It is not on a regular basis that I get to make use of a $1,999 IEM, and Thieaudio clearly nailed the temporary with the Valhalla. I might say that it’s aimed toward fans, however there are many different fashions that do not price as a lot because the Valhalla that also ship an amazing sound. Look, in the event you simply need decent-quality IEMs that sound good and are snug to put on, there are dozens of nice decisions within the sub-$100 class.
However what in order for you the perfect? The most effective design, the perfect sound high quality, and the perfect drivers out there right now. That is the place Thieaudio is differentiating itself; the model has been on a roll within the final two years, and IEMs just like the Monarch MKIII are a transparent favourite because of the audio tuning and the design.
And now there’s the Valhalla. Coming in at $1,999 on Linsoul Audio, the IEMs are Thieaudio’s costliest by an enormous quantity, they usually’re actually unbelievable. If nothing else, every earbud homes 19 balanced armature drivers, and that is bordering on overkill. We have to speak in regards to the drivers, as a result of it bears mentioning: every earbud homes 4 Sonion 38D1XJ007 subwoofer drivers to offer detailed bass, ten Sonion E50DT0005 low-midrange and mid-range drivers, 4 Knowles RDE 33729 treble drivers, and a Knowles WBFK 30095 tweeter that delivers treble extension that almost all IEMs do not come near.
As you’d think about for a product of this caliber, there are many improvements. What’s of specific curiosity is the Precision Bass System, Thieaudio’s resolution to delivering a “subwoofer-like” system in an IEM. It features a distinctive resonance chamber which is optimized to provide a vibrant sub-bass; principally, the Valhalla has one of many best-sounding bass extension of any flagship IEM.
It additionally makes use of customized tubing to ship “clean transitions” throughout your entire frequency vary, and it is clear that Thieaudio obsessed over the trivialities in relation to the Valhalla. That is instantly evident once you begin utilizing the IEMs; the design is hanging to say the least, and it is unmistakable that these are high-end IEMs.
The shell of the Valhalla is made out of titanium, and it’s sturdy; I have been utilizing these IEMs for the higher a part of 4 months now, they usually’re pristine. I’ve little doubt that they are constructed to final, and whereas the shells are on the larger facet — little doubt to accommodate all of the drivers — they do not exert an excessive amount of strain, they usually’re on the lighter facet. Whereas they do not appear to be it, the IEMs are snug to put on.
The place the IEMs actually stand out is the design of the faceplate; Thieaudio has a complete of 15 designs out there, and you may simply customise the shell to your liking. I acquired the usual mannequin, and I like its design fairly a bit; it has a vibrant etched sample that grabs consideration whereas not coming throughout as ostentatious.
Thieaudio’s emblem is highlighted on the backside, and the general design simply reinforces the premium nature of the IEMs. I additionally just like the matte texture of the shells, as they do not get smudges anyplace as typically. You get the same old mixture of silicone and foam ear suggestions, and I’d have favored to see a wider collection of choices on this space. Different manufacturers supplied further pairs within the field, however Thieaudio provides the identical set as you get with the Monarch MKIII.
Fortunately, the bundled suggestions present good isolation and a decent seal. The sound nozzle itself is fairly massive and is angled, and the scale of the IEMs means the Valhalla simply out of your ears. That mentioned, when you get a proper match, you will not even discover that you just’re carrying the IEMs, and the lighter design makes a giant distinction.
Thieaudio did an amazing job with the bundled EliteNoir cable; the silver-plated cable has a braided design and is fairly versatile, and it has a modular system with 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm plugs. It connects to the Valhalla by way of the usual 2-pin connector. Rounding out this part, you get a tough shell case with suede lining that holds the Valhalla, the cable, and all of the equipment.
Clearly, the sound high quality is unbelievable — that is a given when you think about the sheer quantity of engineering that went into the Valhalla, and the variety of drivers used. The IEMs have a splendidly wealthy and detailed low-end, with wonderful sub-bass vibrancy that makes a giant distinction. The bass typically is managed nicely whereas nonetheless delivering a very good rumble; most IEMs have weedy bass that does not have a lot in the way in which of vitality, however that is not the case with the Valhalla.
The mid-range is pleasant, permitting vocals and devices to shine. You may hear each nuance (supplied you are utilizing a good supply) and notice, and the Valhalla extends this to the treble, delivering good airiness and element retrieval with none sense of harshness. General, the layering and dynamics are nothing wanting top-notch. I examined the Valhalla with my Fiio K19 and Fiio M23, and having a very good supply makes a distinction.
Having used the Valhalla for simply over six months, there is no doubt in my thoughts that these are the perfect IEMs I’ve used. They will not be probably the most snug, however in relation to the soundstage and backbone, they’re the perfect out of the handfuls of fashions I’ve examined within the final 5 years.
These are the particular endgame IEMs; every thing in regards to the Valhalla screams extra, and Thieaudio did a masterful job with the product. Like I mentioned at first, you may get nice sound with out shelling out anyplace as a lot money, but when you have already got a number of IEMs and need one thing that is the perfect, you may need to get these.
With 19 drivers in every ear and stylish tuning, Thieaudio’s Valhalla stands out as an endgame IEM like no different.
