RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
The Electrocompaniet ECM 1 is notable for its pristine 24-bit/192kHz digital conversion, but the asking price of £4,299 is hard to benchmark because the listing appears to confuse the original ECM 1 CD player with the newer ECM 1 MKII streamer/DAC, which retails new around £5,000 and typically sells used between £3,500 and £4,500. Without confirmation of the exact model and condition, this figure sits near the median for the MKII but is likely inflated for the vintage CD player, making it a questionable deal unless verified as the newer unit in excellent condition.
If this is indeed the ECM 1 MKII, it’s a worthwhile buy for its high-resolution DAC, lossless streaming, and DSD support, offering significant upside for modern audiophiles seeking a clean, original-owner unit with included accessories. The MKII’s in-house streaming software and app add meaningful value over older designs, and if the listing includes the original box and cables, it’s a solid opportunity. However, if it’s the older CD player, the price is ambitious given its age and lack of modern features, so buyers must verify the exact model before proceeding.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Electrocompaniet: Norwegian Heritage in High-End Audio
Electrocompaniet was founded in 1973 by Per "Abe" Abrahamsen, a Norwegian engineer and musician who co-created the company alongside broadcaster and producer Svein Erik Børja. The brand emerged from a vision to build transistor amplifiers based on the theoretical work of Finnish researcher Dr. Matti Otala. From its inception, Electrocompaniet has remained rooted in Norway, with design, assembly, and component sourcing centered in the Stavanger region. This commitment to local manufacturing and Norwegian engineering principles continues to define the company's identity and sonic character more than five decades later.
The brand is recognized primarily for power amplifiers and integrated amplifiers, which established its reputation beginning with the acclaimed 25-watt amplifier of the 1970s. Electrocompaniet's product portfolio has expanded to include CD players, streamers, turntables, and speakers—all classified by the company as "fine audio instruments" designed to reproduce music with natural fidelity. Each component is manufactured in Norway and exported to over fifty countries worldwide, reflecting the company's commitment to maintaining production standards and quality control at home.
Electrocompaniet occupies the high-end audio market, earning respect among discerning audiophiles, recording engineers, and major studios for nearly five decades. The brand is positioned as Norway's largest manufacturer of premium hi-fi equipment, with a legacy built on technical excellence and sonic purity rather than mass-market appeal. Despite ownership changes and industry challenges, Electrocompaniet continues to release flagship products under technical leadership trained by founder Abrahamsen, maintaining its standing as a serious contender in the luxury audio segment.
See all Electrocompaniet listings on RADAR.
