Campfire Audio Andromeda:

Introduction
I had already owned one Toolshed amp, the Euphoria 45 (reviewed here), for several months before I reached out to Matt Formanek and asked him to build me a Darling headphone amplifier. I was curious if it would be even more towards my preferences for headphone usage, and free up the Euphoria 45 from my headphone chain to be used with speakers full-time.

The Darling is a fairly recent introduction from Matt. It's a dedicated headphone amplifier using the 1626 output triode. The only other commercial headamp using this tube that I am aware of is the Amps&Sound Kenzie which has been around for a while.

My amp was built in 6 weeks from deposit and Matt kept me up to date with its progress and pictures throughout the build process. Since each amp is built to order custom requests within reason can be accommodated!

My amp
I should share some words on my specific amplifier build, because Toolshed is a boutique outfit and yours may not be exactly the same as another customers (and that's OK!). First off, you get a choice between low impedance & high impedance output transformers. Speak with Matt and tell him about your system and he'll help you choose the right one. Since my favorite headphones, the Sennheiser HD650, were 300 ohm I chose the high impedance transformers.

Matt is usually pretty liberal about discussing what goes into his amplifiers with me, but he was very tight lipped about who was winding these output transformers for him.

I chose a beautiful purple-heart two-tone base for my Darling amplifier and stereo volume control (independent mono L+R gain control is an option which I have on my Euphoria 45).

My system
I used the Darling headphone amp for several months with my mainstay modified Sennheiser HD650s and many DACs. My favorite DAC pairing to date is the Border Patrol DAC SE.

Tubes
The Darling is not a tube rollers amp. This is A-OK with me because I hate tube rolling. It can quickly become an expensive pain in the butt. Not only does the Darling circuit not leave a lot of room for tube variation, the entire amplifier can be re-tubed for <$100.

The output tube is the in-directly heated 1626 triode. This was used as a ship-to-shore transmitter during WW2 and many RCA & military examples of it are still available for affordable prices. Nicknamed the 'darling' because of it's ability to pack a punch despite it's ~750mW peak output, it certainly makes for an interesting choice for a headphone amplifier.

For the driver tube, we have the commonly available 12SL7 and a 6Z4/84 rectifier. Matt will ship a set of NOS tubes with the amplifier which should be all you ever need.

Sound
The Darling surprised me because it was actually better in some areas of sonic reproduction than my Euphoria 45 which costs ~$1000 more. In hindsight, I shouldn't have been surprised as the Darling is a circuit with output transformers optimized for a headphone load. It is more dynamic, snappy and immediate than the 45 amplifier, but also with a bit of extra warmth, lushness or euphony to the sound.

The Darling is a very easy amplifier to get along with because it keeps things simple. You don't need to have an anxiety attack wondering if you're running the best possible set of tubes. It has a tonality and timbre that is more traditionally tubey than the Euphoria 45 but still fairly linear and lean. The bass can kick like a mule with the high-impedance transformers and it gives a really good sense of drive and momentum with rock music.

Because the Darling is so clear and punchy, macro details come out on recordings like I have not experienced before with headphones. However it doesn't have the fine micro resolving power of the 45. This is especially evident with stuff like massed strings on orchestral music where that last bit of shimmer and shading isn't all there. Still, I really enjoy the Darling with rock and jazz which is most of what I listen to.

The amplifier is quieter than my Euphoria 45 which makes sense as the 1626 is an indirectly heated triode. There is a barely audible hum when music isn't playing but for reference the fans in my computer which sits a few feet away are louder.

Conclusion
The Darling headphone amplifier is not cheap at $2595. You definitely pay a premium for its boutique looks and handmade nature, relative to its performance. Still, you get a lot of amplifier for your money, a very agreeable sound that can do justice to expensive sources and headphones, with many different genres of music. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

Introduction
I first learned of Toolshed Amps and Matt Formanek in 2017 via a feature on the Head-Fi home page. At the time I thought his amplifiers were unique and beautiful but pretty far out my price range. Fast forward to 2019, my budget had increased, I had been through several very expensive but very disappointing amplifiers, and I was ready to buy 'the one' to rule them all.

