Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Great to use, sounds great and does not require a single semiconductor in the signal path
- Very low noise for a tube phono stage
- Comfortable and universal adaptation for MM and MC cartridges
- Powerful and dynamic sounding phono preamp
- Excellent manufacturing quality
Product Considerations
- It must be warmed up for at least one hour before listening
- Reselling it will be tough, so you must plan to keep it for a while to depreciate it properly
- Lacks extension on lowest octaves with some cartridges, potentially due to output current characteristics
- Cartridge impedance regulation may be confusing, as the resistance value is seen through the step-up transformer
- The large size might not be necessary, as there is plenty of empty room inside
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Canor portrayed the music just as grippy and vital as Rike Audio Natalija I, but zoomed in on the music even larger and more expansive
- Canor was nowhere near the substance and authority of Naim SuperLine (with Hi-Cap power supply), simply having the larger color palette
Takeaway: The Canor PH 1.10 is a versatile phono preamplifier suitable for both MM and MC cartridges, offering a powerful and dynamic sound with very low noise for a tube design. Given its world-class sound and excellent manufacturing quality, it could be a worthy addition to a hifi system.
All
Canor PH 1.10
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Load capacity MM / Gain: 50, 150, 270, 370, 520, 620, 740, 840 pF / Gain: 46 dB
- Input impedance MC1 / Gain: 10, 20, 40, 80, 150, 300, 600, 1.200 Ω / Gain: 70 dB
- Input impedance MC2 / Gain: 2, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, 150, 300 Ω / Gain: 76 dB
- Output impedance: RCA: < 300 Ω, XLR: < 600 Ω
- Total Harmonic Distortion MM / MC: < 0,1% / 1 VRMS
- RIAA accuracy: 0,3 dB / 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- Signal-to-noise ratio MM: < 72 dBV (87 dBV - IEC - A)
- Signal-to-noise ratio MC: < 68 dBV (82 dBV - IEC - A)
- Tube complement: 8 x 6922EH, 1 x 6CA4EH
- Power: 230 V / 50 Hz / 70 VA
- Dimensions (w x h x d): 435 x 170 x 485 mm
- Weight: 18 kg
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Canor prioritizes in-house manufacturing of key components, including circuit boards using their proprietary CMT milling technology, and output transformers, allowing for greater control over quality and performance.
- The brand offers a unique design aesthetic blending modern elements with retro-inspired touches like orange dot-matrix displays, contributing to a distinct and recognizable product identity.
- Canor emphasizes the meticulous selection and testing of vacuum tubes, with matched pairs and carefully chosen brands, aiming for long-life and stable operation in their tube-based designs.
- The units often incorporate tubes in the output stage of their digital components, aiming to add analog warmth to digital playback.
Select products
Virtus M1:
- Positioning: A reference vacuum tube power amplifier operating in pure class-A.
- Description: Features instant feedback switching and high-quality components like silver-coated oxygen-free copper for low distortion. Compared to the integrated amplifiers (AI 2.10, AI 1.20, and Virtus I2) that offer more connectivity options and the high-powered Virtus S1S that provides extreme output for bigger rooms, this unit is best for setups that favor a classic tube sound in a dedicated, moderate-budget environment.
AI 2.10:
- Positioning: An integrated hybrid amplifier from the performance line that combines a tube preamplifier with a class-D power stage.
- Description: Offers efficient power delivery through a filtered, tuned linear power supply along with a relay-controlled tube preamp for low noise performance. Compared to the premium solid-state design of AI 1.20 and the all-tube configuration of Virtus I2, it suits users needing versatility and modern functionality without a high premium price.
AI 1.20:
- Positioning: A premium integrated solid-state amplifier operating in pure class-A with advanced filtering and monoblock capability.
- Description: Uses exceptionally high filtering capacitance and a dual-block relay attenuator to achieve stable, interference-free performance. Compared with the hybrid approach of AI 2.10 and the tube-centric qualities of Virtus I2, it is aimed at buyers who demand refined build quality and stable, high-fidelity sound in controlled setups.
Virtus I2:
- Positioning: A premium integrated tube amplifier that delivers pure class-A operation with flexible mode switching.
- Description: Features auto-bias operation, instant switching between triode and ultra-linear modes, and advanced PCB milling (CMT) to minimize dielectric losses. Compared to the AI series—which target either performance or premium solid-state sound—and the more conventional tube design of Virtus M1, it caters to audiophiles seeking classic tube warmth, detailed sonic refinement, and the flexibility needed for varied listening environments.
Virtus S1S:
- Positioning: A high-end solid-state dual-mono power amplifier primarily operating in class AB with a few watts starting in pure class-A.
