Campfire Audio Andromeda IEM Review

Campfire Audio create works of art that just so happen to sound very good too. This year they have released an update to the insanely popular Andromeda. There are quite a few changes to the new version, and it looks as though it could be quite an improvement.

campfire audio andromeda five driver earphones

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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.

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Campfire Audio Spring 2020 Product Launch – New Releases

Campfire Audio announces spring 2020 product launch, with new additions to their earphone range.

Available to PRE-ORDER now

Campfire Audio, the Portland, Oregon based boutique headphone and earphone specialist, has announced their new releases for spring 2020 – the newly updated Solaris 2020 and Andromeda 2020, and the brand-new Ara 7-driver earphone.

As part of the product launch, Campfire Audio has updated two of their most popular earphone models – Andromeda and Solaris.

Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020 – £1099 – $1099

The new Andromeda 2020 has been updated with the new solid-body internal acoustic chamber, which has been designed to enhance the sound of the classic Andromeda with more detail retrieval and improved vocal presence.

Included with the Andromeda 2020 is the new cork zipper case in Green – hand made in Portugal.

Campfire Audio Solaris 2020 – £1499 – $1499

The new Solaris 2020 will be 20% smaller than the original version, with a new all black finish and a new solid-body internal acoustic chamber design – 3D printed to provide more controlled tuning and even more reliability.

There are also new updates to the included accessories, with a new ‘Super Smokey Litz’ silver plated copper cable fitted with moulded ear hooks (no memory wire), and a new sustainably harvested cork zipper case in Brown – hand made in Portugal.

Commenting on the new updates, Caleb Rosenau, Campfire Audio’s VP said: “This is our first significant refresh of Andromeda and Solaris since their original product launch. Both models are appreciable improvements upon their predecessors, and we think people will enjoy the changes we’ve made to them.”

Campfire Audio Ara – £1299 – $1299

A brand-new addition to Campfire Audio’s range has also been announced – the Ara.
The new Ara uses titanium shells which house seven balanced armature drivers inside each earphone, with dual high, single mid and quad low drivers arranged inside the new solid-body internal acoustic chamber design. Campfire Audio’s most ambitious release to date.

Commenting on the Ara, Caleb Rosenau added: “Ara is a new design with seven drivers that has a very resolving and appealing sound signature for the audiophile.”

Tech Specs

Andromeda 2020

  • 5 BA drivers + T.A.E.C.™ (Dual High + Single Mid + Dual Low)
  • All new Solid-Body internal acoustic chamber design
  • ‘Emerald’ Green Anodized Finish with Stainless Steel Screws
  • New Stainless Steel Spout
  • Updated Round MMCX
  • SPL: 112.8 @ 1k
  • Frequency Response: 10Hz – 28kHz
  • Earphone Impedance: 12.8 Ohm @ 1k

Solaris 2020

  • Hybrid Design;
    Dual Balanced Armature + T.A.E.C.™
    Single Mid Balanced Armature,
    10mm ADLC Diaphragm Dynamic Driver + Polarity Tuned Chamber.
  • All new Solid-Body internal acoustic chamber design
  • Black PVD Finish with Gold PVD Screws.
  • Stainless Steel Spout
  • Round Beryllium / Copper MMCX
  • SPL: 115dB @ 1k
  • Frequency Response: 5Hz – 20kHz
  • Earphone Impedance: 15.5 Ohm @ 1k

Ara

  • 7 BA drivers + T.A.E.C.™ (Dual High + Single Mid + Quad Low)
  • The solid-Body internal acoustic chamber design
  • Titanium Shell (Grade 2 Titanium) with Black PVD Screws
  • Black Stainless Steel Spout
  • Round Beryllium / Copper MMCX
  • SPL: 93dB @ 1k
  • Frequency Response: 10-26kHz
  • Earphone Impedance: 8.5 Ohm @1k