Tag Archives: Campfire Audio

Campfire Audio Mammoth Hybrid Earphone Review

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Not neglecting the bass lovers out there, Campfire have brought out an affordable model that hits hard, digs deep but is less recessed in the midrange compared to their old Polaris II.

campfire mammoth

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Fit and Comfort

Campfire Audio Mammoth Review – These have the same for factor as a lot of Campfire Audio’s models, it’s a tried and tested design that fits well in most peoples ears. The new-ish longer nozzle design means they fit more securely without any difference in comfort for me. The shell is angular on the outside but the inner edges are smooth, the size is also great meaning they don’t stick out too far.

Comfort with the right tips is excellent, the smooth inner housing, the soft cable and correct tips will allow you to listen to these for hours on end without any discomfort.

Compatibility

The Mammoth are not hard to drive, however due to their low impedance and high sensitivity it is best you pair them with a high quality source – this will ensure you hear them as they are designed and also reduces the risk of any unwanted background hiss. Ideally you need a DAP with sub 1 Ohm output impedance to help with this.

Sound

Bass: This is a new hybrid model from Campfire Audio, and we all know that means lot of lovely bass, the Mammoth are no different. There is a real emphasis on the bass, and it is quite a broad emphasis, there is effortless sub-bass extension paired with hard hitting and impactful mid-bass presence. The slight downside to this presentation is that there is inevitable bleed into the midrange, and on certain tracks this does lead to lower male vocals sound a bit muffled. For the most part though these are incredibly energetic and engaging and the bass is just fun yet articulate and detailed.

Midrange: The midrange is surprisingly good, it seems to depend on the mix and genre a lot as to whether it cuts through well or sounds a bit muffled and overly warm. These are no way near as v-shaped as the Polaris II, the midrange is well presented with good detail, female vocals are less affected from the bass bleed and thus sound a little more faithful. Electric guitars have sufficient bite to them, and the midrange is well presented when you take in to account the power from the low end. Just remember these are not tuned for those wanting a neutral and intimate midrange, and you should be pretty impressed with them.

Treble: The treble isn’t as boosted as the old Polaris II, it isn’t quite as sharp or in-your-face however it isn’t laid back and lacking sparkle. These have great detail in the treble region and there is plenty of energy and good extension, they do roll off a little which robs them of a little bit of air and space, but the tonality is very good. They are crisp and responsive, they are snappy and clean without being fatiguing or over the top.

Soundstaging and Genres

The Mammoth may have a warm and thick sound but the sound is quite spacious and has good width and air, the treble presence greatly helps these from sounding closed in. There is excellent stereo imaging too, with a very accurate placement of instruments within the soundstage.

Genre wise these work well with a lot to be fair, rock is engaging and powerful, pop is snappy and full sounding, however they wouldn’t be my first pick to jazz/acoustic/classical just due to them having a more engaging sound that doesn’t really suit these genres. EDM lovers will really enjoy the Mammoth – the amount of bass on show without missing out the midrange and treble works wonders with this kinds of music.

Who are they for?

  • Anyone wanting a more fun and powerful sound
  • Those looking to get in to the Campfire Audio sound without breaking the bank

Conclusion

The Mammoth are really fun, they take a lot of the strengths of the old Polaris II but improve the midrange and tone down the slightly aggressive treble. This leads the Mammoth to have a more refined and slightly better balanced sound signature, but make no mistakes these are still tuned to hit hard and deliver a powerful bass driven sound signature. This is definitely one for those who enjoy a fuller and bolder sound signature but don’t want to lose the midrange and treble. The Mammoth is incredibly engaging yet crisp and detailed at the same time, a very accomplished hybrid earphone.

Campfire Holocene and Mammoth Announcement

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Announcement: Mammoth and Holocene earphones give music lovers two new flavours of high-quality listening experience in an evocative glow-in-the-dark package.

Campfire Audio Mammoth and Holocene Announcement: With support for high-quality lossless formats across the major streaming platforms on the rise, music lovers now must rely more than ever on their choice of earphones to deliver on the promise of the next generation of premium listening experiences. Recognizing the need for audiophile-grade sound and quality in a unique, eye-catching package, Campfire Audio has just announced Holocene and Mammoth — two bold new earphone designs that will connect listeners with their favourite artists better than ever before.

Holocene and Mammoth build off Campfire’s legacy of elegant, handcrafted earphones and in-ear monitors by utilizing Campfire’s signature 3D printed acoustic chambers and precision matched drivers to deliver a peerless listening experience in two distinct sonic flavours. Holocene’s sound profile offers an even, balanced frequency response across its entire range, giving listeners exceptional clarity and a high-fidelity representation of their favourite artist’s sonic vision. Mammoth is bold and vibrant, ideally designed to deliver an enhanced listening experience to the person who likes to turn things up and feel the bass, mid, and treble in all the right places.


Ensuring Campfire’s commitment to crafting products that are both robust and refined, each model is machined from aluminium, connected with black tri-lobe screws, finished with a black PVD stainless steel spout, and completed with the company’s custom beryllium MMCX connectors ensuring years of stable performance. Campfire has also given Holocene and Mammoth a unique and striking visual appeal, with integrated glow-in-the-dark elements on the earphones and cable overmolds, giving them a dynamic look after dark. The units also ship with a custom-designed zipper case made of SEAQUAL® upcycled marine plastic with glow-in-the-dark features and unique patterns on every case.


“When we designed Holocene and Mammoth, we soon discovered each had its unique voice, and both had something special to offer the discerning listener.” said Caleb Rosenau, Vice President of Campfire Audio.


