Zellaton and my ascent to Soulution
- Thread starter vinyl_mike
- Start date
I appreciated that the questions were not just softballs yet the tone wasn't uncomfortable or hostile.
I recently received my Soulution 757. Although I'm still getting a full grasp of this amazing device, I'd like to offer some initial comments.
Interestingly, Soulution does not call it a Phono Preamplifier, it’s a Deemphasis Pre. Like a Swiss army knife of low-level analog amplification, if you have an analog device, the 757 will handle it with amazing versatility. I'm not going to dwell on the features, only a few highlights: MM/MC with all the requisite loading options, six phono equalizations, multiple curves for tape head equalization, tape calibration, and optical cartridge inputs. If you have an all-analog low-level system, the 757 can be fed directly to the amp without the need of an additional preamp. My sole input at this point is a Fuuga MC cartridge, so I cannot comment on its other capabilities.
Visually the 757 is identical to the 727 Preamp and shares Soulution’s overall design philosophy - switched mode power supply, ultra-wide bandwidth of 2.8 megahertz, nearly perfect phase response with no phase shift, and according to the Soulution, essentially unmeasurable distortion.
While the specs are impressive, the real issue is the sound. Soulution clearly has a “house sound.” As I mentioned previously, I have been fortunate to have the 312 amplifier, 326 preamp with phono card, 511 Amp and now the 700 series - all in my system for extended listening. As you move up the ladder, the elements that the 300 series brings to the table become far more sophisticated and pronounced.
For over six months I've listened to the 727 Preamp with integrated phono card. The combo is excellent; they could have easily been my end-game package. As a statement piece with its own massive power supply, I expected the 757 would be better and maybe a full step forward. However, Gideon insisted the 757 was essentially in a league by itself. Once again Gideon was correct.
So, what are my initial sonic impressions?
Well, everything I said about the 727 preamp also applies to the 757. First, there is an unmistakable weight and solidity to the images. Certainly, there are high-end pieces that can deliver extraordinary detail, and I've heard many, but the 757 fills in the details with body and density. This produces a tangible presence; it's not an outline, it's not detail for the sake of detail, it's deep, warm, and rich. Not warmth in the old-fashioned tube sense with a euphonic glow, this is tight dimensional and visceral imaging. The low-end grip and control are outstanding. In my experience, the 757 is at the pinnacle for low-end information, clarity, and power. This is not like turning up the bass control; the music has weight and foundation. This is energy, richness and power that frankly I have never heard from vinyl.
Also, the 757 delivers the same Soulution seamlessness and timbre purity which synergistically matches perfectly with the strengths of the Zellatons
Finally, I'm still trying to get a handle on how a phono preamp can dig out and unearth new information from the grooves of well-known records. My best uninformed guess is that subtle distortions in other equipment masked the details. Possibly other phono preamps do not have the resolving power or the purity to basically let the music flow. In my humble opinion, the 757 makes other phono preamps, (and I have heard many) sound congested and congealed.
More to come…
Interestingly, Soulution does not call it a Phono Preamplifier, it’s a Deemphasis Pre. Like a Swiss army knife of low-level analog amplification, if you have an analog device, the 757 will handle it with amazing versatility. I'm not going to dwell on the features, only a few highlights: MM/MC with all the requisite loading options, six phono equalizations, multiple curves for tape head equalization, tape calibration, and optical cartridge inputs. If you have an all-analog low-level system, the 757 can be fed directly to the amp without the need of an additional preamp. My sole input at this point is a Fuuga MC cartridge, so I cannot comment on its other capabilities.
Visually the 757 is identical to the 727 Preamp and shares Soulution’s overall design philosophy - switched mode power supply, ultra-wide bandwidth of 2.8 megahertz, nearly perfect phase response with no phase shift, and according to the Soulution, essentially unmeasurable distortion.
While the specs are impressive, the real issue is the sound. Soulution clearly has a “house sound.” As I mentioned previously, I have been fortunate to have the 312 amplifier, 326 preamp with phono card, 511 Amp and now the 700 series - all in my system for extended listening. As you move up the ladder, the elements that the 300 series brings to the table become far more sophisticated and pronounced.
For over six months I've listened to the 727 Preamp with integrated phono card. The combo is excellent; they could have easily been my end-game package. As a statement piece with its own massive power supply, I expected the 757 would be better and maybe a full step forward. However, Gideon insisted the 757 was essentially in a league by itself. Once again Gideon was correct.
So, what are my initial sonic impressions?
Well, everything I said about the 727 preamp also applies to the 757. First, there is an unmistakable weight and solidity to the images. Certainly, there are high-end pieces that can deliver extraordinary detail, and I've heard many, but the 757 fills in the details with body and density. This produces a tangible presence; it's not an outline, it's not detail for the sake of detail, it's deep, warm, and rich. Not warmth in the old-fashioned tube sense with a euphonic glow, this is tight dimensional and visceral imaging. The low-end grip and control are outstanding. In my experience, the 757 is at the pinnacle for low-end information, clarity, and power. This is not like turning up the bass control; the music has weight and foundation. This is energy, richness and power that frankly I have never heard from vinyl.
Also, the 757 delivers the same Soulution seamlessness and timbre purity which synergistically matches perfectly with the strengths of the Zellatons
Finally, I'm still trying to get a handle on how a phono preamp can dig out and unearth new information from the grooves of well-known records. My best uninformed guess is that subtle distortions in other equipment masked the details. Possibly other phono preamps do not have the resolving power or the purity to basically let the music flow. In my humble opinion, the 757 makes other phono preamps, (and I have heard many) sound congested and congealed.
More to come…
Steve williams
Site Founder, Site Co-Owner, Administrator
The 717s have found their way on to the Soulution website …. Any day now … we will all get the good word …. our amps are stuck in customs … LOL !
With all of the most impressive gear you have one component seems discontinuous. It is the dCS Rossini. With everything else seeming quite uncompromising, why the Rossini?
Steve williams
Site Founder, Site Co-Owner, Administrator
My bet is Mike is an analogue lover and digital is an after thought
It's either that or there's something uniquely appealing about the Rossini for him. That said, I think you're right
Or…He’s waiting for the new upcoming Soulution 7 series DAC
Actually, it is only a Bartók Apex. Steve is correct. I am an analog guy. I have no philosophical objections to digital, but for me, I connect closer to the essence of music via analog. As you know, at this level there is no right and wrong. It is personal preference. As to the Bartók, sometimes when I'm just relaxing and reading, or listening informally, streaming offers convenience. However, for critical listening - it's always vinyl and tape.
Agreed. When I saw it up on the web, I went to download the manual. Hopefully, everything is in motion for shipping.
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