An inlet valve system (10), as may be used for a cylinder chamber (20) of a compressor, such as a reciprocating compressor, is disclosed. A plurality of inlet valves (250) is movable between an open position and a closed position. The plurality of inlet valves is arranged between an unloader chamber (120) and a cylinder chamber (20) of the compressor. A control valve (270, 270′) is coupled to a controller (300) and is movable between a first position and a second position to close the inlet valves. A check valve (260, 260′) is movable between a first position and a second position to open the inlet valves. The check valve and the control valve are respectively fluidly coupled to a control chamber (252), which is decoupled from any pressure control external to cylinder chamber (20).