“Holocene gives you all the nuance and detail out of the most layered recordings without intruding on what the artists intended for us to hear. Its clarity and resolution shine a bright light on your favourite recordings, so you hear more than you ever have before. Mammoth is exciting, visceral, and simply an enjoyable sonic signature. You may find yourself turning up the favourite parts of your favourite songs with Mammoth because I certainly did. Both are going to give you an amazing way to listen and connect with your favourite music in an honest and intimate way. These are exceptional products, and we’re excited to get these into people’s hands so that they can enjoy them as much as we do.”


Holocene Key Features

  • Designed and Assembled in Portland, Oregon, USA using globally sourced components
  • Triple Balanced Armature earphone design for a full, balanced frequency response
  • SPL: 94dB @ 6.99 mVrms
  • Earphone Impedance: 5.4 ohm @ 1K
  • Frequency Response: 5Hz – 20kHz
  • ‘Umber’ Color
  • Glow-in-the-dark Overmolds; MMCX and 3.5mm Plug
  • New ‘Smoky Glow’ Silver plated Copper Litz Cable
  • New ‘Epoch’ Carrying Case made with Upcycled Marine Plastic Supporting the SEAQUAL® INITIATIVE and features a unique and one-of-a-kind design

Mammoth Key Features

  • Designed and Assembled in Portland, Oregon, USA using globally sourced components
  • Custom balanced armature for highs, a single custom BA for mids, and a new custom 10mm bio-cellulose diaphragm dynamic driver for a visceral and vibrant sound.
  • SPL: 94dB @ 18.16 mVrms
  • Earphone Impedance: 8.1 ohm @ 1K
  • Frequency Response: 5Hz – 20kHz
  • ‘Frozen Tundra Blue’ Color
  • Glow-in-the-dark Overmolds; MMCX and 3.5mm Plug
  • New ‘Smoky Glow’ Silver plated Copper Litz Cable
  • New ‘Epoch’ Carrying Case made with Upcycled Marine Plastic Supporting the SEAQUAL® INITIATIVE and features a unique and one-of-a-kind design

Campfire Audio Honeydew Review

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Today we take a look at the Campfire Audio Honeydew, a new introductory budget model in their lineup that focuses on bass without forgetting the rest.

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Fit and Comfort

Much like the Satsuma, the Honeydew has an ABS housing which is durable and lightweight, along with a stainless steel nozzle that has a good length for a secure fit. Campfire are great at offering a wide selection of tips, and once you find the right ones for your ears the Honeydew fit really well. The new Smoky Lite cable is a little more supple too which all contributes to the excellent fit.

Comfort is also great on these, the housings have smooth inner curves and the nozzles have a good length to provide a comfortable yet secure fit. The cable doesn’t have stiff memory wire which is a blessing, and all in all they are perfect for long listening sessions.

Compatibility

Whilst the sensitivity is quite low on the Honeydew (94dB) they do have quite a low impedance and they are certainly easier to power with a mobile phone than the Satsuma. These work well with lots of sources, but do benefit from something cleaner with good headroom, a dedicated DAP will make a difference over a mobile phone but they are still enjoyable out of a phone.

Sound

Bass: Campfire Audio have put a focus on the low end with the Honeydew, these are incredibly hard hitting and full bodied yet they don’t overshadow the midrange or treble. When called for the Honeydew will hit with incredible impact in the mid-bass, yet the kicks are backed up by a good amount of body in the lower bass region. These don’t disappoint when it comes to the sub-bass either, with plenty of audible rumble. These push a lot of air for an earphone, the dynamic driver made for these is really impressive as it hits hard, but also maintains good control and articulation.

Midrange: Whilst the midrange doesn’t stand out on these due to the impressive low end, it should be noted that the midrange is actually quite impressive on these. Yes there is some bleed from the low end that warms up male vocals a little more than I would like, the midrange still manages to cut through and guitars/female vocals really do sound quite good. The midrange is definitely little recessed but these are not tuned to be accurate monitoring earphones, instead they are punchy and fun.

Treble: Fatigue free yet enough presence to be enjoyable and not overly dark sounding, the treble is always present but utterly smooth and surprisingly realistic. There isn’t an upper midrange/lower treble peak that brings out sibilance, yet there is a good quantity of treble presence that cuts through the mix and extends quite effortlessly. The quality of the recording plays a part in the treble region, sounding very crisp and detailed with good recordings.

Genres and Soundstaging

Due to the big and full low end, these sound very fun with EDM and pop music, yet the bass is well controlled that it isn’t overbearing during softer acoustic tracks, and slower alternative rock. They also do a very good job with metal, with great impact yet a midrange that still cuts through with authority.

Soundstaging is great on the Honeydew, with a spacious yet full sound and great positioning. Whilst they do have a more engaging and up-front sound signature, they don’t lack separation and air.

Who is it for?

  • Those looking for a fun and energetic sound
  • Bass lovers that also enjoy clarity
  • Bass players looking for a stage monitor

Conclusion

This earphone is undoubtedly a Campfire Audio model, with impressive bass impact and body whilst retaining good midrange and treble presence and clarity. This is a bass oriented earphone, no mistaking that, but it is also quite versatile and highly enjoyable. These make a great travel partner, along with a good monitor for bassists and drummers, they are also extremely comfortable and well built.

Campfire Audio Dorado 2020 Review

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The Dorado 2020 combine the power of the Atlas driver, with the clarity from an added BA driver to provide a clean yet impactful sound signature.

