Trifecta ‘Astral Plane’: Packaging sent from above

Firstly, let’s talk about the packaging. Campfire Audio want to offer the ultimate user experience as soon as their IEMs are unboxed, and this is certainly the case with the new Trifecta. The box is made out of wood and can be transformed into a display stand for your earphones. Just attach the brass hand to the backplate and you have an angelic design, holding the Trifecta ‘Astral Plane’ up to the heavens.

Inside the box you get two carry pouches, useful to store the IEMs as well as the extra cables that are also supplied. The cables are Campfire’s new Time Stream design, provided with 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm termination options. There is also an impressive amount of eartips provided with silicone and foam options is all sizes.

Beautifully constructed

Now for the earphones, and this new Trifecta is a work of art. They resemble luxury jewellery as much as high-end IEMs. The new ‘Astral Plane’ version comes with a blue tint to the transparent housings which somehow makes them look clearer and ties in very well with the artwork that comes along with this model. Images of a beautiful blue sky. Peering through the glass-like outer shell, it is amazing how much of the internals are on show. It looks so neat in there. Inside the housing, Campfire Audio has placed three custom 10mm full-range dynamic drivers in a triangle configuration. This is stunning, and completely unique.

Comfort is key

The shape of the housings are surprisingly comfortable considering they are on the large side due to the three dynamic driver inside. This level of comfort must be down to the shape of the housings and the expert build quality as weight balance is spot on, allowing the earphones to sit securely in my ears. I personally prefer the silicone tips, and I found a great fit with the large ones. Definitely try the silicone and foam tips in order to find your best fit and sound, as the material of the tips does impact the audio tuning.

Trifecta ‘Astral Plane’ – How do they sound?

As for the tuning, Campfire Audio has gone for fun, fun, fun. It is unusual for an IEM brand to have their flagship model be this much fun. The Trifecta ‘Astral Plane’ has one job, and that is to put a smile on your face. The three dynamic drivers do exactly what you would imagine them to do. Bass is luscious and moreish. I’m so impressed with how Campfire Audio managed to harness the power of this driver configuration without allowing it to go out of control. The bass is big and enveloping, yet it is also controlled and manages to stay out of the way of the higher frequencies. The richness doesn’t stop at the bass, the mids are equally moreish. There’s a warm tone that makes guitars, vocals and snare drums pour into my ears like liquid gold. I almost feel naughty enjoying these earphones. Surely music isn’t supposed to sound this delicious.

Other Features at a Glance:

• Three custom 10mm ADLC diaphragm gold-plated dynamic drivers
• Ultra light and rigid ADLC Diaphragms
• Optically clear nylon body styling
• Transparent Housing with Gold PVD Accents
• Time Stream Cables with 3.5mm, 2.5mm and 4.4mm terminations
• Dimensional Folding leather carrying case
• Stainless steel spout and MMCX capture
• Custom beryllium copper MMCX components 

The post Campfire Audio Trifecta ‘Astral Plane’ Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Who are these brands then?

Final

Final is one of those brands. What most people do not know is that Final has been creating some of the finest audio products since 1974. In their home of Japan, Final is regarded as hi-fi royalty. Over their long history, Final has developed a wide range of products from turntable cartridges, hi-fi stereo amplifiers, speakers and more recently, headphones and earphones. Their latest venture is wireless audio, where they have had huge success releasing the UX3000 wireless headphones, ZE3000 true wireless earphones and most recently, their flagship ZE8000 ANC true wireless earphones.

Final ZE8000 ANC True Wireless Earphones

Final’s flagship true wireless earphones are their most advanced release to date. Almost 50 years of hi-fi experience has been packaged into this portable gem. The ZE8000 gives us an insight into the passion and drive towards excellence that is at the core of why Final do what they do. For the ZE8000, Final has developed a number of new technologies from custom made drivers, Class-AB amp integration with dedicated signal processing and software breakthroughs such as 8K Sound, Volume Step Optimisation and sound quality prioritised ANC. The ZE8000 is the closest you can get to wired IEM sound quality from an ANC true wireless earphone.

Campfire Audio

Another ‘new’ brand on the scene is Campfire Audio. They are new when it comes to the world of true wireless, however they have been making some of the finest, and highly regarded IEMs since 2015. Even before 2015, the team behind this creative boutique brand came out of ALO Audio; leaders in developing headphone amplifiers, interconnects, and cables to audiophiles all over the world. Their history and experience, paired with a passion for art and bombastic creativity has resulted in some of the most stand-out IEMs the audio world has seen. Legends such as the Andromeda and Solaris are still regarded as some of the best, and now it is time for Campfire Audio to do the same to the world of wireless with their first ever true wireless earphone: Orbit.

Campfire Audio Orbit True Wireless Earphones

Staying true to their eye for striking design and love of sound quality that aims to please, Campfire Audio’s Orbit perfectly encapsulates these values. This is no ordinary audiophile product; the tuning of the Orbit aims to please all music lovers with a rich and luscious sound. The Portland, Oregon team developed a custom 10mm full range dynamic driver to sit at the heart of the Orbit, with the internal chamber designed to bring out every ounce of detail. This along with the unique design and colour choice means that the Orbit is well suited to those who appreciate style, originality, and creativity for an enhanced musical experience.

Noble

Last up is Noble. For 10 years now, Noble has been creating some of the most beautiful and technically marvellous IEMs money can buy. Headed up by the ‘Wizard’ himself, John Moulton, who is one of the main players when it comes to the IEM industry we know today. Noble specialise in both custom-fit IEMs as well as universal-fit, using only the finest materials and managing to effortlessly pack multiple driver configurations into their models. Only magic can explain this. Noble first released a TWS model in 2019, gaining high praise and multiple awards. Now we have the latest, and most impressive true wireless earphone model: FoKus Mystique.

Noble FoKus Mystique Triple Hybrid-Driver True Wireless Earphones

Once you get over the stunning craftsmanship of the FoKus Mystique, there are plenty of other ways for you to be well and truly stunned. Firstly, Noble has packed one 8.2mm dynamic and two Knowles balanced armature drivers inside each earphone. This hybrid configuration not only uses the finest driver technology, the result is sound quality that most wired IEMs would struggle to compete with. The design is very unique, resembling a custom IEM with the shape and contours crafted to fit perfectly in your ear. The Noble FoKus Mystique is for those wanting the very best, and the most beautiful when it comes to what is possible in wireless audio. You will have to pay for it, however those who are willing to will not be disappointed.

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Solaris ‘Stellar Horizon’: Improved Ownership Experience

In terms of packaging and presentation, this 2023 version of Solaris has had the same treatment as the Andromeda. Provided in a new box made from lightweight wood that acts as a display unit once opened. The level of detail here is so impressive, with striking artwork and even an elegant hand which is used to hold the earphones when not in use.

As for accessories. You get an impressive bunch of silicone and foam eartips in a range of sizes. My personal favourite is the large foam tips for the Solaris, and the rest of the review will be written using these. Do make sure to try all tips provided so you can find the best comfort and sound quality for you, as eartips play a big role in both. You also get three new ‘Time Stream’ silver plated copper cables in a range of terminations: 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm.

Two carry pouches are also provided, one leather and one material. Having two really makes sense here, as you can use one to keep your earphones safe and the other to store your extra cables and any other accessories that you would like to keep secure.

Strikingly Compact

Now for the earphones. The Solaris ‘Stellar Horizon’ has a very similar shape and size to the previous version of Solaris, providing a compact design that sits nicely in my ear. The housings are made using brushed stainless steel which looks great, especially along with the gold and black faceplate which is striking and really stands out.

Brand New Technology

Internally there have been big changes too. Campfire Audio has developed new technologies for the Solaris ‘Stellar Horizon’, with custom dual-diaphragm balanced armature drivers and their new radial venting which surrounds the 10mm dynamic driver. The configuration consists of three custom dual-diaphragm BAs and one 10mm ADLC dynamic driver inside each housing.

Solaris ‘Stellar Horizon’ – How do they sound?

