James Demer
Sponsor: Linsoul
I don't, but I can post here when they start shipping.
Thieaudio Valhalla flagship IEM available for preorder
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James Demer
Sponsor: Linsoul
The 38D1XJ is a balanced armature driver. The Valhalla is all BA.
silentdisko
100+ Head-Fier
"1) Push the limits of driver capacity in an IEM format"
Why? This does not make sense to me other than driving up cost and complexity. Seems extremely backwards from an engineering perspective.
Why? This does not make sense to me other than driving up cost and complexity. Seems extremely backwards from an engineering perspective.
This caught my eye when HBB hyped it up but has anyone had a chance to hear them yet? Surprised it’s all BAs.
James Demer
Sponsor: Linsoul
I understand how you might think this is backwards engineering. On the surface it does sound like Thieaudio is just cramming more drivers into the shell for no real reason.
That's not the case. Balanced Armature drivers, especially ones designed to handle low frequencies, are often "bundled" together. A single BA unit might have four armatures in one enclosure. This means the armature count can add up quick.
To the question of "why" would an engineer choose all BA vs a hybrid model? Because when it's done right it can sound like nothing else. The 64 Audio U12T is a good example of an all BA set that is regarded as one of the best, regardless of driver type.
Does it cost more to engineer and assemble an all BA set? That depends. I see you own a Nightjar Singularity which we know is a $1300 single dynamic driver IEM. Once the acoustic tuning is figured out, it would most likely take less time and cost less in parts to assemble. I've never heard it but I know it gets rave reviews and I'm not judging value here. If you love it, it's worth whatever you paid. It's very time consuming and challenging to assemble 19 BA (again, bundled ba's) into a shell and assure that they pass QC. This isn't done because it's hard and gives Thieaudio bragging rights. That was a trend 15 years ago if you remember. They are building the Valhalla because they believe it sounds even better than the Divinity V16, which sounds amazing and different from the high end tribrid models offered by Thieaudio. Choices are the best part of this hobby.
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I've had a chance to listen to them at Potafes(Portable Audio Festival) that was held last weekend at Tokyo. (Albeit for only 10 minutes)
As an owner of the V16 Divinity, I was surprised but also happy that I could hear differences in both tonality and detail retrieval. Both in a good way.
It sounded a bit cooler (or smoother?) than the V16s, but bass was present, and vocal placements sounded good. Soundstaging, warmth sounded very much like the thieaudio sound I like.
Also, since they're titanium, they felt very substantial.
I'm new so sorry if this wasn't the right thread to share this.
As an owner of the V16 Divinity, I was surprised but also happy that I could hear differences in both tonality and detail retrieval. Both in a good way.
It sounded a bit cooler (or smoother?) than the V16s, but bass was present, and vocal placements sounded good. Soundstaging, warmth sounded very much like the thieaudio sound I like.
Also, since they're titanium, they felt very substantial.
I'm new so sorry if this wasn't the right thread to share this.
James Demer
Sponsor: Linsoul
Thanks for sharing this! I haven't actually heard the Valhalla yet, and I also own (and love) the V16 so it's great to know the Valhalla is similar but different and possibly better. I'm a fan of metal shells on high-end IEM's and Ti is a nice choice. How was the fit?
Thank you for this initial sound impression! It’s good to see that it sounds like an upgrade from the V16.
Sadly the tips on the samples were a bit too large for me, so I felt some pressure in my ear. However it wasn't too unpleasant, and I believe it's not an issue with the IEM itself.
Plus the fit didn't bother me once I started rumbling some rock, pop songs which I mostly listen to.
The housing itself was smaller than I'd expected. It's probably about the same size as the V16, so obviously fits snugly.
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ozz007
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19 driver is too low needs to be 25 with dynamic, BA, EST, bone conduction and Xens .
audionewbi
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In this crowded market of IEM, Thieaudio is the only new comer, so to speak, whose iem got my attention. They are able to tune IEM right. With each release they are improving on their sound.
The sarcastic comments from members here is uncalled for.
The sarcastic comments from members here is uncalled for.
With all do respect, the sarcastic comments regarding the number of drivers are kinda fitting. Like you said, in this overly crowded market of iems. It’s a common factor that companies continue to place more and more drivers in a shell to accomplish the sound signature they are going for. So I don’t see a reason to take offense when it’s honestly true.
On another note, this company is by far the most standout company for providing outstanding products throughout the whole price spectrum. Some have less drivers than others
audionewbi
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The driver war going back maybe 5-8 years was silly as it was literally just driver war, each driver really didn't add much, or rather made the sound less cohesive. But right now, the driver technology have changed a lot. Those drivers are not single Full range hearing aid BA, but they are made my Sonion or Knowles for the purpose of IEM.With all do respect, the sarcastic comments regarding the number of drivers are kinda fitting. Like you said, in this overly crowded market of iems. It’s a common factor that companies continue to place more and more drivers in a shell to accomplish the sound signature they are going for. So I don’t see a reason to take offense when it’s honestly true.
On another note, this company is by far the most standout company for providing outstanding products throughout the whole price spectrum. Some have less drivers than others
I don't put too much emphasis on driver count, no should anyone. It comes down to end user and whether they like the sound or not. Im a single DD guy, but I find Thieaudio is amongst the few who can ask for a lot more for their IEM, but the don't.
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