When I first contacted Matt, I was surprised at how responsive and open he was about discussing the various design elements of the amp and it was clear he was dedicated to getting me something I would be happy with. I really respect this, as I have dealt with other boutique amplifier manufacturers who you would be lucky to get a grunt out of after asking a complex question about their product.

I placed my deposit and after an 8 week wait the amplifier was hand delivered to me by Matt and his son as he happened to be in town. Talk about customer service! The entire wait time went by quickly as Matt would frequently text me updates and photos of the progress.

My amp
I should share some words on my specific amplifier build, because Toolshed is a boutique outfit and yours may not be exactly the same as another customers (and that's OK!). First off, I should clarify the models listed on the Toolshed website are not totally up-to-date. Matt's main offering now is an amplifier that can accept both the 45 and 2A3 triodes with a simple rectifier swap, which is capable of driving both headphones and speakers. Further customization is possible (i.e. headphone only, speakers taps only, mono vs. stereo volume control, choice of output transformers, choice of coupling capacitors, etc.) on request.

My build has:
-Indian blood-wood two tone base
-Tango U-608 vintage output transformers
-Miflex KFPM polypropylene coupling capacitors
-NOS Western Electric tinned copper internal wiring
-UX4 base rectifier socket
-Independent L&R gain control
-Loading switch for the output transformer to toggle between a 5K ohm and 7K ohm load on the plate of the 45/2A3
-Output impedance switch for the output transformer to toggle between 16 ohm and 8 ohm taps
-(the above two features are only possible with the Tango U-608 which is not a standard offering)
-Binding posts on the rear for speaker connection

My system
I listened to the Toolshed 45/2A3 via my modded Sennheiser HD650 headphones, ZMF Auteur headphones, and many DACs. My favorite DAC pairing with it so far has been the Border Patrol DAC SE.

Tubes
I have owned several 2A3 amps before but had no experience with the 45. It's very interesting to have an amplifier that can accommodate both with an uncompromising circuit and the ability to adjust the plate loading to optimize for either tube.

My conclusion is that I prefer the 45, at least with headphones. It sounds more direct, naked, and linear. The 2A3 in comparison gets louder and has slightly more bloom and inner warmth to the sound. The main advantage of being able to use 2A3s in this amp is their increased output rating for driving speakers. This will allow for up to 4-5 W per channel into an 8 ohm speaker load. My favorite output tubes in this amp were engraved base RCA/Cunningham 45s.

For drivers, you have the excellent choice of D3a/E180F/E280F and the 'secret sauce' E810F. My favorite driver tubes in this amp were the Mullard E180F and Amperex 7788 (E810F).

For rectifier, it depends if you opt for the UX4 socket base or the octal base. My amplifier has the UX4 base so I can run globe-shaped 80 rectifiers (for 45 operation) or 5Z3 (for 2A3 operation). My favorite rectifier tube in this amp was an Arcturus blue glass 80 globe.

Tube rolling is not required for best results. Matt ships the amplifier with a good sounding play-tested set of NOS tubes. Rolling driver tube makes more of a difference than output tubes. The 45 is a linear tube and the sound does not change much between various makes of 45.

Sound
This amplifier sounds awesome. I am sure that a version of this amp without some of the bells & whistles I got would still sound awesome. I have owned amplifiers from EC, DNA, ECP, etc. None of them were as good as the Euphoria 45. One of my first texts to Matt after listening to it was that it was 'akin to injecting audio heroin into your ears'. This is hyperbole, so let me tone it down.

The 45 is a linear tube from top to bottom. Linear does not mean dry but it will not have the euphony/bloom of a 300B or poorly designed 2A3 circuit. Its strength lies in the fact that no particular frequency body is emphasized or de-emphasized, and it plays it straight up tonally. Some people may wish for more body or more sparkle, but the 45 is not really about all that. The 45 is about tone, presence and balance. The Euphoria 45 captures that while allowing me to hear the differences between various recordings and genres, appreciating the musical message of each.

My mainstay HD650 headphones aren't really the best to judge performance at frequency extremes. I will say with the right recording and source gear the Euphoria 45 is capable of surprising dynamics, the best I have heard with headphones. Other big budget amplifiers I've heard have left me nitpicking some aspect of the presentation; too soft, exaggerated attacks, unrealistic sustain, weird soundstaging, whatever. I won't say Matt's creation is perfect and flawless, but the straight up way it plays things leaves me not much to blame that isn't already a fault of the recording.

