Усилители мощности моно — Canor Audio VIRTUS M1

The Virtus M1 is a pure Class A valve mono power amplifier built in Prešov, Slovakia, by Canor, and it sits in Canor's Reference Line of products. Canor describes it as a reference model for its own development team, and it is sold as a single monoblock, so a stereo system needs two units. The recommended retail price in 2022 was EUR 13,000 per unit, and the current list price is EUR 14,200.

Key specs that matter

Each chassis uses four KT150 output valves, two ECC82 and one 12AX7. In ultralinear mode output is 110 W into 8 ohm, and in triode mode it is 55 W into 4.8 ohm, both at under 3% THD. Gain is 24 dB into 4 ohm, input impedance is 200 kohm through a single XLR input, and signal-to-noise is better than 103 dB measured from 20 Hz to 80 kHz. Frequency response runs from 10 Hz to 50 kHz within 0.5 dB at 5 W. THD is 0.0028% at 1 W, 0.011% at 5 W and 0.13% at 50 W, and it stays under 0.05% at 1 kHz and 5 W into 8 ohm in ultralinear mode. The unit is 450 mm wide, 190 mm high and 465 mm deep, weighs 40 kg net and draws 410 VA from a 230 V, 50-60 Hz supply.

Engineering and use context

The circuit follows what Canor calls a supersymmetrical layout, and output valves are held at the right operating point by auto-bias. The owner can switch at once between operation with feedback and with zero feedback. The mains transformer core is vacuum impregnated and set in an anti-vibration compound, and a welded cover shields it electromagnetically. Filtering totals 3,900 microfarad at 550 V, with a choke under the same welded cover to remove ripple from the anode voltage. The output transformers were designed specifically for this amplifier with MU metal (permalloy) cores. In the signal path Canor uses polypropylene capacitors, and the conductors are slow-drawn oxygen-free copper coated with pure silver. The solid aluminium housing is built to limit vibration.

Pairing

The balanced-only input calls for a preamplifier with XLR outputs, and the natural choice within the brand is Canor's Hyperion P1 preamplifier. Speakers connect through screw terminals with 4 and 8 ohm taps, and in triode mode the full triode output is available from either tap. Triode mode, with half the power of ultralinear, suits more sensitive loudspeakers, while ultralinear mode is the choice for speakers that need more drive.

Alternatives

Canor offers no other monoblock power amplifier besides the Virtus M1.