Soulnote D-2 ver.2 Reference DAC

The Reference Non-NFB DAC, Version 2

The Soulnote D-2 ver.2 is Soulnote's reference-class D/A converter — a fully discrete, completely non-NFB design that pursues one goal above all others: the truth of the recording. Founded by ex-Marantz engineer Norinaga Nakazawa, Soulnote voices every product "100% based on the actual sense of hearing," and the D-2 ver.2 is that philosophy at its most uncompromising. Four ES9038PRO converters, a femtosecond-class master clock, and an external 10MHz clock input combine to deliver the vivid, spacious, breathtakingly three-dimensional sound that has made Soulnote a cult name in high-end audio.

Four ES9038PRO, Differentially Complementary

Where lesser converters share one chip across both channels, the D-2 ver.2 uses four ES9038PRO circuits — two per channel, wired as differential complementary pairs — feeding fully discrete non-NFB differential amplifiers. This lavish arrangement lowers noise, cancels distortion and opens up the soundstage into something you can almost step inside. A selectable NOS (non-oversampling) mode eliminates pre- and post-echoes for a more natural, analogue-like presentation.

A Clock Obsession

Timing is everything in digital audio, and the D-2 ver.2 treats it accordingly. An internal TCXO with an LMX2594 synthesizer achieves phase jitter of just 45 femtoseconds, while a BNC 10MHz external clock input lets you slave the D-2 ver.2 to a master clock such as Soulnote's X-3 for the ultimate in timing precision. Behind it all sits a 400VA bifilar-wound, high-regulation toroidal transformer with eight independent windings — a power foundation worthy of a true reference component.

Why You'll Love the D-2 ver.2

• Four ES9038PRO converters (two per channel, differential complementary)
• Fully discrete, completely non-NFB differential amplifier stages
• 45fs-class internal clock plus a 10MHz external clock input (BNC)
• PCM to 768kHz and DSD to 22.6MHz over USB, with selectable NOS mode
• 400VA bifilar toroidal transformer with eight independent windings

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the D-2 ver.2 differ from the D-1N ver.2?

The D-2 ver.2 steps up to four ES9038PRO converters (versus two in the D-1N), adds a 10MHz external clock input and a femtosecond-class master clock, and uses a larger 400VA transformer — making it Soulnote's reference-level DAC in this range.

Can I connect an external master clock?

Yes. A BNC 10MHz clock input lets you slave the D-2 ver.2 to an external master clock, such as Soulnote's X-3, for the highest possible timing accuracy.

What formats and sample rates does it support?

Over USB, PCM up to 768kHz and DSD up to 22.6MHz; coaxial and AES/EBU inputs accept PCM to 192kHz and DSD64 (DoP). A NOS mode is available for a more direct, analogue-like sound.

D-2 ver.2 Technical Specifications