Flaws? Well like I said before, some would want a more euphonic or tubey or liquid sound than the 45 is capable of. Since my amplifier is also meant for driving speakers, there is a fair amount of gain on tap and that manifests itself as a low-level hum when there is no music playing. This would drive me insane if I kept my headphones on my head all the time, but I only put them on to play tunes, and the hum cannot be detected when music is playing (even quiet classical passages). Other than this gain-induced hum, the noise floor of the amp is insanely low considering the filaments of the 45 are AC heated and the power supply is in the same chassis.

Conclusion
I waited months to write any sort of impressions or review for this amplifier to try to work around new toy syndrome and I'm glad I did. I now also own the Toolshed Darling amplifier which is just as good as the Euphoria 45 with headphones, just different. Matt is one of the best people in the industry I have worked with and its obvious his #1 concern is customer satisfaction. If you've been around the carousel with many different amplifiers and know what you want, he'll help you get it. If you don't know what you want, he'll help you figure it out.

Thanks for reading.

@HiFlight

Campfire Audio Andromeda:

Crown jewel of the Campfire fleet

Introduction

First, a disclaimer: I purchased the Andromeda ($1099USD) with my own money after doing my own research and thus this is my independent (and highly subjective) opinion. A special thank you to @HiFlight, @Loquah & @shotgunshane for sharing their experiences with me and answering my questions, as well as to ALO Audio for excellent customer service.

This is my second review of a Campfire product, and as such I went into this entire experience biased and with a pre-conceived notion of quality from the Campfire brand. Despite this obvious favoritism I'll try to keep things simple, practical, and relate what I'm hearing to music I hope others can recognize to put my impressions in context. My goal is to give you an idea of what you can expect from the Andromeda and whether or not is appropriate for your tastes.

A little bit about me and my music tastes: I purchased the Campfire Audio Orion ($349USD) only a few short months ago after much deliberation (there wasn't much information available on them at the time). They quickly became my favorite earphones and it wouldn't be too long before I started searching for a worthy upgrade. Needless to say, I eventually came to realize only another offering from Campfire would be worthwhile to me. Throughout this review I plan on drawing many comparisons back to the Orion, as that is the type of review I would have liked to have read before taking the Andromeda plunge myself.

While I'm going to spoil the remainder of the review now by saying I think my search for an upgrade to the Orion is over, I believe the Orion is still an excellent value proposition and I will reiterate on why later in the review. My music tastes vary widely, but I would describe myself first and foremost as a mid-head and female vocal lover. Thus any headphones that are known to showcase the mid-range in music and offer it up front and center pique my interest. Without further ado, on to the review!

Accessories

I'm not going to spend too much time commenting on the accessories package since there are already so many other great reviews that go over it, but I think it's worthwhile to note the impressive accessory selection included with the Andromeda's, as there is certainly something here for everyone and it gives you the feeling of owning a product you will want to last forever. A plethora of tips including three sets of silicone, Comply foam and Campfires own generic foam tips. You also get a stylish pin sporting the sleek Campfire Audio logo and a cleaning tool. These accessories are not unique to the Andromeda and are all included with the lower end models in the Campfire line-up as well, which I appreciate.

You also get a dark leather zippered carrying case which I really like, it sets itself aside from the canvas one included with the Orion and Nova models. While it isn't exactly pocket friendly nor does it open all the way around like most clam shell cases, its soft wool interior will certainly keep your earphones safe during transportation.

The included cable is actually sold separately by ALO Audio for $149USD, so it certainly isn't included as an afterthought and is an excellent pairing for such a premium product. The cable is supple, uses MMCX connections and the ear guides are easily malleable which I'm sure a lot of people will appreciate. One concern of note are that the MMCX connections rotate in the socket, which can make getting a fit cumbersome at first. The right angle termination could also be slimmer and may not work with every smartphone case on the market. All-in-all, the litz cable is a much appreciated accessory and a large improvement from the tinsel ones originally shipping with the Orion and Jupiter, so it's clear that Campfire took customer feedback there.