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Fit and Comfort

The Dorado 2020 follow the same shape as the Vega 2020 previously reviewed, I find the shape of the housing and the length of the nozzle both contribute to a well fitting and comfortable earphone. There are no sharp edges to cause discomfort or create pressure points and once you find the right tips they are easy to wear for hours on end. The smoky litz cable is soft and this helps with the overall wearing comfort of the Dorado 2020.

Compatibility

The Dorado 2020 has similar sensitivity to the Vega 2020 (94 dB SPL @ 1kHz: 18.52 mVrs), meaning they will just about work out of your regular mobile phone but definitely sound their best when paired with a more powerful dedicated portable player.

Sound

Bass: The Dorado 2020 uses a similar dynamic driver to the Atlas and the Vega 2020, meaning you have that excellent low end warmth and extension whilst also having control when called for. This particular dynamic driver has incredible depth, digging deep in to the sub-bass without any distortion or roll-off. It has moderate punch but it focusses more on warmth and body, compared to overall visceral punch. Play the right tracks and the low end is excellent with real presence and thickness to it. Sometimes however it can be a little too much and overwhelm the overall balance, but for the most part it imparts warmth without taking too much away overall.

Midrange: The midrange is overall quite clear on the Dorado 2020, not as laid back as the Vega 2020 there is a more upfront presentation along with more apparent detail due to the addition of the extra driver. This BA driver really starts to come out in the midrange, giving a clean cut vocal and guitar presentation, however this is a bit of a lift in the upper midrange that tends to bring out a bit of sibilance in certain recordings. This can be toned down with the right ear tips though and isn’t overly problematic. The bass does sometimes overwhelm the midrange in certain tracks but the midrange is a lot cleaner here than the more relaxed Vega 2020.

Treble: Here we have a lot of energy and presence, with a mild u-shaped sound signature overall the Dorado 2020 have a couple of little peaks that bring out a bit more sparkle in the treble. They are not what I would consider to be bright, but they don’t hold back and can be a little brash during certain tracks. They are a bit more up front and exciting than the Vega 2020, and get your feet tapping a bit easier. You definitely don’t miss a beat up top with the Dorado, but those who are a little more treble sensitive might want to use some foam ear tips to tone it down a little.

Genres and Soundstaging

Well the big low end lends itself well to electronic music and modern pop, but the clarity overall is good for most rock music too. Acoustic works well and the bass becomes a little more behaved with such tracks, but if you listen to jazz and classical these are not really the right kind of earphone for that.

The soundstaging is really good on the Dorado 2020, with plenty of space and the BA driver helps open it up and place instruments.


Vs Solaris 2020

It only feels right to compare these to the Solaris 2020 but first off keep in mind Solaris 2020 is more expensive and has more drivers. But saying that, the Solaris sounds much more refined and grown up than the brash and energetic Dorado 2020. They have quite a different presentation but both aim for a more fun and bassy signature, the Solaris is smoother and there are fewer peaks in the treble, the Dorado 2020 are much more in your face and energetic.

The low end on the Solaris 2020 is a bit more impactful, whereas the Dorado 2020 have more of a sub-bass focus, with more warmth. Picking between the two is not necessarily easy, but I feel the Solaris 2020 is the better all-rounder, whereas the Dorado 2020 is more energetic at the risk of sounding a bit unrefined and thus less smooth and balanced overall.

Conclusion

The Dorado 2020 is an interesting proposition from Campfire Audio, you have the more balanced Andromeda 2020 for the same price if you want a closer to neutral sound, and you have the more expensive Solaris 2020 for an extra £400 that gives a similar signature in a more refined package. Then again we have the Vega 2020 for less, which is more laid back and less energetic than the Dorado 2020. They have designed the Dorado 2020 to be fun, in your face, energetic and a little brash, which can be a lot of fun, but also sometimes fatiguing depending on your threshold. If you are tired of boring earphones, the Dorado 2020 might be just what you are looking for.

You can see from the graph that the Dorado 2020 has a healthy bass boost but the treble is a bit more present and sparkly with the Dorado 2020 compared to the previously reviewed Vega 2020, along with a bit more presence in the midrange.

Campfire Audio Vega 2020 Review

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The Vega 2020 are fun. They hit hard and dig deep with good detail retrieval and a coherent yet full bodied sound signature overall.

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Fit and Comfort

The Vega 2020 are ergonomically designed, with a slim and smooth housing allowing for a comfortable fit. Once you find the right tips they fit in securely and the smoky litz cable is still one of my favourite stock earphone cables. The ceramic shell is really well finished and looks great in white, the stainless nozzle is similar to other Campfire models and helps with getting the right insertion depth and angle.

Compatibility

The Vega 2020 are not the most sensitive earphones around (94 dB SPL @ 1kHz: 19.86 mVrs), which means they do enjoy a little more power than some out there. They will be driven ok with a smartphone but definitely work best when paired with a clean and neutral sounding DAP with good power output.

Sound

Bass: The Vega 2020 are tuned with bass in mind, these are not a balanced or remotely neutral sounding earphone. Providing you give them the right music they really can be a lot of fun, the sub-bass presence is truly impressive and there is moderate punch too. They don’t slam quite as hard as the Polaris II, but they have better sub-bass performance, leading to a fuller and more mellow presentation over the more visceral punch of the Polaris II. If you enjoy a full bodied earphone the Vega 2020 might well suit your needs, but the sub-bass can be a little dominating on certain tracks.

