Fine Audio Instruments ECP1 MC User manual

ECP1 MC / MM
PHONO PREAMPLIFIER
OWNERS MANUAL
WARNING: To reduce risk of fire or electric shock,
do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
Do not remove cover. No user serviceable parts inside.
Refer to qualified service personell.

Thank you for selecting Electrocompaniet
We sincerely thank you for selecting an amplifier from Electrocompaniet. We hope you will
enjoy years of listening pleasure and true high-end musical performance with your audio
system. Kindly read this owners manual in order to familiarize you with the set before
operation.
The Electrocompaniet Story
Electrocompaniet was founded in 1973 in Oslo, Norway, to manufacture an amplifier
designed By Per Abrahamsen. The designs were based upon a new approach to transistor
amplifier design developed by Dr. Matti Otala and Jan Lohstro.
It had long been recognized that transistor amplifiers had a characteristic sound that many
audiophiles and music lovers found unnatural.
Dr. Otala and Mr. Lohstro analyzed transistor amplifiers to determine what actually created
the "transistor sound" in general transistorized designs. The results of their innovative design
work were incorporated into the first Electrocompaniet design, the legendary 25-watt
amplifier.
This product were the first commercial transistor amplifier to use this new design approach,
and the amplifier was immediately recognized as dramatically more musical sounding than
any other transistor amplifier. The same design philosophy, which has been constantly
updated through additional research and experience, is the basis for all the current
Electrocompaniet Ampliwire and Preampliwire Dual Mono Balanced designs.
Electrocompaniet have always given extensive listening test of all its designs the highest
priority. Every product designed by our engineers must meet the varied and exacting
standards of the listening panel, carefully selected to represent a cross section of musical taste
and experience. Electrocompaniet designs go back and forth between the design laboratory
and the listening panel until both engineers and listeners are completely satisfied, and ensured
that the design has met its technical and sonically objectives.
All Electrocompaniet products are handmade by highly skilled technicians, and extensively
tested for maximum performance and reliability.
Final adjustments are made only after an extended period of operation to insure the best
possible performance under conditions similar to actual use.
Electrocompaniet Ampliwire and Preampliwire are sold in more than 25 countries, providing
the ultimate listening pleasure to dedicated music lovers worldwide.

The design features of ECP1 PHONO Preamplifier
After the Electrocompaniet 25 waft 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 pc 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 A/S
SOLHEIMVEIEN 36
N-1473 SKÅRER
NORWAY
FAX + 47 67911760
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)
The manufacturer reserves the right to alter these specifications without further notice.