Build / Comfort / Isolation

The build on the Andromeda is something to marvel at the first time you remove them from their case, and every time after that too. Others have said that photographs do not do the emerald green shells justice, and it wasn't until receiving my pair did I understand what they meant. The color is a lot more subdued in real life but still subtly beautiful. While the bore is a little wider than what most will be used to, I find this actually makes it much easier to fit different tips on, and the angle of the bore is pretty much perfect for my ears to get a solid seal.

Speaking of seal, I have absolutely no issues with comfort or ergonomics regarding the aluminum shells of the Andromeda. Despite housing four more drivers than the Orion, the weight of the earpieces are still negligible, and I had no discomfort for listening for up to three or even four hours straight. I find that as with the Orion the fit is largely ear tip dependent, as with foam tips the shells have a habit of hanging out of your ears, which may work for some but irritate others (such as myself). However with silicone tips the shells nestle comfortably in the ear for me, but I could easily see this as an issue for those with smaller concha. It seems that Campfire has taken feedback throughout the lifespan of the Andromeda by producing new batches of the monitor with slightly trimmed outer edges, however I have not personally noticed a difference between them and the fit of the Orion which did not have these adjustments.

Isolation is definitely above average with the included Comply foam tips, and does not suffer as much as one would think with silicone tips either. Given my extensive experience using the identical fitting Orion in many noisy environments as well as public transportation, I would rate the isolation of the Andromeda satisfactory for usage just about anywhere.

Sonic Impressions

Please note that evidence shows the Andromeda is highly reactive to the output impedance of various sources and may not match the descriptions given below to a tee depending on what you run it out of. For reference, all sonic impressions were given in pairing with a HTC10 smartphone. (Yes, it drives them quite well.)

Coming from the entry level Orion, I had a plethora of doubts about pursuing a monitor over three times the cost. Since I was already so happy with the performance of the Orion, did I really need to upgrade? Would the mid range I loved so much on the Orion be compromised in favor of additional bass quantity or a brighter overall signature? All of my fears were quashed the second I hit play on the Andromeda's for the first time and a big stupid grin took over my face. Ken Ball and his team have proven with the Andromeda that five seems to be the magic number, as this combination and crossover of drivers produces an effortlessly musical and sweet take on a reference tuning; one that I could only dream of experiencing when starting out in this hobby a handful of years ago.

It is no secret that the mid range is the strong suite of the Orion, and once again it proves to be Campfires ace in the hole. The mids on the Andromeda are exceptionally clear and in focus, almost revealing to a degree. Female vocals soar and swoon, with no added difficulty as multiple voices join the chorus. Resolution from the Orion is carried over intact and joined together with a beautifully rendered treble allowing a greater sense of air and three dimensional space for even the most powerful and moving vocal performances. Acoustic guitars and other stringed instruments come alive on the stage and yet in signature Campfire fashion don't take the focus off the vocal presentation, just the way this reviewer likes it.

"
So I listen to the radio...
"

The MTV Unplugged (1999) recording featuring The Corrs is my favorite Unplugged set of all time and contains many of the bands' favorites. While already an absolute joy on the Orion the set comes alive on the Andromeda, showcasing all of its ability to reproduce a sense of space in a recording. While the stage doesn't unrealistically (for an IEM) expand out of the head, it does seem to fill every single nook and cranny of it with the groups signature flute, drum and violin arrangements. On hits such as Radio and Forgiven Not Forgotten the Andromeda shows it's prowess at rendering Andrea and Sharons' lead and backup vocals with a certain addictive sweetness, without warming them over to the point of unrealistic coloration. A big win in my book.

Moving on to the low end response, I was taken aback when first experiencing the Andromeda, as reviews and other subjective impressions as well as objective measurements had led me to expect a much warmer tuning. While I can't exactly confirm or deny this as of now, the consensus is that due to impedance swing the quantity of bass may vary greatly from one source to another, attributing to the all of the different perceptions of just how much bass quantity is present in this monitor. Out of my source, both the bass quantity and quality are perfect for my subjective tastes. The bass is elevated a hair above neutral and rises the deeper into bass levels you go. The upper bass has a tight snap, mid bass a fat punch and sub bass a deep resounding thump. Another factor possibly making it difficult to pinpoint bass quantity is the chameleon character the low end response of the Andromeda has that allows it to adapt to any track as required. Just when I think one track was (appropriately) bass light the next rattles me with an intense drum line. Bass notes are slightly thick but never muddy or slow in even the most fast paced double drum abusing rock and punk of my library, giving it a very realistic feeling especially in well recorded live sets.

