Disclaimer
This unit was in my possession for about 10 days as part of the local tour. I'd like to thank Campfire Audio and @d marc0 for organizing and including me in this tour.
I listen at relatively high volume level, so my impressions will be based on this. Please be aware that there might be variations in impressions at different volume and issues present on different volume level may/may not exist on this product.
Package
- Campfire Audio Lyra with removable stock cable
- x3 difference sizes of silicone tips
- x3 difference sizes of foam tips
- x3 difference sizes of Comply tips
- Campfire Audio pin
- Cleaning tool
- Information booklet
- Leather carry case
- Cardboard box
*As this is a tour unit what are included inside the package might vary from current retail standard.
The beautiful carry case is made with nuback leather, and is padded out with wool-like furry lining on the inside. It has more than enough space inside for the Jupiter plus a few accessories and once zipped closed it provides hard case protection on the outside and shock absorbent n the inside.
Design and Usability
The Lyra utilises ultra high density ceramic for the shells. Looking at the precise yet smooth to the touch curves and angles mirrored on both the housings, you know that they meant business. The shiny smooth ceramic is a sight to behold and immense satisfaction to hold in the hands, and is most probably scratch resistant, though in exchange it attracts fingerprints easily. It may look a bit industrial and beefy at first glance, but once worn is comfortable enough, and I could wear it for few hours on end without getting ear pains. Isolation is average and wind noise is audible when outdoors.
The included removable MMCX cable is actually ALO tinsel cable, which usually have to be bought separately as upgrade cables. It swivels with movement to provide greater flexibility and comfort. It has memory wire and a clear plastic tube as a chin slider. The cable is robust and does not tangle easily. Only gripe would be that microphonics is evident and would do with the inclusion of a shirt clip to secure it.
Sound Impressions
Drive-ability:
The Lyra is less sensitive than typical earphones and require some power to provide enough juice to sound great especially the bass response. Tested with my phone and Cayin N6.
Sound:
Overall the Campfire Audio Lyra has a laidback warm V-shaped sound signature. I found that it is picky in that it sounded good with well mastered tracks but lifeless and dull with modern pop music etc.
Sub-bass extension is ever eager to spring out and surprise you. Bass is big yet rounded and soft. It is boomy yet without the suckerpunch impact and lacking in texture and detail. It comes across as flabby with slow bass speed and long decay when bass prominent songs are played. It is not ideal for fast paced music like trance where speed and tightness are sought-after traits. The bass bleeds into the mids and makes it sound thick. Vocals tend to take a backseat behind the rest. Detail and clarity is there, but need to focus to hear it. The bass bleeding tends to muffle them and impacts on the layering and separation. These take the life out of the vocals and make them feel dull and flat. Yet, upper midrange is thin and grainy, making it slightly sibilant for me. High frequency notes offer good details and the amount of clarity and airiness are just right without being too dimmed or too much sparkle, contributing to the overall headroom space.
The soundstage is of average size but the bass bleeding impacted on the layering and separation. It tends to sound a bit congested when there are lots of elements going on within a song but they are sufficient and will not get totally overwhelmed and collapse.
Ratings & Conclusion
As Head-Fi shows overall ratings for the audio gear instead of my own, here is a snapshot of what I have rated: