Canor Virtus A3 All-In-One Hybrid Amplifier, Performance Line
Virtus A3 is an All-In-One Dual Mono Hybrid Class A/AB Amplifier with a full suite of digital and analog inputs, integrating a power amplifier, phono preamplifier, headphone amplifier, and DAC.
The Virtus A3 is a Dual Mono layout, fully differential balanced hybrid integrated tube amplifier supporting both digital and analog inputs.
The analog and digital signal paths are designed in dual mono configuration with fully independent multi-stage regulated power supplies for each channel.
The analog signal path is fully balanced and implemented by discrete symmetrical gain stages at the input equipped with dual paired JFET transistors.
Current D
umping Class A Tube Hybrid Power Amplifier
The 100+ W Power amplifier features a tube-based balanced differential input stage and differential feedback paths followed by a Class A Current Dumping output stage where a low-power Class A amplifier is always in control of the speaker load with a high-power class AB stage providing the heaver load current. This unique Current Dumping topology ensures that the low-power ultra linear Class A stage is always in control of the speaker load with the brute “force” power provided by the Class AB stage – this Class AB stage effectively isolates the “delicate” Class A stage from the “complex” speaker load currents. The topology ensures that there is no transition between class A and AB operating modes, resulting in the benefits of superior Class A audio performance and Class A signal linearity with the benefits of lower Class AB power dissipation.
The power amplifier features differential feedback, thereby sensing the Audio Output signal on both the positive and negative speaker terminals for maximum linearity. The Tube input stage has been chosen not just for the classic benefits of tube sound but also as tubes offer the least sensitivity to external RF interference – unwanted RF energy can result in intermodulation artifacts that are typically associated with a “hard and bright sound”. The Tube input stage of the amplifier is driven fully differentially from the analog or Digital signal paths and results in typical distortion figures of 0.0002 % at 1 W / 1 kHz with a signal-to-noise ratio at just 1 W of greater than 16-bit resolution.
Analog Signal Path
The Virtus A3 features a fully balanced symmetrical signal path implemented with discrete circuits, with no integrated IC-based OAMPS used in the direct signal path. Input selection is provided by high-quality relays that symmetrical feed discrete Class A Jfet zero feedback buffers. The output of these buffers drives a differential Analog step-attenuator for precise channel matching and the highest audio performance. The output of this differential step-attenuator is then fed to the power amplifier stage.
The design is fully DC coupled, implementing DC servo technology thereby eliminating the need for sonically detrimental AC coupling capacitors in the direct signal path. The Virtus A3 features a high-quality discrete Phono stage supporting both MM and MC cartridges with user-selectable cartridge loading. The cartridge loading can be selected by the user via from the front panel interface.
Digital Signal Path
The USB input is Galvanically isolated to prevent Ground loops between a typically noisy computer environment and the “Delicate” Audio system. During this isolation process, the USB signal is also re-synchronized to a local low-phase noise reference clock to attenuate the input USB jitter (and improve the USB Eye Pattern). The USB input is also RF-filtered to reduce external RF energy entering the Audio system. The combination of Galvanic isolation, USB Jitter attenuation, and RF filtering serves to “Detox” the external USB signal as much as possible before being fed to the Virtus A3’s internal USB Decoder circuitry.
The Asynchronous USB input supports PCM Audio Data up to 768 kHz / 32 bits and native DSD to DSD512. Besides the USB input, Optical, Coax, and Balanced AES-EBU inputs are supported and employ a digital-based PLL circuit to attenuate incoming signal jitter. Dual ESS DACs are used for digital-to-analog signal conversion and employ discrete analog regulators for their critical DAC arrays.
Vibration-isolated Low-phase noise clock oscillators serve as the ESS DACs Master clocks. The balanced analog output from the ESS DAC array is operated in Current Mode (I/V Mode) for maximum linearity (minimum voltage coefficient modulation of the DAC’s internal resistor array to reduce distortion).
The analog stage features a unique Jfet-based fully symmetrical gain stage with High current Class A output stages. This gain stage design implements simple second-order filtering with a unique topology that allows a passive first-order filter stage for maximum RF attenuation of the high-frequency energy from the ESS DAC array. This passive filter node helps reduce high-frequency RF noise currents causing possible intermodulation of the sensitive analogue active stages.
The whole new level of interaction with a CANOR device
For the first time ever in our product, we implemented a touch display to Virtus A3. The intention was to bring a whole new way of interaction experience with a CANOR device. The display offers all the features and settings accessible with just a finger tap. The UI works exactly how you would expect with a rotary knob all around the display making it as simple as possible to control Virtus A3.