"I think she's a genius..."

The Murmurs were a alt pop duo project between Leisha Hailey (of Uh Huh Her fame) and Heather Grody. Although their 1998 LP Blender never quite caught critical reception in the US it remains one of my absolute favorite pop rock albums for the pairings creative use of silly, twee vocals and melodic catchy offerings such as La Di Da and Sucker Upper. Once upon a time one of my favorite albums to play through the Orion, the Andromeda turns up the engagement and punch to 11 with it's added bass extension and treble excitement. Bass lines are extremely satisfying but still take a relative backseat to Leisha & Heathers carefree power-pop melodies. Don't listen to this album if you hate having songs stuck in your head.

While I still believe the mid range is the star of the show on the Andromeda the true accomplishment here is a delicious, ever-present treble which adds the last octave of excitement and air to many recordings that were missing on the Orion. The kicker is that it manages to do all this with absolutely no harshness or sibilance, so I can still turn up my favorite substandard punk and girlcore recordings without fear of splashy treble or shouty vocals. This complete lack of listening fatigue coupled with an addictive sound is a recipe for disaster when it comes to any sort of productivity, as I've already found myself self-bargaining to listen to "just one more track". One nitpick with the treble presentation is a matter of speed, cymbal crashes just don't have the full sense of decay they should. It is not quite as short as say the Sennheiser HD650, but a relatively small price to pay for the other benefits associated with this part of the response.

"This one's called Annie..."

I'm a massive Elastica fan, and I can tell you straight away they had a lot of difficulty when it came to finalizing mixes for their records. In the hunt for a perfect takes on their debut self-titled they would deliver different mixes or recordings of a single track up to eight times, before sometimes giving up and just returning to the original demo. So when given a day to record and mix Radio One Sessions (2001) it quickly became apparent that some of their best work shone through on raw, adrenaline-fueled first-takes and out-takes. The tracks and B-sides on Radio One Sessions are not free from their share of recording artifacts or overzealous guitar work, but that is exactly the type of energy that makes the LP and why throughout all my demoing it has been my favorite listen on the Andromeda so far. Whereas most equipment labeled as forgiving usually involves some sort of treble attenuation or roll-off to protect the listeners virgin ears from the horrors of modern studio work the Andromedas management of the high frequencies swallow up every track and spit it back out at the listener in a way that lets you have your cake and eat it too. Lead guitars in opening track Annie are kept on a short leash but still allowed to bite, bass guitar work in hit single Waking Up is perfectly placed on the stage and front woman Justine's effortlessly sexy vocals in Vaseline are always in crystal clear focus. I could probably talk about how the Andromeda doesn't break a sweat with this record all day but it would quickly devolve into gloating and rabid fanboyism, so I'll put a plug in it for now.

Summary

While I concluded early on that the Orion was close to perfection for my personal tastes, I think I can safely say now that the Andromeda is perfection for my tastes and a definite keeper. I recall jokingly telling others that an Orion with a bit more excitement and weight on both ends of the spectrum would be mint, never expecting to find such a tuning. Little did I know I'd have to pay three times as much to experience it. With limited experience, it is difficult for me to assign a value proposition to the Andromeda within it's price bracket, what I can say is that it's a tuning I think a lot of people will enjoy given that they are careful and perhaps even patient with source matching.

And finally, a positive note for those of you who were intrigued by this review or others but can't quite afford the hefty price tag of the Andromeda yet, I still believe the Orion is an excellent choice for it's relatively entry-level asking price and isn't as far off in performance as one would expect (full review of the Orion here). If the Orion is an ambitious skipper, the Andromeda is the crown jewel of the Campfire Audio fleet.

@JerseyD

MrSpeakers Alpha Dog:

A reference class Dog

Introduction

First, a disclaimer: I purchased the Alpha Dogs ($499USD, discontinued) with my own money after doing my own research and thus this is my independent (and highly subjective) opinion. A special thank you to @JerseyD of Inner Sanctum Audio for his advice and sale of these for an excellent price despite their discontinued nature.

