iFi iDSD Valkyrie

The iFi iDSD Valkyrie is a flagship transportable DAC, headphone amplifier, and preamplifier designed for listeners who want high-end digital processing, powerful headphone amplification, and extensive system flexibility in a battery-powered component. It combines a quad Burr-Brown DAC architecture, FPGA-based DSD remastering, lossless Bluetooth, analogue sound adjustment, and up to 5,700mW of maximum peak headphone output.

At the heart of the Valkyrie is iFi's Crysopeia FPGA engine, which provides DSD512 and DSD1024 remastering alongside eight selectable digital processing modes. These include Bit Perfect, Standard, Minimum, GTO, Apodising, Transient Aligned, K2, and K2HD, allowing listeners to choose between direct playback and different approaches to digital processing.

The conversion stage uses four Burr-Brown DACs in a hybrid multi-bit configuration, with the analogue circuitry located on a separate board from the digital section. iFi developed the Valkyrie's K2HD implementation with JVCKENWOOD, providing an additional processing option designed to restore harmonic information and extend high-frequency content in digital recordings.

Headphone amplification is equally substantial. The 4.4mm balanced output delivers up to 5,700mW at 32 ohms using iFi's maximum peak measurement, while Normal, Turbo, and Nitro power modes provide different output levels for different headphone requirements. iEMatch helps accommodate sensitive IEMs, while dedicated xMEMS support extends compatibility to headphones using xMEMS driver technology.

For additional sound adjustment, XBass II provides low-frequency reinforcement, XPresence adjusts midrange presence, and XSpace modifies spatial presentation. These operate alongside the Valkyrie's digital processing options, giving listeners extensive control over how the system is configured.

Bluetooth connectivity includes aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, aptX, AAC, and SBC, while wired connectivity includes USB-C, optical/coaxial S/PDIF, and balanced and single-ended analogue inputs.

The Valkyrie can also function as a preamplifier through its balanced 4.4mm, 3.5mm, and RCA line outputs, making it suitable for integration with powered speakers, power amplifiers, and other downstream components.

Four 5,000mAh batteries provide a combined 20,000mAh capacity and up to 18 hours of playback depending on operating conditions. The included iPowerX power supply also allows the Valkyrie to operate from external power as part of a desktop system.

Quad Burr-Brown DAC Architecture

The Valkyrie uses four Burr-Brown DACs in a hybrid multi-bit configuration. Its analogue circuitry is placed on a dedicated board separate from the digital section, an arrangement designed to help minimize interference between the two stages.

DSD1024 Remastering

iFi's Crysopeia FPGA engine can remaster digital content to DSD512 or DSD1024, while native playback supports DSD512 and PCM up to 768kHz.

DSD remastering is an optional processing mode rather than a requirement, allowing listeners to choose between remastered playback and more direct processing options such as Bit Perfect.

K2HD & Digital Filter Options

Eight processing modes are available: Bit Perfect, Standard, Minimum, GTO, Apodising, Transient Aligned, K2, and K2HD.

K2HD, developed by JVCKENWOOD and implemented in collaboration with iFi, is designed to restore harmonic information and extend high-frequency content in digital recordings.

Powerful Headphone Amplification

The 4.4mm balanced headphone output provides up to 5,700mW of maximum peak output at 32 ohms using iFi's measurement standard. Normal, Turbo, and Nitro modes allow the amplifier's output to be adjusted for different headphone requirements.

iEMatch helps optimize operation with sensitive IEMs, while dedicated xMEMS circuitry supports compatible xMEMS-equipped headphones.

Analogue Sound Adjustment

XBass II, XPresence, and XSpace provide additional analogue sound adjustment for bass, midrange presence, and spatial presentation.

These features can be selected according to the connected headphones, recording, and listener preference.

Transportable & Desktop Operation

The Valkyrie's 20,000mAh battery provides up to 18 hours of playback. At 882g and 172 × 160 × 30mm, it is better described as transportable rather than pocket-portable.

The included iPowerX power supply also allows it to operate from external power for desktop listening.

KEY FEATURES

• Quad Burr-Brown DAC Architecture — Four DACs form the core of the Valkyrie's conversion stage.

• DSD1024 Remastering — Crysopeia FPGA processing provides DSD512 and DSD1024 remastering.

• Eight Digital Processing Modes — Includes Bit Perfect, Standard, Minimum, GTO, Apodising, Transient Aligned, K2, and K2HD.

• JVCKENWOOD K2HD — Optional digital processing designed to restore harmonic information and extend high-frequency content.

• Up to 5,700mW Peak Output — Substantial balanced headphone output measured according to iFi's maximum peak standard.

• Normal, Turbo & Nitro Modes — Three amplifier power settings for different headphone requirements.

• iEMatch — Helps optimize output for sensitive IEMs.

• xMEMS Support — Dedicated support for compatible xMEMS headphones.

• XBass II, XPresence & XSpace — Analogue sound-adjustment options.

• aptX Lossless Bluetooth — High-quality wireless playback with compatible sources.

• Extensive Digital & Analogue Connectivity — USB-C, S/PDIF, Bluetooth, analogue inputs, headphone outputs, and line outputs.

• 20,000mAh Battery — Up to 18 hours of playback.

• iPowerX Included — Allows external-power operation for desktop use.

CONNECTIVITY & COMPATIBILITY

Digital Inputs: USB-C, optical/coaxial S/PDIF, Bluetooth 5.4

Analogue Inputs: 4.4mm balanced, 3.5mm single-ended

Headphone Outputs: 4.4mm balanced, 3.5mm S-Balanced

Line Outputs: 4.4mm balanced, 2 × 3.5mm single-ended, RCA

Bluetooth: aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, LDAC, LHDC/HWA, AAC, SBC

Digital Audio: PCM up to 768kHz, native DSD512, DSD1024 remastering