The Solaris ‘Stellar Horizon’ has a sound that I haven’t experienced before. They are the realest sounding IEMs I have heard. If I didn’t know better, I would assume that the audio was coming from a huge acoustically treated chamber filled with musicians all playing just for me. Bass sounds real. No boom or overdoing it. Mids sound real. The tone, texture and timbre match exactly with my experience of listening to drums, guitars and vocals being performed live and in person. This is something I haven’t heard before from any set of IEMs. There’s an edge to each sound that is so pleasing, and the Solaris delivers audio quickly and clearly. Highs extend endlessly and help to create space which provides an impressively wide and deep soundstage. The overall experience seems so effortless that it would be easy to assume that the earphones are doing nothing, and that’s the beauty. It’s like a great actor. The best ones seem as though they aren’t acting at all.

The post Campfire Audio Solaris ‘Stellar Horizon’ Quad Hybrid IEM Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Campfire Audio Trifecta `Astral PLane´

The Trifecta is a masterpiece that is known to envelop the listener in rich, towering waves of sonic impact. Its stunning presentation and head-turning style produce an astounding experience in form, function, and aesthetic. Furthermore, optically clear nylon housing provides a window to its internal components, revealing the Trifectas three 10mm ADLC diaphragm dynamic drivers with gold-plated cases. As well as this, individually vented drivers face one another in a unique triangular configuration ( a design that is patent pending). On top of this, their performance is further enhanced by an acoustically tuned chamber. Together the three custom drivers create a breathtakingly massive sound. Now with a new colourscape, Campfire Audio discovery number five can be yours this March!

Accessories and More

It is known that good things come in threes. So it is no surprise that with The Trifecta Astral Plane you get Campfire’s new Time Stream cables with 2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm terminations all included. In addition to this, it comes supplied with an impressive amount of accessories and a newly designed carry case, (as seen in the pictures below).

To complete the experience, the Astral Plane is also shipped in a completely unique presentation box. Campfire Audio have spent the last few years creating a new way to present their products in a way that authentically communicates their creative vision. To conclude, it is safe to say that the Astral Plane delivers in spades here and realises the evolution of the brand. As well as promoting exactly who they are. Captain Francis Aristarchus could only be proud.

Technical Specs:

• Frequency Response: 5Hz–20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 94 dB SPL @ 1kHz: 16.91 mVrms
• Impedance: 6.3 Ohms @ 1kHz
• Total Harmonic Distortion: less than 1%

Check out what else Campfire Audio has to offer via Hifiheadphones!

More News about Campfire Audio and their latest releases here

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Andromeda ‘Emerald Sea’: Improved Ownership Experience

Not only have the earphones been given a makeover, the entire ownership experience has been enhanced. The main addition here is the wooden presentation box that the Andromeda is packaged in. Reminiscent of a cigar box, this packaging is like no other. Remove the lid and slot it into the base, then attach the bronze hand and you have the most original earphone presentation stand I have ever come across. In the words of Campfire Audio, nicely done.

As for accessories, the selection provided is equally impressive. You get a wide range of eartips with a mixture of foam and silicone. You get two carry pouches. One for the earphones and one to store the extra cables that come with the Andromeda. Campfire Audio has included three Time Stream cables: 2.5mm, 3.5mm and 4.4mm. These new cables feel great and house silver plated copper conductors. Providing three shows how dedicated Campfire Audio is to the experience.

Complete Re-Design

The earphones themselves is where Campfire Audio really make their statement. Gone is the severe, angular shape of the old Andromeda. For the ‘Emerald Sea’, the housings are smaller, smother and more streamlined. This is also a new shape for Campfire Audio, and this really adds to the comfort of the earphones. This shape works perfectly for me, nestling nicely into my ears with no feeling of pressure even after a long listening session.

Low distortion and superior stability.

Internally, the engineers have also gone to work, using brand new drivers and also redesigning the interior chamber. Five custom, dual-diaphragm balanced armature drivers are housed inside each earphone. These drivers have been chosen for their low distortion and superior stability. These drivers have been placed within a newly designed internal 3D-printed chamber.

Less Sensitivity. More Flexibility.

Another change that I think is worth mentioning is that the Andromeda ‘Emerald Sea’ is less sensitive than previous Andromeda versions. This is a big change, as one of the issues I found previously is that the Andromeda was always very picky about which devices it worked well with, and part of that pickiness was down to its sensitivity. The new ‘Emerald Sea’ is less picky, meaning there will be more people out there who can enjoy this stunning earphone.

An overall more balanced and believe it or not; an even more enjoyable listen.

Andromeda ‘Emerald Sea’ – How do they sound?

Now, what does all of this mean? The result of this overhaul is a listening experience that has taken an already sublime sound provided by the older Andromeda, and added a new layer of fluidity and finesse in the ‘Emerald Sea’. Bass is as present as ever, this time with an improved roundedness and coherence which allows the mids to sound more effortless than before, especially in the higher end.

This Andromeda has kept the organic quality that made has made the Andromeda so successful over all these years, yet there is something new here, a new smoothness in the higher peaks which now allows other frequencies to show themselves even more for an overall more balanced and believe it or not; an even more enjoyable listen.

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Campfire Audio Andromeda ‘Emerald Sea’

The Andromeda ‘Emerald Sea’ has been completely redesigned inside and out. While drawing from their past experience, the tides of the Emerald Sea bring both fond memories and warm waves of optimism for the future.

New Ergonomic Shell Design

An all-new machined aluminium shell in the classic Andromeda Green. Updated with a smaller shape and smooth contours, this is arguably the most comfortable Andromeda yet. The new shape, coupled with their new stainless-steel fasteners and MMCX capture, creates a sleek, striking, wearable earphone while staying true to the legacy of the Campfire flagship.

New Acoustic Design

Five all-new, custom, dual-diaphragm balanced armatures bring the latest in driver technology to the Andromeda. With lower distortion and greater stability and resilience. Coupled with re-engineered internal acoustic geometry and newly designed 3D-printed driver housings, this iteration of Andromeda delivers an exceptional sonic experience.

New Sound

Andromeda ‘Emerald Sea’ features an expanded acoustic range. Lower sensitivity that puts the listener in control, and a sweet analogue glow to its sonic signature.

Technical Specs:

• Frequency Response: 5Hz – 20kHz
• SPL: 94dB @1K = 11.84mVrms
• Impedance: 6.375 Ohm @1K
• THD: <0.5%

Campfire Audio Solaris ‘Stellar Horizon’

The Solaris ‘Stellar Horizon’ represents a full re-envisioning of another classic Campfire Audio IEM. This top-to-bottom revolution captures the essence of what makes the Solaris the legend it is today. While simultaneously elevating it to a brand-new horizon.

New Ergonomic Shell Design

The Solaris ‘Stellar Horizon’ combines elegance and durability with precision machined and brushed stainless steel housing. Accented by brass fasteners and MMCX capture. A custom gold PVD inlay contrasts with black, laser-cut acrylic to round out Solaris’ stunning presentation and immaculate build quality.

New Acoustic Design

Revolutionising Solaris’ internal components are two new pieces of driver and driver treatment technology. Three custom dual diaphragm balanced armatures create more output, high-end extension and less distortion. This is coupled with their new Radial Venting surrounding the 10mm ADLC dynamic driver. Creating a greater air volume and expanding the physical space in which the driver operates. This creates a greater soundstage and a more even dynamic driver performance.

New Sound

Ascending to a new peak of sonic performance, this iteration of Solaris creates an undeniable energetic flow. Incredible versatility means that Solaris will melt through any genre in its way. Powerful, accurate bass drives rhythm to your core. Tracks erupt into a massive chasm of soundstage, with high-end extension, detail, and imaging unprecedented in the lineage of Solaris.

Technical Specs:

• Frequency Response: 5Hz – 20kHz
• SPL: 94dB @1K = 9.145mVrms
• Impedance: 4.40 Ohm @1K
• THD <0.5%

Accessories and More

Both models are supplied with an impressive amount of accessories (as seen below). They are also supplied with Campfire‘s new Time Stream cables. Silver-plated copper conductors with Berylium copper MMCX connectors. You get three cable types: 2.5mm balanced. 3.5mm stereo and 4.4mm balanced terminations.

