iFi Audio presents iDSD Valkyrie

[Mr BubbaHyde]

Manual states up to 20v?

I will verify when everyone gets back from Munich

I can be wrong but better to be safe as most of our products state that on the unit, like other units do, but this has 9vbelow power port.

Edit: just checked a pic of mine I had I was incorrect no voltage stamp

Cheers!!

 

[Nik2001]

I will verify when everyone gets back from Munich

I can bee wrong but better to be safe as most of our products state that on the unit, like other units do, but this has 9v below power port.

Cheers!!

This is one thing i do not understand and it is a little bit frustating. It has USB-C with QC/PD 3.0. I was not able to charge the valkyrie with more than 10-12W. A premium Powerbank charges the Valkyrie with 20V and 0.5A only. I tried different power supplys. Believe me, i have very high quality ones only and best cables. If i go on travel, i have of course not the original charger with me. One for my phone, tablet and Valkyrie must be enough.
I still have an open ticket with iFi in UK because of that issue. They already told me, any charger will work.

Usually I think it's good to charge batteries slowly, but the option of having a full charge in 2 - 3 hours is quite appealing.

I'd like to write a review to share my positive thoughts on the Vakyrie, but I still find too many misunderstandings.
The device is unique in terms of its settings, but I don't think the documentation is that good. Since the last firmware update, I have even more questions.
K2 could only be used as K2 with the DSD remastering. After the firmware update, K2HD is displayed along with the DSD remastering. I'd like to know what's correct, and whether the display just changed, or is it actually K2HD?

It would be nice to know what was actually corrected in the firmware update.

I probably wouldn't ask these questions about many devices, but this is a fairly expensive device.

I'm already preparing my review, but there are still a few things to clarify.

I'm sure it will happen. Until then, I'll be listening to a lot of music with the Valkyrie

 

[Jambruce]

I do hope someday they release a new version of the Gryphon

 

[Thorsten Loesch]

Should I buy a new cable or add XLR to 4.4 mm adapter cable?

Definitely use the cabled adapter. Here is what I use (self made, silverplated copper in PTFE):

Second, you may wish to forgo using the balanced output, unless you have a very high impedance headphone that really needs 20V output.

The only ones I can think of would be directly driving STAX E-Stats via transformer "energiser" and the "Elephunked Ears" AKG K-1000:

Other than that, where even 20V may be on the low side), the single ended output will ALWAYS (not just iFi - all balanced Amp's) have less noise and less odd order distortion which causes a bright, forward and edgy sound if high enough to become audible than balanced. It may not always be readily audible, but objectively speaking BAL MUST be worse than SE, on any given Amp.

How much does that adapter cable affects the sound signature?

The one I did uses silverplated XLR on both headphone and adapter and the same cable. I tested this way back with the iCAN Pro 4.4mm, where I could switch directly between XLR4 and 4.4mm Penta - no audible difference with my adapter I could put my finger on.

If I buy a cheap chi-fi adapter cable, does it mean that it’s the weak link and disturbing that Meze’s cable and amp/dac chain’s beautiful harmony?

Unlikely. At best you loose the final bit of "refinado".

What should I do:

• Quality hi-fi adapter cable?

This one, but don't overpay, it's just wires and plugs. Check the BOM cost and allow a sensible profit.

Thor

 

[Jefecesti]

Definitely use the cabled adapter. Here is what I use (self made, silverplated copper in PTFE):



Second, you may wish to forgo using the balanced output, unless you have a very high impedance headphone that really needs 20V output.

The only ones I can think of would be directly driving STAX E-Stats via transformer "energiser" and the "Elephunked Ears" AKG K-1000:



Other than that, where even 20V may be on the low side), the single ended output will ALWAYS (not just iFi - all balanced Amp's) have less noise and less odd order distortion which causes a bright, forward and edgy sound if high enough to become audible than balanced. It may not always be readily audible, but objectively speaking BAL MUST be worse than SE, on any given Amp.



