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Offered is „S-3 Reference“ by Soulnote as exhibit from the category „SACD Player“ on audio-markt.de - the online market place for high-end. The advert with the number 2221315881 ends on 15.12.2026 at 15:41 o'clock.
The timing matters less than with an older generation: the S-3 Reference remains Soulnote’s flagship SACD/CD player and DAC, rather than a clearly superseded model. At €13,990, it sits above the €12,962 median but below the €14,410 75th percentile from 69 comparable listings, so this is a fair-to-strong market price rather than a bargain or an obvious overreach.
Its appeal is substantial: a superbly built 27kg chassis, balanced and single-ended outputs, USB, AES/EBU, coaxial and 10MHz clock connectivity, plus both FIR and NOS playback options. The four-ES9038PRO, discrete non-feedback DAC architecture gives it genuine high-end ambition, while SACD capability broadens its usefulness beyond a conventional CD player. At this price, verify the original remote, wooden plinth, packaging and correct 220V version; complete accessories and clean transport operation would make the listing notably attractive.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Soulnote is a Japanese high-end audio manufacturer established in 2004 by former Marantz Japan engineers under the parent company CSR, Inc., headquartered in Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture. The brand emerged from deep expertise in professional audio development, with Chief Sound Manager Hideki Kato bringing decades of experience from legendary amplifier projects at NEC and Philips. This heritage positions Soulnote as a brand rooted in serious engineering pedigree, though operating as a relatively boutique player with approximately 50 employees.
Soulnote specializes primarily in amplifiers and digital-to-analog converters, with a distinctive focus on integrated and mono amplifiers built entirely in Japan. The brand is particularly known for its zero negative feedback circuit design philosophy, a purist approach that sets it apart from mainstream manufacturers. Their product line includes models such as the A-2 integrated amplifier and various DAC offerings, all designed with an emphasis on dynamic performance and waveform accuracy.
Positioned firmly in the high-end segment, Soulnote occupies a niche boutique space within the audiophile market. The brand has cultivated a dedicated following among listeners who prioritize listening-based design methodology over conventional measurement standards—a philosophy that generates both passionate advocacy and skepticism within the audio community. With international distribution networks and approximately two decades of market presence, Soulnote maintains credibility among discerning enthusiasts, though it remains less established than major high-end manufacturers in terms of global recognition and support infrastructure.
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