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Electrocompaniet AW-20 Pre / Power Combination Some people complained to me in the past saying that whereas Electrocompaniets might be good, they are rarely offered for sale and as such it is hard to find one audition, let alone buy. The combo offered for sale here is even rarer. It is a 20th Anniversary Edition with: special naming - both pre and power amps are called AW-20. AW stands in EC speak for AmpliWire. badges indicating serial number out of 400 produced, Larvikit / Labrador marble front panel, gold plated knobs and handles blue top covers upgraded speaker and input/output sockets I a
Against the current new price of roughly A$8,000–A$8,500 for the EC 4.8 MkII class, A$6,999 for a used EC 4.1/2 feels fair-to-strong if the unit is tidy and fully working. It’s not a bargain-bin score, but it’s low enough versus new that the value case is solid for a serious preamp.
This is a well-regarded Electrocompaniet line stage: smooth, natural, and very good at making a system sound relaxed without dulling detail. It’s the kind of preamp that can lift a power amp by improving scale and flow rather than adding character. At this price, I’d mainly want confirmation of remote, original box, and clean volume/selector operation; if those check out, it’s an easy one to take seriously.
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.
