The iFi Valkyrie isn't just a portable DAC/amp; it's a powerhouse of audio fidelity and versatility. This review dives deep into iFi's latest offering, exploring its advanced quad Burr-Brown DAC, capable of handling high-resolution audio formats up to DSD512. We'll examine its impressive power output, boasting a staggering 5700 milliwatts, ensuring compatibility with even the most demanding headphones. Beyond raw power, the Valkyrie offers a wealth of customizable features, including multiple digital filters, analog processing modes, and Bluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless support.Prepare to be immersed in a listening experience redefined. We'll dissect the Valkyrie's exceptional sound signature, its robust build quality, and its place amongst competitors like the iFi Diablo II and Chord Hugo 2. Discover whether this feature-packed portable device lives up to the hype and if its sophisticated design and powerful performance justify its premium price tag. This in-depth review will leave you with a comprehensive understanding of the iFi Valkyrie and its potential to transform your mobile audio experience.
Pros And Cons
- Quad Burr-Brown DAC configuration (hybrid multi-bit design inspired by Philips TDA1541A)
- Supports up to 32-bit 768kHz PCM and DSD512 with DSD1024 remastering engine
- Award-winning DSD remastering algorithm powered by custom-coded FPGA
- High power output (5700 milliwatts)
- Three gain modes (normal, turbo, extreme)
- Long battery life (around 18 hours)
- Eight digital filters
- JVC Kenwood's K2 HD technology
- Three analog processing modes (Xspace, Xbass 2, X Presence)
- Built-in Bluetooth 5.4 with support for APTX Lossless and aptX Adaptive
- Naturally musical, dynamic, and detailed sound quality
- Enveloping soundstage
- Well-defined bass
- Smooth and clear treble
- Versatile and complements various headphones and IEMs
- Premium build quality
- Iconic iFi design
- Not truly pocketable (portable, but not mobile)
- Mid-range vocals might sound flat on some songs without sound enhancements
Read more: Fiio K11 R2R DAC/Amp Review: A Worthy Upgrade or Redundant Luxury?
Unmatched Audio Quality: The Quad DAC
At its core, the iFi Valkyrie boasts an advanced quad Burr-Brown DAC configuration. This hybrid multi-bit design, inspired by the legendary Philips TDA1541A, uses eight pairs of differential signals. This results in incredibly detailed and precise audio reproduction, capturing even the subtlest nuances in your music.
Supporting up to 32-bit 768kHz PCM and DSD512, the Valkyrie ensures compatibility with nearly all high-resolution audio formats. Its professional-grade DSD1024 remastering engine further elevates the listening experience, enhancing the resolution and reducing distortion in your digital files. This level of detail sets it apart from many competitors.
The inclusion of iFi Audio's award-winning DSD remastering algorithm, powered by a custom-coded FPGA, is a significant advantage. This algorithm intelligently processes your audio files, leading to a richer, more natural sound that faithfully reflects the original recording. The result is an immersive listening experience that brings you closer to the artist's intention.
Power and Performance: Battery Life and Output
The iFi Valkyrie is not just about pristine audio; it's about power. Four 5,000 milliamp-hour lithium polymer batteries provide incredible output power, delivering up to 5700 milliwatts to your headphones or IEMs. This ensures compatibility with a wide array of devices, regardless of their impedance.
With three gain modes (Normal, Turbo, and Extreme), the Valkyrie effortlessly drives even the most demanding headphones without compromising on detail. It smoothly handles both power-hungry headphones and delicate IEMs alike. The extended battery life of approximately 18 hours of continuous playback on a single charge makes it ideal for extended listening sessions.
The inclusion of multiple gain settings ensures optimal performance across a wide range of headphone impedances. Whether you're listening to your favorite album at home or on the go, the Valkyrie ensures an immersive and consistent listening experience. The long battery life minimizes interruptions, letting you enjoy your music uninterrupted.
Advanced Features: Filters, Technology, and Connectivity
Beyond its core functionality, the iFi Valkyrie offers a wealth of advanced features to customize your listening experience. Eight digital filters (Bit Perfect, Standard, Minimum, GTO, Apodizing, Transient Aligned, K2 Mode, and K2 HD Mode) allow for fine-tuning the sound to your preferences.
The inclusion of JVC Kenwood's K2 HD technology further enhances the audio quality by restoring rich, natural harmonics to digital recordings. Three analog processing modes (XSpace, XBass 2, and XPresence) provide additional sound shaping options. This allows you to tailor the soundstage, bass response, and vocal presence to your liking.
Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity, with support for aptX Lossless and aptX Adaptive codecs, makes wireless listening convenient without sacrificing quality. This ensures high-fidelity audio reproduction, even over a wireless connection, making it highly versatile.
Sound Quality and Performance: A Detailed Analysis
In testing, the iFi Valkyrie's sound signature is characterized by its natural musicality, dynamic range, and exceptional detail. The soundstage is immersive and spacious without feeling artificial. Bass is well-defined and controlled, avoiding any overpowering tendencies.
Treble is smooth and clear, even with sensitive IEMs, ensuring a fatigue-free listening experience. The sound enhancements, while impressive, are best used selectively, depending on the specific song or genre. Some tracks benefit from the added warmth or emphasis provided by certain filters.
The Valkyrie's versatility is truly remarkable. It excels across various genres, adapting its sound to complement different headphone pairings. From the immersive richness of reggae to the detail and articulation of classical music, the Valkyrie delivers consistently high-quality audio.
Design and Build Quality: A Premium Experience
The iFi Valkyrie's design is unmistakably iFi, sharing the sleek and understated aesthetics of the Zen line. Its compact size, low profile, and rounded corners make it visually appealing and easy to integrate into any setup. The weight of approximately 2 lbs makes it easily transportable between locations.
The build quality is exceptional, reflecting the premium nature of the device. The cool-toned gold finish, accented by silver and black elements, gives it a sophisticated appearance. The front panel includes a power/volume button, headphone outputs (balanced and single-ended), and various buttons for accessing the additional filters.
The back panel houses the comprehensive range of connections, including USB-C charging and digital inputs, RCA outputs, multiple headphone outputs (including balanced 4.4mm), and an IEMatch feature. Its overall construction is robust and well-engineered, ensuring durability and a satisfying tactile experience.
Comparisons and Conclusion: Valkyrie vs. Diablo II and Hugo 2
Compared to iFi's Diablo II, the Valkyrie offers a more refined and mature sound signature with greater flexibility through its enhanced features. While the Diablo II delivers a more energetic sound with a bigger bass impact, the Valkyrie provides better overall control and more customization options.
Against the Chord Hugo 2, these two devices cater to different audiences. The Hugo 2 prioritizes clarity and transparency, while the Valkyrie delivers a warmer, more musical character with extensive customization options. The Hugo 2 wins on sheer portability, while the Valkyrie offers superior Bluetooth functionality and a broader feature set.
Ultimately, the iFi Valkyrie is a top-tier portable DAC/amp that excels in audio quality, power, features, and versatility. While the Diablo II and Hugo 2 offer compelling alternatives, the Valkyrie provides a uniquely satisfying listening experience and impressive value at its price point. It's highly recommended for audiophiles seeking a feature-rich, high-performance portable solution.