Though I have some experience under my belt now with IEMs, this is my first review of full-sized cans on Head-Fi, and as such any and all advice on how to improve this review or future others will be highly appreciated. I'll try to keep things simple, practical, and relate what I'm hearing to music I hope others can recognize to put my impressions in context.

A little bit about me and my music tastes: I only got into this hobby in late 2014, slowly working my way up from budget and entry-level cans in an attempt to find my "holy grail" like many aspiring victims of this rabbit hole tend to long for. I was going through a pair of full-sized cans every week or two and always finding something that I couldn't live with or found wanting after. It wasn't until January of this year I was blessed enough to stumble upon MrSpeakers and his very popular Fostex T50RP modification and pet project, the Mad Dogs ($279USD, discontinued). This headphone simultaneously addressed issues I had with comfort, build, and sound quality from the first time I listened to them until this day and hopefully for years to come. Needless to say, I dropped all interest in looking for other equipment (until now) and I always felt the only upgrade I could find for them was another offering from MrSpeakers.

The Mad scientist himself. Sorry, I couldn't resist.

While I was on the hunt for headphones that took everything I loved about the Mad Dogs and added more treble presence for my own tastes, I was initially torn between the Alpha Dogs and Alpha Primes. I read through roughly 600 pages of forum posts and countless reviews before finally going for the Dogs which I felt were the safer option. I’d like to think that my wallet is half as grateful as my ears are.

My music tastes vary widely, but I would describe myself first and foremost as a mid-head and female vocal lover. Thus any headphones that are known to showcase the mid-range in music and offer it up front and center pique my interest. All of the sonic impressions below were obtained while running the Alpha Dogs in combination with the Objective2/ODAC combo. While the Dogs would no doubt benefit from even more power, I felt the O2 drives them very well, and efficiency is very similar to the Mad Dogs they are replacing. Without further ado, on to the review!

Accessories

A pretty impressive set of accessories are included with the Alpha Dogs, assuming you are lucky enough to source them new. Included is a single cable (balanced XLR or ¼”), a tuning kit which I will cover later, a hex-wrench for bass-tuning as well as a microfiber cleaning cloth, velvet carrying bag and headphone stand.

I will begin by saying I am not a massive fan of the stock cable. The mini-XLR connectors are great and the termination is fine and dandy, but the cable itself is just too short for most practical use. I am of the opinion that if you’re going to package a higher-end set of cans with a single cable, it should be on the longer side to suit most people since that is safer than including one that is simply too short. The Alphas are already a pretty heavy set of cans, and unfortunately this cable only adds to that weight to the point where I find my head tilting forward by itself due to its tug. While it is thick and sturdy below the Y-splitter, it is surprisingly microphonic above the Y-splitter and especially around the mini-XLR connectors. Really disappointed in this cable personally and I have already commissioned a custom one, but I am probably being harder on it than most will.

The tuning kit includes the not-so-patented ‘doggie treats’ from MrSpeakers which are composed of small dots meant to be placed directly over the planar magnetic driver to smoothen the treble as well as felt discs which are meant to be placed directly over the driver or inside of the earcup in order to darken the treble response. While all late production models of the Alpha Dogs seem to have some pre-installed dots in an effort to provide a flat response, users are free to experiment with a variety of different combinations to see what works best for them. This is a pretty cost effective and neat way to give users some customization over the treble response, so kudos to MrSpeakers.

The treats in question. I don't quite see the resemblance.

Also included is a microfiber cleaning cloth which you’ll want to use to keep the gorgeous finish on these headphones clean as well as a stand that is unfortunately too short to fit the headphones on unless the cables are detached. Still, it’s the thought that counts and one can easily prop some hard foam on top of it to remedy this.

Build / Comfort / Isolation

Despite being quite a large pair of cans, the Alpha Dogs are gorgeous and a lot less goofy looking than the obviously modded Mad Dogs. Sporting either a claret red or a dreamy deep space metallic black paint (you can guess which color I have) they really give off a premium feel both in the hands and on the head. The risers have been kept from the Mad Dogs but are now anodized black and have MrSpeakers written on them as well as L/R indicators. The stock Fostex headband has been kept as well as the well-received leather comfort strap, but the headband is now circular instead of the silly [ shape found on the Mad Dogs, though it can be easily bent if you prefer that.

