Preamplifier Electrocompaniet EC 4.7
Established in Norway in 1973, Electrocompaniet make a wide range of premium electronics, and the EC4.7 preamp sits in the middle. It's a line level-only device offering six inputs, one of which can be in balanced XLR form. This is a big unit, measuring 483x410x115mm and weighing 8kg. The fascia is thick acrylic, into which are sunk four gold buttons controlling volume and source selection, the latter being displayed in a alphanumeric screen on the left. The volume position is noted by a blue light that travels in a circle around the gold E logo in the centre of the panel. These controls are also duplicated on the supplied remote control.
The back houses the array of phono sockets, plus a pair of balanced XLR inputs and outputs. Above the socketry there is a sliding switch to choose the required level of gain from the two settings. The pressed steel casework is finished in a crackle black paint that reminded me of the dashboard of an MGB sports car. It's neat enough but not as svelte as the Cyrus, for example. Internally there is a toroidal transformer and what is described as "a reservoir of capacitance far beyond necessary".
After the tonal richness of the Prima Luna and the rather cooler take on things from the Cyrus, I found yet another presentation of the music with the Electrocompaniet EC4.7, which I'd call lyrical and polished. Playing 'Aida' I found myself more occupied with the melody and flow of the sound, rather than the high drama that the Prima Luna displayed. I would describe the sound as less impactful. There didn't seem to be quite as much bite on the crescendoes of music as the two valve amps managed, yet there was a sweetness to the sound that never let it be less than beguiling. It was never less than very nice to listen to.
Playing the Fats Waller track and I found myself noticing the detail of his fingering of the keys more than I had, but at the expense of a little of the perceived energy and power of the playing. Going over to CD and again I found it was the little bits of shape and detailing around the sounds that caught my ear, taking precedence again over the dynamic of the music. Little details such as the sound of hand bells being jingled, or the alteration of the shape of a drummers hand as it moved over the drum skin, were very clearly displayed. Such attention to detail meant that the stereo image was very well handled, with lots of shape displayed, yet still I'd have liked a little more solidity behind the sound, rather than the preamp seeming to focus just on delicate detailing. At times the performers felt a little too ethereal; not quite as substantial as I would have liked.
Overall this is a very capable conventionally sized preamplifier with a good range of inputs, and (for some) the all-important balanced operation; if the rest of your system can run balanced this is a real sonic benefit to have a balanced preamp. The Electrocompaniet is by nature a sweet sounding smoothie, just a little too soft, delicate and romantic for some perhaps, but a great many will love it all the same.
