Steve Bennett Hi Fi

Electrocompaniet 'prelude' range currently consists of 4 stereo models:

$3,499 PI-1 50wpc Integrated Amplifier
$4,299 PI-2 100wpc Integrated Amplifier
$2,999 PC-1 Compact Disc Player
$4,999 PSF-1 Floorstanding Loudspeakers
$2,499 PSB-1 Compact Loudspeakers

“Audio freaks – eat your hearts out. This is the world’s best sounding amplifier.”

That’s what the audio press had to say about Electrocompaniet’s first amplifier in 1976.

Since then EC has continued to impress music lovers (including us) with their wonderful sounding products. Electrocompaniet’s stable of revered designs now includes several amplifiers (both integrated and separate), CD players, and speakers.

Of special note is the new Prelude series of components. They’re EC’s newest designs and also their debut into ‘real world pricing’ high end equipment. It’s hardly surprising that the EC’s $46,000 CD/Amplifier combination is to die for, but when you listen to their new $7,300 PC-1/PI-2 combination and experience much of the same glory, you just have to be impressed. We certainly are! Not only is the sound exquisite, but the look and feel of the Preludes also matches their sonic abilities. One of the features of EC’s flagship models is ‘fully balanced’ electronic circuit topology. This type of design lowers ‘noise’ to such an extent that more musical detail is heard. It’s a dramatic improvement over conventional ‘single ended’ designs and is present on both the PC-1 and PI-2. There are also other ‘high end’ features such as Class A analogue output stages for the CD player and digital volume control devices present in the amplifier. These are features that will have seasoned audiophiles nodding their heads in approval.

Another first from EC is the release of the PSF-1 and PSB-1 speakers. The PSF-1s are a beautifully styled floor-standing design that, at $4,999 per pair, is a real concern for competitors in the $10,000 price bracket!  The sound of the PFS1s is engrossing. Their abilities dig deep into the bass region and continue up to extreme treble detail. While marvelling at their incredible sure footedness, explosive dynamics and expressive detail, you are enveloped in a deep, wide soundstage that imparts a sense of dimension to the music rarely experienced at any price. The whole time you’re listening you can’t help respect the sense of correctness that EC has made a trademark throughout the years.

The PSB-1 offers much of the same magic, but in a compact bookcase/ stand mount sized speaker. Naturally, the deep bass is not as prodigious as that of the PSF-1s, but it’s still very convincing. The same sense of musical communication and astounding detail is conveyed by the PSB-1s and so keep you glued to your seat listening when you should be doing housework.

With the introduction of the new Prelude series, Electrocompaniet have achieved at very attractive prices, what many stratospherically priced high end audio components struggle to offer. For this they must be commended.