Electrocompaniet ECP 2 MKII Phono Stage Preamplifier

Electrocompaniet ECP 2 MKII Phono Stage

The Electrocompaniet ECP 2 MKII Phono Stage is a high-performance RIAA preamplifier designed for discerning vinyl enthusiasts who demand exceptional clarity, precision, and flexibility from their analog playback system. As vinyl continues its global resurgence, a reference-quality phono stage is essential to unlock the full potential of your turntable and cartridge. The ECP 2 MKII stands out in its class by combining advanced instrumentation, premium operational amplifiers, and high-grade discrete components within a meticulously engineered DC-coupled signal path.

Designed to accommodate both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges, the ECP 2 MKII features a highly configurable input stage with adjustable gain, resistance loading, and capacitive loading. This flexibility ensures precise matching with virtually any cartridge on the market while maintaining perfect adherence to the RIAA curve. Balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs provide seamless integration with high-end audio systems, while its ultra-low noise floor and exceptional channel separation deliver an incredibly transparent and dynamic listening experience.

Whether you are rediscovering classic records or enjoying the latest vinyl releases, the Electrocompaniet ECP 2 MKII elevates analog playback with refined sonic performance, meticulous engineering, and the signature musicality Electrocompaniet is known for.

Specifications

• Product Type: Reference Phono Stage / RIAA Preamplifier
• Cartridge Compatibility: Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC)
• Gain @ 1 kHz (RCA): Adjustable 39.8 – 71.4 dB
• Gain @ 1 kHz (XLR): Adjustable 45.8 – 76.4 dB
• Resistance Loading (RL): Adjustable 10 Ω – 47 kΩ
• Capacitive Loading (CL): Adjustable 0 – 350 pF
• Maximum Output Level: 17.5 V rms (+25 dBV)
• Overload Margin: > 31 dB @ 1 kHz
• Output Impedance: 100 Ω single-ended, 200 Ω balanced
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ±0.2 dB
• RIAA Correction Accuracy: ±0.1 dB
• Subsonic Filter: -3 dB @ 11 Hz, 24 dB/octave
• Channel Separation: > 85 dB, 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise: < 0.003% @ 1 kHz
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 96 dB, 1 kHz, A-weighted, ref. 10 dBV output
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 91 dB, 1 kHz, A-weighted, ref. 5 mV input
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 67.4 dB, 1 kHz, A-weighted, ref. 500 μV input
• Design: DC-coupled signal path with premium discrete components
• Width: 470 mm / 18.5 inches
• Depth: 373 mm / 14.6 inches
• Height: 78 mm / 3 inches
• Weight: 9 kg / 19.8 lbs

What It's Great At

The Electrocompaniet ECP 2 MKII excels at delivering accurate, low-noise vinyl playback with exceptional flexibility for cartridge matching. Its adjustable gain and loading options allow audiophiles to perfectly optimize MM and MC cartridges, while its precision RIAA correction ensures faithful reproduction of every detail in the record groove. With balanced outputs, a DC-coupled design, and ultra-low distortion, the ECP 2 MKII integrates seamlessly into high-end analog systems and delivers a clean, dynamic, and natural analog sound.

Expanded Key Features List

• Highly Adjustable Gain Structure: Wide gain adjustment from 39.8–71.4 dB (RCA) and 45.8–76.4 dB (XLR) ensures optimal amplification for both MM and MC cartridges.
• Configurable Cartridge Loading: Adjustable resistance loading from 10 Ω to 47 kΩ and capacitive loading up to 350 pF allows precise cartridge matching for maximum performance.
• Precision RIAA Equalization: Extremely accurate RIAA correction within ±0.1 dB guarantees faithful playback of the original recording.
• Balanced and Single-Ended Outputs: XLR and RCA connectivity enables seamless integration with a wide range of high-end audio systems.
• DC-Coupled Signal Path: Premium discrete components and a DC-coupled design preserve signal purity and minimize distortion.
• Subsonic Filter Protection: Integrated subsonic filter at 11 Hz reduces low-frequency rumble and protects speakers from unwanted resonance.
• Ultra-Low Noise Performance: Excellent signal-to-noise ratios and extremely low THD ensure quiet backgrounds and precise detail retrieval.
• Reference-Grade Build Quality: Engineered with high-end instrumentation and precision components for long-term reliability and exceptional sonic performance.

FAQ Section

Q: What types of cartridges does the Electrocompaniet ECP 2 MKII support?
A: The ECP 2 MKII supports both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges, with adjustable gain and loading to match a wide range of designs.

Q: Why is adjustable gain important in a phono stage?
A: Adjustable gain allows the phono stage to properly amplify cartridges with different output levels, ensuring optimal signal strength and minimal noise.

Q: Does the ECP 2 MKII offer balanced connections?
A: Yes, it features both balanced XLR and single-ended RCA outputs for flexible integration with high-end audio systems.

Q: What is RIAA correction and why does it matter?
A: RIAA correction restores the frequency balance applied during vinyl mastering, ensuring accurate playback; the ECP 2 MKII maintains extremely precise ±0.1 dB accuracy.

Q: What does the subsonic filter do?
A: The built-in subsonic filter removes very low-frequency rumble caused by record warps or turntable vibrations, protecting speakers and improving clarity.

Q: Can this phono stage work with low-output MC cartridges?
A: Yes, its high gain range and adjustable loading make it well suited for low-output moving coil cartridges.

Q: How quiet is the ECP 2 MKII during playback?
A: With extremely low distortion and signal-to-noise ratios up to 96 dB, the ECP 2 MKII provides an exceptionally quiet background for detailed analog playback.

Q: Is this phono stage suitable for high-end vinyl systems?
A: Absolutely. Its precision engineering, flexible cartridge matching, and balanced connectivity make it ideal for reference-level analog systems.

ECP 2 MKII Owner's Manual