Electrocompaniet, established in 1973, is a renowned Norwegian manufacturer specializing in high-quality audio equipment. Its products are highly regarded by professionals, audiophiles, musicians, and media outlets, and are available through authorized dealers in more than 50 countries. The company has launched the second generation of the Tana series, enhancing the award-winning Tana SL-1 and L-1 wireless speakers. Produced in Norway, the Tana SL-2 boasts several upgrades over its predecessor, including improved software, a reimagined enclosure, new features, and updated packaging.
Featuring a 150W Class AB amplifier, the Tana SL-2 provides Electrocompaniet’s distinctive sound and is compatible with various streaming services such as Tidal, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Roon, and Bluetooth. With two digital inputs for external devices, this system is designed for discerning listeners, and the option to integrate a Tana L-2 speaker enables a stereo configuration, while the Sira L-1 subwoofer can enhance audio performance in larger environments.
Electrocompaniet Tana SL-2 & L-2
The speakers utilize wireless communication with a signal transmission quality of 24 bit/96 kHz. Although high-end models typically favor traditional wired connections, this system adopts a wireless multiroom strategy, using Wi-Fi as its main network interface. A LAN port is provided for initial setup, necessitating manual configuration via a wired connection before switching to control through an iOS or Android application. The Tana SL-2’s design reflects Scandinavian minimalism, featuring a black acoustically transparent fabric cover, a black-tinted glass top with illuminated controls, and an aluminum rear panel.
The built-in streamer supports Internet radio, Tidal, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Roon and Bluetooth.
The detachable lower decorative panel is anticipated to come in various finishes. Each speaker, despite its compact dimensions, weighs 6 kg, with an aluminum build that enhances sound quality by minimizing unwanted vibrations and resonances. The two-way speaker system features a front-facing bass reflex port, cleverly hidden beneath the fabric along with the drivers, and is equipped with a dedicated 150W Class AB amplifier for each unit. Connectivity options are extensive, including coaxial and optical inputs for devices like televisions and gaming consoles, an analog input for smartphones, MP3 players, and tablets, as well as a USB port for external storage devices. The automatic input switching feature simplifies operation, and compatibility with vinyl players is available through an adapter.
The network multiroom capability allows for streaming content from home servers and a variety of online platforms, such as Tidal, Spotify, Qobuz, and vTuner Internet radio. The overall performance is significantly influenced by the stability of the user’s internet connection, with high-quality Tidal streaming providing audio that rivals CD-quality FLAC files. Although playback from a home server or USB drive may yield slightly clearer sound, streaming remains a highly convenient alternative. Listening tests comparing Tidal with standard 128 kbps internet radio reveal a marked difference in sound clarity and detail, even when experienced from another room.
In the competitive arena of network multiroom audio systems, the EC Living Tana emerges as a compelling alternative to products from well-established Hi-Fi brands. Its sound profile is characterized by openness, dynamism, and balance, maintaining an even tonal quality when bass settings are adjusted judiciously. The construction and materials used reflect its high-end market positioning.
Electrocompaniet Tana SL-2 & L-2 connections
Nonetheless, the user interface poses certain difficulties, as it may not be sufficiently intuitive for casual users and lacks the comprehensive control that audiophiles typically seek. Software issues continue to be a prevalent concern among Hi-Fi manufacturers in the realm of multiroom solutions. Key advantages of the Tana SL-2 include its clear sound with impressive resolution, customizable low frequencies, and compatibility with DSD and disk images featuring CUE files.
Electrocompaniet Tana SL-2 specifications:
Number of bands: 2
Amplifier power: 150 W
Supported formats: WAV / WAVE, MP3, AAC +, Vorbis, ALAC, FLAC, APE, WMA (up to 192 kHz / 24 bit), DSD (up to DSD 128 (5.6 MHz))
Maximum resolution: PCM up to 24 bit / 192 kHz, DSD up to 128
Internet services: Deezer, Spotify Connect, Qobuz, Wimp
Network switching: LAN, WiFi, Airplay 2
Digital interfaces: USB
Inputs: analog jack 3.5 mm, digital coaxial and optical
Dimensions: 250 x 180 x 180 mm
Weight: 7 kg
Electrocompaniet Tana L-2 specifications:
Network interfaces – Wi-Fi
Number of bands: 2
Amplifier power: 150 W
Dimensions: 250 x 180 x 180 mm
Weight: 6 kg