To complete the experience, the new Andromeda and Solaris are both shipped in a completely unique presentation box. Created individually by the Campfire Audio team in their Portland Oregon workshop. This is something that has to be seen to be fully appreciated.

All Models are Now Available via Hifiheadphones!

More News about Campfire Audio and their latest releases here

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About Lypertek

Founded in 2017, Lypertek is an award-winning technology company specialising in true wireless earphones. Their mission is to create high quality, audio focused products at an affordable price. Their first TWS earphone release realised this mission and it was the multi award-winning TEVI in 2019. It must be said that the TEVI was a resounding success around the world and quickly became the go to choice of TWS earphones for their audiophile sound, battery life and overall value. Later releases from Lypertek built upon this initial success. From the SoundFree S20, PurePlay Z3 2.0, PurePlay Z7 and Pureplay Z5, they have all received awards themselves and are praised on their own merit. On top of this, more recently Lypertek have released the very successful PureControl ANC app with LDX Audio, solidifying Lypertek’s reputation as one of the leading true wireless audio brands in the world today.

Lypertek has established itself as the go-to audio brand for high-quality and great-value products.

Whatgadget

A detailed look at Lypertek’s product range

Pureplay Z3 2.0 (formally the TEVI)

The successor to the multi award-winning PurePlay Z3 (TEVI), the PurePlay Z3 2.0 took the performance of Lypertek’s first true wireless earphones to a whole new level. By utilising newer technology such as Qualcomm’s QC3040 chipset, The Pureplay Z3 2.0 has Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. Additional features such as wireless charging, Hear Through mode and compatibility with the new Lypertek PureControl app guaranteed that the foundations on what the TEVI was built upon were surpassed. It has been critically acclaimed worldwide and its price to performance ratio has never been surpassed.

Lypertek continues to punch above its weight and outside of its pricing bracket with the PurePlay Z3 2.0 true wireless earbuds, a stellar-sounding and well-priced package.

Tech Radar Editors Choice Award

PurePlay Z5

The Purplay Z5 is Lypertek’s first ever ANC TWS earphone and their most recent release. To push the boundaries of what is possible in wireless audio even further, Lypertek also developed their PureControl ANC app from the ground up. The App was especially designed to unleash the full potential of the PurePlay Z5 for everyone who owns a pair. Simple to use and packed full of features, it even has its own personalized service that helps you create your own individual setup.

Notable Features Of The Z5:

• PureControl ANC App for Android and iOS feat. LDX audio, Ambient mode, 7-band EQ.
• Touch controls – you can modify the touch controls in the app to your liking in the App.
• Safe mode! a touch control configuration that helps you not to accidentally do something you didn’t want to.
• Supports high-speed wireless charging and Fast Charge (15min. charging = 2h play time)
• Battery life is 7hrs (+28 from the case) with ANC off, and 4hrs (+16 from the case).
• High performance 10mm drivers deliver premium sound with engaging sound image and powerful bass control.
• Three microphones on each earbud with cVc 8.0 echo cancellation and noise suppression for enhanced call quality.
• Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling technology.
• Bluetooth 5.2 with SBC, aptX, aptX Adaptive and AAC codecs.
• A wide assortment of silicone and foam tips provide perfect fit and best possible sound experience.
• IPX5 water-resistant design provides protection from rain and sweat

Pureplay Z7

The Pureplay Z7 is aimed more towards the Audiophile/ serious listener. Lypertek incorporated a triple hybrid driver configuration for the PurePlay Z7. With two specially designed balanced armature drivers and one titanium coated dynamic driver inside each housing. All in all, this driver arrangement offers the dynamic range needed to achieve the PurePlay Z7’s known superior sound quality. Delivering powerful and well controlled bass, midrange that provides a rich clarity to vocals and clear and expansive highs for an overall unique true wireless listening experience. Add to this the long battery life, 10hrs per charge (+70 additional hours from the charging case) and a plethora of other features; you have yourself one mighty TWS earphone.

With its excellent sound quality, long battery life, stable connection, and comfortable fit, it is a great TWS that is tuned to impress audiophiles who want more on the go. Additionally it comes with a great charging case that looks chic and elegant. The whole package has brilliant build quality.

Headfonia

LDX Audio

Users of Lypertek’s Pureplay products can take advantage of the new LDX audio mode (Lypertek Definition Expander). Which adds a new dimension to the user’s listening experience. Lypertek’s engineers have designed this audio profile specifically for the PurePlay Z3 2.0 / Pureplay Z5 / Pureplay Z7. The PureControl app / Purecontrol ANC app makes it very easy to activate LDX audio mode. With the simple press of a button, you can expect an improved soundstage with added depth, increased definition and a greater sense of space.

Accessories, Wireless Charging pad and more!

From Flexfit foam eartips to a Super Slim Wireless Charging Pad, Lypertek accessories have also got you covered. Included with every model is a wide range of eartips with different styles, materials and sizes because Lypertek actually wants you to experience the best sound possible. For example, with the Pureplay Z5, you get 3 pairs of PurePower, 3x PureSpace and 3x PureComfort silicone and foam tips included in the package itself. The tips are designed to give each user the perfect fit and the best possible sound, to allow each user to have their own ideal listening experience.

Milestones

• 2017: Lyptertek founded.
• 2019: Multi awarding winning TEVI launched. Receivedgenuine worldwide praise. 5* Tech Radar Review, 5* Gamesky Video Review.
• 2020: SoundFree S20 budget TWS launched and well received. 4.5* Trusted Reviews.
• 2021: Follow up to the TEVI, the Lypertek Pureplay Z3 2.0 released worldwide. 5* reviews from Trusted Reviews & Soundphile Reviews.
• 2021: Pureplay Z3 2.0 get editors choice award from Tech Radar. Value King award from Crinacle.
• 2021: Trusted Reviews shortlist Lypertek as best Audio Brand 2021.
• 2021: Audiophile focussed TWS Pureplay Z7 Launched. Recommended award from Headfonia, Ear-fidelity & Trusted Reviews.
• 2022: Lyperteks first ANC TWS earphone released the Pureplay Z5. Recommended award from Headfonics. 5* review from Techpowerup.
• 2022: Pureplay Z5 receives 5* from Kopfhoerer.de, Jabbareviews, headphonecheck, t3 & more!

Our Top 5 Lypertek Product Picks

1.Lypertek Pureplay Z5 – £99.00

The Lypertek PurePlay Z5 are one of the best, if not the best, true wireless models for daily use. They have ANC, Ambient mode, wireless charging, accompanying app and more. Add into the mix the superb sound quality and a fantastic low price. The sound is clean yet punchy, with great detail and layering without sounding boring. It’s also highly tuneable via the Lypertek app. The ANC is very effective on public transport, and the microphone quality is amongst the best we have used.

2.Lypertek Pureplay Z3 2.0 – £99.00

The PurePlay Z3 2.0 has quite a few added features over the original Tevi. This means better bluetooth connectivity, wireless charging and an accompanying app. This isn’t just a minor tweak, the PurePlay Z3 2.0 is a real upgrade over the Tevi and still offers up a detailed and balanced sound signature with incredible scope for tweaking via EQ. All for exactly the same price!

3. Lypertek Pureplay Z7 – £89.00

Lypertek is renowned for making excellent budget true wireless models. This is their first higher end release and they don’t disappoint. The fact that they have now been reduced to £89 makes these TWS earphones even more appealing. They are a brilliant sounding earphone with an abundance of clarity. The Z7’s are easy and very pleasant to listen to. A real audiophile true wireless earphone at its finest. The fact that you can tune the sound to your preference via the PureControl app is a bonus and it works wonders. This means you can get quite a few different sound signatures from one earphone. One that is designed for sound quality, which it delivers in spades.

