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Expert Earphones and Headphones Reviews

Best Earphones 2023: IEM, Bluetooth, Wireless, Budget, Audiophile

Posted on April 21, 2023 by hifiheadphones

BEST EARPHONES 2023

We know how important it is to find the right earbuds; whether they are for your smartphone, music player, DAP, laptop, tablet or hi-fi system. Whether you call them in ears, IEM, in-ear headphones, earphones, earbuds, or anything else, this is the post for you. We’ve gathered our picks for the best earbuds that you can buy today. Welcome to our Best Earphones 2023 breakdown!

BEST EARPHONES UNDER £50

1. final E500 Wired Earphones – £19.99

Designed with gaming and VR users in mind, the E500 delivers impressive spacial awareness and pin point accuracy. These qualities don’t only favour gamers – they give music an edge with clear imaging and a soundstage that brings you right into the mix. All of this for under £20 makes them a no brainer for those looking for a budget wired earphone.

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2. SoundMAGIC E11/E11C Wired Earphones – £41.99/£52.99

With various SoundMAGIC models already available, what can the E11/E11C bring to the table? Well, Everything! We have found the E11 to be a grown-up earphone with a keen knack for giving a clear and accurate presentation across the board. A truly impressive earphone for the price and in 2023 it is still the wired budget king.

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BEST EARPHONES UNDER £100

3. final VR2000 Virtual Reality In Ear Isolating Gaming Earphones – £59.99

The VR2000 builds on the immense success of their gaming earphone predecessor the VR3000, which is known for their overwhelming spatial expression. The VR2000 focuses on the rapid response and aims to make object sounds within game audio more noticeable. Many typical gaming earbuds and headphones emphasize an exaggerated sound quality, aiming to accentuate sound effects for a more dramatic experience for the user. But in competitive gaming such as arcade fighting (Tekken), FPS (Apex Legends), Third person shooters such as Fortnite or rhythm games sich as Osu! it’s no exaggeration to say that the player’s quick judgment in reacting to sound effects can largely influence the outcome of each round. The VR2000 is a set of professional-grade earbuds developed specifically for players who are serious about winning.

READ MORE: final VR2000 Gaming Earphones

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4. final x Dragon Ball Z – Frieza – £70.00

Final Audio have collaborated with Dragonball Z to produce 3 iconic and unique models based on main characters. The Frieza model is specifically designed for ASMR content. But it is also perfect for watching movies, animations and videos In general. Absolutely one to consider, if you use your earphones more for Audiobooks/ Movies over music (although they are great at that too!). They are also really small and light, so perfect for those with smaller ears or those who find it difficult to find a pair of buds that are comfortable and a great sleeping buddy (for when listening to music in bed is your thing)!

READ MORE: final x Dragon Ball Z – Frieza

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BEST EARPHONES UNDER £200

5. final ZE3000 True Wireless Earphones – £119.00

True wireless earphones for the audiophiles and purists out there. The final ZE3000 don’t have many of the bells and whistles. They have no ANC, no ambient mode nor wireless charging. However they were designed from the bottom up for ultimate sound quality and in that they totally succeeded. They also look abolutely fantastic and fit perfectly. What more could you ask for at £119!

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6. Campfire Orbit TWS Earphones– £199.00

Considering you can spend the same on Sony, Bose, Sennheiser and Apple – the Orbit provides audio that surpasses what the other popular brands would only dream of. Yes, you don’t get noise cancelling or fancy app tech with 1,000,000 features. What you do get is a product made by one of the best in the audio biz, and sound that you would normally need to pay over £1000 for…

READ MORE: Campfire Orbit Review

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BEST EARPHONES UNDER £500

7. Westone Audio Pro X20 Professional Earphones – £400.00

Stage musicians rejoice! Musicans of the past were limited to selecting either an isolated in-ear monitor mix or an immersive wedge based experience for monitoring. With the Am Pro X20 you can now enjoy both the energy and input from the audience, as well as from other performers and the stage. With Westone Audio’s exclusive StageSense Ambient Technology you are in total control of your musical environment. You can enjoy full-range frequency response from your in-ear monitor signal, hear and feel your surroundings and engage with fellow performers and your audience like never before. The AM Pro X series is a recommended universal solution for on-stage monitoring and band practice.

READ MORE: Westone Audio Pro X20

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8. Final ZE8000 – ANC TWS Earphones £299.00 (Currently on Special Offer for £199.00!)

Final’s flagship TWS earphone is finally here and a cause for celebration by many audio fans out there. The design is like nothing else out there today. The looks and comfort of these earphones are unique and extremely effective. Add to that a fantastic sound quality that challenges some of the finest wired earphones out there as well as all the bells and whistles you expect from a TWS earphone these days and you have quite the package.

READ MORE: Final ZE8000 Review

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9. Final A5000 – £259.00

Final’s new addition to the “A” series, The A5000 is a wired IEM that punches far above it’s price in terms of sound quality. Style aside, the bass is powerful and tight, the mids and the highs fabulous. Final have proven time and time again that you do not need to spend an arm and a leg for a quality earphone. For anyone looking to upgrade their gear on a budget, look no further. Final Magic for £259.00? Yes please.