Midrange: The midrange is quite relaxed on the Vega 2020, it takes a step back from the bass and just kinds sits there doing nothing particularly remarkable. The bass does occasionally throw off the balance of the midrange due to it’s power, but overall the midrange is well layered and separated with good detail retrieval. Where it does do well is smoothness, there is never a hint of harshness or sibilance in the midrange, it’s very easy going. Acoustic tracks seem to play well on the Vega 2020, as the sub-bass doesn’t come out and overpower the midrange as much, leaving guitars and vocals to shine through with a pleasant warmth.

Treble: The treble, much like the midrange, has a fatigue free presentation with a slight lift in the upper treble to bring out some sparkle. There is good energy up top but ultimately it is still not up front or overly exciting. There is good tonality in the treble region with realistic sounding cymbal crashes and synths sound great too. They are not tuned to be overly critical up top, and that’s not a problem here because they are supposed to be a laid back, full bodied and warm sounding earphone whilst retaining good detail and clarity overall.

Genres and Soundstaging

The Vega 2020 lend their hand to modern pop / R&B / Hip-Hop and also electronic based genres, the bass really shows what it can do with these genres whilst the midrange and treble stay fatigue free and smooth. Acoustic music also sounds impressive with a pleasant warm tilt overall. The sub-bass can be a little too dominating when listening to things like jazz.

Soundstaging is usually a strong point for Campfire Audio, the Vega 2020 doesn’t disappoint with pinpoint accuracy but I wouldn’t say they are the widest sounding IEM’s for the price. Imaging, separation and layering however are all great.

The Vega 2020 have me torn, during some slower rock tracks I find the bass too strong and overwhelming, however I have a feeling someone at Campfire Audio is a Slipknot fan. It happened with the Solaris 2020 and now the Vega 2020, they suddenly sound tight and controlled with great clarity and speed whilst still retaining a highly energetic and fun sound. It also shows how different recordings make a big difference in the end presentation, there’s some sort of synergy between Slipknot’s mixing and Campfire’s tuning and it rocks!

Conclusion

The Vega 2020 are not an earphone I would recommend to people looking for a balanced all rounder, but they would be the perfect addition to someone’s collection if they are looking for something fun. Big bass followed by smooth mids and treble all come together to create a coherent, full and warm sound signature. They are incredibly fun to listen to with the right music and the right source, along with being extremely comfortable.

In the frequency graph we can see the sub-bass lift that provides body and warmth, along with a good treble performance to prevent them from sounding overly dark. The peak at 6kHz does bring out some energy in the treble, and the 10kHz aids with the airy extension.

Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 Review

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

Audio Gear For Your Home Office – Headphones, Earphones, DACs and more

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WFH Headphones, Earphones, Speakers and more

People deciding to work from home is on the rise – and why not? There are lots of perks to be had when working from home, and along with being able to stay in your PJ’s – you can listen to music all day without disturbing the office. Here’s our pick of some the best audio tech that every home office could benefit from.

Lypertek PurePlay Z3

There are many reasons why the Lypertek PurePlay Z3 is a solid favourite for true wireless earbuds under £100, and many of the PurePlay Z3’s features are well suited for use in your home office. The 70 hour battery life means they’re unlikely to die during an important call, and the microphone quality is impressive. The PurePlay Z3 is IPX7 waterproof rated, so they’ll survive if you spill your morning coffee on them and you can give them a full wash if needed – you can even take them into the shower with you! Most importantly, they sound superb with people even describing them as audiophile worthy – so they must be good!

B&W PX7

For the ultimate package, then the B&W PX7 is a complete solution for your audio and isolation needs. These full sized, noise cancelling Bluetooth headphones will give you freedom from wires, able to connect wirelessly to devices supporting Bluetooth. Being B&W, you can expect the sound quality to be up there with the best. The PX7 is energetic and clear, with deep and well controlled bass and a great sense of space. Then the features give you 30 hours of listening, Bluetooth 5, AAC, aptX and aptX-HD codecs and B&W’s leading noise cancelling technology for uninterrupted listening.

JDS Element II

If it’s a desktop option you need, then the JDS Labs Element II will not only bring an audio upgrade – it will look great too. Beautifully designed with a simple yet striking look – the Element II headphone amplifier and DAC will fit into any setup. Historically, JDS Labs has been known for their functional design and great sound – now with the Element II, they have shown that they can make great looking equipment too.

Flare Isolate 2

There will be some of you out there that prefer complete silence when working from home – don’t worry, we have you covered. Flare are leading the way when it comes to hearing protection, and their newest model – the Isolate 2 – is going to be the one we recommend. These are made of aluminium and not only do they do a great job of blocking out unwanted noise – they look stunning too. The Isolate 2 is CE certified and has a high sound protection rating of SNR32, so you can be confident they’ll do a good job.

Campfire Audio Cascade

If you’re not ready to ditch the wires, and you want to listen comfortably with maximum isolation, the Campfire Audio Cascade closed back headphones will do just that. The Cascade is extremely comfortable, which is ideal for wearing for long periods of time while getting your work done. These are closed back headphones, so they will also do a great job of blocking out external noise – allowing you to enjoy your music in peace. Then the sound is what you’d expect from Campfire Audio – engaging, punchy and very enjoyable. The Cascade uses filters which can be changed to suit your taste in sound – allowing you to customise your listening.

Audeze LCD-GX

Those of you who want the very best headphones that can double up as communication headsets may be interested in the Audeze LCD-GX. This is a high end gaming headphone aimed at audiophiles. The attachable microphone will give you superb voice quality and can be used for those all important business calls. Then, when you’re done with work – fire up your favourite game and enjoy the real to life spatial awareness and clarity provided by these all purpose open backed cans.

