iFi Audio has introduced the iDSD Valkyrie, a high-powered portable DAC and headphone amp designed for users who want detailed, customizable audio on the go. With quad-DAC architecture, Bluetooth streaming, and a range of analog and digital processing options, the Valkyrie is packed with features aimed at serious music listeners. It also boasts 5,700mW peak power output and an 18-hour battery life, making it one of the most capable portable DAC/amps on the market.

At the core of the Valkyrie is a quad-DAC setup featuring Burr-Brown chips in a hybrid multi-bit configuration. This design builds on iFi’s experience with multi-bit DACs like the Philips TDA1541A, offering high detail retrieval with improved linearity. The Valkyrie supports high-resolution audio playback up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD512, with an option for DSD Remastering that can upscale PCM files to DSD512 or even DSD1024.

Another key technology in the Valkyrie is K2HD, developed by JVCKENWOOD. This feature aims to bring back the warmth and depth often lost in digital recordings, offering two modes: ‘K2’ mode, which maintains the file’s original resolution, and ‘K2HD’ mode, which applies additional processing for a fuller, more natural sound.

For users who like to tweak their sound, the Valkyrie offers six digital filters:

• Apodizing – Smooths playback by reducing digital pre-ringing.
• GTO (Gibbs Transient Optimized) – Emphasizes transients for a more dynamic feel.
• Bit Perfect – Leaves the digital signal unaltered.
• Standard, Minimum, and Transient Aligned – Different filtering options for tailoring the listening experience.

Unlike many DACs that rely on digital signal processing (DSP) for equalization, the Valkyrie uses switchable analog circuitry, which helps preserve the natural character of the music. These include:

• XBassII – Boosts lower frequencies for a fuller bass response.
• XPresence – Brings forward midrange frequencies to enhance vocal and instrument clarity.
• XSpace – Expands the soundstage for a more spacious and immersive feel.

These analog-based adjustments allow users to shape their sound naturally, without the artifacts that can come from digital EQ processing.

One of the biggest strengths of the Valkyrie is its high power output. With 5,700mW peak power (2,258mW RMS), it delivers about 44% more power than iFi’s previous iDSD Diablo 2 when driving 16Ω headphones. This makes it capable of handling even power-hungry planar magnetic headphones while remaining compact and portable.

The Valkyrie also has a wide range of connections, including:

• Balanced 4.4mm and 3.5mm headphone outputs
• Balanced 4.4mm, twin 3.5mm, and RCA line outputs
• USB-C for charging and digital audio input
• Optical/coaxial S/PDIF input for additional source connections

For wireless users, the Valkyrie supports aptX Lossless Bluetooth streaming, allowing for CD-quality (16-bit/44.1kHz) audio without compression. It also works with LDAC, aptX Adaptive, AAC, and SBC, providing high-resolution streaming options.

Another key feature is xMEMS support, which is designed for next-generation IEMs that use silicon-based drivers. These drivers offer ultra-fast response times and minimal phase distortion, making them up to 150 times faster than traditional mechanical drivers.

With all these features, power consumption is a big concern—but iFi has addressed this with four 5,000mAh lithium-ion batteries, giving the Valkyrie a total capacity of 20,000mAh. This provides up to 18 hours of playback on a single charge.

Charging is handled via USB-C, and with fast-charging support, the Valkyrie can go from empty to full in about 2.5 hours. Since it runs on battery power rather than direct AC, the unit is also isolated from electrical interference, which helps reduce noise in the audio signal.

The iFi iDSD Valkyrie is available now for $1,699 / £1,699 / €1,699 through iFi’s official website and authorized dealers.

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