The online magazine hifistatement.net tests the Canor Virtus I2 tube integrated amplifier in March 2025 and concludes: “This amplifier is a dream”:
“Before swapping the pleasantly balanced-sounding Analysis Audio for the much more dynamic Phonar Veritas, I listen once more to ‘Take My Breath Away’ from Malia’s album One Grass Skirt to London on Qobuz—an excellent recording, especially regarding Malia’s voice. On the ribbon speakers, her singing sounds so authentic that one might believe she is standing right between the speakers. Piano, bass, organ sounds, and drums accompany Malia sensitively, arranged cleanly on the imaginary stage. The Canor Virtus does not imprint its own signature but reproduces the music with sovereign calmness and perfect tonal balance. Rarely have these speakers sounded so lifelike while simultaneously conveying the tension of the music.
Malia’s vocals emerge with a noticeably more energetic approach, her voice gaining a contour never experienced before. It is already evident that the Virtus can do much more than simply convey calmness, homogeneity, soundstage, and authentic timbres. With such minimal instrumentation, her singing fascinates me even more. Closing my eyes is no longer necessary to perceive the performer standing between the speakers with even clearer definition and finely articulated vocals. […]”
Whether with brass or strings, the Canor reproduces the instruments’ overtones with authentic brilliance. It allows each section its own space, enabling me to fully immerse myself in the orchestra. Everything sounds incredibly realistic. It’s truly remarkable—both honest and enchanting. The brass sections astonish me in particular, as I have never been able to enjoy them so convincingly and grippingly with any amplifier paired with the Phonar speakers. That symphonic music could be conveyed with such realism and authority was previously unimaginable in this listening room. […]
Technically, this review should end here, but I can’t tear myself away from the listening pleasure provided by the Canor and continue to enjoy several more albums. Among them is The “In” Crowd by the Ramsey Lewis Trio. Once again, I am amazed at what this amplifier can do musically. The live atmosphere is apparent right from the applause, which sounds so authentic that I immediately feel drawn into the scene. The music is so engaging and emotionally captivating because its energy and nuanced richness make every instrument shine—simply magnificent. This concert, too, seems to pass far too quickly. I simply don’t get tired of enjoying music this way.
Statement
The Canor Virtus I2 is a dream. It embodies more outstanding musical qualities than I have ever expected from an integrated amplifier. Its price is therefore more than justified. So one must ask: what more could you want?
