With the EC 5, Electrocompaniet presents what it calls “the ultimate expression of preamplifier purity.”
Electrocompaniet has introduced the EC 5 preamplifier, marking what the Norwegian audio manufacturer describes as the culmination of a decade of development focused on signal integrity and analog performance. The company positions the new model as a flagship component designed to combine proprietary engineering with updates to its established design language. The preamplifier is designed to be a perfect match for Electrocompaniet’s AW300M and AW800M power amplifiers.
According to the manufacturer, the EC 5 centers on a newly developed volume control system that departs from conventional mechanical designs. The system is described as a “pure electronic construction with no mechanical components or relays,” intended to avoid potential interference in the signal path. Electrocompaniet states that the design maintains a constant signal path length regardless of volume level and offers more than 900 adjustment steps with 0.1 dB resolution.
The preamplifier uses a fully discrete, dual-mono architecture operating in Class A throughout. Each channel is powered by an independent supply featuring multiple stages of filtering and regulation. Hardware specifications include two 80 VA toroidal transformers and 15,000 µF of storage capacitance per channel. Electrocompaniet claims these design choices contribute to stable performance under varying operating conditions.
In terms of measured performance, the company cites a frequency response of 0.5 Hz to 450 kHz and total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) of 0.0002 percent, indicating a focus on minimizing distortion and extending bandwidth beyond typical audible ranges.
The EC 5 also incorporates a proprietary input selection system, which, like the volume control, relies on electronic switching rather than mechanical relays. Electrocompaniet claims this approach results in “absolutely no noise or distortion generated.”
Connectivity options are extensive. The unit offers four balanced and two single-ended inputs per channel, along with multiple balanced and single-ended outputs, including dedicated tape/record connections. Additional features include 12 V trigger inputs and outputs, an Ethernet port for app control and firmware updates, and infrared connectivity options.
From a design perspective, the EC 5 reintroduces a physical volume wheel, integrated into the front panel alongside a 7-inch color display. The chassis is internally divided into shielded compartments separating analog circuitry from power supply and control sections, a layout intended to reduce interference.
Other features include balance control, source level matching, and standby power consumption rated below 0.5 W.
With the EC 5, Electrocompaniet presents what it calls “the ultimate expression of preamplifier purity.”
