Canor Virtus A3 Integrated Hybrid Amplifier

The Virtus A3 is a comprehensive Dual Mono Hybrid Class A/AB amplifier featuring a broad range of digital and analog inputs. It combines a power amplifier, phono preamplifier, headphone amplifier, and DAC into one elegant unit. Its distinctive amplifier design offers the refined audio quality and linearity of Class A performance alongside the efficiency of Class AB power management. The innovative touch screen interface provides a refined and intuitive way to control your CANOR device.

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 Dumping 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.

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).

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 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.
• Made in Slovakia

Specifications

Support

• Brochure
• Manual