When the fjords sing
Integrated amplifier Electrocompaniet ECI-5 MK II Price – 427,800 rub.
The additions of MK II and the like often result in small, sometimes cosmetic, differences from the prototype device. The situation is different with the Electrocompaniet ECI-5 MK II integrated amplifier, which differs quite significantly from the basic ECI-4/5 models of the early third millennium.
The Electrocompaniet ECI-5 MK II is a fully balanced integrated amplifier with DC coupling, remote control and 2 x 120 W (8 ohm) output power. Compared to the previous version of the model, the new “five” implements a more powerful final amplification stage by doubling the number of output transistors (cooling radiators are located inside the case) and power supply parameters. The capacitance of the anti-aliasing filter capacitors has increased to 80,000 µF; The source uses a 500 VA toroidal transformer. All this should have a positive impact on the amplifier’s ability to control a complex load and handle dynamic terrain of any complexity. According to Electrocompaniet, such an energy-rich device is capable of reproducing the most dynamic music, which, as it turned out during testing, is completely true.
The list of High End solutions in amplifier design does not end there. The ECI-5 MK II uses the latest overload detector, which makes it possible to get rid of the output relay: the final stage is connected directly to the speaker systems. Input selection is controlled by high quality audiophile analog switches with zero distortion. The discrete input stage of the model operates in class A without negative feedback, which is implemented to a limited extent in the output stage. The symbols on the new, larger display are easy to read from the listening position; Display brightness control is provided. The amplifier offers two balanced and four unbalanced inputs, a recording input and output, as well as a balanced output from the pre-amplifier stages. There is no Phono input, which is normal given the class of the device, which implies the presence of a separate phono stage in the system (Electrocompaniet also has one - the company recently released a full-size balanced phono stage ECP-2).
Sonically, the ECI-5 MK II is a true original Electrocompaniet, whose output combines the highest musical intelligence and dynamism - with the rigor and some freshness associated with the transparent atmosphere of the Norwegian fjord. In the design of the ECI-5 MK II (like any Electrocompaniet electronics), the proprietary FTT (Floating Transformer Technology) power transformer technology is of great importance. In FTT, the two windings of the power transformer are connected to the ground bus not directly, but through bridges with capacitors for each of them. And, as listening experience shows, it’s deserved.
Externally, the version of the amplifier with the MK II index is similar to the previous, first version of the ECI-5. We see a device of strict and expensive design with a front panel made of acrylic and having a deep black color. The quartet of golden metal keys, which has already become the hallmark of Electrocompaniet equipment, is responsible for selecting the input (left and right keys) and adjusting the volume (upper and lower). The workmanship absolutely leaves no room for criticism. A fairly large amplifier will not fit on the internal shelf of any rack, so keep this point in mind.
Separately, it should be said about the relief, dense and perfectly textured bass - the organ pedal, the drum and double bass groups of a large symphony orchestra, the lines of the bass guitar did not leave a feeling of understatement, both in depth and in timbre and dynamic terms.
Sonically, the ECI-5 MK II is a true original Electrocompaniet, whose output combines the highest musical intelligence and dynamism - with the rigor and some freshness associated with the transparent atmosphere of the Norwegian fjord. Strictness without rationality, purity without sterility - this is how you can briefly characterize the sound signature of this and other components originally from Norway. The dynamic capabilities of the amplifier are unusually great, and if installed in a room of reasonable size, they, in essence, have no restrictions at all. High quality broadcast across the entire frequency range.
Separately, it should be said about the relief, dense and perfectly textured bass - an organ pedal, drum and double bass groups of a large symphony orchestra, bass guitar lines do not leave a feeling of understatement, both in depth and in timbre and dynamic terms. The drawing of the musical stage, which is characterized by a wide front, well-perceived depth and clarity of the virtual image, is magnificent - authentic and voluminous. All this was heard very well when playing recordings of complex large-panoramic oratorio works with an orchestra, choir and soloists.
Electrocompaniet ECI-5 MK II brings all elements of sound reproduction to an almost perfect balance, which quickly results in complete trust in the device and, as a result, the desire to switch from perceiving the sound to going deeper into the music. Long-term listening to recordings of various technical levels using the ECI-5 MK II did not cause fatigue. The component should confidently be classified as “for every taste” and “for sophisticated audiophiles.” To paraphrase a famous saying about airplanes, we can say: beautiful amplifiers - inside and out - sound good...
Electrocompaniet ECI 5 MKII review. Magazine "High Definition/DVD Expert"
Russian-language articles about Electrocompaniet technology are usually titled with one or another platitudes on the topic of the Scandinavian origin of the brand - either “northern character” or “Nordic strength”. I'm tired of it, honestly.
Save and read later -
pros
- Build quality and appearance, unparalleled sound with XLR connection
Minuses
- Demanding quality of recordings, remote control
Really, the appearance of the ECI 5 MK II amplifier does not seem ascetic; on the contrary, it is quite obvious that this is an effective and eye-catching device. It is heavy, beautiful and requires luxurious apartments. Of course, the external impression is reinforced by the exceptional quality of workmanship. Inside there is a 500-watt Noratel toroidal transformer, eight Nippon Chemicon capacitors of 10,000 μF each and four smaller ones of 2200 μF (by the way, in the original version of ECI 5 there were six large “tens”). And although formally the same output power is declared for both modifications of the amplifier, additional capacitances and other upgrades in the ECI 5 MK II circuit design in the form of pairs of transistors MJW3281A and MJW1302A promise higher current values at peak loads - in other words, increased dynamics and signal slew rate are promised. Like its predecessor, the updated amplifier has a fully balanced design and a high-quality Apis-based motorized volume control unit, but is four kilograms heavier and has a large screen on which the input name is displayed. The symbols are perfectly readable, but the same intense brightness of the blue color can get in the way.
