IDC Klaassen

In October 2026, the online portal hifi.de publishes a review of the Canor Virtus I4S integrated amplifier. To set the scene, here are the telling subheadings from the enthusiastic review by hi-fi editor Bernhard Rietschel: “The phono input can do more than many a standalone preamp – Powerful and widely compatible – Neutral, but not soulless – A surprisingly polished user interface.” Here are further excerpts from the listening test:

“We have the JJ Cale album ‘Naturally’ in its first German vinyl pressing on Philips. Initially, playback duties fall to the Rega Planar 2 with the manufacturer’s own Nd3 MM cartridge. This relatively affordable English turntable sounds better through the Canor than through most other integrated amplifiers. The reason is the excellent-sounding phono stage, which operates with very low noise in MM mode (in fact, it is already noise-free) and offers unusually clear differentiation without sounding too thin or unbalanced. In other words, rather like what we are accustomed to from good external phono stages.

From the perfectly coherent, uncomplicated P2, we move to the Rega Planar 6 RS, an even quieter turntable with far higher resolution, fitted with an Ania MC cartridge. […] The superior dynamics of the upmarket Rega are unmistakable with the Canor, now in MC mode.

Even with demanding music and ambitious listening levels, this fine Slovak amp always retains its refined, coherent underlying character. Fundamentally, its presentation is absolutely neutral. If it allows itself any tonal deviations at all, they lean in a very slightly warm, velvety direction. In the bass, too, control and pitch definition take precedence over raw displays of power. The true audiophile soul of this amp, however, lives in the midrange, where it achieves a wonderful, full-bodied intensity.

Voices and instruments sound entirely believable, without the tell-tale little crowns of harmonic distortion that less accomplished amps leave on the sound waves. On first listening, you might almost find the Canor Virtus I4S too unobtrusive. That’s a good sign

That is often how you recognise amplifiers that aim to get out of the way as completely as possible, rather than draw attention to themselves. Only through its warm tonal colours and the tactile textures of acoustic instruments, which almost seem to cling to the ear, does the Canor leave a subtle, cultured calling card.

Conclusion

Viewed casually on a sideboard or in a rack, the Virtus’s understated design does not necessarily demand attention. Admiration grows steadily, though, the closer you get to the beautifully constructed unit and the more you interact with its polished user interface. The Canor amp is equally unobtrusive in its sound, yet also profound and balanced. A good headphone output and its fully fledged, adjustable phono input make the Canor Virtus I4S a true integrated amplifier in the classic sense of the term. Its powerful output stages remain stable under load and can handle any loudspeaker, which can make planning your system considerably easier.

Pros

+ Slightly warm, tactile, finely textured sound
+ Excellent-sounding, adjustable MM/MC phono input
+ Elegant user interface
+ Perfect build quality

Cons

– No digital inputs

Result

very good, score 8.9”

Read the full review in German Find a retailer

Canor Virtus I4S: “one of the most refined and elegant amps in its price class”