The iFi iDSD Valkyrie was kindly loaned to me for the purpose of this review. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links.
The price of the iDSD Valkyrie is €1.699 and it is available directly from iFi or their elite dealers around the world.
iFi Audio
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“iFi Audio is a British company renowned for its innovative approach to high-fidelity sound and portable audio design. Since its founding in 2012, the brand has built a strong reputation among audiophiles for delivering products that combine cutting-edge technology, meticulous engineering, and elegant industrial design.
From compact DAC/amp units and headphone amplifiers to power conditioners and high-resolution streamers, iFi’s lineup has everything that an audiophile might need. Some well known and much acclaimed devices are the xDSD Gryphon, the Hip dac 3, the GO Link Max and the ZEN CAN 3, just to name a few.“
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iFi iDSD Valkyrie overview
The iDSD Valkyrie is iFi’s latest portable (or more correctly transportable) DAC and headphone amplifier, a bigger and more powerful device than the iFi iDSD Diablo 2.
The Valkyrie is equipped with a quad-stack of Burr Brown DACs, an audio architecture inspired by the legendary Phillips TDA1541A which is hailed as the “King” of multi-bit DACs. However, the Valkyrie offers the dynamic punch and slam of the iconic Phillips chip but with superior low-level linearity.
iFi doesn’t disclose the actual amplification circuit but in order to minimise crosstalk, the analogue path sits on its own dedicated board, isolated from digital components.
Powerful audio processing algorithms
What sets the Valkyrie apart from the iDSD Diablo 2 and most of the competition, is that it uses an advanced array of sound processing algorithms.
The Valkyrie employs iFi’s (user-selectable) remastering algorithm that upsamples all incoming audio content to DSD512 or DSD1024 via a custom-coded FPGA. DSD remastering transforms any file by increasing resolution and reducing distortion.
Then it uses the JVC/KENWOOD K2HD technology that was first introduced in the iFi GO bar Kensei. This technology restores rich and natural harmonics to lifeless digital recordings. Its advanced high-frequency extension revives overtones beyond 22kHz, delivering audio quality close to the original master. iFi worked in close relationship with JVC/KENWOOD to implement this technology into the Valkyrie.
The simple K2 mode does not change the original sample rate while the K2HD mode is a more advanced version that is only effective for PCM ≤ 176.4 kHz and does not work with DSD formats. However it can be enabled together with the DSD remastering tool because it acts before the actual DSD remastering takes place.
The Valkyrie also supports six additional digital filters (Standard, Minimum, Transient Aligned, Apodising, GTO and Bit Perfect), as well as iFi’s all-analogue XBass II, XPresence, and XSpace processing modes.
XBass II reinstates the missing bass, XPresence adds midrange presence and XSpace restores the expansive soundstage of recordings.
All these sound shaping options can be used together in various combinations for a deeply customized listening experience. However, one negative point is that the Valkyrie doesn’t support an actual PEQ that would allow detailed frequency response adjustments.
Connectivity
The device features a comprehensive range of digital and analog interfaces, ensuring seamless compatibility with virtually any connectivity requirement.
At the rear side there are two USB type-C ports, one is for battery charging alone while the other one is for data input but can also double as an extra power input. Next to them there is a 3.5mm SPDIF optical/coaxial input.
Analog connectivity is covered by one balanced 4.4mm and three single-ended (two 3.5mm and one RCA) outputs. The RCA and the 3.5mm next to it offer variable-level output while the second 3.5mm and the 4.4mm provide fixed- level output.
These last two connectors also double as line inputs that you can use to connect an external analog source, like a phono, to listen to it through headphones.
The two headphone outputs, 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single-ended, are located at the front left side of the Valkyrie. xMEMS headphones are also supported.
Bluetooth connectivity
In case you want wireless connectivity, the iFi iDSD Valkyrie is equipped with Qualcomm’s QCC518x Bluetooth chipset that supports the aptX Lossless codec, the only one currently capable of CD-quality audio without losing data. This codec is not yet widely supported but don’t worry as you can always use the LDAC and LHDC/HWA codecs that offer great sound with minimal losses in audio quality.
The Bluetooth reception is strong and stable within a few meters of distance, without interference noise or sudden disconnections, but please remember that you should use a phone with a capable Bluetooth transmitter.
The audio quality is pristine and only slightly inferior to the cable connection with the usual loss of sonic fidelity, especially in the higher frequencies, because of Bluetooth’s lossy nature.
The iFi Nexis application
The iDSD Valkyrie is compatible with the iFi Nexis application that allows the user to access and configure the device, perform OTA firmware updates over WiFi and even use it as a remote control, albeit with some lag.
