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High Fidelity Audio

AW 800M Reference Monoblock Power Amplifier

Electrocompaniet · Power Amplifiers

AW 800M Reference Monoblock Power Amplifier

The definitive flagship power house, reimagining reference performance with load-independent authority.

The AW 800M stands as the ultimate expression of Electrocompaniet’s engineering prowess, introducing a clean-sheet mechanical and electronic overhaul to replace the iconic AW 600 Nemo. It represents a monumental achievement in high-fidelity design, crafted specifically to act as an unshakeable power grid for the world's most ambitious reference-grade loudspeakers. By enabling single-chassis reconfiguration between mono, stereo, and bi-amplification at the flip of a switch, it grants unparalleled flexibility while thoroughly safeguarding the listener's long-term investment. At the absolute core of its layout is an enhanced iteration of the brand's direct-coupled, high open-loop bandwidth topology, optimized through ultra-fast, high slew-rate amplification stages. The crowning achievement of this updated architecture is an output stage designed to heavily shield the driver sections from back-electromotive force, rendering the amplifier entirely immune to erratic loudspeaker impedance curves. This total isolation liberates the negative feedback system from correcting harsh load interactions, producing an exceptionally linear output with vanishingly low distortion. Sonically, the AW 800M provides a breathtaking sense of scale, effortless power delivery, and an enveloping natural warmth that stays true to the brand's Scandinavian lineage. The music materializes out of a completely silent, velvet-black soundstage, resolving fine acoustic air and hidden tracking details with spectacular micro-dynamic distinction. Low frequencies are managed with a vice-like grip and tectonic authority, maintaining absolute composure during complex symphonic crescendos or thunderous modern transients.

Key Features

01

Tri-Mode Switchable Architecture

Features user-selectable operational routing via a rear-panel toggle, allowing seamless transformation from an 800-watt monoblock to a high-power dual-mono stereo or bi-amping stage.

02

Massive 210,000 uF Filtering

Equipped with a heavily uprated power supply network integrating an immense 210,000 microfarad capacitor bank alongside DC and radio-frequency filtered mains inputs.

03

Shielded Twin Toroidal Transformers

Features dual wire-gauge upgraded power transformers enclosed in magnetic and electrostatic shielding to block parasitic electromagnetic radiation from entering signal pathways.

04

Oversized Current-Free Grounding

The internal reference ground is exponentially expanded and kept fully free of output and rectification loops, yielding an exceptionally low noise floor at any output level.

Ground-Up Structural Overhaul

Chapter 01

Ground-Up Structural Overhaul

The physical chassis of the AW 800M introduces a totally rigid, modular framework designed to effectively isolate high-gain stages from internal mechanical resonances. The steel framework is visually and structurally anchored by twin brushed-aluminium reinforcement rods bridging the top panel. The case is finished in a fingerprint-resistant matte coating, elegantly balancing legacy aesthetics with a redesigned acrylic front plate, a tactile modern power button, and a distinctive 3D floating brand insignia.
Balanced Topology and Ultra-Fast Response

Chapter 02

Balanced Topology and Ultra-Fast Response

True balanced link principles dictate every millimeter of the signal path, utilizing a high-current input topology capable of generating a searing 270 V/μs slew rate when the input filter is bypassed. The system boasts an exceptional damping factor greater than 1000 into an 8 Ohm load, enabling the output transistors to absorb reactive speaker currents instantly while maintaining pristine signal fidelity down to less than two microvolts of input-referred noise.
Listening Notes

Chapter 03

Listening Notes

When put to task with demanding full-scale recordings, the AW 800M delivers a masterclass in relaxed, distortion-free headroom. Unlike conventional multi-kilowatt blocks that strip away instrumental texture in favor of sterile transient punch, this flagship maintains a holographic, three-dimensional midband and velvety treble decay, grounding the entire audio presentation with an organic ease that mirrors fine valve systems while exercising total command over the lower octaves.

Specifications

Technical specificationsInput impedance: 330 kΩ; Frequency resp. (in. filter active):0.5 – 220 kHz; Frequency resp. (in. filter dis.): 0.5 – 1.1 MHz; Voltage gain (mono, bal. input): 35 dB (x56); Voltage gain (stereo, bal. input): 29 dB (x28); Input-referred noise (20-20kHz): < 2 μV; SNR (ref. 1W/8Ω load, 20-20 kHz): 95 dB; SNR (ref. full power out, 20-20 kHz): 122 dB; Slew-rate (input filter disabled): 270 V/μs; DC output voltage: < 5 mV; THD+N: 0.0006 %; IMD: 0.001 %; Damping factor (8Ω load): > 1000; Power consumption standby: < 0.5W; Protection: DC, overload, temperature
RATED OUTPUT POWER STEREO8Ω load: 2 x 300 W; 4Ω load: 2 x 600 W; 2Ω load: 2 x 1000 W
RATED OUTPUT POWER MONO8Ω load: 800 W; 4Ω load: 1500 W; 2Ω load: 2200 W
WEIGHT & DIMENSIONSWeight: 55 kg – 122 lbs; Width: 406 mm – 15.98 inches; Depth: 488 mm – 19.21 inches; Height: 292 mm – 11.49 inches