- Description: Features innovative heat dissipation using copper plates, error correction circuits, and ultra-low distortion to deliver robust, clear power with exceptional channel separation. Compared with the tube-based Virtus M1 and the integrated amplifiers (AI 2.10, AI 1.20, and Virtus I2), it is designed for large-room applications demanding maximum output and top-tier engineering.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
We consider ourselves specialists in tube technology. This year marks our 30th anniversary at Canor. Over the past three decades, we have amassed a wealth of experience in tubes and the design of tube-based audio products.
In addition to our core offerings, we design and manufacture audio products for other brands as an Original Design Manufacturer (ODM). We also designed the tube testers, which are essential for precise measuring and testing of tubes. These testers allow us to carefully select and match tubes for our products. Additionally, each tube that passed the measuring and testing process was assigned a unique number. This allows us to track the tubes used in our amplifier and provide the exact replacement for the customer when needed.
Furthermore, we have developed tube “burning” (or ageing) stands that are used to age the tubes we source from producers. This process ensures that the tubes' parameters stabilise before we proceed with precise measuring, testing, and pairing.
As a second technological innovation we are proud of is so-called CMT technology which we used in our tube-based products. This technology allows us to approach the dielectric loss factor (loss tangent) of printed circuit boards to the air loss factor. With this technology, we have achieved such excellent parameters as can be achieved with "wire connections" only by using very expensive and high-quality wires with Teflon insulation. However, our new technology has the advantage of repeatability in production with a 100% identical geometric arrangement (which is not possible with "wire-to-wire" connections). In addition, the advantage over "wire to wire" is that the connections are several times shorter than it is possible to achieve with a "wire to wire" connection.
What's your approach to customer support?
We appreciate every customer of Canor, whether they purchased an old amplifier 25 years ago or the latest model. Our strong relationships with partners, distributors, and dealers ensure that customers can reach out to them with any post-sale inquiries.
In addition, we are here to assist customers directly from all over the world. Anyone can contact us with questions about Canor products or any technical issues. We can provide remote support or collaborate with local service centres by offering technical advice or schematics needed to fix any problems that may arise.
We understand that deciding to buy a new audio product is a significant process. We are also available to assist potential customers by answering any questions they may have, including helping them match our products with other audio devices or loudspeakers.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
That's a tough question, but if we must choose just three tracks, I would mention the following:
- Dominique Fils-Aimé – Rise
- Paul Cauthen - Cocaine Country Dancing
- Two Feet - Had Some Drinks
- And bonus: Rage Against The Machine - Fistful Of Steel
What other products pair best with yours?
We really like Fink Team loudspeakers (Borg, Kim) and Epos speakers. When it comes to more commercial (or well-known) brands, Focal is the one we enjoy playing with as well. Our amplifiers are designed to be compatible with most loudspeakers, and we believe our customers have had very good experiences with other brands.
What if you spend more?
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a natural, spacious, and clean sound
- Attenuator is located in a special aluminum box (10 mm thick walls) which provides perfect shielding and absorbs the vibrations
- Is a Class-A preamplifier and was designed to avoid ANY global feedback
- Analogue part is separated from the power part by a solid aluminium wall (10 mm thick) which contributes to the elimination of interference
Product Considerations
- The tubes require a lengthy break-in period of several hundred hours
- The system remote control could be bigger
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Hyperion and Virtus combo's sovereignty brings the acoustic events to 'life' more convincingly
Takeaway: The Hyperion P1 is made to provide high signal quality sound. It has excellent workmanship to ensure amazing sound quality.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Unparalleled cartridge matching capabilities with adjustable gain levels and load options
- Features a multitude of equalization options, including preset EQ options alongside the option to set up custom curves
- Exceptional build quality with a chassis precision-machined from solid aluminum, offering superior electromagnetic shielding and aesthetic elegance
- Intuitive operation is ensured by the clear display and the Single Knob Control (SKC) system, despite the unit's complexity
- Class A circuitry throughout delivers a warmth and naturalness that brings vinyl playback to life, while maintaining exceptional detail and clarity
Product Considerations
- Premium price point makes it a high-end investment
- Complex feature set may require a learning curve for full usage
- Large form factor requires adequate rack space
- The remote control has a mute function that requires two clicks to unmute, which can be slightly annoying
- The Owners' Manual could be improved and is not very informative
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Gold Note PH-10: PH-1000 has more cartridge loading possibilities
- Vs Gold Note PSU-1250 & TUBE-1012: PH-1000 lacks a warm tube sound, but if you add the PSU-1250 & TUBE-1012, details are brought out with added sharpness and the music becomes more cohesive—reaching a new level of harmonic wholeness