Highlights
01 All-In-One – Phono Preamplifier, Headphone Amplifier, Integrated Hybrid Amplifier and DAC.
02 Unique amplifier topology – Brings the benefits of superior Class A audio performance and its linearity with the benefits of lower-Class AB power dissipation.
03 Touch screen control – A revolutionary method for interacting with a CANOR device.
Features
Fully discrete dual-mono solution
Remarkable channel separation and low crosstalk create a crystal-clear stereo experience with excellent spatial definition.
Maintaining complete independence in circuitry enhances audio fidelity, clarity, and each channel's precision, providing an incredibly immersive and realistic sound.
Innovative power output stage amplifier
The beautifully designed power output stage incorporates a hybrid tube class A / AB amplifier, bringing the best from both worlds.
There is a low-power Class A amplifier that is always controlling the speaker and is followed by the Class AB brute force dumping stage providing current.
Touch screen interface
VIRTUS A3 features a 1.3" LCD touchscreen, a major innovation for our brand. This display allows full control of the device and all its functions with an intuitive and smooth user experience. Responsive touch navigation brings a new level of convenience, making interaction effortless and precise.
Custom-designed high efficient cooling system
This sophisticated cooling system combines heat pipe heatsinks and low-RPM fans, a rare solution in audio amplifiers. The design efficiently transfers heat away from the power stages, ensuring stable performance even under high loads while maintaining optimal temperatures without introducing noise. This unique approach enhances both reliability and longevity.
Innovative controlling knob design
We have implemented a CCD-based position sensing system for precise volume and menu control. This technology uses a Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) sensor to accurately detect movement, enabling smooth, contactless interaction. Unlike traditional rotary encoders or buttons, it offers a refined and durable control method, enhancing both usability and design.
Uniquely engineered flat coil inductor in the output stage
We dedicated significant effort to engineering our unique flat-coil custom inductor for the output stage and carefully refined every detail. This advanced design not only enhances signal integrity but also guarantees that no additional distortion is introduced, preserving the purity and accuracy of the audio output.
Galvanic isolation of the USB input
The USB input is galvanically isolated to prevent ground loops between a typically noisy computer environment and the "delicate" audio system. During this isolation process, the USB signal is also re-synchronized to a local low-phase noise reference clock to attenuate the input USB jitter (and improve the USB Eye Pattern).
Product Features
- Four products in the single housing – a Hybrid Power Amplifier of class A/AB, a Phono Preamplifier, a Headphone Amplifier, and a DAC.
- The analog and digital signal paths are designed in a dual mono configuration with fully independent multi-stage regulated power supplies for each channel.
- A fully discrete Phono Preamplifier supports both MM and MC cartridges.
- A discrete fully symmetrical balanced headphone amplifier stage for both Single-Ended and Balanced headphone outputs is included.
- The Virtus A3 also offers Class A Single-ended and Balanced Preamplifier line outputs to facilitate additional external Power Amplifiers supporting Active speaker or Sub-Woofer systems.
- A custom-designed, highly efficient cooling system using heat pipe heatsinks.
- The control knob is securely housed in a precision double-row bearing.
- A touch display located in the control knob provides easy and intuitive access to all device features and settings.
Awards
Reviews
Canor Virtus A3 – Review – HDAV China (CN)
20.05.2026
Canor Virtus A3 – Review – Fidelity (DE)
Canor Virtus A3 - Das Universelle Wohlfühl Aggregat
01.04.2026
Canor Virtus A3 – Review – Pursuit Perfect System (EN)
Canor Virtus A3 - Why it is “Dumping” Class A amplifier
31.03.2026
Canor Virtus A3 – Review – PremiumHIFI in English (EN)
Canor Virtus A3 - Class A Is Back
04.03.2026
Canor Virtus A3 – Review – MuzikosGuru (RU)
Canor Virtus A3 - All-In-One Dual Mono Hybrid Class A/AB Amplifier
12.02.2026
Canor Virtus A3 – Review – Like HiFi (DE)
02.02.2026
Canor Virtus A3 – Review – Audio & Cinema em Casa (PT)
28.01.2026
Canor Virtus A3 – Review – HiFi Voice (CZ)
22.01.2026
Canor Virtus A3 – Review – HiFi News (EN)
Canor Virtus A3 - Review & Test
21.01.2026
Canor Virtus A3 – Review – HiFi Statement (DE)
28.11.2025
Canor Virtus A3 – Review – SoundRebels (PL)
Canor Virtus A3 - Jak powinien wyglądać i grać idealny all'in'one?
