Canor Audio Asterion V3 Phono Preamplifier

Description

The CANOR Asterion V3

The CANOR Asterion V3 is a high-performance tube phono preamplifier from CANOR’s
Performance Line, designed for both MM and MC cartridges. It offers RCA inputs
as well as balanced XLR connectivity for MC cartridges, together with extensive impedance
and capacitance adjustment for precise cartridge matching.

Its purist circuit architecture is designed without global feedback, helping preserve natural
dynamics, tonal purity and spatial information. The four-stage tube amplification section
uses selected ECC83S and 12AT7WC tubes, while an integrated subsonic filter helps
remove unwanted low-frequency content.

For MC cartridges, the Asterion V3 uses a Lundahl step-up transformer, while RIAA
equalisation is implemented with passive circuitry using high-quality polystyrene and
polypropylene capacitors. The unit allows simultaneous connection of one MM and one MC
cartridge for easy switching between the two.

Key operating functions can also be controlled by remote control, while the touch
interface and matrix display provide clear and convenient operation. The power supply
features extensive shielding and multi-stage filtration to achieve very low noise and
stable performance.

CANOR’s proprietary CMT™ – CANOR PCB Milling Technology is used to reduce dielectric
losses in the circuit board, helping the design approach the performance characteristics
of traditional point-to-point wiring.

Key Features

• Tube phono preamplifier for MM and MC cartridges
• Balanced and unbalanced MC connectivity
• Purist circuit design without global feedback
• Lundahl step-up transformer for MC cartridges
• Four-stage tube amplification
• Selected and matched tubes
• Adjustable MC input impedance
• Adjustable MM input capacitance
• Simultaneous MM and MC cartridge connection
• Subsonic filter
• Passive RIAA equalisation
• Remote control
• Touch-control interface and matrix display
• CMT™ PCB Milling Technology
• Shielded power supply with multi-stage filtering

Main Features

Purist Architecture Without Global Feedback

The Asterion V3’s analogue stages are designed without global feedback,
preserving the natural dynamics, tonal purity and phase integrity of the music signal.
This solution eliminates unwanted phase distortions and preserves the integrity of
the recording in its authentic form, contributing to a vivid and detailed sound image
with precise spatial rendering.

Four-Stage Tube Preamplifier Chain

The amplification chain uses four stages equipped with selected
ECC83S and ECC81 tubes to achieve high gain with low noise.
Between the first two stages is an integrated subsonic filter, which effectively
eliminates unwanted low-frequency interference without affecting the audible frequency range.
This combination ensures a stable, linear signal and high-fidelity reproduction.

Phono Settings Adjustable via Remote Control

The versatile remote control allows you to adjust all key phono preamplifier
functions directly from the listening position. In addition to choosing between
MM and MC cartridges, it allows precise adjustment of impedance and capacitance
values according to the specifications of the connected cartridge.

Intuitive Operation and Excellent Readability

The combination of touch controls and a matrix display provides an intuitive user
experience. The touch interface ensures seamless interaction with the device,
while the matrix display offers excellent readability of all key operating
information even from the listening position.

Multi-Level Shielding of the Mains Transformer

The power supply uses a transformer with primary and secondary windings separated
by copper foil, effectively reducing the penetration of mains interference.
The complete transformer assembly is treated with an anti-vibration compound
and enclosed in a 4 mm thick steel housing, providing effective electromagnetic
shielding while helping prevent mechanical hum.

Five-Stage Anode Voltage Filtration

To deliver maximum stability and clean power, the Asterion V3 features a
high-precision five-stage anode voltage filtration system.
This multi-stage process significantly reduces residual ripple and mains interference,
helping ensure that the delicate analogue audio signal remains clean and unaffected.