iFi iDSD Valkyrie DAC and Headphone Amplifier

iFi iDSD Valkyrie DAC and Headphone Amplifier

“Become Your Own Remastering Engineer.”Designed for those who crave musicality and emotional depth,the Valkyrie takes the tools once reserved for the world’s topmastering houses and delivers them directly to your fingertips.

• JVCKENWOOD’s K2HD Technology
• DSD 1024 Remastering
• Four Burr-Brown DACs
• Up to 5,700mW Max. Output
• Lossless Bluetooth
• xMEMS Support
• USB-C Fast Charging
• 20,000mAh Battery for 18 Hours’ Playtime

A Mastering Suite. In Your Hand

The iDSD Valkyrie isn’t just powerful – it’s personal.

Designed for those who seek musicality andemotional depth, it lets you sculpt the feel of yourmusic with technologies once exclusive to theworld’s best mastering houses – empowering you tobecome your own remastering engineer.

Winged Wonder.

The front plate design of the iDSD Valkyrie is inspiredby the majestic wings of the Valkyrie’s horse.

DSD Remastering

The iDSD Valkyrie is designed intently for those wanting tosculpt the feel and emotion of their music, to exactly howthey envision it.

Inspired by the artistry of mastering engineers, it featuresour bespoke DSD1024 Remastering algorithm, poweredby a custom-coded FPGA.

Similar to the technology used in Sony’s masteringstudios, DSD Remastering transforms any file byincreasing resolution and reducing distortion – deliveringsound that rivals a professionally remastered recording.

The History of K2

Born from the legendary Victor Studios, this technologywas created to breathe life and emotion back intodistinctly clinical sounding digital audio.

To achieve this, JVCKENWOOD engineers analysedthousands of original masters at Victor Studios, fine-tuningK2’s parameters guided purely by their own humanexpertise and intuition.

Once exclusive to JVCKENWOOD, this remarkabletechnology now resides within the heart of the Valkyrie,ready to be experienced at the press of a button.

K2HD Technology

The Valkyrie incorporates two modes; ‘K2′ mode and’K2HD’ mode.’K2HD’ optionally upscales audio files to 192kHz/24-bit before applying selected K2 parameters forprecise waveform shaping.

It extends high frequencies to restore naturalharmonics, achieving sound quality close to theoriginal master.

For those who prefer restoration without changingthe sample rate, ‘K2’ mode provides a similar effectwhile preserving the file’s original resolution.

The Finishing Touch.

Alongside these powerful technologies, the Valkyriealso offers six digital filters, letting you fine-tune thedetails and craft a listening experience that’s trulyyour own.

• Bit Perfect
• Standard
• Minimum
• GTO
• Apodising
• Transient Aligned

Perfect Your Headphones.

Complementing its digital customisation suite, theValkyrie features analogue processing that transformsheadphone listening into a captivating experience.

• Enhances the audio by creating a spacioussound field
• Adds back the lost bass frequencies from openheadphones
• Pushes mid presence towards the listener, formore forward sounding vocals

Quad-DAC Architecture

At the heart of the Valkyrie are four Burr-Brown DACs ina hybrid multi-bit configuration, drawing inspirationfrom our long-standing experience with the legendarymulti-bit Philips TDA1541A.

First introduced in the Pro iDSD, this interleaved designcaptures the magic and impact of the iconic multi-bitchipset, but with superior low-level linearity forbreathtaking detail.

Cut the Cord. Not the Quality.

Bluetooth used to mean sacrificing quality forwireless convenience. Not anymore.

As pioneers of Lossless Bluetooth, we’ve equippedthe Valkyrie with the latest technology to deliver CD-quality audio wirelessly, with zero data loss.

It also supports genuine Hi-Res Bluetooth playbackover LDAC and LHDC.

Next-Gen Compatibility.

xMEMS is a cutting-edge driver technology for IEMsthat uses the piezoelectric effect to deliver lightning-fast, accurate sound.

The Valkyrie provides the correct bias voltage andequalisation* required to optimally drive xMEMS IEMs.

• Some 150x faster than mechanical drivers
• Virtually no phase shift

Colossal Battery Capacity.

To power all its advanced features, the Valkyrierequires a serious battery configuration.

Lift the hood, and you’ll find four batteries,combining for a colossal 20,000mAh.

Not only do batteries provide the cleanest powersource, but they do so with enough life to last aflight from London to New York… and back.

That’s up to 18 hours on a single charge.

Rapid Recharging.

Get back to enjoying your listeningsessions without any long waits.

Valkyrie’s impressive fast-chargingcapability, allowing you to fullyrecharge in just 2.5 hours.

It supports the latest USB-C PDstandards and is QC3.0 certified at 20V.

Powered by Battery or Mains

High-capacity 20,000mAh lithium-ion batteries provide long runtime despite extreme amp power.

iPowerX power supply with Active Noise Cancellation.

Design Philosophy

“At iFi, we create products that blend technology with emotion. We view our products as both precise tools and musical instruments; enabling you to hear music the way it was meant to be heard, with all the emotion it conveys.

The Valkyrie, our high-end portable DAC, merges timeless design with innovative functionality. Its shape evokes the spirit of bygone era and its legends; the SR-71 Blackbird and early sports cars.

Every surface is carefully considered for optimal sonic, visual, and tactile enjoyment:

• CNC-machined aluminium for flawless fit and finish
• Retro champagne anodisation with satin finish for a timeless aesthetic
• Solid aluminium buttons and an oversized control knob, inspired by a watch crown
• Gorilla glass display for scratch-resistant durability

Valkyrie is more than just a DAC; it’s a gateway to rediscovering music in all itsemotional depth.”

