Valvet Soulshine2 MKII Tube Preamplifier

The Valvet Soulshine2 MKII is a dual-mono tube preamp that works with an external triple power supply.

While most tube preamps house the power supply and amplifier circuit in the same chassis, Valvet consistently separates the two: two dual triodes per channel (ECC802S and ECC99) sit in their own chassis, with the power supply, featuring two 270 VA main transformers, sitting separately alongside. The result is a very clean separation of power-supply hum and signal – exactly where preamps most often start to hiss or hum.

Why the Soulshine2 MKII?

Because it takes tube sound seriously without letting it turn diffuse or soft-focus. The signal path contains just a single capacitor (a Mundorf Evo in silver/gold), otherwise Teflon-insulated pure silver wire throughout. Volume is controlled by a 64-position “Z-Foil” stepped attenuator instead of an ordinary potentiometer – remote-controllable, without the channels drifting apart at low volume.

What you hear

Warm, but not laid on thick: the Soulshine2 MKII gives you the typical fullness and musicality of tubes, while staying precise enough to be hooked up to Class A power amps like the Valvet E3 or A4.5 without sounding warm-at-any-cost. Four line inputs and either two main outputs plus one recording output, or three main outputs, leave enough room for recording devices or bi-amping.

Who is the Soulshine2 MKII for – and who isn't it for?

Straight talk: it's for anyone looking for a standalone tube preamp who is willing to plan for a second chassis – the external power supply – in the rack. If you want an all-in-one solution without an extra box, you're better served by the Valvet I4 with its passive preamp. And if you'd rather avoid tubes altogether (maintenance, tube lifespan), you'll likely stick with a transistor preamp too.

Our verdict

A tube preamp for anyone who wants to give the power supply the calm it needs to carry the signal without colouring it. Tell us which power or integrated amp and sources you're running – we at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil will check the level and cabling questions with you and set the Soulshine2 MKII up cleanly during installation.

Technical data – Valvet Soulshine2 MKII

• Type: tube preamplifier (line preamp), dual mono, with external power supply
• Tube complement: 2× dual triode ECC802S and ECC99 each
• Gain: approx. 8x (18 dB)
• Max. output voltage: over 50 V
• Inputs: 4× line (silver-plated RCA sockets, XLR on input 1)
• Outputs: 2 main outputs + 1 recording output, or 3 main outputs (RCA, WBT NextGen for a surcharge; XLR on output 1)
• Input impedance: approx. 100 kΩ
• Output impedance: approx. 400 Ω
• Volume control: 64-position "Z-Foil" stepped attenuator, remote-controllable
• Power supply: external, triple power supply with 2× 270 VA main transformers
• Signal path: one capacitor (Mundorf Evo silver/gold), otherwise pure silver and Teflon wiring
• Chassis: aluminium, black anodised/powder-coated or silver anodised, chrome only on explicit request
• Preamp dimensions (W×H×D): 44.5 × 8 × 31 cm (incl. feet)
• Power supply dimensions (W×H×D): 44.4 × 5 × 30.6 cm
• Feet: bFly-Audio "Pro"
• Display: illuminated, dimmable
• Origin: handcrafted in Germany

Frequently asked questions

Why does the Soulshine2 MKII need an external power supply?

So the power supply doesn't hum into the chassis housing the sensitive tube signal. Separate chassis mean less electrical and mechanical coupling between transformer and amplifier circuit – one reason why the extra rack space is worth it.

What changed in the MKII version?

Since July 2023, Valvet has fitted the Soulshine2 MKII with larger 270 VA main transformers instead of the previous 2×100 VA version – for a more stable, more headroom-rich power supply, especially during dynamic musical passages.

Can I connect the Soulshine2 MKII in balanced mode?

Input 1 and output 1 are additionally fitted as Neutrik XLR. The remaining inputs and outputs run unbalanced via RCA, optionally with WBT NextGen sockets for a surcharge.

What does "Z-Foil" mean for the volume control?

It refers to the 64-position mechanical stepped attenuator that adjusts volume in fixed increments instead of via a continuously variable potentiometer. This keeps both channels exactly matched across the entire control range – even at very low levels, where potentiometers often run unevenly.

Why buy the Valvet Soulshine2 MKII from HD Zürisee?

Because a tube preamp needs to fit the system – levels, cable length, the interplay with your power amp. We advise you in Wädenswil on the combination and handle the installation, so tubes, power supply, and wiring are set up cleanly from the start.

Goes well with: matching power amps and the right cables to connect them.