Crius H5S combines high-end headphone and hi-fi performance in one compact case
Canor Audio
October 22, 2026
A versatile headphone amplifier, DAC and preamplifier in one, pairing powerful drive and flexible connectivity with fully discrete circuitry.
Prešov, Slovakia: 22 October 2026 – for immediate release
Canor Audio has launched the Crius H5S, a high-end headphone amplifier, DAC and preamplifier designed to bring exceptional listening performance and system flexibility to a single, elegant component. Equally at home powering demanding headphones or connecting a digital music source to a power amplifier or active loudspeakers, it offers a versatile foundation for a desktop listening setup or a wider hi-fi system.
The latest model in Canor’s acclaimed Essential Line, the Crius H5S combines powerful headphone drive with a dual-mono DAC and a fully discrete analogue signal path, designed without op-amps or coupling capacitors.
Power and precision for every headphone
The Crius H5S has the power to drive a wide range of headphones, from sensitive in-ear monitors to demanding planar-magnetic designs. Its balanced 4-pin XLR and 4.4 mm outputs deliver up to 4 W into 30 Ω, while the single-ended 6.3 mm and 3.5 mm outputs provide up to 1 W into 30 Ω.
Rather than relying on heavy global feedback, Canor’s engineers have optimised discrete local feedback at each stage of the circuit, an approach designed to deliver high linearity and very low distortion – below 0.003% at 500 mW into 30 Ω. An adaptive bias circuit moves smoothly between Class A and Class AB operation, combining the purity of Class A with the headroom needed for more demanding loads.
Get more from your digital music
Optical, coaxial and USB-C inputs make it easy to connect a range of digital music sources, while USB support for PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and native DSD512 caters for high-resolution listening. A dual-mono ES9039Q2M DAC design and fully discrete, balanced analogue output stages underpin the digital section, with nine digital filters offering a choice of settings.
More than a headphone amplifier
The Crius H5S is designed to grow beyond the desktop. As well as anchoring a headphone setup, it can serve as the preamplifier at the heart of a larger hi-fi system, connecting digital and analogue sources directly to a power amplifier or active loudspeakers.
Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs, each with selectable output gain, make it straightforward to partner with a wide range of equipment. An XLR BYPASS mode allows the Crius H5S to be integrated into an existing analogue chain, while a 12 V trigger output lets a connected power amplifier switch on and off with it.
Premium design, made for everyday use
The Crius H5S is built from high-grade aluminium, steel and glass, creating a rigid, compact chassis available in Black, Silver and Bronze finishes. An internal power supply keeps it fully self-contained, with no bulky external adapter to accommodate on the desk or behind the rack.
Everyday control is equally considered. The two-bearing volume knob offers a smooth, tactile feel, while its embedded 1.8-inch circular display keeps settings such as precise balance control within easy reach.
Key features
● Headphone amplifier, DAC and preamplifier in one compact component
● Up to 4 W into 30 Ω balanced (4-pin XLR, 4.4 mm) and 1 W into 30 Ω single-ended (6.3 mm, 3.5 mm)
● Fully discrete analogue signal path, with no op-amps or coupling capacitors
● Optimised local feedback and adaptive Class A/AB bias
● Dual-mono ES9039Q2M DAC with fully discrete, balanced analogue output stages
● Optical, coaxial and USB-C inputs; PCM up to 32-bit/768 kHz and native DSD512 via USB
● Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs, XLR BYPASS mode and 12 V trigger
● Internal power supply
● Aluminium, steel and glass chassis in Black, Silver or Bronze
● Two-bearing volume knob with embedded 1.8-inch circular display
The Canor Crius H5S is available now in Black, Silver and Bronze finishes, with a suggested retail price of £1,799; US price TBC.
More information: https://www.canor-audio.com/canor-crius-h5s
About Canor Audio
Canor Audio has developed and manufactured high-end audio products in Europe for over 30 years, earning a reputation for precision-made electronics that combine excellent sound quality, modern technology, and timeless design. Every product is conceived, engineered, and built with meticulous attention to detail, reflecting Canor’s commitment to musical integrity and craftsmanship. More here: www.canor-audio.com
More News