In its August issue 5/2026, LP, the magazine for analogue hi-fi and vinyl culture, reviews the Virtus I4S integrated amplifier and Verto D4S DAC combination from Canor’s Foundation Line. In his conclusion, the author writes: “From my point of view, these two elegant and attractively priced new Canor components are perfect products”:
“Let’s get one thing straight right away: in combination with the integrated amplifier, the DAC sounds as analogue as it gets – in other words, as natural as it gets – and really, really good. I connected my CD transport to the Verto D4S and put on Anouar Brahem’s Souvenance. Björn Meyer’s unmistakable electric bass sounded full, smooth, springy and simply wonderful. This is a refined, almost delicate sound, one for tube enthusiasts – can that really be a coincidence? Not that tube amplifiers necessarily always sound refined and delicate. But this transistor amplifier and its DAC buddy are light-years away from any notion of potentially harsh transistor sound. I also noticed, very positively, how finely the volume can be adjusted and that, as already mentioned, the DAC sounds at its airiest and indeed most elegant with the Optimal Transient Filter.
But now, of course, it is time for the phono section. I put on Archie Shepp’s True Ballads, one of my finest records from the Japanese Venus Records label. It sounds taut, resonant and full-bodied, yet never thickened; instead, it remains structured and airy. I am equally amazed by the micro-resolution and micro-dynamics.”
But the Virtus I4S also handles large dynamic swings with ease, while the musical flow always remains intact. That means I can fully immerse myself in the music at any time without being distracted by the technology. Of course, comparisons can be made here, and one could certainly point to even better external phono solutions and step-up transformers. But that is not the point. What matters is a coherent, musically satisfying sound that performs well above its class. Have I mentioned the sense of space yet? It makes you forget all notions of spatial boundaries and allows the music to unfold freely in the room. Almost studio-like, you might say. And something I already touched on above becomes abundantly clear here: whether I listen to analogue or digital makes practically no difference in terms of sound quality. Both options sound equally outstanding and equally natural.
Conclusion
From my point of view, these two elegant and attractively priced new Canor components are perfect products that never leave me wanting more. Even the integrated phono stage is excellent.
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