RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
Compared with a generic modern line stage or an entry-level phono preamp at this price, A$999 is on the fair-to-keen side for an EC-1 if it’s working properly. Clean used examples of this model have sat around the equivalent of roughly A$1,500 to A$1,700 in more recent overseas listings, so this asking price is not inflated; it’s more of a sensible ask than a bargain-bin score, especially with condition unknown.
The EC-1 is well regarded for its smooth, low-noise presentation and genuinely strong phono stage, with both MM and MC onboard, so it’s a versatile buy for vinyl-first systems. It’s also a proper older-school preamp with a solid reputation and good build, which is part of the appeal. Main check points are age-related: confirm all inputs work, pots and switches are quiet, and ask about servicing history if the seller has it. If it’s cosmetically rough but electrically healthy, the price still makes sense.
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.