Julien Haziza, Chief Designer

FEATURES

Digital

• Quad-stack DAC – 4x DACs in interleaved configuration enables exceptional resolution
• Studio grade Crysopeia FPGA Remastering Engine to upconvert PCM and DSD files to DSD512 or DSD1024
• 8 selectable digital filters including JVCKENWOOD’s K2 and K2HD technologies
• Equipped with Qualcomm’s flagship QCC5181 chip featuring Bluetooth 5.4, supports the latest aptX Lossless codec capable of streaming lossless CD-quality audio without sacrificing quality
• Ultra-res digital audio – 32-bit/768kHz PCM, DSD512
• Power delivery compatible with QC3.0 support at 20V, and QC2.0 support at 5-12V

Analogue

• Astonishing 5,700mW of power (max.) – drives the toughest headphone loads with consummate ease
• Custom bias, EQ and amp circuits for next generation xMEMS headphone driver technology
• XSpace, XBassII, and XPresence – adjust soundstage and frequency response to match your headphones
• Three power modes: Normal, Turbo for low-sensitivity headphones, and Nitro for the most demanding headphones with a 19.6V max output
• iEMatch optimises output to suit high-sensitivity in-ear monitors
• Top-grade audiophile circuit components deliver exceptional sonic purity

General

• Multiple operational modes – pure DAC, DAC/headphone amp, and preamplifier
• Separated digital and analogue PCBs for minimal crosstalk
• Powered by battery or mains – iPower power supply with Active Noise Cancellation included
• High-capacity 21700 lithium-ion battery configuration provides up to 18 hours of playtime despite extreme amp power
• iFi Nexis compatible for wireless OTA firmware updates
• Supplied with custom-made travel case and Nordic engraved presentation box

In the Box

• iDSD Valkyrie
• iPower Power Supply
• USB-C to USB-C Cable
• USB-C OTG Cable
• USB-C to USB-A Adapter
• DC to USB-C Cable
• Toslink Optical Adapter
• Custom Travel Case
• Quick Start Guide
• Instruction Card
• Nordic Engraved Presentation Box

CONNECTIVITY

Digital inputs: 1 x USB-C; 1 x S/PDIF (optical/coaxial); Bluetooth 5.4

Analogue inputs: 1 x Balanced 4.4mm; 1 x Single-Ended 3.5mm

Headphone outputs: 1 x Balanced 4.4mm; 1 x S-Balanced* 3.5mm

Line outputs: 1 x Balanced 4.4mm; 2 x Single-Ended 3.5mm; RCA

Power/charging: 1 x USB-C

Digital

Hi-Res Support	PCM 768kHz; DSD512 with DSD1024 Remastering
Bluetooth Formats	aptX Lossless. aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA. AAC, SBC

 

Output Power

Headphone Outputs	Balanced 4.4mm, S-Bal 3.5mm
Output Impedance	≤0.3Ω via 4.4mm; ≤0.2Ω via 3.5mm
4.4mm (RMS)	≥19.6V/640mW(@600Ω);>12.0V/2,250mW(@64Ω)
3.5mm (RMS)	≥9.8V/160mW(@600Ω);>8.5V/2,258mW(@64Ω)
xMEMS	>28Vpp (4.4mm output)

 

Line output

Output Impedance	205Ω via 4.4mm; 105Ω via 3.5mm
SNR	116dB(A)
DNR	116dB(A)
THD+N	0.002% (20-20kHz)

 

General

Power Consumption	Nitro 13W; Turbo 6.5W; Normal 3.5W; xMEMS 6.1W
Battery	Lithium-polymer 20,000mAh
Charging	Via USB-C – QC3.0 @ 20V; QC2.0 @ 5-12V
Charging Time	2.5 hours @ 20V; 4 hours @ 12V; 5 hours @ 9V; 8 hours @ 5V
Dimensions	172x160x30mm
Net Weight	882g (1.94 lbs)

 

Connectivity

Digital Inputs	1x USB-C; 1x S/PDIF (optical/coaxial); Bluetooth 5.4
Analogue Inputs	1x Single-Ended 4.4mm; 1x Single-Ended 3.5mm
Headphone Outputs	1x Balanced 4.4mm; 1x S-Bal 3.5mm
Line Outputs	1x Balanced 4.4mm; 2x 3.5mm; 1x RCA
Power/Charging	1x USB-C

 

Connection Guide

Portables Compared

	iDSD Valkyrie	iDSD Diablo 2	xDSD Gryphon
Price	$1,699	$1,299	$599
Output Power (RMS)	2,258mW	2,060mW	1,000mW
Input Stage	Discrete Solid State	Discrete Solid State	Discrete Solid State
DAC Stage	4 x Interleaved DSD1793	2 x DSD1793	1 x DSD1793
Digital Inputs	USB-C, BT 5.4, S/PDIF	USB-C, BT 5.4, S/PDIF	USB-C, BT 5.1, S/PDIF
Bluetooth Codecs	aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, SBC	aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, SBC	aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, SBC
Line Inputs	4.4mm, 3.5mm	4.4mm	4.4mm, 3.5mm
Line Outputs	4.4mm, 3.5mm x2, RCA	4.4mm	4.4mm, 3.5mm
Headphone Outputs	4.4mm, 3.5mm	4.4mm, 6.3mm	4.4mm, 3.5mm
xMEMS	Yes	Yes	–
K2 Support	Yes	–	–
DSD1024 Remastenng	Yes	–	–
Digital Filters	8 (Including K2 & K2HD)	–	4
Analogue Processing	XBassII, XSpace, XPresence	–	XBassII, XSpace
Other Features	20.000mAh Battery Quick Charging	Customisable Wings Volume Lock	–