Integrated amplifiers — Canor Audio Virtus A3

The Canor Virtus A3 is a hybrid integrated amplifier from Canor, the Slovak manufacturer based in Prešov. One chassis holds four products - a Class A/AB power amplifier with a valve input stage, a phono preamplifier, a headphone amplifier and a DAC - all in a dual-mono layout with independent regulated supplies for each channel. It is operated through a touch display set into the volume knob.

Key specs that matter

Output is 100 W per channel into 8 ohms and 150 W into 4 ohms. Input sensitivity is 550 mV, input impedance is 50 kohm on all line inputs and gain is 34.5 dB. Frequency response extends from 10 Hz to 35 kHz, signal-to-noise exceeds 90 dB and THD+N is below 0.008% at 1 kHz and 1 W. Line inputs comprise two XLR and two RCA pairs, and an MM/MC phono input completes the set. The chassis measures 435 x 130 x 460 mm and weighs 18 kg.

Engineering and use context

The power amplifier follows a current-dumping topology. A balanced differential input stage based on an E88CC valve drives a low-power Class A stage that always controls the speaker, while a high-current Class AB stage supplies the heavier load current. Since the Class A stage stays in charge, the output never switches between operating classes. Differential feedback senses both speaker terminals. Canor chose a valve input partly because valves are less sensitive to radio frequency interference. The analogue path is fully balanced, with discrete symmetrical input stages using paired JFETs in Class A without feedback, relay input selection and a differential stepped attenuator. DC coupling with servo circuits means the signal passes through no coupling capacitors. The fully discrete phono stage offers gain of about 40 to 66 dB, set from the front panel. The discrete, fully balanced headphone amplifier delivers 500 mW into 30 ohms through 6.3 mm and XLR-4 outputs. Class A line outputs on RCA and XLR feed external amplifiers or subwoofers. Heat-pipe heatsinks handle cooling, and the control knob turns in a double-row bearing. The touch display shows source, level and settings, and the remote control duplicates every function.

Pairing

The Virtus A3 is intended for most stand-mount and floorstanding speakers in rooms of up to about 35 m2. With the phono stage and DAC on board, a turntable and a streamer can be connected directly.

Alternatives

Canor's AI 1.10 is an integrated valve amplifier running in pure Class A, with KT88 output tubes and switchable triode operation.