In January 2026, the online magazine i-fidelity.net tests the colossal stereo power amp Canor Virtus S1S, praising the “truly exceptional listening experience” and naming it the new reference in power amplification:
“Rarely does the phrase ‘First the work, then the pleasure’ apply as much as it does to the S1S. It’s pure heresy to just unpack the amp, plug in the cables and start listening. You can do that, but you won’t come close to unlocking its full potential. After comparing, we choose balanced operation via XLR cables. The power supply doesn’t come from the included cord but from the IsoTek EVO 3 Optimum – this eliminates the acoustic bottleneck: a timpani sounds like a timpani, not a drum; an organ pipe sounds like an organ pipe, not a recorder. One more task: Canor includes spikes for setup with the S1S. Of course, this has to be tested – mount, listen, dismount, listen again. Are there differences? Yes – not revolutionary, but definitely not nothing.
We listened alternately with Epos ES-28N and Magnepan 2.7i speakers. To be clear upfront: it’s rare to so clearly distinguish between speaker technologies. From the very first notes, you know you’re in another sonic league: the Canor S1S operates ultra-fast, with an impulsive clarity that exposes voices and instruments. Yet nothing feels glassy or analytical – rather, it shows an extremely dynamic behavior that breathes life into every musical movement. As fast as the Magnepan panel is, so is the Canor amp.
Then the switch to the Epos. […] The S1S now unleashes its full power, lifting the music to a new level. When listening to the excellent recording ‘Abbey Road Masters: Hope & Wonder Ensemble’, it becomes clear how vividly this amplifier models the fine textures of acoustic instruments. A recent reader’s letter claimed that “modern amps today don’t sound different anymore.” But just as all red wines don’t taste the same, HiFi amps are not all alike – and this Canor is perfect proof. Contrary to what its appearance may suggest, it’s the lightness, the speed with which it creates notes, sounds, tones, music that’s so impressive. An integrated amp from the same brand approaches the task with less sparkle, less naturalness. And we haven’t even touched on the lower octave.
More affordable amps can go all in on amplification, but they don’t achieve this effortless, almost magical sound imaging. […] The S1S’s quality delivers a more intense experience. This one’s addictive. […]