Final E500

The Final E500 is the ideal earphone for those wanting to upgrade from the ones supplied from your device – without breaking the bank. At £20, these are the best value performers we’ve come across. Sound quality is the E500’s main focus, and their level of detail, separation and imaging challenges models twice the price and more. The earphones themselves are small so they are very comfortable, and the supplied Final eartips will ensure you get a good seal which really helps isolation – blocking out background noise to help you focus.

B&W PI3

If you want some wireless earphones, and true wireless doesn’t appeal to you – then B&W has you covered with the PI3. These hybrid dual driver wireless earphones use a neckband design, and come with all of the latest features including Bluetooth 5, AAC, aptX and aptX-HD codecs, 8 hours of playtime, and very impressive microphone call quality – perfect for those video conferences. The dual hybrid driver setup means you get a 9.2mm dynamic driver and a balanced armature driver inside each housing. This driver combination delivers sound that’s packed with detail and space – with an almost 3D quality.

Kanto YU4

While you’re going to be at home a lot more, you may want to improve your audio setup. The Kanto YU4 is an ideal speaker for desktop use. They are powered speakers, so don’t require a separate amplifier, and they have Bluetooth functionality – so you can connect them to other Bluetooth devices wirelessly. Their compact and stylish design means they’ll fit into most setups and their sound will really impress you. They pack a lot of punch for their size, and deliver a tight and detailed sound. A great all-rounder for those days working from home, and to enjoy once the work is done.

Shanling UP2

Want to go wireless but are not ready to stop using your favourite wired headphones? Fear not. The Shanling UP2 is a Bluetooth headphone amplifier and DAC, meaning that you can plug your headphones in and then connect wirelessly to your Bluetooth compatible device. This is perfect for use with PC’s, laptops, tablets and mobile phones. The UP2 also has a built in microphone, so you can take calls even if your headphones do not have a built in mic. Fully charged you can expect up to 11 hours of playback and the UP2 will support all popular audio codecs including LDAC, aptX, aptX-HD and AAC.

Trusted Reviews Recommend the Campfire Audio Andromeda

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Campfire Audio Andromeda Review

Trusted Reviews Recommends

Trusted Reviews Recommend the Campfire Audio Andromeda

Campfire Audio Andromeda design – An eye-catching look

“The size of the soundstage is the biggest takeaway from the Andromeda. It’s impressively wide, with the staging of vocals and instruments excellent. This creates a vivid sense of depth and scale.”

“They’re a confident sounding pair of IEMs, happy to take whatever music you give them, whether fast-paced or more gentle.”

“vocals are backed up by the Andromeda’s impressive feel for the low-end, as well as an equally impressive stereo image that exhibits the Andromeda’s skill in creating an expansive soundstage.”

Read the full review HERE

 

Campfire Audio Andromeda 2019

Andromeda is the accumulation of Campfire Audio’s earphone crafting expertise and with a refresh this leading monitor earphone goes beyond the classic audiophile realm. With a more refined housing, updated Litz cable and stunning premium leather case the Andromeda aims to be the best monitor earphone out there.

Five balanced armature drivers unite in the 3D printed cavity of the Andromeda to transude an unequalled and authoritative sound on all levels. The driver configuration comprises of five BA drivers that include two high-frequency drivers with a Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber, one mid-frequency driver and two low-frequency drivers. Together the drivers deliver a sound that is usually unachievable using traditional configurations.

In this refreshed version Campfire Audio have updated their original silver-plated Litz cable with a stunning smoky jacket that compliments the visual aspect of the new Andromeda. A change to the earhook design on the cable now replaces the memory wire for an even more lightweight and comfortable experience.

BUY NOW: Campfire Audio Andromeda 5 driver earphones

 

Campfire Audio Custom IEMs – Equinox and Solstice

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Campfire Audio Custom In Ear Monitors – Equinox and Solstice

Campfire Audio is quite possibly the hottest boutique IEM brand out there, already gaining a name for themselves for their superbly built, beautifully designed IEMs with sound quality packed full of passion and character.

Having already become well known for their universal models, Campfire Audio has now released the new Solstice custom IEM – and along with the Equinox, Campfire Audio has two seriously good custom options available.

Superb Build Quality

The build of both the Equinox and Solstice are very similar, with slight detail differences. Both are made with a polished stainless steel housing and then moulded solid black acrylic, for that smooth and comfortable custom fit. The combination of black and silver is unique and very striking. The shape of the back plate is different for each model. The Equinox is circular, and the Solstice is angular – almost hexagonal. Then inside is where the models really differ.

The Campfire Audio Equinox is based on their Atlas universal IEM. Like the Atlas, the Equinox uses a single full range 10mm dynamic driver, and the A.D.L.C. or Amorphous Diamond Like Carbon driver has been tweaked slightly – so there is a touch less thumping sub-bass when compared to the Atlas.

Campfire Audio Equinox

The newest addition to Campfire Audio’s custom range is the Solstice. This time they have decided to draw on the Andromeda model, with 5 balanced armature drivers inside each housing. The Solstice also comes with Campfire’s very own T.A.E.C. or Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber which gets the very most out the higher frequencies.

Campfire Audio Solstice

Both models are supplied with a choice of cables, which can be chosen during the buying process. The standard smokey litz cable options are 3.5mm stereo, 2.5mm balanced and 4.4mm balanced. Then there are two artist options. Both use the smokey litz cable, but the artist version is 18” longer, and there is the choice of replacing the grey MMCX moulds with red and blue moulds for the right and left connectors.

Made-to-fit Perfectly

Being a custom IEM, you can expect the fit to be as close to perfect as possible. Campfire Audio are very confident in their build process, and as long as the ear impressions are done well – the IEMs are made to a very high and consistent standard.

