By Dr. Panagiotis Karavitis
Norwegian company Electrocompaniet, known for their classic line of amplifiers, is introducing a turntable, the ECG-1, accompanied by a phono stage, the ECP-2. Some 15 years ago they launched the EC- 1 phono, but it was of moderate dimensions and price; the new model promises to be more of a “high performance” balanced unit with double the physical size (and price …).
As for the turntable, aesthetically it will match the classic line of Electrocompaniet’s products, meaning black with gold letters and clear plexiglas. Though the one we saw at the show was a prototype, chances are the final version will be very close and feature belt transmission, a Jelco 750 EB tonearm (10 inches of effective length) with detachable headshell and oil damping while the package will be completed with Moving Micro Cross cartridges, made on Electrocompaniet’s specifications by Soundsmith. The final price for the complete TT package has not been determined yet; we were told it will be in the “affordable realm”. Besides the standard 33 and 45 rpm it will play 78 too, an option not many TT at this price range can support.
..and not enamored with the aesthetic
..any mention of the price?
The guys from Electrocompaniet told me that the price has not been fixed yet, as they are still working in finalizing the turntable. It will probably sell as a complete package (with tonearm and cart) for somewhere around $3.000 give or take (more give than take)
Hard to imagine an Electrocompaniet TT with a Jelco arm…oh well..
Looks a little old school to me, with the bent arm and big headshell. I suppose now we’ll hear that VPI will be introducing a new line of amps. I wonder who is actually manufacturing the TT, and where?