by ear, and Kato-san’s assertions about sonic improvements are consistently validated in listening sessions. The cumulative effect is extraordinary, far exceeding mere Japanese quirkiness. This holistic approach challenges conventional amplifier design, particularly when considering the rigid, heavily damped structures often found in amplifiers aiming for neutrality through static measurements. Soulnote, instead, seeks a dynamic neutrality, more akin to the unconstrained flow of live music, a quality often associated with powerful monoblock amplifiers capable of effortlessly delivering dynamic peaks.
For a deeper understanding of Kato-san’s design philosophy, his translated blog series is available here.
Sonic Impressions: Beyond Conventional “Correctness”
The unconventional design of the A-3 is mirrored in its sonic signature. It departs significantly from the sterile, clinical, and overly “correct” sound often associated with high-end amplifiers from Western manufacturers like those in Switzerland, Germany, or the United States. Equally, it avoids the overly lush or bright, bass-deficient signatures sometimes found in Japanese high-end electronics. The A-3 presents a forward and engaging sound, projecting a lifelike soundstage into the listening space with a subtle underlying warmth. It combines speed and transient precision with fluidity and microdynamic nuance, a rare blend in amplifiers with such distinctive sonic personalities. This balance challenges the notion that integrated amplifiers must compromise on the dynamic capabilities often showcased by dedicated monoblock amplifiers.
The A-3’s sonic character is rich and full-bodied across the entire frequency spectrum, not just bass-centric. While the bass is deep and fast, it integrates seamlessly into the overall presentation. It’s a component of a coherent sonic picture, not overshadowing the rest of the spectrum. Despite my usual preference for impactful low-end, the A-3’s balanced and engaging signature was completely satisfying. The midrange is musically rich and emotionally resonant, with vocals presented tangibly forward. The soundstage is neither artificially expanded nor compressed, but realistically sized with clearly defined sonic images. The high frequencies are extended and crystalline yet smooth—not artificially smoothed or rolled off, avoiding the sluggishness sometimes associated with designs aiming for a ‘tube-like’ sound. Subtle ambient and low-level details are rendered transparently without sounding exaggerated or artificial. The overall sonic picture is one of profound emotional engagement, a quality that transcends mere technical specifications and enters the realm of musical artistry, much like the best monoblock amplifiers are lauded for.
Standout Pairing: YG Acoustics Carmel 3 – Unveiling Monoblock Refinement
Paired with the exceptional YG Acoustics Carmel 3 loudspeakers, the A-3 consistently demonstrated a level of sonic refinement rarely found in integrated amplifiers, regardless of price. This pairing approached the nuanced performance typically requiring discrete preamplifiers and, often, dedicated monoblock power amplifiers. Did the Carmel-A-3 combination deliver the ultimate in subterranean bass or overwhelming macrodynamics? Not explicitly. However, despite my usual preference for deep low-end, the pairing offered such profound musical engagement that nothing felt lacking or unbalanced. The Carmel 3’s inherent transparency allowed a deep dive into the A-3’s capabilities, revealing a refinement on par with separates, and hinting at the finesse often attributed to monoblock designs. With more efficient loudspeakers, common in the Japanese market, the A-3 might deliver even greater perceived bass extension. However, the balanced presentation with the Carmel 3 was profoundly impressive. Further details are available in my dedicated YG Acoustics Carmel 3 review, but the Carmel 3’s transparency was instrumental in revealing the A-3’s remarkable refinement. This synergy underscores the A-3’s ability to deliver monoblock-like performance in a single chassis, challenging the conventional advantages of separates.
Soulnote and the A-3 in the High-End Landscape: A Unique Proposition
Where does the A-3, and Soulnote as a brand, fit within the broader high-end audio world? Soulnote products prioritize musicality and emotional engagement in a way that is distinct from Western designs, while also standing out within the Japanese high-end scene for their unique sonic and aesthetic signatures. Their appealingly stylized sound will undoubtedly resonate with discerning customers. It’s rare for me to encounter gear that sparks enough excitement to bring home for review, and even rarer to find pieces I want to keep. Soulnote has not only piqued my interest but ignited a genuine desire to explore the rest of the 3-Series lineup. The A-3 challenges the traditional hierarchy where monoblock amplifiers are often considered the pinnacle of performance, suggesting that integrated designs can, under exceptional circumstances, reach comparable levels of sonic artistry.
Conclusion: Trust Your Ears
Soulnote’s achievement with the A-3 is far from insignificant. The number of “super integrateds” that genuinely attain the refinement of separates remains remarkably small. However, in my ongoing search for the ultimate integrated amplifier, the A-3 stands out as one of the select few. Direct personal audition is essential to fully appreciate its qualities, but once experienced, it becomes clear why Soulnote is garnering increasing recognition and acclaim in Western markets.
My recommendation is unambiguous: listen to the Soulnote A-3. Don’t let conventional measurements dictate your preferences. Trust your ears. I am confident that the Soulnote A-3 will resonate with many, as it has profoundly resonated with me. It effectively bridges the gap between integrated convenience and the sonic excellence traditionally associated with separate components, and even the revered monoblock amplifier designs.
Specs & Features
https://www.soulnote.audio/soulnote-en/series-3/a-3
About the author and INDULGR
Jameson, owner and publisher of INDULGR, is the magazine’s resident high-end audio authority. He is candid about his preference for only the best, dismissing gear that carries flagship pricing without delivering commensurate flagship performance. Anything short of a brand’s top-tier offerings barely merits his attention. Unlike reviewers at many publications, Jameson’s capacity to acquire and commitment to personally owning the absolute best equipment, regardless of cost, is absolute. His mission is to identify and share the summit of audio excellence with a luxury audience that may not yet realize its necessity. To this end, the flagship INDULGR listening room is under development, designed to underscore INDULGR’s dedication to the highest echelons of high-end audio and other luxury sectors. This space will host evaluations of the world’s finest audio equipment, in an environment befitting their caliber. The expertise to create and utilize such a space at this level is exceptionally rare for a publication. Flagship gear will be assessed with unprecedented rigor. While established audio publications focus on a niche market, INDULGR operates in a broader luxury arena, capable of testing equipment that would overwhelm typical review environments. This is for the client who demands the absolute best, for whom cost is a secondary consideration.