Comfort is pretty much sublime on the Alpha Dogs. Perhaps it is the effect of brand new pads but they are somehow even more comfortable than my Mad Dogs despite being noticeably heavier. The added weight is evenly distributed, though it is certainly heavy enough that people who experience chronic neck problems will not be able to enjoy these for any extended period of time. Out of the box I did have to adjust the clamp, but it is as simple as bending the quite malleable headband to better mimic the identical headband on my Mad Dogs, and it is quite easy to undo this bending in case you go overboard.

Being a closed headphone, isolation is quite good. They don’t exactly block out the entire outside world or give that claustrophobic feel when music isn’t playing, but I actually prefer that. When tunes are playing though don’t expect to be able to hear the doorbell ringing or someone calling you.

Sonic Impressions

“Music the way the artist intended.” I have heard this quote used to describe many a headphone, ranging anywhere from cold-hearted treble-cannon studio monitors like the MDR7506 to so-called ‘natural’ headphones such as the warm-tilted and soft-spoken HD600. While it is an ill-fated superlative, I have never found this statement to be more true for any headphone than the Alpha Dogs. They are truly a chameleon if relating reptiles to headphones (or in this case canines), their color-free sound really does not tilt one way or the other and to my ears adjusts itself to best reflect the music coming through them.

Perhaps the largest difference between Mad and Alpha, or at least the most readily noticeable is the absence of any sort of mid bass hump. In fact, the bass on the Alpha Dogs is very flat and extends satisfyingly well. I am sure some may find it lacking, especially those coming from or seeking after a “fun” signature. It may even strike some as unnatural or unnerving at first, but the simple fact of the matter is that the low end on the Alpha Dogs is never portrayed or exaggerated apart from what is actually in the recording. In comparison the midbass on the Mad Dogs seems bloated and the sub bass lacking. However, I do rarely find that the Mad Dog is marginally more musical in some melodic pop and rock.

I have to award the Alpha Dogs top marks for bass speed and texture, keeping up with every hit in complex percussion arrangements with the source of every beat easily identifiable. There is a bass port that may be tuned for those who want more bass (or perhaps even less?) but its adjustment is meant to be a one-time set it and forget it type thing and is not something I want to mess with, so I cannot comment on it’s effects.

"Waking up and getting up has never been easy..."

If you couldn’t tell from my avatar on Head-Fi, I am a huge fan of Elastica (the band, not the album). I am also a huge fan of 1995’s Elastica (the album, not the band). This 16-track debut would go on to be a chart topper in both the UK and US, and despite blazing by in an unforgettable 40 minutes almost every track could be considered a cult classic in its own right. While die-hard fans never quite got the second studio release they were hoping for, the group still secured their place in rock and britpop fame, at least in my humble opinion.

It’s safe to say I am pretty peculiar about how this album sounds through all my gear, and it is one of few I have actually bothered to source in lossless FLAC as I felt most 320 MP3 renditions were not good enough. It’s fast-paced delivery of front woman Justine’s effortlessly sexy vocals make it quite easy for cans to be unable to keep up, or worse, lose the vocals all together in a sea of distorted guitar and new wave punk. Thankfully, the Alpha Dogs speed is more alike to a cheetah than a dog as it replays every guitar solo, drum intro and addictive vocal hook without respite.

The mid-range on the Alpha Dog is neither forward nor recessed to my ears. While I am a self-admittedly biased mid-head, often in search of phones with unnaturally elevated upper mids, I find that the Alpha Dogs do not require this coloration in order to render vocals organically. Due to the fact that the rest of the response is so flat, vocals really do shine on this headphone when the recording calls for it, lending itself to a great experience with acoustic and folk music.

Some poorly mixed tracks will be played back that way, that is to say with the singer lost in a sea of guitars or other instruments. Other times some recordings will have the vocals pushed too far forward already to sound better on inferior gear, and this can get a little tiring on the Alphas. While it is a shame, it really is no fault of the headphones themselves, and it’s still better than having fatigue from an over abundance of micro details or treble in my opinion. I have heard others describe this phenomenon as a ‘glare’ but to me that implies an unevenness in the response and that simply isn’t true. It’s really something the listener has to experience for themselves to understand, but the bottom line is that it isn’t a major issue 95% of the time, at least for me.

