Headphone Reviews & News Blog from hifiheadphones.co.uk
  • Home
  • News
  • Full Reviews
  • How-To’s
  • Best Of
  • Videos
  • About Us
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
Headphone Reviews & News Blog from hifiheadphones.co.uk
  • Home
  • News
  • Full Reviews
  • How-To’s
  • Best Of
  • Videos
  • About Us
  • Shop
No Result
View All Result
Headphone Reviews & News Blog from hifiheadphones.co.uk
No Result
View All Result

Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 Review

by Oscar
October 29, 2020
in Full Reviews
Home Full Reviews

Refreshed for 2020 the classic Campfire Audio Solaris have been reshaped to be 20% smaller along with a new Solid-Body internal acoustic chamber. Don’t worry though, that famously energetic sound is here to stay.

Solaris 2020

PROS

  • Smaller than the original
  • Excellent build quality
  • Fun and energetic sound

CONS

  • Still not a small IEM

Review Breakdown

  • Sound Quality 0
  • Comfort 0
  • Build Quality 0
  • Value 0

Aesthetics and Build Quality

The new 2020 Solaris now sport a more understated colour scheme, but don’t worry they are finished in a lovely glossy black that is incredibly reflective. They will still catch your eye, but now don’t stand out quite so much which in my opinion is a bonus. They come with the newer smoky jacket super litz cable which is more ergonomic over the previous design. Personally I like the new colours, but I feel some will still prefer the previous gold colour scheme.

Build quality is like every other Campfire Audio model, superb. They know how to pull off some impressive designs, with incredible CNC skills and an impeccable finish. You cannot faulty the all metal build quality, and the cable is well relieved, all this leads to an IEM that should see you through for a long time.

Comfort

With the old Solaris, the most common comment and complaint was about their size and fit. The new 2020 edition slims down their shell size by 20% whilst keeping the same driver configuration. Now I personally suffer from small ears and narrow canals, and the original never fit me too well. The new 2020 edition fit better, they don’t quite fit flush and that will be reserved for those with bigger ears; however they do fit securely and comfortably so this is a big bonus.

Solaris 2020

Sound

Bass: That hard hitting, all powerful Solaris bass is here to stay, for all but the most hardcore bassheads there will be more than enough low end grunt. They are however still very well controlled, there is always going to be a sense of warmth and body to the sound thanks to the generous low end, however it manages to not interfere with the rest of the sound too much. Sub-bass is easily audible, the mid-bass hits with authority when asked to, however they are articulate and handle most genres with ease. The Solaris 2020 are tuned for fun, not for reference listening like the Andromeda, and they sure do deliver a very engaging and enjoyable sound.

Midrange: As previously stated the low end might be full bodied, but it does stay well controlled with minimal impact on the rest of the sound. The transition into the midrange is very well handled, there is a little bleed but the midrange still manages to cut through with great clarity and separation. The midrange might not be up front and centre stage, however it is well placed, slightly behind the lows, and has good tonality. It is impressive how layered and detailed the midrange manages to be, and yet at the same time it is always smooth, the transition into the treble is very well handled with no harsh sibilance. The midrange comes across as natural and real, and the layering really helps place instruments and vocal tracks within the soundstage.

Treble: These are not a bright earphone, they are also not incredibly v-shaped which tends to be a trend with a more bass oriented tuning. The top end is smooth, organic and refined, there is enough presence to keep things from sounding dull but they never overstep the line to becoming fatiguing. Cymbals are just where they need to be and come crashing in around the midrange with great precision and tonality and they extend with ease. They always maintain expert control without any peaks, there is a great sense of air up top and overall I really enjoy how real they sound.

Whilst reviewing these, I had Override by Slipknot come on, and this track really highlights what the Solaris 2020 can do. A heavy wall of drums and guitars, all perfectly layered but with such a powerful presentation. Corey’s vocals are perfectly isolated and hauntingly realistic, they handle every bit of the mix with ease yet it all comes together in a powerful and coherent sound.

The soundstaging and imaging of the Solaris 2020 are a strong point, with great accuracy when it comes to width, height and placement, yet they remain coherent throughout.

