Thieaudio Valhalla VS Nightjar Duality

Thieaudio Valhalla and Nightjar Duality use 19BA and 2DD driver setups respectively. Thieaudio Valhalla costs $2,000 while Nightjar Duality costs $3,000. Nightjar Duality is $1,000 more expensive. Thieaudio Valhalla holds a decisive 1.1-point edge in reviewer scores (9.6 vs 8.5). Thieaudio Valhalla has significantly better mids with a 2-point edge, Thieaudio Valhalla has significantly better treble with a 2-point edge, Nightjar Duality has significantly better dynamics with a 2-point edge and Thieaudio Valhalla has significantly better soundstage with a 2-point edge.

Jaytiss Score

Thieaudio Valhalla

9.6 /10

Jaytiss Score

Nightjar Duality

8.5 /10

Score gap: 1.1

Metric	Thieaudio Valhalla	Nightjar Duality
Mids	9	7
Treble	8	6
Soundstage	9	7
Dynamics	8	10
Tonality	8.6	7.5
Technicalities	8	6

Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough Thieaudio Valhalla and Nightjar Duality reviews saved yet to provide an unbiased result.

Jaytiss Reviews Comparison

Thieaudio Valhalla reviewed by

9.6 Reviewer Score

S- Tuning

A+ Tech

Big fan, but lack fantastic air like some other sets.

Youtube Video Summary

Thieaudio Valhalla lands as a 19-BA flagship around $2,000 that doubles down on build and ergonomics. The titanium shell is chunky but beautifully machined, skin-friendly, and the nozzle grips tips securely; faceplates are swappable for a premium if the stock look isn’t it. Accessories are basic—tips, foams, brush, the usual case—and the stock cable is comfy with a working chin slider, but the modular 3.5/4.4 plugs don’t lock and can pop off too easily. The slightly recessed 2-pin is fine, yet the ear-side barrel leaves a small gap that doesn’t sit flush; a simple aftermarket cable fixes the vibe. Taken as an object, this is world-class industrial design with a couple cable quirks.

On the ear, Valhalla hits a clean, incisive neutrality with just enough flavor. Sub-bass is surprisingly firm for BA, mid-bass stays tidy, and the mids are pristine—no glaze, no haze. There’s a tasteful dip through ~3–6 kHz that keeps the upper-mids from shouting, while a touch of 8 kHz sparkle adds air; treble extends smoothly without turning edgy. It’s a highly technical, high-resolution listen that can read “almost boring” if a colored signature is the goal—but for detail, separation, and coherence, it delivers. Unit variation appears minor (another sample showed a bit more 4–6 k energy), yet the core tuning stays intact.

Versus housemates: Origin swings bassier and “fun”; Valhalla feels cleaner, clearer, more resolute. Hype 2/4 don’t match the air and microdetail; Hype 10 gets closer up top but raises value questions. Oracle MK3 has more 4–5 k zing and lighter sub-bass; Fatfreq Grand Maestro hits similarly rich lows but brings fit hassles and module faff. Against the Elysian Annihilator, pick Annihilator for extra sub-bass and spectacle; pick Valhalla for comfort, longevity, and easy cable-swapping. Not perfect—the stock cable system is flimsy and the “air” isn’t the most crystalline—but this is a top-tier contender with a refined, broadly pleasing tuning and a shell that feels built to outlast the hype.

Mids: S Treble: A+ Dynamics: A+ Soundstage: S

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel

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Price: $1,999

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Nightjar Duality reviewed by

8.5 Reviewer Score

A Tuning

B Tech

Bass thunder, with impedance adapter fun and switches. The 11 is for Z.

Youtube Video Summary

Nightjar Duality presents as a $3,000 dual-dynamic IEM with a focus on premium build and ergonomics: a bespoke shell that seats comfortably, a recessed 2-pin, and user-tunable hardware via onboard switches and an included impedance adapter that can push bass even further. Packaging includes multiple thin, lightweight cables and even a powered dongle option. The craftsmanship feels boutique, and the faceplate aesthetic underscores its luxury positioning.

Tonally, this is a bass-forward set with two personalities: a “normal bass” configuration that retains balance and a “crazy bass” mode that becomes emphatically sub-heavy. Treble carries air and decent detail without chasing a hyper-analytical edge; mids are serviceable but a touch off, responding well to a bit of EQ. Overall dynamics hit hard, staging and clarity remain clean enough for the tuning goal, and the tuning reads as an enjoyable, romantic DD presentation—just not the final word in microdetail at this price.

In context, alternatives frame the value conversation: Grand Maestro is cited for stronger detail/air and driver refinement (though Duality fits better), while options like the Origin, Zen Magrid T Pro (~$500), Effect Audio Quantum, and even the budget Aether planar show that similar or complementary traits exist at lower brackets. Compared with sets such as Scarlet Mini or Maestro Mini, Duality’s bass shelf and presence balance feel more considered. Verdict: a unique, fun bass-head flagship with excellent design and ergonomics; the price is the hurdle, so demoing at events like CanJam is strongly advised before committing.

Mids: A- Treble: B Dynamics: S+ Soundstage: A-

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel

Driver Configuration: 19BA

Tuning Type: V-Shaped

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Brand: ThieAudio Top ThieAudio IEMs

Price (Msrp): $2,000

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$1,999

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Driver Configuration: 2DD

Tuning Type: Basshead

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Price (Msrp): $3,000

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Thieaudio Valhalla Scorings

Average Tunign Grade

S-

The response feels meticulously dialed in, combining neutrality with inviting warmth. Dynamic swings remain tonally accurate.

Average Technical Grade

A+

It sounds refined and controlled, keeping instruments neatly separated with immersive staging. Busy arrangements remain neatly organized.

Mids S

This is reference-grade midrange performance with astonishing realism and control. It reveals studio secrets with ease.

Treble A+

Treble reaches superb heights, offering effortless extension and crystal clarity. Every cymbal crash resolves into fine mist.

Dynamics A+

The presentation feels expansive, letting micro and macro dynamics breathe. There's a sense of limitless headroom.

Soundstage S

Nothing feels boxed in; instead, a limitless three-dimensional canvas unfolds with flawless precision. It sets the bar for three-dimensional staging.

Nightjar Duality Scorings

Average Tunign Grade

The response is even and composed, lending itself to effortless genre hopping. Voices sit comfortably in the mix.

Average Technical Grade

It offers a competent showing, maintaining cohesion on straightforward arrangements. Complex passages start to challenge it, but never derail the show.

Mids A-

Midrange performance is excellent, with natural timbre and great detail. Vocals feel lifelike and full-bodied.

Treble B

Expect crisp, well-balanced treble that keeps shimmer intact. You hear reverbs decay naturally.

Dynamics S+

This is reference-grade dynamic performance with breathtaking realism. It mirrors live-music intensity perfectly.

Soundstage A-

You hear both the breadth and the altitude of the mix, anchored by accurate positional cues. Immersion improves across genres.

Thieaudio Valhalla User Reviews

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