Electrocompaniet P1 Stereo Integrated Amplifier

This integrated amplifier is a new design, combining the highest performance with the cost and quality benefits made possible by our state-of-the-art production facilities. The PI-1 delivers 50 watts per channel (8 Ω).

The Electrocompaniet PI-1 and PI-2 are our new fully balanced entry-level stereo integrated amplifiers. In the development of these amplifiers the focus has been to maintain the operating principles and sound quality of the classic line amplifiers, and at the same time reduce manufacturing costs.

To achieve this we have utilized modern surface mount technology (SMT) and optimized the amplifiers for our modern SMT production line. The result is modern looking high performance amplifiers with superb control and dynamics.

The newly developed protection circuitry protects the PI-1 and PI-2 against high temperature, DC offset and short circuit at the output. This protection has no negative influence on the sound quality what so ever. We have even removed the relay at the output to reduce the number of contact points between the amplifier and the loudspeakers.

Both the PI-1 and PI-2 features the same digital volume control as used in the EC4.8/EC4.9 preamplifiers. The bright and clear VFD-display is readable from the listing position and shows the input source and volume setting.

Both amplifiers have two fully balanced (XLR) inputs and two single ended (RCA) inputs. Volume and input sources can easily be navigated via the four navigator buttons on the front panel, or from the remote control.

The PI-1 is equipped with a big linear power supply with a 300VA toroidal transformer and a capacitor storage bank of 40.000 uF.

Norwegian electronics specialist Electrocompaniet is best known for glitzy-looking, sweet-sounding high-end kit. The PI-1 amp and the PC-1 CD player are its attempt to gain a wider audience.

The PI-1 entry-level integrated amplifier, in the companies new Prelude range, mirrors the looks of its partnering CD player the PC-1. The company’s traditional Acrylic fascia has gone, as have the gold-coloured control buttons. In their place comes a more modern appearance.

Build and finish remain good, though features aren’t the most extensive.

Best to keep it balanced
There are four line level inputs, two of which are balanced XLR. So, unless you use adaptors or have a system with balanced sources, your options may be limited.

There are also no tape or preamp outputs. The PI-1 is one for simple systems only.

Balanced operation is a big thing for Electrocompaniet. Both the CD player and amp perform with more solidity and punch when used with this connection.

In fact, we’d go as far as to say you should only consider these components if you intend to use them balanced. Once optimised, the PI-1 works well; both CD player and amp share the same natural flow.

Fills most rooms with ease
And the frequency balance is spot-on – no part of the frequency range stands out as overcooked or underdone.

A power output of 50 Watts per channel will only go so far, but the amp will fill most rooms with ease, even if its absolute volume ceiling is less than most rivals.

The main issues are similar to those of the PC-1 CD player: it needs greater dynamic punch and a more precise way of handling rhythms.

The PI-1 is a decent attempt at producing a musically involving amplifier at this price level. The problem is that there are exceptional rivals that just do it better