Taktstock has released the integrated amplifier (referred to as an All-In-One Hybrid Amplifier) “VIRTUS A3” by CANOR AUDIO from Slovakia. The price is ¥1,540,000 (tax included), released on November 14, 2025. VIRTUS is an ancient Roman virtue meaning “bravery,” “excellence,” and “courage.”
True All-in-One Design
The VIRTUS A3 is a true all-in-one model that houses every function except network transport in a beautiful chassis. It integrates a tube-based preamplifier section, Class A/AB hybrid power amplifier section, high-end DAC, and MM/MC compatible phono stage.
Dual-Mono Fully Balanced Differential Design
The VIRTUS A3 is designed as a dual-mono fully balanced differential hybrid tube amplifier. It fully supports both digital and analog inputs, with analog and digital signal paths configured in dual-monaural construction, each with multi-stage stabilized power supplies for independent channels.
The analog signal circuit employs a fully balanced design with discrete symmetrical amplification stages featuring dual pairs of J-FET transistors. No IC-based op-amps are used in the signal path.
Proprietary Current Damping Topology
The 100W (8Ω)/150W (4Ω) power section features a tube-based balanced differential input stage (using E88CC×2) with differential feedback path, followed by a Class A current damping output stage.
A low-power ultra-linear Class A amplifier always controls the speaker load, while the high-power Class AB stage supplies heavy load currents. This proprietary current damping topology effectively isolates the delicate Class A stage from complex speaker load currents and never generates transitions between Class A and Class AB operating modes. The result combines the excellent signal linearity of Class A with the low power consumption benefits of Class AB.
High-End DAC Function
The asynchronous USB input supports up to 768kHz/32-bit PCM and native DSD512. The USB input terminal is galvanically isolated to prevent ground loops between noisy computer environments and audio systems.
Additionally, the USB input features RF filtering to reduce external RF energy entering the audio system. The combination of isolation, USB jitter reduction, and RF filtering detoxifies the signal as much as possible before it reaches the USB decoder circuit.
In addition to USB input, it features optical/coaxial/balanced AES-EBU inputs, with digital-based PLL circuits reducing input signal jitter. Dual ESS9038 DACs are employed for digital-to-analog signal conversion, with discrete analog regulators for the critical DAC array.
The company offers 9 selectable digital filters, allowing sound quality adjustment according to user preference.
MM/MC Compatible Phono Stage
The phono input supports both MM and MC. It also features cartridge load adjustment and gain adjustment functions. Cartridge load can be selected from the front panel touch screen.
Intuitive Operation with 1.3-inch LCD Touch Screen
The 1.3-inch LCD touch panel on the front panel allows all functions and settings to be accessed simply by tapping/swiping with your finger. Combined with the rotary knob, it realizes intuitive operability.
Proprietary Quality Control System
CANOR AUDIO ensures quality with its proprietary PCB processing technology “CMT (Copper Mass Technology)” and tube selection system. It employs a heat pipe cooling system to guarantee long-term stable operation.
Main Specifications
- Output: 100W (8Ω)×2, 150W (4Ω)×2
- Connections:
- 4 analog inputs (XLR×2, RCA×2)
- Phono input (MM/MC compatible)
- 2 analog outputs (XLR, RCA, variable)
- 5 digital inputs (COAX×2, Optical×2, AES/EBU)
- USB Type-C
- 2 headphone outputs (6.3mm, 4-pin XLR)
- Frequency Response: 10Hz~35kHz±0.5dB/5W
- Impedance: 50kΩ
- DAC Chip: ESS9038 (Dual Mono)×2
- Tubes Used: E88CC×2
- Dimensions/Weight: W435×H130×D460mm/18.0kg
Price and Availability
- Price: ¥1,540,000 (tax included)
- Availability: Released on November 14, 2025
Reference Links / Sources
- Stereo Sound ONLINE: CANOR AUDIO debuts fully balanced differential hybrid tube integrated amplifier “VIRTUS A3”
- Taktstock Official Website: https://www.taktstock.co.jp/