[New Product] CANOR AUDIO Launches Hybrid Tube Integrated Amplifier 'VIRTUS A3' — A True All-in-One Solution

TACT STOCK will release the CANOR AUDIO hybrid tube integrated amplifier “VIRTUS A3,” billed as a “true all-in-one” solution, on November 10. Priced at ¥1,540,000 (tax included), the amplifier is available in black and silver finishes.

Dual Mono Hybrid Design

The VIRTUS A3 is a dual mono integrated amplifier that houses a tube preamplifier section, Class A/AB hybrid power amplifier section, discrete MM/MC phono stage, and dual ESS DAC in a single chassis. With dedicated multi-stage regulated power supplies for digital and analog inputs, it’s an all-in-one model integrating all major functions except a network transport.

CANOR AUDIO was established in Slovakia in 1995 as a tube audio specialist brand. The company maintains in-house SMT lines, automatic anodizing equipment, and CNC machinery, ensuring quality through proprietary PCB processing “CMT (CANOR PCB Milling Technology)” and tube measurement/selection systems “BT-1,” “TTM-1,” and “Aladdin.”

Class A Current Dumping Output Stage

The power amplifier section employs a proprietary design with a tube-based balanced differential input stage and differential feedback path followed by a Class A current dumping output stage. A low-power Class A amplifier constantly controls the speaker load while a high-power Class AB handles heavy load currents, eliminating transitions between operating modes and combining Class A signal linearity with Class AB power efficiency.

Rated output is 100W (8Ω) × 2 and 150W (4Ω) × 2. The input stage uses E88CC tubes, achieving 0.0002% distortion at 1W/1kHz.

Fully Balanced Discrete Analog Path

The analog signal path adopts a fully balanced discrete configuration without IC op-amps, using high-quality relays for input switching. Signals are sent to Class A J-FET zero-feedback buffers, driving differential analog step attenuators for precise channel matching.

The design also benefits from DC servo technology employing fully DC-coupled topology that eliminates AC coupling capacitors that would add noise to the signal path.

Comprehensive Noise Reduction in Digital Section

The digital section electrically (galvanically) isolates the USB input to prevent noise and ground loops between the audio system. It reduces input USB jitter through re-synchronization with a low phase-noise clock and implements RF filtering to block unwanted signals.

Users can select from 9 digital filter types to suit their preferences. Supported formats include PCM up to 768kHz/32bit, native DSD512 (22.4MHz), and MQA.

The dual mono DAC configuration uses ESS9038, with discrete analog regulators in the DAC array. AES/EBU, coaxial, and optical digital inputs are also provided, with digital PLL reducing input jitter. According to the manufacturer, extensive time and effort were invested in developing proprietary flat-coil custom inductors for the output stage to maintain purity and precision of audio output.

MM/MC Phono Stage and Balanced Headphone Amplifier

The phono stage supports both MM and MC cartridges with adjustable loading capacitance and gain. Cartridge loading can be selected via the front touch panel.

The discrete balanced headphone amplifier features 6.3mm jack and 4-pin XLR outputs. Balanced output delivers 500mW (30Ω)/270mW (300Ω), while unbalanced output provides 500mW (30Ω)/70mW (300Ω).

Intuitive Controls and Heat Pipe Cooling

The control system features a 1.3-inch LCD touchscreen and a CCD-based position-sensing outer ring rotary knob. Volume is controlled in 99 steps, providing intuitive access to various settings. A remote control is included.

Features include gain adjustment for each analog input (+3dB/+6dB), dimmer, screen saver, input skip, and home theater mode.

Cooling utilizes a heat pipe heatsink combined with low-speed fans, efficiently dissipating heat from the power stage while maintaining optimal temperature without generating noise. Temperature and fan speed can be displayed on the touchscreen.

Key Specifications

Analog Inputs: XLR×2, RCA×2, PHONO×1 Analog Variable Outputs: XLR×1, RCA×1 Digital Inputs: USB Type-C×1, Coaxial Digital×2, Optical Digital×2, AES/EBU×1 Gain: 34.5dB Input Sensitivity: 550mV Input Impedance: 50kΩ Damping Factor: 180 (4Ω)/380 (8Ω) Frequency Response: 10 - 35,000Hz (±0.5dB/5W) THD: Below 0.005% (1kHz/5W), Below 0.008% (1kHz/1W) S/N Ratio: Over 90dB (20Hz - 20kHz) Dimensions: 435W×130H×460Dmm Weight: 18.0kg Tubes: E88CC×2 Power: 100V/50-60Hz, power consumption equivalent 430VA

References / Sources

• PHILE WEB: https://www.phileweb.com/news/audio/202511/07/27072.html
• TACT STOCK: http://www.tact-stock.com/