Electrocompaniet AW800M Amplifier, EC 5 Preamplifier, EMC1-MKV CD Player, And ECM1-MKII Music Streamer / Hi-Res DAC Connected To Ø Audio Verdande Loudspeakers Assessment Review
We welcome two renowned Norwegian audio powerhouses successfully collaborating at HIGH END 2025.
HIGH END 2025 Audiophile Show Report By Steven R. Rochlin

  At High End 2025, a groundbreaking collaboration between two renowned Norwegian audio powerhouses may be generating a buzz amongst some members of the press. Electrocompaniet and Ø Audio have united to launch a comprehensive home audio stereo sound system that embodies a bold declaration of innovation and engineering excellence. Enjoy the Music.com knows ambitious showcase intertwines decades of audio heritage with modern breakthrough technology, promising an immersive listening experience unlike any other.

At the core of this system at HIGH END 2025 are four state-of-the-art AW800M power amplifiers. Renowned for their robust performance and pristine clarity, these amplifiers have been meticulously engineered to deliver ample power and dynamic accuracy for every channel. Output is 300 Watts at 8Ohms, 600W at 4 and a very impressive 1000 at 2 Ohms! This high-end audio amplifier design ensures that even the subtlest nuances in the music are faithfully reproduced, setting a high benchmark for what a high-end amplification system can achieve.

Taking center stage is the world premiere of the EC 5 Preamplifier — a fully analog masterpiece that has been in development for an entire decade(!). Designed with a dual-mono architecture that upholds pure Class A performance, the EC 5 is a testament to Electrocompaniet's relentless pursuit of sonic perfection. Its very innovative proprietary volume control system, which preserves a constant signal path across an extensive dynamic range, may be revolutionizing the way high-end audiophile and music lovers listen and interact with their music.

Complementing the analog precision of the EC 5 are the EMC1-MKV CD player (above) and the ECM1-MKII streamer/DAC (below). The EMC1-MKV is crafted to deliver remarkably accurate CD playback with the warmth and authenticity that discerning listeners expect, while the ECM1-MKII seamlessly integrates digital streaming with high-fidelity conversion. Together, these components bridge the gap between classic media and modern digital sources, ensuring that the system's performance remains uncompromised regardless of the source.

Our Expert Assessment As A System
Enjoy the Music.com must also mention the remarkable system features Ø Audio's Verdande two-way large floorstanding loudspeakers, with a frequency response from 26Hz to 20kHz, plus the awaited world premiere of the Ø Audio VARG subwoofer. The Verdande speakers are celebrated for their refined acoustic presentation, offering detailed and balanced sound reproduction throughout a wide frequency spectrum. Meanwhile, the VARG subwoofer adds a potent and powerful low-end dimension with its ability to deliver very deep, tightly controlled bass, further enriching the overall immersive music experience.

By integrating Electrocompaniet's legendary analog precision with Ø Audio's cutting-edge speaker technology, this collaboration creates a very impressive immersive soundscape with true high-end home audio performance. Together, Electrocompaniet and Ø Audio are merging their distinct talents to create a system that is so much more than just an assemblage of components.

Their collaboration is a synergistic blend of time-honored analogue precision and modern speaker innovation, forging an audio experience that fully immerses the listener and redefines the limits of sound reproduction.

In unison, these Norwegian innovators are not just making noise—they are setting a new industry standard. Their pioneering work represents a bold leap forward in high-fidelity acoustics, challenging the status quo and inspiring a new era where passion, precision, and powerful performance resonate at every level. Be sure to visit our Review Magazine to learn more about luxurious audiophile equipment, plus we provide thought-provoking think pieces and much more! As always, in the end what really matters is that you... enjoy the music.

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