Solaris 2020

Conclusion

The Solaris 2020 are more comfortable and ergonomic, they are also a little more refined in their sound delivery with a slightly wider soundstage and more focused midrange. They are most definitely still a Solaris, but are now a little more refined, yet still manage to produce an impressively hard hitting sound. Definitely an IEM to demo in the sub £1500 price range.

Tags: audiophileCampfire AudioCampfire Audio Solariscampfire audio solaris 2020earphonehifiheadphoneshigh-end audioiemsolaris 2020solaris 2020 review
Previous Post

Audeze LCD-4 Review

Next Post

Campfire Audio Spring 2020 Product Launch – New Releases

Related Posts

JDS Labs Element III Review
Full Reviews

JDS Labs Element III Review

by Oscar
May 9, 2022
Westone Audio Pro X Series Review
Full Reviews

Westone Audio Pro X Series Review

by Oscar
May 9, 2022
Final UX3000 ANC Bluetooth Headphones
Full Reviews

Final UX3000 ANC Bluetooth Headphones

by Oscar
May 10, 2022
Next Post
campfire audio ara

Campfire Audio Spring 2020 Product Launch - New Releases

best speakers 2020

Best Speakers 2020: Bookshelf, Wireless, Active, HiFi, Audiophile

Best DAPs 2020

Best DAPs 2020

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Featured Article

Our Recommendations

Recent Posts

  • Westone MACH Series Release
  • JDS Labs Brand Story
  • JDS Labs Element III Video Review
  • Campfire Audio Release Supermoon Planar CIEM
  • Top 5 sub £100 Portable Audio Devices

Latest YouTube Videos

JDS Labs decided to skip the Element II+ and designed the Element III from the ground up - around a different DAC Chip. They have added a digital volume attenuator along with optical input, and decided to implement changes that make an audible difference instead of chasing specs.

Buy here: https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/jds-labs-element-iii-headphone-amplifier-usb-dac-copper-ring-uk-plug

Full blog review: https://blog.hifiheadphones.co.uk/jds-labs-element-iii-review/

JDS Labs Blog: https://blog.jdslabs.com/2022/01/jds-labs-element-iii-official-release-benchmarks/

0:00 - Intro
0:20 - development of Element III
0:51 - Design / Features
3:19 - Sound
5:06 - Conclusion

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Website:
http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/

Latest Reviews:
https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/blog...

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/hifiheadphones

Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/hifiheadpho...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OUR GEAR:

- Panasonic Lumix S1
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro f/1.4 50mm

- Panasonic Lumix S5
- Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6

- Atomos Ninja V
- Rotolight NEO
- Godox SL60W
- RODE Wireless Go 2
- Tascam DR-70D Audio Recorder
JDS Labs Element III DAC/Amp Review
YouTube Video VVVFVzZGdExTdDlIOW54RWtZamJ5MGVBLjlXSVBfNUZiQkEw
We have carefully put together a list of our current best buys, we have selected products from different categories and items to suit all budgets. Let us know what you think of the list, and if you have any of the products listed or have any items you think we should check out. 

0:00 - Intro
0:28 - Lypertek PurePlay Z5
0:50 - Final ZE3000
1:07 - Lypertek SoundFree S20
1:26 - SoundMAGIC E11c
1:42 - Oriveti OH300
2:03 - Campfire Audio Holocene
2:22 - 64 Audio U6t
2:45 - 64 Audio tia Fourte
3:03 - Etymotic ER-4SR
3:24 - SoundMAGIC P23BT
3:46 - Final UX3000
4:04 - Sennheiser HD660s
4:27 - Audeze LCD-2 Classic
4:53 - Final D8000 
5:18 - Audeze LCD-5
5:44 - Periodic Audio Rhodium
6:08 - JDS Labs Atom Amp+
6:27 - JDS Labs Element III
6:59 - Burson Soloist 3X GT

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Blog Post - https://blog.hifiheadphones.co.uk/best-headphones-earphones-hifiheadphones/

Earphones: 