4. Lypertek Soundfree S20 – £39.00

For everyday use the SoundFree S20 is a superb true wireless earphone. It’s comfortable and convenient to use with excellent sound quality and long battery life to boot. The sound is energetic and fun, whilst having good detail retrieval and separation too. And for that price! *Chef’s Kiss*

5. Lypertek Super Slim High Speed Wireless Charging Pad – £25.00

Boah, what a mouthful! A very stylish piece of kit that will look great on any desk and suitable for most wireless charging devices. It is also compatible with all wireless devices using the QI standard by WPC (Wireless Power Consortium) and supports wireless charging on all QI-enabled devices. Devices that are fast charge compatible are able to charge using the fast charge feature.

Latest Lypertek Updates and News:

Best Earphones 2024: IEM, Bluetooth, Wireless, Budget, Audiophile

November 24, 2024

Here you can see the best earphones, in ear headphones, earbuds, Bluetooth and even audiophile IEMs to buy right now in 2024

Best Headphones 2024

January 9, 2023

Here you can see the best headphones, earphones, on-ear, full-sized, Bluetooth, True Wireless and even audiophile headphones to buy right now.

Lypertek PurePlay Z7 Triple Hybrid TWS Earphone Review

Everything sounds effortless and they are just easy and very pleasant to listen to, an audiophile true wireless earphone at it’s finest.

Lypertek PurePlay Z5 ANC TWS Review

The sound is clean yet punchy, with great detail and layering without sounding boring – it’s also highly tuneable via the Lypertek app.

Lypertek SoundFree S20 Wireless Earbuds Review

For everyday use the SoundFree S20 is a superb true wireless earphone, it’s comfortable and convenient to use with excellent sound quality and long battery life to boot. The sound is energetic and fun, whilst having good detail retrieval and separation too.

The post Brand Story: Lypertek appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

All About Audeze

As you are well aware, Audeze is a California based high-end audio manufacturer known for delivering some of the most accurate sound reproduction products available today. In other words, they specialise in making luxury high-end planar magnetic headphones. Founded in circa 2009 by Alexander Rosson and Sankar Thiagasamudram, their products are designed from the ground up and engineered with the latest innovations in materials & technology. This is paired with precision craftsmanship to produce products with an astonishingly dynamic and immersive sound. Audeze’s commitment to research and development is reflected in every one of their products from the CRBN, LCD-5 to the Maxwell, Euclid and beyond.

What Does Audeze Mean?

Everyone

Audeze’s mission is to “create the best headphones in the world”, that much is clear. But everyone hears differently, so how can there possibly be “The One Headphone to Rule Them All” so to speak? Drumroll…. There’s not! Audeze’s real mission is to create the best headphone in the world for everyone out there, this is why there is not one Flagship Model but 4 and all manner of products in between.

Making Planar Magnetic Fashionable Again

Audeze’s continued innovation in planar magnetic driver technology has produced plenty of options for audiophiles, gamers, music makers alike. A popular thing in the 70’s, Audeze has managed to bring back / reinvent this technology not only as a USP but with the belief that Planar Magnetic is the way to go for great sounding headphones. This hunch, or commitment has been justified by not only the brand’s success but how others are now emulating what Audeze does day to day. Audeze’s continued innovation in planar magnetic driver technology in open or closed back, over-the-ear & in-ear products has produced plenty of options for everyone, with both small and large budgets.

Just what are planar magnetic drivers? Instead of a coil of wire, there is a thin membrane separated by an array of magnets in front and behind. When electrical sound signals are sent to the membrane it starts to move/ vibrate, thanks to the magnetic field and as a result it produces sound. For the benefits and negatives of this technology, you will need to go down a rabbit hole on the internet.

The Odyssey of Audeze: How do you pronounce it?
…is it Awwdeez or Awe-de-ze or Oh-de-sea?

Please let us know in the comments, we would really like to know!

Flagship Models

Just what are they? “The culmination of decades of research and development. Featuring our Nano-scale or carbon nanotube diaphragms, Fluxor magnet arrays, and Uniforce voice coils, Audeze’s Flagship series represents the pinnacle of audiophile technology.

LCD-5 – “The very definition of Uncompromised Audio. Representing more than 40 years of research and development in planar magnetic headphone technology, the LCD-5 stands in a class of its own.”

LCD-4Z – “Experience the unrivaled audio quality of our Flagship LCD-4 without the need for an amplifier. No other headphone in the world features such a robust and musically engaging sound signature in such an efficient package.”

CRBN ELECTROSTATIC – “Featuring the most advanced electrostatic technology in decades, the CRBN electrostatic headphone features a new Patent-pending polymer film with suspended carbon nanotubes for sparkling clarity, incredible transparency, transient speed, and bass response.”

LCD-i4 – “Represents the pinnacle of both audio quality and technological innovation for In Ear Monitoring. This groundbreaking in-ear headphone features the same Nano-Scale Uniforce diaphragm found in our LCD-4 and 4z. Paired with our powerful Fluxor magnet array to offer one of the most responsive, detailed, engaging, and immersive listening experiences in the world.”

Audeze Artists

You will find Audze’s reference series models in world-class studios and listening rooms all over the world. Audeze Artists and listeners everywhere use words like neutral, trustworthy and game-caning to describe them. So you know you will be hearing exactly what the artists themselves intended. The models in their reference series are the LCD-X, LCD-XC, LCD-MX4 & the MM-500. They are trusted and well reviewed around the entire world and if you’re a sound producer needing an upgrade, look no further!

You can read more about Audeze Artists, watch reviews, explanation videos and find out exactly why Audeze headphones are the professional’s go to choice here.

Gaming

It is safe to say that Audeze have been expanding their headphone product line a lot within the past few years. Not only is there an Origins Series; LCD-2, LCD-2 classic, LCD-2 Closed & the LCD-3. There is also an In-Ear Series featuring the Euclid, LCDi4 & the LCDi3. On top of these wonderful products there is a whole other beast in Gaming. Gaming is a fast rising market trend and has become an explosive market in the last 10 years. Audeze have managed to tap into this gaming-orientated audiophile quality headphone market, where hearing footsteps is the one thing between life and death (online).

Some of the top gaming headphones out there!

Both the Mobius and the LCD-GX are very different gaming headsets from each other, but that’s part of the beauty of them. Not only have both been considered some of the top gaming headphones out there (thanks to their state-of-the-art technology, design and that remarkable Audeze sound quality). They are both designed with specific uses and people budgets in mind. So gamers can really get the best quality possible within their means.

Introducing Maxwell

Maxwell is an evolved (and seriously upgraded) successor to the Audeze Penrose gaming headset. The great news for gamers out there is that all their feedback from the Penrose/ Penrose X has been absorbed by Audeze and the changes made with the Maxwell are considerable. It has a chassis made of aluminum and steel (longevity +++). The integrated battery will also last up to 80 hours and if you forget to charge your headset, a 20 minute charge will get the headset to work for a full day (Battery +++! In addition to this, a new noise filter has been integrated (FILTER is Audeze tech).

