[Christof]

I picked up an Electrocompaniet ECI3 integrated in a trade a short time ago.  I will be biamping my new speakers (a custom design being done by Rick Craig) with a pair of stereo Khartagos to begin with and later move to Mono extremes.  The ECI3 can be used as a preamp but I'm not sure of performance since I'm not familiar with Electrocompaniet. 

I am not one to roll through alot of gear so I don't really have anything to compair it to.  I just want to make sure this (ECI3 acting as a preamp) is not going to be a weak link that holds the rest of my system back.  It is afterall intended to be an integrated amp but I'm not going to give up my Odyssey amps for anything.

[bpape]

If you already have it, I certainly wouldn't be bashful about using it.  EC is IMO some very nice equipment.  Don't expect it to do a lot to the sound - it's pretty neutral.  If you want a step up and something to offer some incredible value for the money in a pre - look at Klaus' new Candella preamp.

To me, the Candella is the right mix of tube and solid state attributes.  It's extended and fast like a good solid state piece, but offers a tiny bit of warmth and excellent 3D soundstaging like a good tube piece.

Bryan