READ MORE: Final A5000

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BEST EARPHONES OVER £1000

10. 64 Audio U4s -£1,099.00

The U4s is 64 Audio’s new, blue & cheapest UIEM coming in at £1099.00. The hybrid construction delivers a richer and deeper sub-bass then their next cheapest universal model the U6t (which is made up from a full BA driver set up) thanks to the dynamic driver under its hood. The U4s comes with 64 Audio’s all new M12 Apex module, meaning you essentially get four different sound signatures out of the box. You are after an open sound with as wide an image as possible? Then slot in the MX or the M12. Want more bass? Say hello to the M20 or M15. The versatility of these is great and the energetic sound from the U4s will keep your attention for years to come.

READ MORE: 64 Audio U4s

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11. final A8000 Audiophile Custom-Driver Earphones – £1999

With the A8000, final prove that multiple drivers aren’t necessary for producing mind blowing audio. One driver is all that’s needed! Final don’t settle with any old drivers either. For the A8000, Final has developed their custom made ultra thin Beryllium foil driver. Along with Final’s four chamber housing design, the A8000 gives high resolution a whole new meaning. These need to be heard to be believed.

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12. 64 Audio Volür – £2369.05

What started out as the Nio 2 evolved into a whole new word (and a UIEM) that never existed before. The Volür. The newest Universal IEM from 64 Audio. The pulsating heart of which is made up of two new custom 9mm dynamic drivers set in a True Isobaric configuration that delivers unprecedented low-frequency capability. The low end of the Volür will simply blow you away. It is easily one of the best technical performing earphones that has a “fun” sounding signature. Those purple abalone faceplates also look fabulous.

READ MORE: 64 Audio Volür

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13. Campfire Audio Solaris Stellar Horizon – Quad Hybrid Drivers IEM Earphones £2669.00

The Solaris ‘Stellar Horizon’ has a sound that arguably has not existed before. They are the realest sounding IEMs out there today. If you didn’t know better, when they are in your ears, you would assume that the audio was coming from a huge acoustically treated chamber filled with musicians all playing just for you. Bass sounds real. No boom or overdoing it. Mids sound real. The tone, texture and timbre match exactly the experience of listening to drums, guitars and vocals being performed live and in person. A must have.

More about the Campfire Audio Solaris Stellar Horizon

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14. 64 Audio Fourté Blanc – Limited Edition Earphones- £3899.00

With only 500 units avaliable worldwide, and only 2 left for sale in the UK, this unique IEM is already a collectors Item. With the second and final reimagination of the Fourte, it is better than ever. The boundaries have been pushed even further in showing what’s possible with only 4 drivers. If you are a fan of 64 Audio, this is a must have and reviewers are are claiming this is one of the best UIEM’s ever made. See Ulf Kaiser’s review from Kopfhoerer.de below!

READ MORE: 64 Audio Fourté Blanc Review

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Have We Missed Anything Out?

Honourble mentions to the Trifecta, Fourté , LCD i3, OV800, and many more out there! What is your favourite? Please feel free to leave a comment below and let us know…

Campfire Audio Solaris ‘Stellar Horizon’ Quad Hybrid IEM Review

Posted on March 7, 2023 by John

Last week I had a good listen to the new Campfire Audio Andromeda ‘Emerald Sea’, and this week I have the pleasure of trying out the new Solaris ‘Stellar Horizon’. The new Solaris comes in at £2669. That’s over £1000 more than the new Andromeda and also over £1000 more than the previous version of Solaris. Campfire Audio has moved into the highest of high-end audio. Is the price justified? Let’s find out.

Campfire Audio Solaris ‘Stellar Horizon’

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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.

Campfire Audio Solaris ‘Stellar Horizon’ – Display Box

Campfire Audio Solaris ‘Stellar Horizon’ – Box Content

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.

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Interested in all things Campfire Audio? Check out more News and Reviews here!

Read our Campfire Audio Brand Story here!

Andromeda ‘Emerald Sea’ & Solaris ‘Stellar Horizon’ Avaliable Now!

Posted on February 21, 2023 by Ben M.

Introducing Campfire Audio‘s all-new Andromeda ‘Emerald Sea’ and Solaris ‘Stellar Horizon’ earphones. Unlike past updates, Campfire Audio has completely redesigned both the Andromeda and Solaris from the ground up. Using newly developed technologies and creating an enhanced ownership experience, Campfire Audio is forever looking forward. Exploring new horizons for a better sounding future.

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%

More about the Andromeda “Emerald Sea”

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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%

More about the Solaris “Stellar Horizon”

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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

Campfire Audios Andromeda, Ara and Solaris Podcast With The Curiosity Project

Posted on September 2, 2021 by Ben M.

Caleb Rosenau has sat down with The Curiosity Project once more. But this time for a chat about Campfire Audios high end IEMs, The Andromeda, The Ara and The Solaris.

The Ara is an earphone well suited for the audiophile and reference listener

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.

The Andromeda 2020: Their newest version allows you to enjoy a refined musical presentation, with clarity and resolution that can’t be missed

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 .

Campfire Audio Solaris Review

Posted on September 3, 2019 by Oscar

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

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