The iFi iDSD Valkyrie DAC/Headphone Amplifier is a formidable portable device that combines cutting-edge technology with impressive power and features. With its namesake drawing from Norse mythology, this amplifier takes inspiration from the legendary female figures known as Valkyries, who guided the brave warriors to their final destination.
The Valkyrie boasts a quad-DAC architecture with Burr-Brown DACs in a hybrid multi-bit configuration, delivering superior low-level linearity for state-of-the-art detail retrieval. It supports aptX Lossless and LDAC Bluetooth formats, allowing users to stream high-quality audio from devices or use wireless headphones like the Focal Bathys or DALI IO-12.
One of the standout features of the iDSD Valkyrie is its power output, delivering 44% more power than iFi’s flagship, the iDSD Diablo 2. This enables it to drive even the most demanding dynamic and planar magnetic headphones without compromising on battery life or performance. The device also supports xMEMS technology for IEMs, providing next-generation speakers that are close to 150 times faster than regular mechanical drivers.
The Valkyrie’s colossal capacity is powered by four 5,000mAh lithium-ion batteries, which provide up to 18 hours of continuous playback and fast charging via USB-C. This allows users to quickly recharge the device in just 2.5 hours.
With its impressive specs and features, the iFi iDSD Valkyrie is a true powerhouse in the world of portable DAC/headphone amplifiers. However, with a price tag of $1,699, it remains to be seen whether consumers will be willing to carry around this large component. As we await our review results, one thing is clear: the iDSD Valkyrie is definitely ahead of its time and worth keeping an eye on.
Source: https://www.ecoustics.com/products/ifi-idsd-valkyrie