Dolby Atmos is also supported, but this only applies to the Xbox version or for use on the PC. The microphone is also detachable. It is a boom microphone with hypercardioid characteristics (think broadcasting microphones) that has 5 beamforming mics integrated too. So yes, when it gets sweaty on the battlefield, you will still sound clear as day. More info here

Timeline of Releases

• 2009: LCD-1 and LCD-2 prototypes revealed at CanJam
• 2010: LCD-2 launched
• 2011: LCD-3 Launched
• 2012: LCD-2 gets updated connectors and cable
• 2013: LCD-X Launched, LCD-3 & LCD-2 get Fazors
• 2014: product of the year awarded to LCD-2 by headphone.guru
• 2015: LCD-4 Released
• 2016: LCD-X LCD-2/ LCD-3/LCD-4 get new drivers, iSine 10 released
• 2017: LCD-MX4 / LCD-2 Classic, LCD-i4, iSine 10 Black/Steel Edition released. Sine headphones win Red Dot award
• 2018: LCD-4z launched
• 2019: Limited Edition LCD-24, LCD-GX gaming headphone, LCD-1, LCD i3, Audeze Mobius wireless PC gaming headset come to market
• 2019: LCDi3 wins best UIEM from Headfonia
• 2020: Penrose / Penrose X launched. LCD-5 wins best open headphone award from headfonia, LCD-1 wins best portable over ear from Tech Radar
• 2021: Limited Edition LCD-R, CRBN Electrostatic, LCD-5, Euclid, LCD-XC are released
• 2022: MM-500, FILTER Bluetooth Conference Speakerphone released
• 2023: Maxwell drops in Q1 23

Our Top 5 Audeze Product Picks

1.Audeze LCD-5 – £3,999.00

For the price you would expect these to be some of the best headphones on the market. Guess what? They absolutely are indeed. The LCD-5 have that gorgeous textured and full Audeze bass response you would expect, but it is so much more controlled now. The midrange is open, clear and detailed and the treble extends effortlessly without ever becoming harsh. These are resolving yet enjoyable. They have a reference like tuning without coming across clinical. They have an honest presentation without too much colouration or sweetness to the sound. Their greatest attribute is that they can simply play whatever you throw at them with ease.

2.Audeze LCD- X – £1,149.00

If you want to give yourself or someone you know a birthday or Christmas present, you can safely consider surprising yourself/them with the Audeze LCD-X. The Audeze LCD-X is a real eye-catching headphone. For a retail price that seems crazy at first glance, the bottom line is that the price-performance ratio of this headphones is absolutely fantastic. Not only due to the impeccable manufacture, but also a robust construction, use of high-quality materials and wonderful, detailed sound Loved by Audiophiles and sound engineers alike.

3. Audeze CRBN Electrostatic– £4,500.00

Watch our video review of the CRBN here.

4. Audeze LCD-2 Classic – £649.00

The LCD-2 Classic are a well controlled, but ultimately warm sounding headphone. They offer up a fatigue free sound with good width and height. If you listen to electronic centred music, old school rap/hip-hop and smoother more acoustic music they are a joy to listen to. Full Review

5. Audeze Maxwell – £319.00-£349.00

“After years of relentless innovation building the world’s best wireless gaming headset, Audeze presents Maxwell, designed from the ground up for serious gamers. Sound quality, wireless performance, and battery life are all pushed to new extremes, along with the latest spatial audio features and multi-platform compatibility.” – We cannot wait to get our hands on them in Q1 2023.

Latest Audeze Updates and News:

Headphones with the Best Battery Life

December 13, 2024

When you’re on the move or working through a busy day, nothing beats the convenience of headphones or wireless earbuds that keep going as long as you do. Long battery life is crucial, whether you’re commuting, traveling, gaming, or simply enjoying your favorite playlists. Here, we’ve rounded up the best…

HiFiHeadphones Best Buy list

November 29, 2024

Take a look at our list of best products in different categories and price points. This is our Best Buy List for 2024!

Audeze Maxwell Head-Tracking Announced

October 26, 2023

Surprise! So, it turns out the electronics for head-tracking have always been included in every single Audeze Maxwell that has ever been shipped. The news however, is that Audeze has just announced the beta launch of a firmware upgrade that finally enables said head tracking support – which will at…

Audeze Maxwell Review

The Audeze Maxwell is a revelation. The battery life is superb. The imaging is vivid and the soundstage is incredible. The wireless connections are solid and the microphone clarity is just one of the many cherries on top. You really can wear these for hours at a time and you…

Audeze MM-500 Review

The MM-500 tick all the boxes: luxury build, excellent comfort levels and, for me the perfect sound with just the right amount of tuning in the mid-low and high frequencies. For the price the MM-500 are a surprising talented headphone that is at home in the studio just as much…

The post Brand Story: Audeze appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

The Looks

In true Campfire Audio fashion, the Orbit is presented in a beautifully simple and yet visually striking box. There is something quite retro about the colour and font choices for the Orbit, with a very neutral and natural colour palette for the font, box and earphone housings – then there’s a bright splash of green to shake things up a bit. Just a reminder that this is indeed a Campfire Audio product.

Very eco-friendly and also very attractive

The packaging is all made of what looks like recycled cardboard, with no plastic in sight. Very eco-friendly and also very attractive. Open the box and there an explosion of gold which looks like sunbeams coming from out of the centre, with a deep blue box containing all of the goods.
Along with the Orbit, Campfire Audio has included a number of silicone and foam eartips in small, medium and large sizes. There is also a USB-C to USB-C charging cable, user guide and the coveted pin badge.

Campfire Audio has designed the Orbit from scratch, resulting in a unique style like no other. The case is nice and small and is finished with a smooth matte finish that feels very pleasing to touch. The two-tone colour style is in all neutral, earthy tones which is new to me – and I really like it. The shape is also interesting, with smooth angled edges along the sides, and the case tapers towards the bottom which makes for easy entry into a tight pocket when on the move. Lift the lid and there’s that lovely green colour again! Nestled in the case are the earphones, which fit very securely and regardless of their compact size. They are easy to remove too.

As for the earphones, their shape reminds me of the Saber with is small housing size and comfortable fit. The Orbit housings are again using the matte finish and two-tone colour style. There is also a stainless-steel sound nozzle which not only looks great – this surely adds to the Orbit’s durability.

The Inside

The Orbit uses 10mm custom full-range dynamic drivers, with a Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) film diaphragm. They are also packed with impressive tech: Bluetooth 5.2, AAC and AptX Adaptive codec support handling up to 24bit/48KHz audio, Qi wireless charging and 8.5 hours playtime plus a whopping 30 hours of reserve power from the carry case.

A Word of Advice

In trying the Orbit, I noticed that the housing shape made it slightly tricky to get that fit right in my ear, so I made sure to move them around until I felt a good seal. Once in place and with the right tips, the Orbit is very comfortable and secure with an airtight seal.

The sound is massive. It slams when needed with bass that drops low and punches high

The Sound

As for the sound – I had to keep reminding myself that this was a wireless earphone. We know Campfire Audio can create incredible wired earphones, having released some of the best sounding IEMs in history. The Orbit not only manages to carry on this tradition without the need for cables. There is now a Campfire Audio product that delivers their well known bombastic and engaging audio in a more affordable and convenient to use package.

The Orbit makes full use of the custom 10mm drivers, and it is as though they have wrung every bit of quality out of them. The sound is massive. It slams when needed with bass that drops low and punches high. Details come across with crispness and clarity, yet they are still very much a part of the overall listening experience. There has always been an organic quality to Campfire Audio earphones, and the Orbit is certainly this.

It’s hard to imagine that there is just one 10mm driver (per side) creating what sounds like a whole production suite in my head. The higher frequencies appear effortlessly, bringing everything together and helping to create space and depth – which there is plenty. Vocals are smooth and natural sounding, yet very present. They never get lost in the mix, they manage to be the focus when needed and if I didn’t know any better – I would think they were singing directly to me. Words that come to mind are lush, liquid, edgy, smooth, impact, moreish, quick, yum… I think you get the picture.

To top things off, Campfire Audio has also developed an app for the Orbit. Here you can view the individual battery levels, edit the touch controls, set the EQ (presets and custom) and update the firmware. This is all done very easily and the app is simple yet visually bold with quick response and connection.

The post Campfire Audio Orbit Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

About the Campfire Audio journey

The journey of Campfire Audio began in 2009 with a man named Ken Ball and a company called Audio Line Out (also known as ALO Audio). Kens dedication and hard work ethic resulted in ALO Audio being recognised for creating some of the best audio cables in the world and more importantly, a brand that had gained trust from its customers and fans that it still retains this day. In short, ALO Audio’s passion for quality audio reproduction was the driving force behind the creation of Campfire Audio. A bit like “well we do all this already with cables etc, so why not make earphones!?”.

By building up a highly motivated group of skilled craftsmen and developing their own unique aesthetic, Campfire Audio’s relentless experimentation with materials and technology resulted in them providing something extraordinary in the summer of 2015 with their first product releases, The Jupiter, Orion and Lyra.

