In its October 2025 issue (8-2025), the HiFi magazine Audio Test reviews the Canor Virtus A3 – awarding it the overall rating of “excellent” and naming it a “High-End Highlight”:
“The Canor Virtus A3 is what’s known as a hybrid integrated amplifier. It combines classic tube technology with transistor technology. Tubes handle the input amplification, while a Class A/B circuit is responsible for power amplification. The device merges several HiFi components in one: amplifier, DAC, phono preamp, and headphone amp. You just need to connect an analog or digital source, hook up your speakers, and you’re ready to go. The highlight of the amplifier is its unique control concept.
You won’t find any buttons or switches on the Virtus A3—just a large rotary knob with a touch display. Yes, you read that right: everything is operated through the volume knob. A simple tap wakes the unit. The round display inside the knob indicates when the amp is ready. Source selection is done via touchscreen—just swipe left or right, and the selected source appears. A quiet relay click confirms the switch, adding a wonderfully analog feel. Swipe up to access additional settings.
The dimmer adjusts the brightness of both displays; the saver lets you choose between a logo or a VU meter – the latter being more visually appealing. In HT mode, the Virtus A3 can be seamlessly integrated into a home theater setup and used purely as a power amp. Adjusting the input sensitivity (+3 or +6 dB) adds more dynamics, while “Skip Inputs” hides unused sources – handy for daily use. You can also view fan speed and tube temperature—more of a gadget for tech lovers, with no impact on sound quality.
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Our listening session begins with “Die Tänzerin” by Ulla Meinicke. From the very first notes, a balance between warmth and transparency becomes apparent. Her voice is full-bodied and tangible, without sounding soft. Ulla Meinicke is clearly positioned in the room, and the accompaniment feels airy and spacious. The tube preamp clearly shapes the musical signature: mids are richly colored, highs are finely resolved without being harsh, and the bass is tightly controlled and forcefully delivered by the power stage.
With orchestral music like “Marry-Go-Round of Life” from Joe Hisaishi’s Howl’s Moving Castle soundtrack, the Virtus A3 paints a grand soundstage with depth and width – the piano sits precisely in front of us with a beautifully rendered reverb. Strings float with great definition, and percussion is energetic yet precise. Goosebumps!
All in all, the Virtus A3 delivers a sound that is utterly musical, engaging, and suitable for long listening sessions. It combines the nuanced richness of a tube preamp with the authority of a powerful transistor power amp – a device that convincingly handles both intimate quiet passages and large dynamic outbursts.
Conclusion
The Canor Virtus A3 impresses as a modern hybrid integrated amplifier that combines sonic refinement with technical versatility. Its combination of tube preamp and powerful transistor output stage delivers a musically warm and detailed sound with high control. Thanks to its built-in DAC, phono, and headphone sections, it replaces several separate devices and stands out as a well-designed all-in-one amplifier solution for discerning listeners.
Pros
Combines digital and analog
Very musical
Excellent phono stage
Cons
Some features not intuitively accessible
No HDMI input
Rating
Sound quality: 59/60
Features/Build: 18/20
Ease of use: 9/10
Subtotal: 86/90
Price/performance: 8/10
Final score: excellent, 94%