Campfire Audio is aware that custom IEMs are not just for pro users, music lovers use them too. With this in mind, Campfire offers two types of fit – Artist Fit and Audiophile Fit.

The audiophile fit has a shallow seal depth, so they won’t go as far into the ear canal as traditional pro customs do. This makes the IEMs more comfortable for longer listening sessions, and easier to wear for a range of different uses from home listening, to a work commute or studio mix-down.

The artist fit sticks to a more traditional, deeper fit. This is important for pro users as it provides a much greater seal, giving a more secure fit and improved isolation for live settings.

Campfire Audio Equinox

Sound Quality

With the Equinox and Solstice, Campfire Audio has created a custom IEM to suit a number of different needs. For those who prefer a big and luxurious sound, with low end thump and rich detail that’s packed full of smooth layers – then the single dynamic driver Equinox will be the one to consider.

On the other hand, the Solstice is for those who favour transparency and cleanliness. Like the Andromeda, the five balanced armature drivers provide a well balanced sound that leans towards the higher frequencies. Sound comes across effortlessly with an organic and natural feel to it.

Campfire Audio Equinox and Solstice

Having only tried universal versions of the custom range, I can’t go into more detail when it comes to the sound. Saying that, if you already have an understanding of the Atlas and Andromeda models, then that will give you a very clear idea of what to expect from the Equinox and Solstice customs. And we will be holding the universal version of both the Equinox and Solstice – so you could always book a demo with us to try them.

Final Thoughts

Here’s where I normally mention the competition, and even though brands like 64 Audio, Ultimate Ears and JH Audio are all making some of the finest pro IEMs out there – none are doing what Campfire Audio has managed to achieved. Not only is the design of the Equinox and Solstice completely unique – breaking the all too familiar mould of custom IEM design. They also offer a lot more than their competitors. Whether you’re a musician or music lover, there’s an option for you. And I’m not aware of any other high end custom IEM brand making a single dynamic model – this is definitely something that Campfire Audio has perfected.

Campfire Polaris 2 IEM Review & Video

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Campfire Polaris 2 Dual Hybrid Driver Earphone Review & Video

Have you met the new Campfire Audio Polaris?

Hey everyone, John here. Campfire Audio is quickly becoming a big name in the world of earphones. Their bold and creative designs really stand out, and whether you look at their artwork, packaging or the products themselves, it’s obvious Campfire Audio love what they do. The Polaris was recently updated with a new cable, design and improved sound quality! Here’s what we think about them.

Build

As is always the case with Campfire Audio products, the build quality of the new Polaris is faultless. The housings have been constructed using aluminium, with a blue anodized finish. Stainless steel has been used for the black sound tubes and then the whole look is finished off with black screws holding it all together. The new cable is a definite improvement. Campfire’s silver plated copper Litz cable has been given a new smoky jacket and feels more flexible than the previous cable. The ear guides on the cable have also changed, scrapping the memory wire and replacing it with a more comfortable coating that can be moulded to fit your ear nicely.

Comfort

The way Campfire Audio has designed the housings on the Polaris makes them very comfortable. They sit nice and snug in my ears and they stay comfortable even after long periods of listening.

Accessories

Included with the Polaris is a number of accessories, including a mixture of silicone and foam eartips of different sizes, small protective cloth bags, a larger blue leather protective carry case, a cleaning tool and a Campfire Audio lapel pin. Thanks to the amount of eartips supplied, you should have no problem finding the right fit. Just make sure you try all of the tips, as getting that good seal makes a huge difference to the sound quality.

Specs

The Polaris is equally impressive inside as they are outside. Campfire’s Polaris has a hybrid driver setup, with each housing containing a balanced armature driver and a 9.2mm dynamic driver. This pairing delivers the best of both worlds, with the balanced armature looking after the higher frequencies, and then the large dynamic driver taking care of the low end. Campfire Audio has developed some of their own technology, and it is present in the Polaris. The balanced armature driver has Campfire’s T.A.E.C. or ‘tuned acoustic expansion chamber’; this helps with treble extension and top end sparkle. Then the Polarity Tuned Chamber brings the most out of the dynamic driver.

Sound Quality

These earphones deliver a high energy sound with plenty of bass power and crisp clarity. These aren’t going to be for those looking for that reference kind of sound, or something neutral. The Polaris has brought fun listening to the high-end audio world.

  • Bass response

Bass is where it’s at with the Polaris. It’s full, weighty and goes really low. Campfire Audio have managed to reign it in enough not to overpower the mids or become bloated: it emphasizes and celebrates bass as opposed to adding more of it.

  • Midrange (instrumental/vocals)

Mids sit very comfortably in the mix. They are crisp without being too forward and gives the bass definition. Vocals nestle nicely in a pillow of low end goodness, coming across clear and well defined.

  • Treble (extension)

Treble on the Polaris extends far, providing space and sparkle. Reverbs tail off naturally and the top end detail makes separation very impressive. There’s a great sense of where instruments are placed and there’s an impressive depth to the sound.

Conclusion

The 4 to 500 pound price bracket has become quite a sweet spot for earphones, with competition coming from the likes of Flare Audio, Final, Westone, Oriveti and Shure. Luckily the Polaris has a lot going for it, and really stands out amongst the crowd. Their bass is like nothing else and Campfire Audio’s design is bold and attractive. If you enjoy good quality bass and want your earphones to deliver a fun and energetic listening experience, then check out the Polaris. Your ears will be happy.