Since 2015, Campfire has created and refined over 45 IEMs in a wide range of sound signatures and aesthetics.

The Campfire Universe keeps expanding

As Campfire Audio grew and developed over time, it has continuously improved upon its own ideas and prototypes. In turn, this has led to the development of many different products over the last 7 years. The Campfire Audio Andromeda, Solaris, Ara, Polaris, and Trifecta are just a few of their most famous exemplary products out there. Each earphone and headphone released from them is a result of infinite repetitions, extreme testing and tweaking of the performance and doing absolutely everything in between until it is “perfection”.

The sound signatures are so varied between each model that there is sure to be something for everyone. You can find out what model is exactly for you here. When you buy a Campfire Audio earphone, you immediately own a world-class earphone that comes from a company which stands fully behind the product it builds. Each one is a work of modern art.

There’s a Custom for that

Campfire Audio also dabble in the custom earphone market. Bringing their spectacular designs and incredible sound profiles to fit your ears perfectly if you want it. You want crisp detail and reference sound? Then the Solstice is your eclipse. After bombastic dynamics? Hello Equinox my old friend. Or are you after something more velvety with a refined performance? Then look no further and absorb the elegance of the planar Supermoon.

Campfire Audio have issued 19 special edition IEMs, many of them limited to less than 200 units, and some with as few as 8 in existence; creating unique rarities for Campfire fans worldwide.

Campfire Audio History – Fun Fact

The Campfire Audio Market

Recently, Campfire Audio have been documenting the Adventures of Captain Francis Aristarchus and releasing his discoveries to a wide audience worldwide, but they also provide a safe place where fans can get themselves a piece of history (and a quality IEM to boot). The Campfire Audio Market provides a range of B-stock, Pre-Owned, legacy, and overstock products from Campfire and ALO Audio. If you are still wanting that Honeydew or even a C/2019 Q4 , you best be quick, once they are gone, they are gone for good!

Milestones

• 2015: Launched first set of products, The Jupiter, Orion and Lyra
• 2016: Andromeda, Vega, Dorado and Lyra II released
• 2017: Launched the Polaris at the Hong Kong High-End Audio Show as well as 4 unique limited editions of the Andromeda
• 2018: Released their first and only over-ear headphone called the Cascade, 2018 top gear award winner. The Atlas, Comet and Solaris come out. Also released their first custom IEM the Equinox
• 2019: Released the Polaris II and the IO in addition to even more unique limited runs of various models. Soltice wins top gear award from Headphonics
• 2020: The Ara is dropped onto the world as well as 2020 reimaginations of the Andromeda, Dorado, Solaris & Vega. Dorado 2020 “recommended” by Forbes
• 2021: Tapped into the entry level market with the release of the Honeydew and Satsuma. Also released the Holocene, Mammoth, Saber and a multitude of limited edition runs. Holocene “recommended” by Ear-fidelity
• 2022: The Trifecta premiers at Munich High-End, Solstice wins Editors Choice 2022 award from ReviewGeek
• 2023: First TWS Earphone “Orbit” is released. Re-envisioning of the Solaris with a complete overhaul and new name, The Solaris Steller Horizon.
• 2023: Andromeda Emerald Sea & Trifecta Astral Plane released.

Our Top 5 Campfire Audio Product Picks

1.Campfire Audio Andromeda Emerald Sea – £1,449.00

Since its first release in 2016, the Andromeda quickly became a fan favourite and a legend within the audiophile community. Seven years later this latest version has improved upon this winning formula. The Andromeda ‘Emerald Sea’ boasts a brand-new housing design, while sticking with the ever-popular green shells. Internally, Campfire Audio has also updated the drivers with five all-new dual diaphragm balanced armature drivers and redesigned the internal driver chamber

2.Campfire Audio Solaris Stellar Horizon – £2,669.00

It is hard to imagine how an IEM like the 2018 Solaris could ever have been improved. Well, Campfire Audio has done just that with the new Solaris ‘Stellar Horizon’. Having gone through a few iterations since its first release, the new Solaris has kept the small form factor with a new stainless-steel housing and black and gold detail on the faceplate. The internals have also had a refresh with new custom dual-diaphragm balanced armature drivers and radial venting.

3.Campfire Audio Trifecta Astral Plane – £3,399.00

Taking flagship status in Campfire Audio’s range of IEMs, the new Trifecta ‘Astral Plane’ is a work of art. Resembling fine jewellery as much as high-end earphones, the Trifecta sports blue tinted transparent housings which provide a window into the magic. Three 10mm custom dynamic drivers are set in triangle formation, something never seen before in the world of IEMs. As you can imagine, the sound is big and will transport you to another dimension.

4. Campfire Audio Orbit – £249.00

Campfire Audio’s first foray into the world of true wireless has been a success, with their Orbit already gaining awards for its design, build and most importantly; sound quality. Orbit provides a unique take on what is possible from true wireless earphones. The design is unlike any other, showing that Campfire Audio is not afraid to break the mould and do things differently. The sound is why they really stand out though. A must for audio lovers.

5. Campfire Audio Supermoon – £1,449.00

Campfire Audio has taken a unique approach to custom IEMs. The Supermoon is intended for musical pleasure. Using a single full-range planar magnetic driver, this CIEM takes an original approach to the world of customs. Normally intended for pro users and musicians, Campfire Audio has broadened the scope of how to use this technology. Supermoon utilises the benefits of a custom fit in order to fully realise audio where no detail goes unheard. 

Lastest Campfire Audio Updates and News:

Best Earphones 2024: IEM, Bluetooth, Wireless, Budget, Audiophile

November 24, 2024

Here you can see the best earphones, in ear headphones, earbuds, Bluetooth and even audiophile IEMs to buy right now in 2024

Campfire Audio Trifecta ‘Astral Plane’ Review

They’re not quick, accurate or bright, but who wants any of that when music flows like honey. You will feel naughty for enjoying these; and so you should.

Campfire Audio Solaris ‘Stellar Horizon’ Quad Hybrid IEM Review

The new Solaris ‘Stellar Horizon’ is Campfire’s best IEM yet and really shows how much the team loves doing what they do.

Trifecta “Astral Plane” Now on Pre-order!

February 26, 2023

Introducing Campfire Audio’s new iteration of the Trifecta, the `Astral Plane´. Available March 2023! The new generation of IEM’s released by Campfire Audio in 2023 have realised their new vision. The new Trifecta looks fantastic. It also brings Captain Francis Aristarchus’ latest discovery to a whole new audience. Campfire Audio Trifecta…

Campfire Audio Andromeda ‘Emerald Sea’ Review

The legend has been entirely re-imagined, with not only new technologies internally, this new Andromeda ‘Emerald Sea’ has also been redesigned with a new shell shape too. Do not fear though.

The post Brand Story: Campfire Audio appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Fit and Comfort

The Campfire Audio Saber follows a very similar design to the Satsuma and Honeydew. However, this time they have used Damascus steel for the faceplate and ABS for the inner shell. This means they have the slightly narrower and longer stem which actually helps when it comes to fit. These fit really well once you settle on the right tips. The nozzle allows for a medium insertion depth that is secure yet comfortable. The inner edges of the shell are smooth and the included cable is lightweight. My only gripe is the cable is the OFC one that uses mouldable memory wire instead of the more comfortable pre-moulded earhooks on the newer smokey litz cables. However it must be said this is a personal preference and most will get on fine with the included cable.

Comfort is excellent due to the housing shape. These are easy to wear for hours on end with no discomfort, making them great for long journeys or just general commuting and daily use. Just take some time to find the right tips for your preference and you’ll have no problems with the Saber.

Compatibility

The Saber are quite low impedance for an earphone, 8.2 Ohms @1kHz, this means they are very sensitive to source changes and benefit from a source with low output impedance. They have a sensitivity of 94 dB SPL @ 1kHz: 25.4 mVrms. These are very sensitive and work well out of portable devices provided they have low output impedance. Saying that, these sound great out of most devices as is.