The one I did uses silverplated XLR on both headphone and adapter and the same cable. I tested this way back with the iCAN Pro 4.4mm, where I could switch directly between XLR4 and 4.4mm Penta - no audible difference with my adapter I could put my finger on.



Unlikely. At best you loose the final bit of "refinado".



This one, but don't overpay, it's just wires and plugs. Check the BOM cost and allow a sensible profit.

Thor

Thank you for the tips! Highly appreciated!

Comment on that picture of the hanging adapter:

You definitely should put the XLR adapter plug on top of the device. Now it looks like it's bending the output of the device.

 

[Jefecesti]

How do you update firmware?
You will get a screen like this

How is it possible to use as a remote control?

I have only the option (enclosed picture) to update the firmware. Yes, it’s now disconnected in the picture, but the options were the same when connected.

 

[Thorsten Loesch]

Comment on that picture of the hanging adapter:

You definitely should put the XLR adapter plug on top of the device. Now it looks like it's bending the output of the device.

It's not bending. The 4.4mm socket on that product is pretty strong (ask me how I know). Been hanging like that for years.

Worst case the through hole socket will need the solder reflowed.

Thor

 

[Assationater]

The 4.4mm socket on that product is pretty strong

Can confirm...? Ive dropped a 3kg amp before basically onto the 4.4mm cable at an angle, the cable jack got fudged but the socket was fine

 

[Jefecesti]

How is it possible to use as a remote control?

I have only the option (enclosed picture) to update the firmware. Yes, it’s now disconnected in the picture, but the options were the same when connected.

These are the only options I have in the nexis app.

I can't find any instructions or manual neither any other remote control app.

How do I use it as a remote?

Nevertheless, Valkyrie works like a dream! It's sublime!

XPresence (midrange) function works beautifully with the XBass function. Music sounds dynamic, powerful and has a good weight and body and punch on it! Just the way I like it!

Today I tested the Valkyrie as DAC mode from 4.4 mm line out. I can confirm that all the features (filters, K2 and xBass, xPresence and xSpace) were available.

It was very convenient together with the iCan Pro. They work excellent together!

 

[mw7485]

These are the only options I have in the nexis app.

I can't find any instructions or manual neither any other remote control app.

How do I use it as a remote?

Nevertheless, Valkyrie works like a dream! It's sublime!

XPresence (midrange) function works beautifully with the XBass function. Music sounds dynamic, powerful and has a good weight and body and punch on it! Just the way I like it!

Today I tested the Valkyrie as DAC mode from 4.4 mm line out. I can confirm that all the features (filters, K2 and xBass, xPresence and xSpace) were available.

It was very convenient together with the iCan Pro. They work excellent together!

I think your problem is that you need to pair with the option that says something like IFI_valkyrie_904D38AE_1 when you scan for devices on your phone. That's what I did, and I got the remote working for one listening session (it was a far from an easy process that took about 3-4 attempts to set up, but it got there in the end). Then it stopped working after I powered the unit down and came back to it. It wanted to go through the pairing process again - and the Valkyrie just kept refusing the connection request from my phone. 2 factory resets later, I have managed to get the same amount of control as you, which is the phone being used as a source.

However, I just cannot get the Valkyrie to pair with my phone anymore so I can start the whole remote pairing process all over again. The Valkyrie just refuses the connection.

Can't help feeling that this app is just not ready for prime time. I just hope ifi iron out the kinks and don't do a KEF and leave its users with an app that just doesn't work. Time will tell I guess, and I prepared to wait a while.

 

[Jefecesti]

Today I tested the Valkyrie as DAC mode from 4.4 mm line out. I can confirm that all the features (filters, K2 and xBass, xPresence and xSpace) were available.

It was very convenient together with the iCan Pro. They work excellent together!

I think your problem is that you need to pair with the option that says something like IFI_valkyrie_904D38AE_1 when you scan for devices on your phone. That's what I did, and I got the remote working for one listening session (it was a far from an easy process that took about 3-4 attempts to set up, but it got there in the end). Then it stopped working after I powered the unit down and came back to it. It wanted to go through the pairing process again - and the Valkyrie just kept refusing the connection request from my phone. 2 factory resets later, I have managed to get the same amount of control as you, which is the phone being used as a source.