27.11.2025
Canor Virtus A3 – Review – Darko.Audio (EN)
Canor Virtus A3 - All-in-one hybrid amplifier
10.11.2025
Canor Virtus A3 – Review – 6Moons (EN)
Canor Virtus A3 - All-in-one hybrid amplifier
15.10.2025
Canor Virtus A3 – Review – Audio Test (DE)
Canor Virtus A3 - Hybrid mit Seele
15.10.2025
Canor Virtus A3 – Review – Pursuit Perfect System (EN)
Canor Virtus A3 - The Real Reason This HiFi Amp is 'DUMPING' Class A
12.10.2025
Canor Virtus A3 – Review – Audio 2G (IT / multilingual)
Canor Virtus A3 - Amplificatore Integrato Ibrido
11.10.2025
Canor Virtus A3 – Review – HiFi Link (FR)
Canor Virtus A3 - Test d’écoute du Canor Virtus A3
07.10.2025
Canor Virtus A3 – Review – High End Style (SK)
Canor Virtus A3 - Krásny a talentovaný všeumelec
07.10.2025
Canor Virtus A3 – Review – LP International (EN)
07.10.2025
Canor Virtus A3 – Review – HiFi.nl Magazine (NL)
Canor Virtus A3 - Een alles-in-één… Met buizen
02.10.2025
Canor Virtus A3 – Review – Diapason (FR)
Canor Virtus A3 - Quatre en un
01.10.2025
Canor Virtus A3 – Review – Hxos Plus (GR)
30.09.2025
Canor Virtus A3 – Review – WStereo (PL)
Canor Virtus A3 - Szybki Słowak. A i huknąć potrafi
30.09.2025
Canor Virtus A3 – Review – HiFi Pig Magazine (EN)
04.09.2025
Canor Virtus A3 – Review – LP Magazin (DE)
Canor Virtus A3 - Einer für alles
01.09.2025
Canor Virtus A3 – Review – i-Fidelity (DE)
Canor Virtus A3 - Fokus auf Emotionen
20.08.2025
Canor Virtus A3 – Review – LowBeats (DE)
Canor Virtus A3 - Hightech vom Traditionalisten
22.05.2025
Canor Virtus A3 – Introduction (EN)
Canor Virtus A3 - Introduction of all-in-one hybrid amplifier
15.04.2025
Product Specifications
Amplifier Class
A + AB
Stereo Output Power
2 × 150 W / 4 Ω (IHF Dynamic Power); 2 × 100 W / 8 Ω (IHF Dynamic Power)
Headphone Unbalanced Output
500 mW / 30 Ω; 70 mW / 300 Ω
Headphone Balanced Output
500 mW / 30 Ω; 270 mW / 300 Ω
Gain
34.5 dB
Input Sensitivity
550 mV
Phono Gain
MM
40 dB / 46 dB
MC
60 dB / 66 dB
Damping Factor
180 / 4 Ω; 380 / 8 Ω
Frequency Range
10–35,000 Hz (±0.5 dB / 5 W)
Input Impedance
50 kΩ
Analog Inputs
1 pair RCA (Phono)
2 pairs RCA
2 pairs XLR
Analog Outputs (Variable Out)
1 pair RCA
1 pair XLR
Digital Inputs
2 × COAX — PCM up to 24-bit / 192 kHz
2 × OPTO — PCM up to 24-bit / 192 kHz
1 × USB-C — PCM up to 32-bit / 768 kHz; Native DSD up to DSD512; DoP up to DSD256
1 × AES/EBU — PCM up to 24-bit / 192 kHz
DAC Configuration
2 × ES9038Q2M (Dual Mono)
Headphone Outputs
6.3 mm jack; 4-pin XLR
Total Harmonic Distortion
< 0.005% / 1 kHz, 5 W
< 0.008% / 1 kHz, 1 W
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
> 90 dB (20 Hz–20 kHz)
Tube Complement
2 × E88CC
Trigger Connectors (12 V)
1 × IN (3.5 mm jack)
2 × OUT (3.5 mm jack)
Power
115 / 230 V, 50–60 Hz, 820 VA
Dimensions (W × H × D)
435 × 130 × 460 mm
Weight (Net)
18 kg
Weight (Gross)
23 kg
Downloads / Links
Canor - product catalog 2026 (English)
Canor - product brochure 2026 (German)
Canor - product catalog 2026 (Chinese)
Canor USB Audio Driver (Windows) – v5.68
Canor Virtus A3 - User Manual (English)
Canor Virtus A3 - User Manual (German)
Canor Virtus A3 - User Manual (Dutch)
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