Canor Asterion V3 – New Tube Phono Stage for MM and MC Cartridges

Slovak company Canor Audio presented the new Asterion V3 tube phono stage at High End Vienna 2026. The model has joined the Performance Line series and is set to replace the Canor PH 2.10 phono stage in the manufacturer’s catalogue. The device is designed for use with the two main types of phono cartridges – MM and MC – and is aimed at owners of serious analogue systems.

The Canor Asterion V3 is designed as a high-end phono stage with a tube amplification circuit, while also offering a modern control system and extensive adjustment options. The input section provides unbalanced cartridge connection, while MC cartridges can also be connected via a balanced XLR input. This configuration makes the model more versatile for different turntables and tonearms.

The phono stage circuit uses ECC83S and ECC81 tubes. For operation with MC cartridges, Canor uses a Lundahl step-up transformer, intended for proper amplification of the weak signal from low-output moving-coil cartridges. The analogue section is designed without global negative feedback, while passive RIAA equalisation is implemented using polystyrene and polypropylene capacitors.

One of the key features of the Asterion V3 is convenient adjustment of parameters to suit a specific cartridge. The user can select the cartridge type, adjust the input impedance for MC and the input capacitance for MM. At the same time, the main parameters are available not only from the front panel but also via the remote control, making precise system tuning easier.

Sales of the Canor Asterion V3 tube phono stage in Europe are expected to begin in autumn 2026 – approximately in September or October. The recommended retail price of the new model is €4,799.