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It isn’t on a regular basis that I get to make use of a $1,999 IEM, and Thieaudio clearly nailed the transient with the Valhalla. I would 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 awesome sound. Look, in case you simply need decent-quality IEMs that sound good and are snug to put on, there are dozens of nice selections within the sub-$100 class.

However what if you would like one of the best? The most effective design, one of the best sound high quality, and one of the best drivers obtainable in the present day. 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 really 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 supply 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 the majority 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 supply 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 “easy transitions” throughout the whole frequency vary, and it is clear that Thieaudio obsessed over the trivialities in the case of the Valhalla. That is instantly evident while 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 question that they are constructed to final, and whereas the shells are on the larger aspect — little question to accommodate all of the drivers — they do not exert an excessive amount of stress, they usually’re on the lighter aspect. Whereas they do not appear like it, the IEMs are snug to put on.

The place the IEMs really stand out is the design of the faceplate; Thieaudio has a complete of 15 designs obtainable, and you’ll simply customise the shell to your liking. I bought 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 brand 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 usually. You get the standard mixture of silicone and foam ear ideas, and I might have favored to see a wider choice of choices on this space. Different manufacturers supplied further pairs within the field, however Thieaudio affords the identical set as you get with the Monarch MKIII.

Fortunately, the bundled ideas present good isolation and a decent seal. The sound nozzle itself is fairly large 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 simply’re sporting the IEMs, and the lighter design makes an enormous distinction.

Thieaudio did an awesome 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 through 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 an enormous distinction. The bass generally is managed properly whereas nonetheless delivering rumble; most IEMs have weedy bass that does not have a lot in the best way of power, however that is not the case with the Valhalla.

The mid-range is pleasant, permitting vocals and devices to shine. You will hear each nuance (supplied you are utilizing a good supply) and be aware, and the Valhalla extends this to the treble, delivering good airiness and element retrieval with none sense of harshness. Total, the layering and dynamics are nothing in need of top-notch. I examined the Valhalla with my Fiio K19 and Fiio M23, and having supply makes a distinction.

Having used the Valhalla for simply over six months, there is no doubt in my thoughts that these are one of the best IEMs I’ve used. They might not be probably the most snug, however in the case of the soundstage and backbone, they’re one of the best out of the handfuls of fashions I’ve examined within the final 5 years.