Sound

Bass:

The Saber uses two dynamic drivers to cover the low and mid frequencies. The largest 8mm dynamic driver adds an impressive amount of depth to the bass but it still retains a tight and controlled response. One that is not as full as the Mammoth yet doesn’t lean too far into the analytical camp either. The Saber manages to have a solid bass foundation with impact and extension without bloat or emphasised warmth. They don’t fulfil a bass-head tuning like the Mammoth but there should be more than enough presence and oomph for most listeners. They are impressively punchy and I doubt anyone could be bored with this presentation.

Midrange:

Wonderfully placed and well detailed without sounding cold and lifeless. The midrange has great tonality and vocals cut through the mix with ease. There is a little thinness at times in the upper midrange but not enough to cause fatigue and sibilance is well handled only becoming problematic on poorly mastered/hot tracks. The Saber have the ability to be snappy and controlled yet utterly fun to listen to. You never lose track of anything going on in the mix, they handle whatever you throw at them and just turn it in to an enjoyable listen.

Treble:

The treble is sparkly, and razor sharp, but not to the point they sound fatiguing. With great air and placement they successfully manage to avoid being too hot for my tastes. These do not hold back, they are not the smoothest or most refined earphones for sitting back and relaxing with, instead they are dynamic and energetic and want you to tap along to the music. There is no lack of extension, no lack of detail whatsoever at the top end of the Saber. They could never be described as dull and that is exactly how Campfire wanted them to be. Fun!

Instrument Separation and Soundstaging

The Saber easily pick apart complex mixes and don’t become congested or muffled with fast tracks. The layering is excellent and they are very responsive in terms of transient response.

The soundstaging is also impressive. It’s intimate with a tightly focussed centre image and good width and space. The treble positioning is very impressive and there is realistic yet accurate staging.

The post Campfire Audio Saber Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

CanJam London 2022 Update: It’s that time of year again!

We are very excited to be attending CanJam London 2022 on July 30th and 31st at Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge.

We will of course be attending with some of our favourite brands and showcasing some of their amazing products. From new releases to old favourites, it is going to be a blast.

Undoubtably, this will be a CanJam to remember. Due to the Covid pandemic, we have been without the show for the last few years (check out our review/ interviews from the last one in 2019 here). We are absolutely frothing at the bit to get amongst the action again! Indeed, CanJam is the place to try all of the best headphones, earphones, DACs, AMPs, DAPs and IEMs under one roof with likeminded people. Obviously we are all there to discover how best to listen to our favourite recordings.

To celebrate, we are running a sale on our brands that are going to CanJam London 2022! Make sure to check out our sale page over on Hifiheadphones for big discounts for a limited time only:

Hifiheadphones CanJam London 2022 Sale

Not only is this a chance to try out these amazing products. It’s also your chance to meet the people behind your favourite brands. Here is a list of just a few brands attending CanJam London 2022:

Audeze, 64 Audio, Focal, HifiMan, Campfire Audio, final, Rupert Neve, Burson, Westone, Chord, Roon, dCS, Meze, Rosson Audio and many many more.

CanJam Sneak Peek Time with Important Updates

As a matter of fact, the reason for this is to give you an idea of what brands we will be representing at CanJam 2022. Below are also some of the products you can expect to see.

Audeze

Audeze are going big this year. In addition to six tables of goods (SIX!) showcasing lots of favourites, there is also a very special newcomer! On show will be LCD-5. CRBN, LCD-X, LCD-XC, LCD-3, LCD-2 Classic. Euclid, Penrose and the brand new MM-500. All products will be powered by some of the finest equipment from the likes of Chord, Burson, Weiss and Eksonic.

Campfire Audio

This year, Campfire Audio is all about the Trifecta! Don’t worry though. There will be enough for everyone to try this new, completely unique IEM from one of the most interesting audio brands of today. For those that want to try other legendary favourites, we will also have Andromeda, Holocene and Supermoon samples there too.

final / Hifonix

Also, our friends over at Hifonix will be showcasing the brand new final D8000 Pro Limited edition. In all of it’s stunning, goldlike lovlyness, it is going to be a crowd pelaser. Certainly make sure to make your way over to their table to check out this rare, majestic work of headphone art!

64 Audio

You can meet the 64 Audio team this year as well as and try some of their finest IEMs. Absolutely make sure to check out the U6t, DUO, U12t, Tia Fourte, U18s, Nio and even more (these are only the universals) from the worlds best pro and custom IEM specialists.

Burson

Burson will be supplying headphone amps and DACs to a number of our brands this year. So you will not only get the chance to try out their incredible products, they will be paired with some of the best headphones in the world!

Westone Audio

With the recent release of the MACH Series of IEMs. Westone Audio will be showcasing the full range at this years CanJam. This is a rare opportunity to test out all 8 models in this impressive and diverse line-up.

Lastly but not Finally..

To celebrate the return of CanJam London, we will also be having a special CanJam 2022 page setup on Hifiheadphones with exclusive offers on some of the best products showing at this years event. Be sure to check out the CanJam 2022 Special page on Hifiheadphones from 30th July to 1st August to get some amazing deals on the best audio gear out there!

The post CanJam London 2022: News, Sale and Best Headphones Guide appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Aesthetics and Build Quality

Campfire Audio’s Andromeda is about as bold as you can get when it comes to its design. The housings are made from machined aluminium, with a deep forest green anodised finish. The finish has been updated in this new version of the Andromeda, with a much smoother coating and a slightly richer shade of green.

The sound tube is made using stainless steel, which I am sure not only benefits the acoustics. It looks very striking too. Overall the Andromeda feels robust and built to last, while managing to stand out with its unique character.

Features and Comfort

Campfire Audio earphones have a very distinctive look, and the Andromeda is their champion. The design is very unusual, with a slightly futuristic shape to them. The shell’s design allows it to catch the light at different angles, which gives off a multitude of different shades of green. That is not the only purpose of this shape, the angled design provides superb comfort. The Andromeda sits perfectly in my ear, and with the included Final silicone eartips – the fit is snug and they seal extremely well which also helps towards isolation.

Another great feature of the Andromeda is the supplied cable. An upgrade on the older version, this time the Andromeda comes with their popular Silver Plated Copper Litz wire covered in a new smoky jacket. The cable is also more flexible than the previous version and uses a lightweight moulded ear hook design instead of memory wire – a definite improvement.

Campfire Audio don’t stop there, the Andromeda comes supplied with a newly designed leather carry pouch, foam and silicone eartips, a cleaning tool and even a fancy Campfire Audio lapel pin.

Sound Quality

The best way I can describe the sound of the Andromeda is organic. Sound comes across effortless, well balanced and with an impressively natural soundstage.

Bass

Bass comes across with authority and punch. It goes low and manages to keep controlled, even with more bass heavy tracks. Bass performs equally well with intricate instrumental, heavy rock and electronic music. This shows that the bass has been tuned to do what is needed, letting the quality of the production do the talking.

Midrange

Thanks to the controlled bass, there is no risk of the midrange getting over shadowed. Mids come across extremely clear with a musical richness – this is a welcome change from the analytical sound that is common amongst high-end earphone models. Vocals have presence and whether male or female, they sound uncoloured, engaging and with emotion.

Treble

Campfire Audio uses their very own Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber in the Andromeda, designed to improve treble extension and soundstage. This is very clear and noticable. Thetreble provides just the right amount of definition without going harsh or sibilant. Then, in addition the extension provided by the T.A.E.C. goes on and on, creating width and space with superb separation.

The post Campfire Audio Andromeda IEM Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Fit and Comfort

Those familiar with Campfire Audio will know the shape. It is common amongst their models with an angular outer shell and smooth inner. With a long-ish nozzle that really helps you get a good fit with them. I find this design works well with most people, they certainly fit me well which is always a bonus.

Once you find the right tips for your ears, the Holocene fit comfortably due to well designed housings and good insertion depth. The cable is also soft and fits over your ears easily without stiff memory wire.