Takeaway: The Gold Note PH-1000 is a sophisticated phono preamplifier with a wide range of features and exceptional sound quality, perfect for vinyl enthusiasts seeking to get the best out of their collections. Its flexibility and upgradeability make it a worthwhile investment for those serious about analog audio.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Separate chassis for the power supply and signal circuitry minimizes noise, improving low-level detail retrieval
- Front panel controls for gain, resistive loading, and capacitive loading, provide flexibility for cartridge matching
- Two RCA inputs accommodate two turntables or tonearms, simplifying analog setups
- Superb detail, clarity, and a clean sound, leads to a musically involving experience
- A high-pass filter reduces low-frequency noise, helpful for systems with subwoofers
Product Considerations
- The two-chassis design may be problematic for audiophiles with limited space, as the power supply is ideally placed separate from the main unit
- No remote control is included, requiring manual adjustments at the unit itself
- Settings are not automatically remembered when switching between tonearm inputs, requiring manual readjustment
- Some reviewers would have liked to see larger LED indicators and labels for easier visibility
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The XP-27 offers a host of useful features and operates with a great deal of attention paid to lower distortion, even RIAA performance is accomplished at much lower distortion levels than previous versions in the same price class
- Vs Pass Labs XP-25, the XP-27 offers incremental improvements including lower noise and better bass performance due to dual transformers—vs single in the XP-25—lower noise resistors, upgraded rectifiers and improved power filtering and regulation
- Vs Pass Labs XP-17, the XP-27 offers superior dynamics, clarity, imaging and musicality
- Vs Pass Labs XP-22, the XP-27 is the star of the two-component show: XP-22-line preamplifier and XP-27 phono preamplifier
Takeaway: The Pass Labs XP-27 is a versatile and high-performing phono preamplifier that extracts remarkable detail and clarity from vinyl recordings. Its flexible loading options and dual inputs make it a great choice for vinyl enthusiasts seeking exceptional sound quality.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Tonally, the XP-32 is a more beautiful, engaging preamplifier with a beautiful class A sound that presents fatigue-free
- Exceptional build quality
- Supreme clarity of sound lends a feeling of speed, precision, and vivacity in music across various genres, from jazz to opera, symphonic to rock
- Brings forth a feeling of speed, precision, and vivacity in various genres of music, from jazz to opera, symphonic to rock
- The metaphor of the veil being lifted—or ripped away—is applicable here
Product Considerations
- Not the most neutral or transparent unit
- Needed a lot of volume for it to get a Griffin amplifier moving
- Takes up a lot of space, especially if not stacked
- Missing was a touch of body to Netrebko's voice and a sense of air around it
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to PASLabs XB30, the XP-32 is a better line stage
- Compared to the XS preamplifier, the XP-32 uses a single-stage volume control as used in the XS preamplifier and has more range, with 0.5dB steps; it is quieter and more accurate
- Compared to the XP-30, the XP-32's inputs are DC-coupled and a servo is used after trimming
- Compared to the XP-22, it was just slightly more explicit
Takeaway: The XP-32 is a well-built preamplifier that gives a clean and clear sound, bringing more excitement to music. If you want to hear everything in music, the XP-32 might be what you are looking for.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Support for both MM and MC cartridges
- Ability to handle balanced MC connections
- Quick selection of cartridge loading via a front rotary dial
- Excellent fit and finish
- Vanishingly low noise
Product Considerations:
- Lacks gain adjustment
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Asterion V2 is more clear-cut and conceptually focused, as the Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista Vinyl 2 has user-selectable EQ curves and multiple inputs
Takeaway: The Canor Asterion V2 is a phono preamplifier with great cartridge support and very low noise, built to deliver high-end sound from a vinyl system. It is a good choice for vinyl fans who want high quality without unnecessary complexity.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers a wide range of features rarely seen in a component of this type, including a high-performance DAC, analog preamplifier, BluOS streaming, Dirac Live room correction, and a high-quality phono stage
- Includes Dirac Live Bass Control for up to four independent subwoofers, allowing for optimized bass performance and integration, and Dirac Live improves clarity and bass definition
- Uses ESS Sabre DAC chips, known for wide dynamic range and low noise/distortion
- Features a modular design that lets one expand its capabilities, helping to ensure product longevity and up-to-date functionality
- Offers versatile connectivity with a comprehensive array of inputs and outputs, including balanced XLR, AES/XLR, and HDMI eARC
Product Considerations
- BluOS is limited to a maximum resolution of 24-bit/192kHz
- Does not offer home-theater bypass, though it could be implemented in a future upgrade
- Dirac Live iPhone app not always successful at recognizing microphone
- Touchscreen does not behave in the same way as an EverSolo or a FiiO, because one cannot browse music libraries with it, it is really just for input and settings and just the kind of nitty-gritty of daily use, but not music playback
