iFi iDSD Valkyrie: The New Portable DAC/Amp for Audiophiles Who Demand More

iFi Audio has introduced the new iDSD Valkyrie, a new flagship portable DAC/Amp. iFi designed the iDSD Valkyrie for users who desire control over their sonic signature for the most musicality. The Valkyrie merges customization and technology in a compact form. It features K2HD Technology, DSD Remastering, six digital filters, and iFi’s impressive analog processing. The device includes quad-DAC architecture, a 5,700mW peak output, lossless Bluetooth, and an 18-hour battery life.

The Valkyrie combines customization and technology in a compact form. It includes K2HD Technology, DSD Remastering, six digital filters, and iFi’s analog processing. The device has quad-DAC architecture, 5,700mW peak output, lossless Bluetooth, and an 18-hour battery life.

DSD Remastering

First off, the Valkyrie includes a DSD Remastering algorithm. A custom-coded FPGA (Field-programmable gate array) powers this algorithm. Users can select the ‘Normal’ setting to pass DSD signals directly to the DAC, while PCM signals go through a user-selected digital filter. Conversely, the ‘Remastering’ setting provides options to remaster all files to DSD512 or DSD1024. DSD Remastering is said to enhance audio quality by increasing resolution and reducing distortion. It’s also said to deliver a richer, more detailed sound.

K2HD Technology

JVCKENWOOD’s K2HD Technology is another key feature of the Valkyrie. This technology is designed to restore the warmth and emotion of analog recordings to digital files. It is supposed to give digital audio a rich, natural harmonic quality. The Valkyrie offers this technology in two modes: ‘K2’ mode and ‘K2HD’ mode. The ‘K2’ mode preserves the file’s original resolution.

Additional Features

The Valkyrie provides six digital filters. These filters include Apodizing, GTO, Bit Perfect, Standard, Minimum, and Transient Aligned. The device also features iFi’s analog processing, including XBassII, XPresence, and XSpace. Valkyrie uses switchable analog circuitry for its EQ modes, instead of Digital Signal Processing (DSP). This design choice is a hallmark of iFi, preserving audio quality and providing natural frequency adjustment. It also reduces phase shift and distortion.

XBassII adds back lost bass frequencies. XPresence enhances midrange and vocals. XSpace expands the soundstage for a more spacious listening environment. This is particularly useful for closed-back headphones.

Quad-DAC Architecture and Bluetooth

The Valkyrie uses four Burr-Brown DACs in a hybrid multi-bit configuration. This design aims to capture the impact of the multi-bit Philips TDA1541A while providing detailed low-level linearity. The Valkyrie also includes Bluetooth, utilizing a Qualcomm chipset for CD-quality audio via aptX Lossless and “Hi-Res” playback via LDAC.

Power and Battery

The Valkyrie delivers more power than iFi’s previous flagship, the iDSD Diablo 2. It provides up to 5,700mW peak output power. The device supports IEMs using xMEMS, a speaker technology that enhances headphone performance. The Valkyrie has four 5,000mAh lithium-ion batteries, totaling 20,000mAh. The battery provides up to 18 hours of playback. The device can recharge in 2.5 hours via USB-C.

Key Features

• K2HD Technology restores the richness of analog sound.
• DSD 1024 Remastering professionally remasters audio to DSD512 or DSD1024.
• Quad DAC Architecture uses four Burr-Brown DACs.
• 5,700mW Peak Output drives demanding headphones.
• Lossless Bluetooth delivers CD-quality audio.
• 20,000mAh Battery provides 18 hours of playtime.

Pricing and Availability

The iDSD Valkyrie is available for purchase from ifi-audio.com and select dealers. The price is £1,699 / $1,699 / €1,699.

---

Hifitrends is reader-supported. We may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase through links on our site. Prices are subject to change at any time.