Campfire Audio Solaris Review

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Aesthetics and Build Quality:

The Solaris do not take a low-key approach when it comes to looks, with a gold faceplate and large housing they definitely stand out in the crowd. They do however look great, you can see the craftsmanship in the machining of the shells, and everything feels very premium.

Build quality is superb again, with aluminium shells that are CNC machined, the cable is silver plated and slightly thicker than the one on the Andromeda. Everything is very well built and feels solid, albeit a little on the heavier side.

Comfort and Isolation:

Well there is no escaping just how big the Solaris are, and depending on the size and shape of your ears the fit will vary. I have quite small ears, and the Solaris stick out quite far, but do stay in fine with the right tips. They are not uncomfortable, just a little cumbersome.

Isolation is good on these; they do have a vent for the dynamic driver but this doesn’t seem to affect their isolation and these are great for on-the-go use or commuting and hold up well in loud environments.

Sound:

Bass: Having a single dynamic driver handling bass duties, these have more impact and rumble when compared to a more neutral IEM like their sibling the Andromeda. These have incredible articulation down low, there is a slight increase in presence down low to keep things tilted towards a more fun sound signature. However, the bass does a good job at controlling its body, and it never manages to get in the way of the midrange.

Midrange: The midrange on the Solaris is clean and clear, not suffering from the typical warm lower midrange due to bass bloat. This is where the BA drivers kick in and through out incredibly crisp and detailed mids that sound natural and tonally accurate. The midrange sits perfectly in the mix, without being pushed back, the extra body down low does not translate to a v-shaped sound signature.  The transition from the midrange to the treble is smooth and sibilance is not an issue with the Solaris.

Treble: The treble on the Solaris is very tastefully done, packed full of detail yet with a smooth and effortless extension allowing them to shine yet without fatigue. There is no artificial boosting to create a sense of detail, instead they decide to have a more even-handed approach and allow you to enjoy the music but also the detail is there if you want to listen. The precision of the treble is really impressive and their placement within the soundstage is very accurate.

The soundstaging of the Solaris is a definite highlight, there is great width and height and everything is incredibly well separated.

Conclusion:

The Solaris are incredibly coherent from top to bottom, with a mild emphasis on the bass region. They are a full bodied yet well balanced IEM that handle pretty much anything you throw at them. They may be expensive, but their performance is truly superb.

 

Sound: 5/5

Comfort: 3/5

Build Quality: 5/5

Value: 4/5

Campfire Audio Polaris 2 Review

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Campfire Audio Polaris

Aesthetics and Build Quality:

Much like all other Campfire models, the Polaris are a thing of beauty. The precision CNC’s machined housings look perfect, the blue really does stand out against the black screws and smoky cable. Even the case compliments the colour scheme. Campfire, in my opinion, make some of the best-looking IEM’s out there.

Build quality is another strong point, the metal housings are perfectly finished, and the MMCX sockets are some of the best I have ever come across. The cable is a silver plated litz cable that is twisted, with good strain relief on the 3.5mm angled jack. I can see the anodised finish showing scratches in the long run, but I personally find that adds character to them.

Comfort and Isolation:

The housings may look uncomfortable but the inner sides have softer edges and once you find the right tips the Polaris are incredibly secure and comfortable to use. I found them to fit and sound best with foam tips, but this is down to personal preference. The cable now uses pre-moulded ear-hooks which I find to sit much better than stiff memory wire, it’s great to see more brands using this. My one tiny gripe here is driver flex, which is quite present when you first insert them.

Isolation is very good, perfect for daily use and commuting, even though the housing is vented for the dynamic driver, I don’t find this impacting isolation much.

 

Sound:

Bass: This is the part that is immediately noticeable when you first try the Polaris, and for good reason. These are made to deliver a very full and powerful sound, and they do that without fault. The bass carries real weight and impact, you feel as well as hear the notes. The bass may be the prominent frequency band on these, but they do this without totally masking the rest of the frequency response. They are not a dark, bloated mess, yet they still have a bass-heavy signature which is very impressive and a lot of fun. The sheer weight and power of the low end is quite astonishing, yet it manages to steer clear from masking the mid-range too much, only giving the lower midrange a hint of warmth.

 

Midrange: The midrange is clear and detailed, yet does come across a little behind the bass in terms of absolute presence. The lows do give a little body to the lower midrange, but the upper midrange is quite up front. The transition from the upper midrange to the lower treble is not the smoothest, bringing out a bit of sibilance in the recording. They do not suffer badly from sibilance, but it is there nonetheless, and more present than a few other IEM’s that are a little smoother. The Polaris trade off a little refinement for fun factor, and I honestly am fine with that. They are engaging, the midrange is clear and well defined, especially when you compare it to the bass.

 

Treble: Due to the T.A.E.C technology, the Polaris has an incredibly open and airy top end. The treble extends effortlessly with excellent tonality and presence, however is it not peaky or harsh. The openness of the top end really aids the soundstaging capabilities of the Polaris, offering a really spacious sound that is not congested or closed in. There is plenty of detail up top and the energy is what mainly prevents the Polaris from sounding too dark. I really do enjoy the treble performance of the Polaris, providing the perfect balance between being there and clearly audible, but not bright and overbearing. Campfire don’t need to artificially boost the top end to give a sense of extra detail, because the detail is there and audible.

Conclusion

The Polaris are one hell of an IEM, with a very powerful and engaging sound signature. The bass is there by the bucketload, yet the midrange is detailed and only slightly behind when it comes to presence. The highs are effortlessly extended and packed full of detail, giving them a sense of space and air that really opens the Polaris up. Overall a great buy if you want an engaging and powerful IEM.