However, I just cannot get the Valkyrie to pair with my phone anymore so I can start the whole remote pairing process all over again. The Valkyrie just refuses the connection.

Can't help feeling that this app is just not ready for prime time. I just hope ifi iron out the kinks and don't do a KEF and leave its users with an app that just doesn't work. Time will tell I guess, and I prepared to wait a while.

Thank you for support!

I managed to find that IFI_valkyrie_904D38AE_1 kind of device from the Bluetooth pairing options, but it refuses the connection.

Probably the same thing as you're facing...

And does she remote control function only when using the device through Bluetooth mode?

@iFi: Would you please advise.

 

[mw7485]

Well, after hours of fiddling, got it working again. From where I was, I disconnected USB and unpaired/forgot everything to do with iFi bluetooth on my phone. Turned on Bluetooth as a source, and started the pairing option. Then, I paired with iFi Lossless Audio in the phone's bluetooth settings. Then, I started the app on my phone and, selected Factory Reset (bear with me!). This seemed to clear a log jam, as after confirming the action, I suddenly found myself back at the screen, where there is a white rectangle and I can select the Valkrie. Tapping it gave me a connection prompt, which I approved and bang - 'tis done. The screen doesn't always slave off the DAC properly - but the controls do work. Work. It seems, I needed to do a factory reset on both the phone, AND the Valkyrie to flush out all the previous pairing attempts - which I guess kind of makes sense.

I think iFi need to post a YouTube tutorial on this, as it is a massively frustrating exercise and given that you seem to get 4 different bluetooth pairing options on your 'phone, only one of which is relevant - we're kind of stabbing around in the dark until you hit upon the right optoin.

I've come back in and out of the app and turned the Valkyrie on and of several times today and this remote thing is normally OK. It has however been an exercise in total frustration.

 

[Jefecesti]

Well, after hours of fiddling, got it working again. From where I was, I disconnected USB and unpaired/forgot everything to do with iFi bluetooth on my phone. Turned on Bluetooth as a source, and started the pairing option. Then, I paired with iFi Lossless Audio in the phone's bluetooth settings. Then, I started the app on my phone and, selected Factory Reset (bear with me!). This seemed to clear a log jam, as after confirming the action, I suddenly found myself back at the screen, where there is a white rectangle and I can select the Valkrie. Tapping it gave me a connection prompt, which I approved and bang - 'tis done. The screen doesn't always slave off the DAC properly - but the controls do work. Work. It seems, I needed to do a factory reset on both the phone, AND the Valkyrie to flush out all the previous pairing attempts - which I guess kind of makes sense.

I think iFi need to post a YouTube tutorial on this, as it is a massively frustrating exercise and given that you seem to get 4 different bluetooth pairing options on your 'phone, only one of which is relevant - we're kind of stabbing around in the dark until you hit upon the right optoin.

I've come back in and out of the app and turned the Valkyrie on and of several times today and this remote thing is normally OK. It has however been an exercise in total frustration.

Big thanks and kudos to you!

Tomorrow I’ll try to do the same excercise.

So the remote works only with the bluetooth listening sessions?

Btw. Yesterday I tried to connect with my TV, but couldn’t hear anything. That’s strange because it connected and worked with my phone. And Gryphon did work with the same TV. Any advise?

 

[TheOnetoWin]

Has anyone compared these with the Diablo 2? I'm trying to decide which one to potentially upgrade to as my Signature Blue is kind of on its last legs now with the battery deteriorating. Also would like something with a bit more juice.

 

[Assationater]

Has anyone compared these with the Diablo 2? I'm trying to decide which one to potentially upgrade to as my Signature Blue is kind of on its last legs now with the battery deteriorating. Also would like something with a bit more juice.

For a straight upgrade and if you truly need a transportable unit, *if* you dont mind the price than id go with valkyrie. Diablo 2 wouldnt be that much more power. You could also just replace the battery on your sig unit.