- Some found the styling a bit overdone, while others appreciated the display
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Is considered better overall than the Anthem STR due to a more sophisticated room correction system and a fully featured multiroom streaming platform with wireless capability
- Sounds more lit up top to bottom with greater avidity than PS Audio, and it better exposes surface textures, and layer separation is more easily seen
- The MC input quite clearly resolves more finer detail and it better inks tonal colors compared to the MC phono stage built into the Cambridge Audio Alva TT 2 turntable
Takeaway: The NAD M66 is a sophisticated and feature-rich streaming preamplifier, offering a versatile set of tools for audiophiles seeking precise sound reproduction and optimized bass performance. With its modular design and future-proofing capabilities, the M66 is a great choice for anyone building a high-end hifi system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Incredibly saturated sound packed with information, resulting in a deep and detailed presentation
- Separate gain paths for MM and MC cartridges, optimizing performance for each
- Extremely silent and powerful signal transmission capabilities
- Offers a wide range of settings to optimize performance for any cartridge, including extensive gain and loading options, and dozens of equalization curves
- Parameters can be adjusted on the fly using a custom Mola Mola app
- Design allows it to get out of the way of the music, allowing the music to swell and breathe majestically
Product Considerations
- The new review sample took some 300 hours to stabilize
- A slight faltering of absolute pitch definition and texture below about 40-45 Hz
- Some may find the sound too neutral and challenging—preferring a more lush sound
- With so many parameters to adjust, people may use the unit's abilities as a tone control and stray away from the intended EQ curve
- There are so many options, that it may be changed too far
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Versus GrandiNote Celio mk IV phono preamplifier, Lupe reminded the reviewer more of their Class A GrandiNote Celio mk IV phono preamplifier than the other of my references—ESE Lab Nibiru MC
- Versus ESE Lab Nibiru MC, each of those features could be pointed out as Lupe's advantages, although they were not as prominent as with Nibiru MC
Takeaway: The Mola Mola Lupe is a versatile and high-performing phono stage that delivers a sophisticated and musical sound. Its extensive features and convenient app control make it a great choice for vinyl enthusiasts who want to optimize their listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Combines a network streamer, DAC, and preamplifier with digital and analog inputs, offering versatility
- Features Leedh Processing lossless volume control, which minimizes distortion and loss of resolution, maintaining sound quality even at high attenuation levels
- High-quality build with an aluminum chassis and a well-designed internal layout, including dual toroidal transformers and a Femto Clock System
- Has three HDMI inputs with 4k passthrough and ARC (Audio Return Channel), making it work as part of a multimedia system
Product Considerations
- Analog input signals are digitized because the P1's volume control operates in the digital domain
- The Lumin app is not as graphically compelling as Roon, nor is it as easy to navigate and manage a music library
- When the volume is set at '100' or the output level is set to 'fixed,' both Leedh and the conventional volume controls are bypassed
- It appears to have no discernible colorations of its own and delivers extremely high resolution, probably more than most systems will be able to realize
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the AURALiC Aries G1.1, the P1 delivers a considerably more realistic, musical, and engaging sound
- Compared to the Copland CSA 100 amplifier, the P1 is a more musical and competent sounding player with greater resolution, extension, dynamics, and ease
Takeaway: The Lumin P1 is a versatile network player, DAC, and preamplifier offering high-quality sound and a wide range of features. It delivers a powerful and immersive listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Allows the music to play as intended, with transparency being a key attribute
- Offers excellent control, grip, and dynamic headroom
- Fully balanced design from input to output, maximizing performance with balanced sources
- Provides a very quiet background, improving separation and detail
- Very low noise floor, revealing a lot of detail without sounding analytical
Product Considerations
- The volume control lacks a digital readout
- Minimalist design with a basic remote that some may find lacking
- There are only two XLR inputs
- The simple lines may not appeal to those seeking a visually flashy product
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Hegel H390, the P30A/H30A surpasses it, making the H390 sound inferior
- Compared to the Luxman M900U, the Hegel H30A exhibits greater soundstage depth
- Compared to the Constellation Revelation Series, the P30A/H30A revealed plenty of sonic information but didn't sound stilted or forced, though Constellation had "peer into the recording" transparency that the Hegel combo probably can't match
- Compared to older Hegel models, the newer models sound more extended and focused in the upper frequencies and are slightly warmer than neutral compared to the older versions' more apparent tilt toward warmth
Takeaway: The Hegel P30A is an excellent preamplifier that prioritizes transparency and control, letting the music shine through with exceptional detail and soundstage depth, and minimal coloration of its own. It ensures a clean, powerful, and natural presentation.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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