Интегральные усилители — Canor Audio VIRTUS I2

Built by Slovak maker Canor Audio in Presov, where the company produces nearly everything in-house, the Virtus I2 is a valve integrated amplifier priced at GBP 7,500 that operates in pure class A with an auto-bias circuit. Its output stage uses four KT88 power tubes with cathode feedback, and instant switching is offered between triode and ultra-linear modes. Two units may be bridged to form a monoblock for higher output.

Key specs that matter

Stereo output is 2 x 40 W in ultra-linear mode and 2 x 20 W in triode mode, into both 4 ohm and 8 ohm loads. As a monoblock the Virtus I2 delivers 80 W ultra-linear or 40 W triode into 8 ohms. Inputs comprise four RCA and two XLR connectors, the XLR pair being active only in monoblock configuration, and a fixed level RCA line output is also provided. Input sensitivity is 500 mV and input impedance is 30 kohm. Gain is 30 dB into 8 ohms and 28 dB into 4 ohms. Canor quotes a range of 10 Hz to 50 kHz at minus 3 dB, total harmonic distortion below 0.05 percent at 1 kHz and 5 W, and signal-to-noise above 95 dB in stereo and above 100 dB as a monoblock. Damping factor is 9 into 4 ohms and 10.5 into 8 ohms. The unit measures 435 x 170 x 485 mm and consumes 375 VA at 230 V, 50 Hz.

Engineering and use context

Alongside the KT88s the amplifier carries one 12AX7 and two 12AT7 small signal tubes. All tubes go through a 200-hour burn-in and are then tested before use. Filter capacitors are rated 2200 uF at 500 V, with polypropylene parts in the audio path. The power transformer is vacuum impregnated, potted in an anti-vibration compound, closed in a welded cover for electromagnetic shielding, and has a copper foil shield, with a 50 percent overlap between windings. Volume control is a relay attenuator working in 1 dB increments and can attenuate by up to 63 dB. Canor's CMT technology is used for the PCBs. A Voltage Stabilization Circuit selects between transformer three primary windings. The front panel is aluminium in black or silver. Monoblock operation is achieved through a bridge connection between two units.

Pairing

The fixed level RCA line output can feed a recording device or a powered subwoofer, while the four RCA inputs accept line level sources such as a DAC, a streamer or an external phono stage.

Alternatives

Canor Audio's AI 1.10 is a closely related integrated amplifier with the same KT88 output stage and five RCA line inputs.