Design and build quality
The Valkyrie sports a wing-like shape that is supposed to evoke the image of a flying Valkyrie. It looks more like a futuristic spaceship to me that came straight out of the Star-Trek movie but I have to admit that it has a unique and modern appearance. The Valkyrie is available in a gold finish but there is also a limited total black edition that is even more beautiful looking than the regular one.
The chassis of the Valkyrie is quite slim but also wide (172x160x30mm) and heavy (882g) so it is not really a portable device but a transportable one that you must use stationary and on a flat surface. The Valkyrie is exceptionally well made and looks premium enough to justify the price of admission.
At the top surface there is a 2” color TFT screen that displays useful information during playback and is also used to navigate through the menus. The front face is dominated by the aluminium-made, rotary multifunction knob while the unit is also equipped with four buttons (that are used to set various parameters) and six notification LEDs that show the current operation status at a glance.
Power output and noise
iFi claims that the Valkyrie is capable of delivering 5,700mW/32Ω of maximum peak power from its balanced output, a number measured by their own and not the industry standards. The actual RMS power output is specified at 2,250mW/64Ω, a little confusing as the maximum power output is measured for 32Ω loads.
Leaving marketing literature aside, what I can contribute is that the Valkyrie is one of the few battery powered devices in existence that can drive the Hifiman Susvara to their full potential. Every other headphone, like the Meze Audio Elite that I have mostly used, is an easy task for the headphone amplifier of the Valkyrie.
The 3.5mm headphone output is wired with iFi’s S-Balanced technology that delivers the benefits of the balanced connection to single-ended headphones. In order to accommodate various impedance loads, the amplifier has three gain settings, Normal (0dB), Turbo (+8dB) and Nitro (+16dB).
The amplifier runs cool and is dead silent without any audible background noise even when used with sensitive earphones like the FiiO FA19. Users with more sensitive earphones can use the iEMatch switch (that is located beneath the device and is effective for both the 3.5mm and 4.4mm connectors) to reduce the output level by -12dB but at the expense of raising the output impedance.
During the tests I have used pure silver headphone cables made by Lavricables. For connecting the iDSD Valkyrie to an integrated amplifier I have used iFi’s 4.4mm to XLR cable.
Battery duration
With such a strong power output and its various advanced features, the iDSD Valkyrie needs serious power conserves, so iFi made sure to equip it with 20,000mAh of total battery capacity, split into four 5,000mAh Li-ion batteries.
The battery system supports PD/QC3.0/20V and QC2.0 charging and needs approx. 2.5 hours when charging over USB-C with QC3.0 at 20V, 4 hours at 12V, 5 hours at 9V and 8 hours at 5V to get a full charge.
The actual battery duration depends on the usage scenarios and can vary from 17-16 to 7-8 hours. Most of the time I was able to get about 16 hours of playtime, using the balanced output at turbo gain with both DSD remastering and K2HD enabled.
The iDSD Valkyrie features a user-selectable battery health mode that limits charging to 90% in order to extend its battery life. It also supports a true desktop bypass mode, allowing the unit to operate directly from the external DC power supply once the battery is fully charged.
Accessories
The Valkyrie arrives in a huge and heavy package that contains a high quality wooden storage box plus a custom-made travel case that can accommodate the Valkyrie together with all its accessories.
The accessories include two short USB cables (USB type-C to C and DC to USB type-C), a USB-A adapter, a toslink optical adapter and a 5V iPowerX DC power supply for desktop use.
Listening impressions
With all the sonic enhancements disabled and with the bit-perfect filter, the sonic quality of the Valkyrie is nothing short of amazing. The stock sound signature is musical and engaging enough with a natural timbre and at the same time neutral, technically proficient and transparent with class-leading fidelity.
The well extended bass is multi-layered, fast, tight and controlled with excellent definition and timing. The textures are nowhere dry or lean, the bass is full bodied and weighty, but not overly visceral or too thick, while it has plenty of natural decay. The dynamic behavior of the bass is amazing, the Valkyrie can sound as impactful and effortless as the best desktop amplifiers, this is one of the few battery powered devices that can easily make you forget that it is not full sized.
The mid-range range in its stock form is balanced and tonally correct with satisfying harmonic saturation and realistic timbre. Not too warm but not cold either, it is musical and engaging enough and at the same time exceptionally clean and well defined. The Valkyrie has the means to connect the listener with the music while staying absolutely transparent and precise in a true high-end fashion.
More listening impressions
The treble obeys on the same rules, it is clean and energetic, well extended and luminous, but not harsh or fatiguing. The Valkyrie is very resolving but not in an analytical way and its textures are refined but not overly polished. The timbre of the higher frequencies is not that organic but it is natural without any digital glare. The higher frequencies stay full bodied and textured without exhibiting any metallic artificially or dryness and the sound never becomes clinical or sterile.
