Electrocompaniet AW180 Monoblock Power Amplifier
Best sonic excellence for discerning audiophiles.
This monoblock power amplifier delivers exceptional sonic purity and robust power, designed for discerning audiophiles. It excels in reproducing music with remarkable clarity, speed, and dynamic range, effortlessly driving demanding loudspeakers. The amplifier's Class AB design, with Class A bias for initial power, ensures a detailed and musical sound signature. Meticulously crafted in Norway, it represents a significant achievement in solid-state amplification, offering an uncompromised listening experience for those who demand the best in audio reproduction.
$4800.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
581
/ 2758
#581 in Power Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
-48%
Below average
Type
Solid-state monoblock amplifier
/ Solid-state monoblock amplifier
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking a rich, immersive, and non-fatiguing listening experience.
- Listeners with challenging speakers or large rooms needing robust amplification.
- Discerning buyers valuing both sonic performance and elegant, durable craftsmanship.
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious audiophiles or those new to high-fidelity audio.
- Apartment dwellers or users with limited rack space and setup flexibility.
- Beginners or those preferring a simpler, less complex audio system setup.
Performance breakdown
Sonic Purity
Class A bias delivers an incredibly transparent and musical sound signature.
Dynamic Headroom
Effortlessly handles complex musical peaks without a hint of strain.
Speaker Control
High current delivery maintains iron-fisted grip over even demanding woofers.
Transient Speed
Lightning-fast response times ensure percussion and transients feel startlingly real.
Build Integrity
Meticulous Norwegian craftsmanship ensures long-term reliability and structural excellence.
Load Compatibility
High damping factor ensures consistent performance across diverse loudspeaker impedances.
Key Specs
Type
Solid-state monoblock amplifier
Power Output
180 W into 8 Ohm; 350 W into 4 Ohm; 650 W into 2 Ohm
Output Impedance
(20 Hz to 20 kHz) < 0.008 ohm
Input Impedance
XLR (balanced) 110 kOhm
Input Sensitivity For Rated Output
1 Volt
Maximum Peak Current
> 100 Amperes
THD (measured at 1 kHz half power, 8 W)
< 0.001 %
Noise
90 µV (400 Hz to 30 kHz); 100 µV (10 Hz to 30 kHz)
Know before you buy
This design choice ensures that the most critical, low-level details of your music are reproduced with the purity and smoothness associated with pure Class A amplification. As the demand for power increases beyond 7 watts, the amplifier seamlessly transitions into Class AB, providing the raw efficiency needed for dynamic peaks and complex passages.
Yes, the AW180 is specifically engineered for demanding loads. With a maximum peak current capability exceeding 100 amperes and a robust 650 VA toroidal transformer, it maintains iron-fisted control over difficult speakers, even when impedance drops down to 2 ohms.
The AW180 is designed with a balanced XLR input to maximize signal integrity and minimize noise interference. For the best performance and to fully realize the amplifier's low-noise design, we strongly recommend using a balanced connection from your preamplifier.
You can expect a sound that is exceptionally fast and transparent, with a notable lack of coloration. It is known for its ability to deliver deep, well-defined bass and a wide, lifelike soundstage, allowing the character of your speakers and source components to shine through without interference.
Because the AW180 is a single-channel amplifier, you will need to purchase two units to create a stereo pair. This configuration is preferred by many audiophiles because it provides complete channel separation, eliminating crosstalk and ensuring each speaker receives its own dedicated power supply.
Yes, the amplifier features an extremely low noise floor of 90-100 µV, which makes it an excellent match for high-sensitivity speakers. You will not hear audible hiss or background noise, even with very efficient designs.
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$4800