Electrocompaniet ECP1 User Manual

ECP1 MC/MM

Phono Preamplifier

Owner’s Manual

ENG

The design features of ECP1 PHONO Preamplifier

After the Electrocompaniet 25 watt amplifier had established a new standard for transistor
amplifiers, research was undertaken to find ways to make the amplifier even better, and to
extend its highly musical sound quality to more powerful amplifier designs. Only reducing
the commonly recognized types of distortion to low levels did not satisfy the engineers of
Electrocompaniet. They recognized that distortion appears in many forms, and that distort­ion was still audible in listening tests even when conventional categories of distortion were
at vanishing low levels.
Traditionally, designers increased feedback to make a larger portion of the output signal
control the amplifiers response. Our listening tests showed us that simply applying more
feedback was not the answer. In fact, as one kind of distortion went down, other parame­ters would be adversely affected, leading to an overall degradation of sound quality. We
knew that the other conventional design approach of eliminating feedback completely was
not the answer either, because this would cause high distortion levels, and as a result
“wooly” sound.

The answer to the dilemma was found in a novel approach to feedback theory. We
developed a feedback concept that allowed local feedback to be applied around indivi­dual stages of the amplifier circuit. This approach allowed us to avoid the sonic
disadvantages of overall feedback from output to input. The concept was further developed
to reduce phase and interphase distortion between stages of the amplifier as well. We
were able to concentrate the loop feedback on the stages of the amplifier where it resulted
in audible improvement.
Stability margins were also expanded because feedback no longer affected the frequency
response. The use of this concept of individual gain blocks - complex in design but simple
in function - allowed us to reduce distortion to minute values in all the products.

Unpacking the preamplifier:

Immediately upon receipt of the preamplifier, inspect the carton for possible damage
during shipment. If the carton is visibly damaged, a claim must be filed with the carrier as
soon as possible.
Unpack the unit carefully, and please do remember to save all packaging materials for
future shipment. The carton and packaging have been designed to offer the safest possible
protection when transporting your amplifier, for the prevention of damage to the unit.

The content of the carton is as follows:

1 pcs ECP1 Phono Preamplifier
1 pcs Electrocompaniet AC adapter
1 pcs Owners Manual

Connecting ECP1 Phono preamplifier

Connecting to mains
Check that the mains voltage printed on the AC adapter corresponds with the line voltage
in the territory were you intend to connect your preamplifier.

The rear panel
The rear panel of the ECP1 contains all input- and output connectors. The printed rear
panel clearly indicates the function of each connector.

How to avoid noise problems

The ECP1 preamplifier contains circuitry that might be sensitive to magnetic fields. The set
should be placed well away from transformers, etc. Care should also be taken in routing all
signal cables. They should not run parallel to speaker cables or AC cables mains). Keep
cables as short as possible. For minimum hum, the preamplifier should be places on the
right side of the power amplifier because of the location of the MC circuitry). If placed
above a power amplifier, leave at least 4" 110 cm) of space between the top of the
amplifier and bottom of the preamplifier.

How to avoid damages

A good operating practice is to turn off all equipment before any connection or
disconnection are made. Do not under any circumstances connect or disconnect
equipment when power is turned on. If you insist on connecting or disconnecting while
power is turned on, you should be aware that the design of the RCA plug generates a
large transient when inserting the plug. This could damage both the speakers and the
amplifier.

Switches

The MC/MM switch is located at the rear of the unit, and LED in the frontpanel indicate the
selected type of cartridge.

ALWAYS turn the volume control all the way down before changing from MM/MC or MC/
MM.

Warning:
The preamplifier will be warm.
Due to the high class A operating point used in the Electrocompaniet design, it is normal
that the preamplifier feels warm. Proper ventilation will be needed, and the preamplifier
should not be covered up. A good rule is to allow 1 - 2 inches of space sidewise, and 2 - 3
inches above the preamplifier.

Service Policy:

If service is needed

Your dealer will have all relevant information about the service centers in your area, and
will ensure that your unit is serviced without delay. It is our general policy to have your
preamplifier returned to you within 5 working days. This is an average time, and could vary
locally, depending on the workload at the service center.
If, for some reason, there are no service facilities available in your country, please ship the
preamplifier to the following adress:

Electrocompaniet as,

Breivikveien 7,

N-4120 Tau,

Norway

Service department: [e-mail]

Web: www.electrocompaniet.com

You are responsible for all shipping charges, insurance, re-importation to your country, and
duty arrangements. When shipping a product to the factory for service, always include the
following:

1) A sales slip or other proof of purchase if repair is claimed under warranty.

2) A proforma invoice with value of the goods, stating that the preamplifier is returned
to Norway for repair.

3) An accompanying letter describing faults, symptoms, or problems with the
preamplifier.

3) Always ship the preamplifier in its original carton and packaging material to prevent
damage in transit.

Electrocompaniet will not cover damages incurred in transit.
If you require further information concerning the preamplifier operation, or if you have any
questions related to service, please do not hesitate to contact your dealer or national
Electrocompaniet let distributor.

Technical Specifications: ECP1

The following technical data were measured on randomized test objects and were typical
data. All measurements are made with the following equipment:
Distortion analyzer: Tektronix M50 1
Oscilloscope: Tektronix 468
Oscillator: Tektronix 5G505
Frequency counter: Rascal 9838
Phase meter: Hewlett Packard 3575A

Phono stage

Phono input to record output
Gain 1 KHz Moving Coil (source impedance = 10 ohm) 73 dB (4500x)
Gain 1 KHz Moving Magnet 34.8 dB (55x)
Input Impedance Moving Magnet 47 Kohm/22pF
THD 1 KHz (2V output) less than 0.007%
Overload 1 KHz Moving Coil (THD = 0,2%) more than 2 mV
Overload 1 KHz Moving Magnet )THD = 0,2%) more than 165mV
Channel separation )iV output at 1 KHz) more than 80dB
Noise ref. 0,5 mV) Moving Coil -88 dB
Noise (ref. 5 mV) Moving Magnet -88 dB
Equivalent input noise 400 Hz - 300 KHz) 0,2 uV
RIM Accuracy (20 Hz - 20 KHz) +/-0,1 dB
Output impedance 100 ohm

Dimensions

Width 240mm (9.5 inches)
Depth 165 mm (6.5 inches)
Height 65 mm (2.5 inches)
Weight 2.2 kg (4.4lbs)

Made in Norway

W W W .ELECTROCOM PAN IET.N O