Lypertek PurePlay Z5 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/lypertek-pureplay-z5?
Final ZE3000 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/final-ze3000-true-wireless-in-ear-isolating-earphones-black?
Lypertek SoundFree S20 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/lypertek-soundfree-s20-true-wireless-in-ear-isolating-earphones-black?
SoundMAGIC E11c - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/soundmagic-e11c-in-ear-isolating-earphones-with-mic-black?
Oriveti OH300 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/oriveti-oh300-hybrid-triple-drivers-iem-earphones-with-detachable-cable?
Campfire Audio Holocene - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/campfire-audio-holocene-triple-balanced-armature-drivers-iem-earphones-with-detachable-mmcx-cable?
64 Audio U6t - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/64-audio-u6t-six-drivers-universal-iem-earphones-with-detachable-cable?
64 Audio tia Fourte - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/64-audio-tia-fourte-four-drivers-universal-iem-earphones?
Etymotic ER-4SR - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/etymotic-er4-sr-studio-reference-in-ear-isolating-earphones-with-replaceable-cable?

Headphones:

SoundMAGIC P23BT - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/soundmagic-p23bt-portable-wireless-headphones-black?
Final UX3000 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/final-ux3000-wireless-active-noise-cancelling-headphones?
Sennheiser HD660s - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/sennheiser-hd660s-open-back-headphones-with-detachable-cable-1?
Audeze LCD-2 Classic - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/audeze-lcd-2-classic-open-back-headphones-with-detachable-cable-and-economy-travel-case-leather-free?
Final D8000 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/final-d8000-planar-magnetic-headphones-with-detachable-cable?
Audeze LCD-5 - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/audeze-lcd-5-open-back-headphones-with-detachable-cable-leather?

Amps / DACs

Periodic Audio Rhodium - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/periodic-audio-rhodium-portable-hi-res-usb-c-dac-headphone-amplifier?
JDS Labs Atom Amp+ - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/jds-labs-atom-amp-headphone-amplifier-uk-plug?
JDS Labs Element III - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/jds-labs-element-iii-headphone-amplifier-usb-dac-copper-ring-uk-plug?
Burson Soloist 3X GT - https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/burson-audio-soloist-3x-gt-headphone-amplifier-pre-amp?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Website:
http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/

Latest Reviews:
https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/blog...

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/hifiheadphones

Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/hifiheadpho...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OUR GEAR:

- Panasonic Lumix S1
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro f/1.4 50mm

- Panasonic Lumix S5
- Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6

- Atomos Ninja V
- Rotolight NEO
- Godox SL60W
- RODE Wireless Go 2
- Tascam DR-70D Audio Recorder
HiFiHeadphones Best Buys - Headphones, Earphones, Amps and DACs
YouTube Video VVVFVzZGdExTdDlIOW54RWtZamJ5MGVBLkxvMXJUak5BV18w
Ever wondered what the difference is between Passive noise isolation and ANC (Active Noise Cancelling)? 

Well watch on as we explain the core differences and the pros and cons of each system. 

Have a preference? Let us know in the comments. 

Any other questions about tech or headphones/earphones? Do put them in the comments too and we will reply and potentially make a video about it. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Website:
http://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/

Latest Reviews:
https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/blog...

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/hifiheadphones

Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/hifiheadpho...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OUR GEAR:

- Panasonic Lumix S1
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro 24-70mm
- Panasonic Lumix S Pro f/1.4 50mm

- Panasonic Lumix S5
- Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6

- Atomos Ninja V
- Rotolight NEO
- Godox SL60W
- RODE Wireless Go 2
- Tascam DR-70D Audio Recorder
- Manfrotto 504HD/546BK Tripod
Passive Isolation vs ANC in Headphones and Earphones
YouTube Video VVVFVzZGdExTdDlIOW54RWtZamJ5MGVBLnZORGpkZVdqZUNj

Interested in a product?

If you have questions about a product please contact us directly through our contact form

Contact our Experts

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

  • @westoneaudio have just released a new range of earphones - the MACH series - ideal for professionals and audiophiles alike!

#westone #westoneaudio #westonemachseries #earphones #headphones #hifiheadphones #headfi #proaudio #audiophile #highend #highendaudio #inears #iems #musician #stagemonitoring
  • We still have a limited number of @campfireaudio Sabers in stock -  limited to 1000 units worldwide make sure to grab a pair before they are gone!

