Canor Verto D4S & Virtus I4S

The Verto D4S is a high-quality dual-mono DAC designed as a universal hub for digital sources. At its core are two independent ESS Sabre 9038Q2M chips running in a dual-mono configuration, one per channel, to deliver high dynamic range, very low distortion and a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 112 dB. The analogue output stage is fully discrete and fully balanced, with no operational amplifiers in the signal path. According to the manufacturer this should translate into natural, precise sound and a coherent presentation, even in ambitious systems where the DAC works with a high-end preamplifier or integrated amplifier. All digital inputs, including USB-C, AES/EBU, coaxial, two optical inputs and a dedicated TV input, are galvanically isolated to minimise noise transfer from connected transports, players and televisions. The Verto D4S supports PCM up to 24-bit/768 kHz, DSD DoP up to DSD256 and Native DSD up to DSD512, so it will handle both everyday files and streams as well as high-resolution material.

The front panel is dominated by a 7-inch touch display that serves as the main user interface. It shows the selected input, sampling frequency and current digital filter settings, and also allows the user to choose the colour theme so that the on-screen interface can be matched to the rest of the system. The enclosure combines aluminium, glass and steel, and in addition to classic black and silver finishes there is a new brown option. Firmware updates can be installed by cable, so new features and improvements can be added without any service intervention. The Canor Verto D4S is priced at €2469.

The Virtus I4S is a solid-state integrated amplifier from the same Foundation line, intended to act as the central control point of a home audio system. Within one relatively compact chassis it combines a stereo power amplifier, line-level preamplifier, a fully featured MM/MC phono stage and a discrete headphone amplifier. The power section delivers 2 x 75 W into 8 Ω and 2 x 120 W into 4 Ω, making it suitable for a wide range of loudspeakers, from standmounts to more demanding floorstanders. The output stage operates in class AB and is built as a true dual-mono design with separate power supplies and filtering for each channel. The power supply section uses a large toroidal transformer and capacitors with a total capacity of 40 000 µF per channel, which is intended to secure dynamic headroom, firm bass control and stable operation at higher listening levels. The Virtus I4S borrows solutions from the reference Virtus S1S line, including Canor's Error Correction technology, a local correction circuit that linearises the output stage and reduces crossover distortion without relying on high levels of global feedback. In practice this is meant to bring cleaner decays, better coherence and natural dynamics across the full volume range.

A lot of attention has also been paid to day-to-day operation. The centrally mounted main knob integrates a 1.8-inch display and is based on a bearing-mounted mechanism with a CCD position sensor, enabling very smooth adjustment and quick access to key settings. Via this display users can, among other things, configure phono stage parameters, including gain for MM and MC cartridges, allowing the amplifier to be precisely matched to a given analogue front end. On the rear panel there are line-level RCA and XLR inputs as well as an RCA phono input, plus a variable RCA output for connecting a subwoofer or an external power amplifier. A 6.3 mm headphone output with a dedicated discrete amplification stage offers sufficient drive for both easier loads and more demanding audiophile headphones. The Virtus I4S has a damping factor of 160 for 4 Ω and 330 for 8 Ω, indicating firm control over loudspeaker drivers, while its signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 90 dB. Firmware updates can be installed over the air, and the enclosure, styled to match the Foundation line, is available in black, silver and brown. The Canor Virtus I4S is priced at €2489.

Both components have been designed to form a coherent set within a single visual and technical family. The Verto D4S, with its wide range of inputs and touch interface, can function as the main digital source for a network transport, computer, disc player or television, while the Virtus I4S takes care of power amplification, phono duties and headphone listening. A shared dual-mono philosophy, emphasis on fully discrete architecture, careful separation of digital and analogue sections and the option of firmware updates mean that this new Foundation pairing is aimed at users who want modern functionality without giving up a classic, engineering-driven approach to audio design. Info and pictures by Canor.