 

Sound:  4/5

Comfort: 5/5

Build: 5/5

Value: 5/5

 

New Products Now In Stock

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Newest Audio Releases

 

 

Releases for 09/05/2019

 

Campfire Audio IO

The newest release from Campfire Audio comes in the form of the Campfire Audio IO, a garnet-coloured IEM with dual balanced armature drivers. The IO features a detachable silver-plated copper cable with smoky tangle-resistant jacket and updated Beryllium copper MMCX connectors. You can also expect the array of accessories you expect from Campfire Audio.

 

 

Campfire Audio Polaris (2019 Edition)

Campfire have updated the legendary Polaris IEM for 2019, aptly titled… yes, you guessed it: the Polaris 2019 Edition. Campfire kept the basic setup of the dual drivers, but everything else has been reworked from the floor up, including the drivers themselves.

 

 

Campfire Audio Andromeda

Campfire’s iconic green anodized IEMs, the Andromeda, have gotten a few tweaks for spring 2019, including a cable update, fresh new accessories, and a change to the connectors. Also given a boost is the earhook design which sees Campfire rid itself of the memory wire previously housed in the cable itself.

 

 

Etymotic ER2-XR

The Etymotic ER2-XR extended response in-ear isolating earphones deliver Etymotic’s iconic passive isolation to block out up to 35dB of background noise. This means you won’t have to blast the volume to appreciate the ER2-XR’s full bass response and detailed sound.

 

 

Etymotic ER2-SE

These guys look similar to their cousins, but the ER2-SE is a powerful flat-response in-ear perfect for studio professionals. It’s called the ‘Studio Edition’ for a reason! No range is altered, giving a crystal clear representation of the original sound.

 

 

Oriveti OH300

Oriveti is dropping two shiny new IEMs, the first of which is the Oriveti OH300. These triple driver IEMs give a beautiful clear, balanced, neutral sound and look incredibly sleek and impressive. Probably the IEMs Batman would own, if he needed to hear crystal clear audio of himself delivering brutal one-liners.

 

 

Oriveti OH500

The Oriveti OH500 houses five drivers (quad balanced, single dynamic) within its gorgeous resin exterior. With those, you get an unfailingly smooth response with some strong low end. Their handcrafted cable of eight-strand braided silver plated wire is second to none, but still detachable for your convenience.

 

Campfire Audio – Stock Now in UK – Inflammable In-Ears!

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It’s Hifiheadphones’ pleasure to announce that the full range of Campfire Audio products is now available from our outlet!

..and it’s a real test of our professionalism to be able to stop listening to one of these excellent models in order to try another one.

Campfire Audio Comet

This entry-level model features a vented, full range single balanced armature driver; we say ‘entry level’ as it’s the cheapest of the range, but it sounds as good, or better than a few more expensive models from other makers.

Warm and natural sounding, excellent detail, decent treble presence yet smooth. The Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber System (TAEC) helps to keep realistic and convincing imaging and wide soundstage.

 

Campfire Audio Orion

Next up, the Orion sports a single full-range balanced armature provides well controlled bass without going overboard. It’s a little more V shaped, with great soundstage and separation. There’s more treble presence but it preserves a smooth feel.

 

Campfire Audio Polaris

The Polaris features a hybrid balanced armature and dynamic driver design; the 8.5mm dynamic driver is housed in a ‘Polarity Tuned Chamber’ which increases performance, whilst the single BA benefits from the Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber System. Bass is warm and textured but restrained with midrange offering excellent vocals, and treble adding some well judged glitter.

 

 

Campfire Audio Lyra II

With a single full-range custom Beryllium PVD dynamic driver, the Lyra II exchanges some of the smoothness of the previous models for a little more cleanness in the treble region. Bass is very impressive with some good extension and midrange is very rich and natural sounding.

 

 

Campfire Audio Jupiter

The Jupiter’s two high and two low balanced armature drivers, plus the TAEC in this design dials the sharpness down a little, and provides a very engaging and musical presentation. Bass abounds, but only in a way which is fitting to the music played. Midrange has amazing clarity which is not forced, and treble is fully present but well tuned for those who may find listener fatigue a problem.

 

Campfire Audio Dorado

With hybrid dual balanced armature and beryllium PVD single dynamic driver/TAEC, the Dorado gives a little more bass presence and a midrange which is well suited for vocals. Treble is smooth, with good extension and an excellent sense of space.

 

Campfire Audio Vega

Featuring a single full-range 8.5mm non-crystalline diamond dynamic driver, the Vega packs a punch in the sub bass region, with some great texture down here. Mids are clear and snappy, with treble giving a little bit of sparkle and air. Soundstage and imaging are very impressive.

 

Campfire Audio Andromeda

The Andromeda sports a five BA design, with two for the lows, one for the mids and two for

the highs which benefit from the TAEC treatment. The result is an earphone that has become very well known in the industry recently, with lows feeling fleshy and palpable, mids smooth and natural, and treble strikes a good balance between being revealing and laid back.

 

Campfire Audio Atlas

With a full-range dynamic driver made from A.D.L.C. (Amorphous Diamond-Like Carbon), the Atlas model heads up the current in-ear range with some masterfully controlled bass presence, a warmish and clear midrange and a crisp, natural treble.

 

Campfire Audio Cascade

Not ones to rest on their laurels, Campfire have also produced a portable over-ear model in the Cascade. It’s user-tuneable to some degree using the supplied dampeners in the earcups but is sure to please all who try it. The dynamic drivers produce some excellent and well controlled sub-bass, with well balanced midrange and treble which draws the listener in to enjoy all that detail!