iFi Audio has once again elevated the high-fidelity audio landscape with the introduction of the iDSD Valkyrie DAC, a device that aspires to transport your music experience to the legendary halls of Valhalla.
This latest offering stands as iFi’s most advanced and powerful DAC to date, surpassing its predecessors in both performance and price.
A New Pinnacle in iFi’s DAC Lineup
Founded in 2012, iFi Audio has rapidly established itself as a formidable force in the audio industry, delivering some of the finest portable headphone DACs available.
The iDSD Valkyrie continues this tradition, marking a significant leap forward from the previous flagship, the iDSD Diablo 2.
Priced at $1,699 / £1,699, the Valkyrie commands a $400 / £400 premium over the Diablo 2. However, this increase is justified by a substantial 44% boost in power, catering to the most demanding audiophiles.
Innovative Technologies Elevating Audio Fidelity
At the heart of the iDSD Valkyrie lies the integration of JVCKENWOOD’s renowned K2HD coding technology. This feature is designed to restore the warmth and emotion inherent in analog recordings, often perceived as lacking in digital formats.
Users can choose between two modes: ‘K2’ mode, which maintains the original resolution of the audio file, and ‘K2HD’ mode, which enhances the audio quality to high-definition standards.
Complementing this is iFi’s proprietary DSD 1024 remastering algorithm, powered by a custom-coded FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).
This system offers two settings: ‘Normal,’ where DSD signals are directly processed by the DAC and PCM signals pass through a user-selected digital filter, and ‘Remastering,’ which allows for upsampling to DSD512 or DSD1024, delivering an exceptionally high-resolution audio experience.
Quad DAC Architecture for Superior Sound
The iDSD Valkyrie employs a sophisticated quad DAC architecture, utilizing four interleaved Burr-Brown DAC chips.
This design ensures precise and detailed sound reproduction. Additionally, users have access to six digital filters—Apodising, GTO (Gibbs Transient Optimized), Bit Perfect, Standard, Minimum, and Transient Aligned—providing a customizable listening experience tailored to individual preferences.
Enhanced Audio Processing Features
iFi has incorporated several unique audio processing features into the Valkyrie to further enrich the listening experience:
- XBassII: Enhances low-frequency response, adding depth and richness to the bass.
- XPresence: Improves the clarity and presence of midrange frequencies, bringing vocals and instruments to the forefront.
- XSpace: Expands the soundstage, creating a more immersive and three-dimensional audio environment.
Notably, the Valkyrie utilizes switchable analog circuitry for its EQ modes, eschewing traditional Digital Signal Processing (DSP).
This approach aims to preserve audio purity, allowing for more natural frequency adjustments with minimal phase shift and distortion.
Unparalleled Power and Versatility
One of the standout features of the iDSD Valkyrie is its remarkable power output. With a peak output of 5,700mW, it is capable of driving even the most power-hungry headphones with ease.
This represents a 44% increase in power compared to the iDSD Diablo 2, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of high-impedance headphones.
For those who prefer wireless connectivity, the Valkyrie supports the highest quality Bluetooth codecs, including LDAC, aptX Lossless, and aptX Adaptive.
This ensures that users can enjoy high-resolution audio without the constraints of wired connections.
Designed for Portability and Endurance
Despite its formidable capabilities, the iDSD Valkyrie is designed with portability in mind. It houses a robust 20,000mAh battery, offering up to 18 hours of continuous playback.
The device also features fast charging via USB-C, reaching full charge in just 2.5 hours, ensuring minimal downtime between listening sessions.
A Worthy Investment for Discerning Audiophiles
While the iDSD Valkyrie comes with a premium price tag, its array of advanced features and superior performance make it a compelling choice for audiophiles seeking the pinnacle of portable audio quality.
Its combination of cutting-edge technology, powerful output, and thoughtful design positions it as a standout device in the high-end DAC market.
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