Compatibility

These are quite a picky earphone when it comes to matching them with the right source. Their sensitivity is quite low (94dB SPL @1kHZ – mVrms). However they have very low impedance (5.4 Ohms @1kHZ). This means they need some careful system matching. You really do need a player with less than 1 Ohm output impedance for these. Otherwise they will not sound how Campfire Audio intended them to.

Bass:

The Holocene puts focus on accuracy yet never comes across as thin or lean in it’s presentation. This is when paired with the correct source that is. It is very controlled and articulate and it doesn’t put a foot wrong, even during the most complex of tracks. The low end is expertly separated from the midrange, not allowing it to influence the overall tonal balance. It digs deep in terms of extension but it isn’t exaggerated. Bass guitars are easy to follow in the mix. Kick drums hit with authority and body yet never sound bloated. There is perhaps a tiny bit of added body from the low end, but it is subtle and just makes the Holocene a little more fun and engaging without sounding overly full.

Midrange:

Due to the lack of bleed from the low end, the midrange is incredibly clean and crisp. Male vocals don’t get any added body which helps them cut through with great tonality. I would say the Holocene has a very mild U-shaped signature. The midrange isn’t up-front and intimate and it sits ever so slightly behind the bass and treble, but it isn’t overly recessed. There is excellent detail and layering in the midrange. Things never get muddled and it is always easy to pick apart the different layers within the mix. Contrary to many earphones, the Holocene don’t boost the upper mids. This means female vocals are not pushed to the front. In fact they actually have a slight recession to prevent sibilance. Personally this slight recession in the upper midrange robs them of a little energy but it does prevent them from being peaky and sibilant.

Treble:

The lower treble is slightly muted, which does take away from the sound a little bit of energy. But there is good presence higher up which does add good air and extension. These are not as exciting as the Andromeda and are definitely lacking a little bit of the treble energy of that particular model. However, those looking for a good all rounder that is a little easier on the ears and more forgiving of certain recordings will do well with the Holocene.

Soundstaging and Genres

The soundstaging on the Holocene is good. There is a good sense of air and space around instruments. The layering and instrument separation on the other hand is excellent. The sound is well controlled and this allows you to pick apart the mix with ease, even during complex tracks.

Genre wise these are an excellent all rounder. They won’t appeal to those looking for lots of bass so EDM and the likes are not their main focus. But for metal, jazz, acoustic, alternative rock, indie etc… they all sound excellent through the Holocene.

Who is it for?

• Those looking for a detailed and clean sound signature
• Those wanting a good all rounder that isn’t fatiguing

The post Campfire Audio Holocene Triple Driver IEM Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Campfire have released the Supermoon, a Planar Magnetic custom IEM; they are a brand that often takes risks, be it in design or sound signature. It is notoriously hard to make a small planar sound good, and offering it in a custom fit earphone makes it even more interesting, Campfire Audio have done this so they can optimise the performance of the driver for each individuals ear shape.

Campfire Audio have tuned the Supermoon to sound coherent and balanced, but I would not say they are a studio neutral sounding earphone, with a mild sub-bass lift and effortless treble they are mildly u-shaped without making vocals sound recessed. We have a demo set in universal fit, so book an appointment if you want to hear these (they will also be at CanJam London).

Campfire Audio offer two different fit options, artist-fit and audiophile-fit, with artist fit offering up a more traditional deeper fit and audiophile offering up a more comfortable fit due to a shorter nozzle, perfect for long listening sessions.

Campfire Audio use a unique Solid-Body design – When crafting the solid body of the earphone, the design is 3D printed as a single component before being meticulously hand-finished. Putting the work into the earphone design before the print means the only moving part in Supermoon is the diaphragm. This also means that the earphones you will receive will be a robust and reliable partner.

Full Details HERE

Buy them now: https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/products/campfire-audio-supermoon

The post Campfire Audio Release Supermoon Planar CIEM appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

ALL FEATURED PRODUCTS:

• Campfire Audio Satsuma – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• Campfire Audio Honeydew – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• Burson Audio Conductor 3X Reference – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• JDS Labs Atom Amp+ – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• JDS Labs Atom DAC+ – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• Lypertek Z3 2.0 – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• SoundMAGIC P23BT – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• Audeze LCD-5 – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• 64 Audio U6t – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• Final D8000 Pro – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• Cleer Enduro ANC – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…
• Etymotic Evo – https://www.hifiheadphones.co.uk/prod…

The post HiFiHeadphones Top 10 Audio Products of 2021 appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Campfire Audio’s Satsuma & Honeydew have been described as “Perfect gateway products to the world within Campfire Audio”. They are both very unique sounding and provide a significantly different listening experience from device to device.

If you are looking for bass, then the Honeydew has you covered. Costing £249, WhatGadget conclude “The Campfire Audio Honeydew earphones are bass-forward in-ear monitors with a cool design. The Honeydew IEM’s are a strong value for money pair of earphones. That is, if the bass is your most important factor to come from your audio feed.” You can read their review in full here.

For further reading, Headfonics has a detailed review of the Honeydew here & Knowtechie’s analysis can be viewed here.

The Satsuma on the otherhand is one for those who enjoy a more detailed and controlled sound. Ideally it needs a slightly more powerful source to get the most out of them too. If you are looking for a crisp and clean sound though the Satsuma should fit the bill for a very reasonable price. Headfonics has a very detailed analsis of the benefits the Honeydew can bring to your ears. You can read their full review here

It is also worth reading Mixonlines “Real World Review” of the Satsuma here. To round off the reviews, read WhatGagets’s examination of the same device here.

Oscar has also spent some time with these beauties. You can read his review of the Honeydew here and the Satsuma here. If Videos are more your thing then we also have you covered! We have just released a comprehensive video review of them both together on our Youtube channel here.

The post Campfire Audio’s Honeydew & Satsuma Reviewed! appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

As the title states, Campfire Audios Caleb Rosenau has sat down with Omar once more to broaden his musical horizons.

“As part of Omars IEM journey Caleb suggested it was a good idea to have a listen to their highest end products. It didn’t take a lot of convincing for me. Brew a cup and join Omar and Caleb for a chat about high-end IEMs. What goes in to making them and what kind of audio experience can you expect for a £1500 IEM.”

Without further ado, the whole podcast can be listened to via Spotify here.

Oscar and John have obviously also spent some time with many Campfire Audio models. You can read Johns review of the Andromeda here and Oscars of the Solaris here. If videos are more your thing then we also have you covered! We have video reviews of all models on our youtube channel here.

The post Campfire Audios Andromeda, Ara and Solaris Podcast With The Curiosity Project appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

Caleb talks emphatically about taking a less is more approach when designing their new budgeting offerings. The Satsuma has been fitted with a single balanced armature (BA) driver and the Honeydew packs a 10mm Dynamic driver inside. Both IEMs focus on comfort, fit, and a each IEM has a tailored sound signature to reflect customers feedback. They also provide a significantly different listening experience from device to device. Make sure to listen to the Podcast to find out more!

Omar and Caleb start talking in detail about the Honeydew and Satsuma around 75 minutes into the show. Before that, they talk about all manner of topics within the Audio world. Ranging from current trends to expectations and why Campfire Audio has not jumped on the TWS bandwagon. It is an interesting listen and well worth the time investment. You really feel that Caleb wears his heart on his sleeve. In addition to Omars thoughtful questioning and dedication to the topics at hand, there is a lot to learn and marvel about this fascinating brand and to ponder just what heights they will surely reach.

The whole podcast is available to listen to via Spotify here: Conversations With: Caleb Rosenau of Campfire Audio

Oscar has obviously also spent some time with these beauties. You can read his review of the Honeydew here and the Satsuma here. If Videos are more your thing then we also have you covered! We have just released a comprehensive video review of them both together on our Youtube channel here.

The post Campfire Audio Honeydew and Satsuma Podcast! appeared first on HiFiheadphones.

The post Campfire Audio Satsuma and Honeydew Video Review appeared first on HiFiheadphones.