#campfireaudio #campfiresaber #saberearphones #campfireaudiosaber #dynamicdriver #earphones #headphones #audiophile #portableaudio #inears #iems #headfi #hifiheadphones
  • This little combo comes in at under £100, and sounds incredible!

@periodicaudio Rhodium + @soundmagiceurope E11c

#portableaudio #periodicaudio #periodicrhodium #soundmagic #e11c #rhodiumdac #dac #headamp #hifiheadphones #audiophile
  • Our video review of the excellent @jdslabs Element III is now live!

#jdslabs #jdslabselement3 #element3 #headphones #headamp #headphoneamp #dacamp #headfi #earphones #headfi
  • @campfireaudio are known for doing things differently - their new custom IEM uses a single planar magnetic driver. These are really interesting, and sound incredible too - check out the announcement on our blog.

#campfireaudio #campfiresupermoon #supermoon #ciem #customiem #customearphone #campfireaudiosupermoon #planarmagnetic #planarearphone #earphones #headfi #hifiheadphones
  • When did you last clean your earphones?

Do you know how to clean your headphones?

Check out our handy guide on how to look after your portable audio gear - over on the blog

#cleaning #audiohygiene #headphonecleaning #earbudcleaning #earbuds #earphones #earphonecleaning
  • Looking for audio on a budget, head to the blog to see our top 5 under £100 audio products to give you better audio on-the-go. 

#lypertek #periodicaudio #soundmagic #headphones #earphones #audio #hifiheadphones #bestbuys #bestheadphones #bestearphones #budgetaudio #budgetheadphones #budgetearphones
  • Following up from our blog post on our favourite products across various budgets and ranges, we decided to make a video based on the same list.  Go check it out and let us know if you own, or have tried any of the products listed!

@lypertek 
@campfireaudio
@periodicaudio
@64audio
@bursonaudio
@jdslabs
@audeze_official
@final_audio
@soundmagiceurope
@sennheiser

#audeze #lypertek #oriveti #soundmagic #jdslabs #bursonaudio #finalaudio #campfireaudio #64audio #64fam #etymotic #sennheiser #periodicaudio #iem #earphones #headphones #anc #bestearphones #bestheadphones #bestanc #wireless #truewireless #headfi #audiophile #headamp #dac #headphoneamp
  • Ever wondered what our top picks are for different categories and different price ranges? 

Well wonder no more, we have put together a comprehensive best buy list over on our blog - so go check it out!

http://ow.ly/n5Fm50IsrQY

#bestbuy #buyingguide #topbuys #toppicks #topheadphones #bestheadphones #bestearphones #audiophile #headphones #earphones #headfi #audiophile #hifiheadphones #jdslabs #bursonaudio #final #campfireaudio #audeze
  • Something often overlooked is the importance of eartips, they are responsible for creating an airtight seal in your ear to deliver the best sound possible - not forgetting that different designs and materials also alter the sound. 

This is often quite a complex topic, so check out our guide to eartips over on our blog: https://blog.hifiheadphones.co.uk/eartips-how-to-guide-by-hifiheadphones/

#eartips #spinfit #comply #westone #etymotic #inears #inear #earphones #headphones #audiology #audiophile #hifiheadphones #earbuds #iem #headfi #anc #noiseisolation
Instagram Youtube Facebook
hifi headphones

Join Our Newsletter


Categories

  • Home
  • News
  • Full Reviews
  • How-To’s
  • Best Of
  • Videos
  • About Us
  • Shop

About Hifiheadphones

  • About Us
  • Product Reviews
  • Demo Facility
  • Buying Guides
  • Login

© 2020 Hifiheadphones. All rights reserved. Hifieadphones is a trading name of K&S Technology Limited, a company registered in England and Wales.
Company number: 5631601 A4 Dolphin Way, Shoreham-By-Sea, BN43 6NZ, United Kingdom

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Full Reviews
  • How-To’s
  • Best Of
  • Videos
  • About Us
  • Shop

© 2020 Hifiheadphones. All rights reserved. Hifieadphones is a trading name of K&S Technology Limited, a company registered in England and Wales.
Company number: 5631601 A4 Dolphin Way, Shoreham-By-Sea, BN43 6NZ, United Kingdom

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.