iFi Audio iDSD Valkyrie: Flagship Portable DAC and Headphone Amplifier

 iFi Audio has launched the iDSD Valkyrie, the latest addition to the British brand’s extensive collection of compact DACs and (headphone) amplifiers, with the iDSD Valkyrie achieving flagship status among portable solutions. Yes, the “flagship” designation also means that the iDSD Valkyrie carries a slightly higher price tag, but with the iDSD Valkyrie, iFi Audio aims to maximise its portable potential.

iFi Audio iDSD Valkyrie

As the model name suggests, the iDSD Valkyrie joins the company’s iDSD family, alongside the Diablo 2 and NEO iDSD 2. The Valkyrie adopts some of the key additions seen on its aforementioned predecessors, using four Burr-Brown DACs and a Qualcomm QCC518x chipset to deliver its latest Bluetooth 5.4 package with aptX Lossless (along with aptX Adaptive, LDAC and more), as well as support for xMEMS technology. Additionally, the Valkyrie features iFi’s proprietary DSD Remastering algorithm, with the option to remaster to DSD512 or DSD1024, which the manufacturer claims reduces distortion and delivers a richer, more detailed sound similar to a professionally remastered recording.

The iDSD Valkyrie is built around four Burr-Brown DAC chips in a hybrid multi-bit configuration, based on our years of experience with the legendary multi-bit Philips TDA1541A. This design allows eight pairs of differential signals to be mixed to capture the magic and impact of the iconic multi-bit chipset, but with superior low-level linearity for breathtaking detail. To minimize crosstalk, the analog circuitry is located on a separate circuit board, isolated from the digital components.

iFi Audio iDSD Valkyrie: Bluetooth connectivity and K2HD technology

The iDSD Valkyrie features the latest in Bluetooth technology, thanks to Qualcomm’s QCC518x chipset and the aptX Lossless codec. aptX Lossless offers a maximum bitrate of 1200 kbps and is the first and only Bluetooth codec currently capable of wirelessly transmitting CD-quality audio without loss. For those requiring high-resolution Bluetooth playback, the Valkyrie also supports 96 kHz/24-bit audio via LDAC and LHDC/HWA codecs. The iDSD Valkyrie also features other innovative next-generation technologies, including full xMEMS support.

iFi Audio has also implemented JVC KENWOOD’s K2HD technology, with a K2 and K2HD mode on offer, which the designers claim restores the warmth and emotion of analog recordings. This technique promises to help recreate that authentic, original sound by infusing it with rich, natural overtones that are normally lost during digitalization.

There are also six digital filters to further tailor the sound to your setup, along with some familiar analog processing features, with XBassII restoring lost bass frequencies, XSpace to create a wider soundstage, and XPresence to enhance vocals and other mid-range frequencies.

There is no shortage of power with the iDSD Valkyrie, with a peak power of 5,700 mW, or 2,258 mW RMS. Headphone amplifiers are increasingly equipped with a symmetrical connection, in addition to the well-known asymmetrical 6.35 millimeter jack plug connection, and the iDSD is no exception.

Finally, the housing houses four rechargeable batteries with a total capacity of 20,000 mAh. This is enough for approximately 18 hours of music enjoyment. Charging is via USB C and the iDSD Valkyrie takes approximately 2.5 hours to fully charge.

The iFi Audio iDSD Valkyrie is available now for a price of just under $1,700.