Интегральные усилители — Canor Audio AI 1.10

The AI 1.10 is a valve-based integrated design from Canor Audio, running in pure class A as a stereo unit or as half of a monoblock pair. Canor is based in Presov, Slovakia, and the AI 1.10 was listed in the United States at USD 6,999. Its output stage is built around four KT88 power tubes, and a relay allows live changeover between triode and ultra-linear mode.

Key specs that matter

With the ultra-linear setting the amplifier delivers 2 x 40 W, and in triode mode 2 x 20 W, with the same figures quoted for 4 ohm and 8 ohm taps. Bridged as a monoblock it gives 1 x 80 W ultra-linear or 1 x 40 W triode into 8 ohms. Five RCA line inputs are fitted, plus two XLR sockets that are active only in the monoblock connection. Input sensitivity is 500 mV and input impedance is 30 kohm. Canor quotes a frequency range of 10 Hz to 50 kHz at minus 3 dB, 95 dB signal-to-noise and THD plus noise under 0.05 percent. The chassis measures 435 x 170 x 485 mm and weighs 26 kg, and the unit draws 375 VA from a 230 V, 50 Hz supply.

Engineering and use context

Beside the four KT88s, the circuit uses common twin triodes, a 12AX7 for voltage gain followed by a 12AT7 arrangement working as a phase splitter, with two 12AT7 tubes in total. The KT88s have an auto-bias function with cathode feedback, which removes manual bias adjustment from the owner's tasks. The output transformers are designed in-house and use permalloy cores with bifilar windings arranged in sections. Filter capacitors are rated 2200 uF at 500 V, while CMT milled circuit boards carry the signal. Every tube Canor receives from suppliers is burned in for 200 hours and then tested, selected and paired before it goes into a product. The mains transformer has three primary windings, and an automatic voltage stabilisation circuit selects between them. The chassis is of welded metal construction with a solid aluminium fascia offered in black or silver, while the terminals are gold plated. A relay-controlled stepped attenuator works in 1 dB steps, and a remote control duplicates the front panel functions except the triode and ultra-linear switch. Two units can be joined as Master and Slave through a data cable to form a monoblock pair.

Pairing

Separate speaker terminals for each output transformer tap let the output transformer tap follow the rated impedance of a given loudspeaker, while the five RCA sockets take a CD player, streamer, DAC or separate phono stage.

Alternatives

Within the same integrated amplifier category Canor also offers the Virtus I2, which pairs the same KT88 tube complement with an added fixed level line output and a relay attenuator.