Unfortunately, there is no way to turn off the display. Perhaps, this is where the complaints about the functionality of the ECI 5 MK II (along with the completely undignified plastic remote control) end. Yes, yes, the remote control is the only thing from Electrocompaniet that still needs improvement. And by the way, it’s coming for the Classic series. After all, the device itself is brilliantly executed, but it stands far away, and in your hands you are holding the remote control. In addition, the remote control has a common encoding with the Philips control system, which is why the old SACD/DVD player located nearby suddenly woke up from its sleep. This, of course, is a comical curiosity, but after it a rare technical feature is revealed: the amplifier does not even think of turning on when connected with reverse polarity (that is, when the tester lights up on the left pin of the IEC C13 network cable). Thus, the manufacturer eliminates the uncertainty of playing with the polarity of the socket. There is no phono section, headphone output or digital inputs on the ECI 5 MK II. But the through channel makes it possible to use the device as a worthy powerhouse for front speakers in a multi-channel complex.
All connections in the system were made with high quality Neyton Nuernberg series cables - balanced, speaker and even the power cable for the amplifier. Despite the fact that the mains power has noticeable power, it should be noted that there is absolute silence in the speakers - no background, no hint of hiss, everything is tightly muffled. According to the tradition of Electrocompaniet technology, the operating volume begins at 11-12 o'clock - this is evidenced by the position of the glowing blue dot in the circle. In an unheated state, the sound of the model will resemble a not-so-successful tube amplifier. As the apparatus operates, the balance of forces changes by 180 degrees. The bass gains control, the tonal balance is evened out, and the high frequencies are no longer smoothed out. Thus, the ECI 5 MK II becomes what it should be - a successful solid-state amplifier with excellent clarity at low volumes and accurate reproduction of fine details.
This is one of the main advantages of Electrocompaniet equipment. The above applies to the greatest extent to the balanced method of connecting the source; In comparison, sound images with the usual RCA version are inferior both in dynamics and in the purity of the high-frequency register. In general, the style of the device can be described as fast; one can feel the modernity and speed of the internal filling. By the way, the component does not heat up much. The stage does not climb up, the front does not roll back beyond the AC line and tends to build a certain arc towards the listener. And no hint of sound blurring! The exceptional rigor and purity of phonogram reproduction by the Electrocompaniet ECI 5 MK II amplifier has two sides. On the one hand, this is the maximum beauty and pleasure from special audiophile recordings: here they will be revealed more fully than anywhere else. On the other hand, a regular repertoire with average quality sound production may have a modest stage and a flat sound with a dominance of the mid-upper range. Electrocompaniet ECI 5 MK II pays tribute to partners of equal quality and does not forgive the slightest weakness.
Prepared based on materials from the magazine “High Definition/DVD Expert”, September 2011.
www.dvdexpert.ru This review has been read 8,470 times
Integrated amplifier ELECTROCOMPANIET ECI5 MkII
No instrument or voice is given undue preference, resulting in a beautiful, neatly structured sound that is informative but unobtrusive. If details are important to you, you can hear them.
Externally, the amplifier is impressive. The non-standard width of the case (470 mm) may require some effort to accommodate it. In general, Electrocompanient is known for originality, and its history dates back to the 1970s, when Matti Otala described transient intermodulation distortion. Today this problem is a thing of the past, but Electrocompaniet continues to adhere to its own philosophy of audio and as a result has a loyal group of fans.
The control of the device is also arranged in an unusual way. The volume level is adjusted by pressing two buttons, which seem to be nothing strange, unless you know that the company uses an internal potentiometer here, controlled exclusively by an electric motor. Electronic input selection allows you to switch between two XLR line inputs and four RCA inputs, of which the one labeled HT allows you to bypass the volume control. The input selection is shown on a very nice and clear display. The majority of the elements are surface-mounted, but some parts are pin-mounted, including, of course, two pairs of output transistors mounted on the internal heatsink. While this is sufficient for most situations, fans are provided for cooling during particularly intensive use.
This model will not please those who like fast and furious sound. It cannot be said that the ECI 5 is the most imposing amplifier in the world, but still it is not far from this characteristic. At the same time, he is quite capable of keeping up with the craziest excesses of avant-garde jazz. What the device definitely doesn’t do is bring additional energy from itself into the music, and therefore it can seem somewhat sluggish.
As our experts could see, the device does a lot of things perfectly, especially in the area of dynamics. One blind listener noted that the ECI 5 handled sudden fluctuations, from very quiet to very loud, effortlessly. It is able to bring you surprisingly smoothly and even unexpectedly to a powerful climax of the work, and you will not even notice that the volume level has been gradually increasing for a minute or more. This quality in this case is also combined with a general sense of calm balance, tonal and spatial.
pros
Excellent tonal balance; nice detailing.
Minuses
Some listeners may find the delivery too relaxed.
No instrument or voice is given undue preference, resulting in a beautiful, neatly structured sound that is informative but unobtrusive. If details are important to you, you can hear them. If not, you can always enjoy the overall sound picture. The bass is deep and clear, the high frequencies are mellifluous, and the device has great potential for rhythmic music. We really liked the amp, but we understand why it might not be to everyone's taste.
Source: High Definition/DVD Expert magazine, September 2001.
Go to the manufacturer’s catalog