The soundstage is really marvelous, especially from the balanced output. The four DAC architecture works wonders and offers a widely expanded (but not artificially wide) soundstage that has excellent depth and class-leading separation. The Valkyrie is impressively immersive and holographic with all kinds of music and very atmospheric. Pairing it with an open sounding headphone, like the Meze Audio Elite or the HIFIMAN Susvara, results in a speaker-like listening experience that can only be rivaled by the best desktop components.
Sonic Valhalla
It is pretty clear that the stock sonic performance of the Valkyrie is already stellar and more than enough to justify the flagship price tag. However it can be further improved thanks to the DSD remastering and K2HD tools that are game changers and uplift the sonic performance to a whole new level. Each one offers a different sonic upgrade path but using both at the same time is when the magic happens.
Enabling the K2HD technology and simultaneously upsampling to DSD1024 results in a considerably more natural and organic timbre with extra harmonic richness and a touch of added warmth. The sound is lifelike with a smoother treble, more expressive mid-range and heftier bass. The resolution is improved without shifting into monitoring analysis and the soundstage becomes more immersive without degrading its excellent imaging. These two technologies further enhance musicality and sound realism but they don’t add any coloration of their own or negatively affect the class-leading fidelity and transparency of the Valkyrie.
These impressions are subjective of course, my favourite combination was DSD remastering and K2HD together with the bit-perfect filter and everything else disabled but you may prefer another sound processing combination, there are so many options to mix and match that it is really impossible not to find your own sonic Valhalla.
The DAC line output performance
I have used the iDSD Valkyrie as a fixed output DAC to a 2-channel system comprising the Audio Physic Spark speakers and the Kinki Studio EX-M1 integrated amplifier. The sonic performance is really excellent and carries out all the audio qualities as described above.
The Valkyrie is an outstanding DAC on its own that easily compares with similarly priced desktop devices, while it has the additional benefit of the battery-powered background silence.
Actually, I do think that the Valkyrie is, first and foremost, a high-quality DAC with a headphone amplifier as an added bonus. It performs so well as a standalone DAC that it can easily be recommended for use in audio systems featuring components far more expensive than itself.
What is the target market for the Valkyrie?
While the market is used to expensive desktop gear, portable devices at this price range are often received with skepticism and the question usually to arise is to who exactly they are meant for.
There’s no definitive answer. I can think plenty of users who’d choose to spend their money on a flagship, transportable DAC/amp as expensive as the Valkyrie, instead of investing in similarly priced desktop gear.
Like people who travel a lot and want to listen to their favorite music without making any compromises when in the hotel or the guest house. Some others don’t have the space for desktop gear, an arm chair is their personal retreat and the Valkyrie fits perfectly next to it. Another last example are “weird” people, just like me, that have plenty of space and already own high quality desktop gear, but for some strange reason prefer the simplicity and the smaller form factor of DAPs or compact sized DAC/amps like the iFi iDSD Valkyrie.
In the end
With the iDSD Valkyrie, iFi has created a benchmark transportable DAC/amp with a class-leading sonic performance. It might be a rarity in the market but it is not without competition, as an example the iBasso D17 or some flagship DAPs spring to mind. However it is the only one of its kind with so many sound shaping options, comprehensive connectivity and plenty of power to rival full-sized amplifiers without the need of an external power supply.
If you travel a lot, or if your personal space is really limited, or maybe hate desktop gear for your own reasons, then look no further, the iFi iDSD Valkyrie can put to shame a lot of desktop components and offers end-game audio quality from a relatively compact sized and lightweight body that runs from its own battery.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2025.
+ Flagship audio quality that rivals desktop gear
+ Class-leading fidelity and transparency
+ Excellent technical performance
+ Natural and musical timbre without digital artificiality
+ Immersive soundstage with impressive separation
+ DSD1024 remastering, K2HD and many other sound tools that can be combined
+ Can drive the most difficult loads without the need for external power supply
+ iEMatch and low gain for sensitive earphones
+ Absolutely silent and noise-free background
+ Comprehensive digital and analog connectivity
+ Supports the Lossless aptX Bluetooth codec
+ Long battery duration and battery bypass mode
+ A lot of high quality accessories / iPowerX included
+ Very well made with a unique appearance
+ Ideal as a standalone DAC or preamplifier
+ Can double both as a travel company and desktop replacement
- Unnecessarily flashy package that raises the final cost
- It is a transportable device that must be placed on a horizontal surface
- Doesn't support PEQ
- Can be rivaled by flagship DAPs that offer native streaming and local files playback
- No balanced output for the preamplifier
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