"Not yet twenty-one, from the land of the Rising Sun..."

Yeah, you guessed it, I’m gonna talk about female vocals some more. Donna Burke is the embodiment of “Big in Japan”. Despite being a Perth native, since first moving to Japan in 1996 and supporting herself by teaching English; she’s done tons of VO work for anime, video games and even Japanese TV commercials. Her voice has even been used since 2005 on the Shinkansen bullet train system for announcements. Despite receiving vocal education and training, her solo discography is still unfortunately tiny. None of this however impacts my immense enjoyment of Blue Nights (2005) which plays like a groovy Jazz tape you’d expect to play in an obscure corner of Yodobashi Camera. Donna’s voice is capable of carrying immense emotion as well as high peaks, and the Alpha Dog is more than capable of rendering it. Heck, the jazz arrangements aren’t half bad either. Jokes aside, outro track Goodbye Nakamura is a litmus test I run through a lot of gear to test vocals. An emotional tale of a Japanese diver who was never able to make it home to his wife-to-be, the Alpha Dog has no problem conveying these emotions and passes this test with flying colors.

I would not describe myself as a treble head and I often embarrass myself trying to describe this part of the FR, but I find I do prefer brighter signatures overall. While the original Mad Dogs were nothing short of dark, the Alphas have a much better treble presence in every way. Early impressions and reviews of this headphone were often laced with complaints of sibilance or peaky high frequencies. Since then, MrSpeakers has implemented the use of tuning dots or ‘doggie treats’ which are basically intended to smooth over these peaks, and to my ears eliminate any sibilance at all.

The highs on the Alphas really were a treat to me after being accustomed to their darker sibling for so long, cymbals sound great and have just the right amount of decay; while singers holding the right notes can send shivers down your spine. Those more partial to darker signatures can experiment with combinations of the included felt discs and tuning dots to achieve their ideal signature, but the default setup for your pair should be pre-tuned for the flattest response.

"This is a tale of Robin Hood in reverse..."

When it came time to write this review and choose the three albums I would be covering, I was faced with a pretty difficult choice. Usually I like to pick EPs that showcase the strengths of a particular headphone, but since nothing really sounds bad on these I was pretty much given free reign of what to choose. Bad Religion’s True North (2013) seemed to be as good a choice as any, and at least it doesn’t have the female vocals you’re probably sick of hearing me rave about by now. There is not much to say other than this album sounds amazing on the Alpha Dogs. The deft and often vulgar transmission of vocalist Greg Graffin’s political commentary and drummer Brook Wackerman’s restless collisions doesn’t have the Alpha Dogs breaking a sweat. This album is particularly more enjoyable on the Alphas versus the Mads thanks to the clean up of the bass frequencies and, as a result, increased speed.

I’m not a soundstage fanatic, in fact most of the time I skip discussion of it entirely. It’s just my personal preference for things to be intimate. If I wanted that out-of-head experience I would listen to speakers instead of headphones. Snobbish as I may be, it is still prudent to discuss soundstage with these cans since they certainly don’t have the same characteristics as most closed cans. I wouldn’t go so far as to say they sound like open headphones, but the 3D-printed cup enclosure as well as the distance from the driver provided by the plush Alpha pads really does give a sense of space in music that even I can appreciate. That being said, the Alpha Dogs are not the final word in cohesion or instrument separation. Perhaps it is a result of the flat tuning having all frequencies on the same ‘plane’, but layering and depth certainly do suffer on this phone. While it doesn’t impact my personal enjoyment too much it is still noticeable, and it does seem to be a common complaint. I am going to emphasize however that these were only my impressions with the Objective2, and it is quite likely a beefier amplifier with more power will increase the transparency greatly.

Summary

I apologize if this came across as a lengthy review, this simply isn’t a headphone you can easily summarize in a few words, and I feel as though I have chapters more to talk about even as I am hammering away at the conclusion. I’ll try and break down the key points in bullet form:

Pros

Truly neutral and well-extended bass
Razor-flat mid range and wonderful vocal reproduction
Easily tunable and crisp treble
Excellent comfort via thick leather pads, head strap and adjustable clamp
Overall value at price point for closed cans

Cons

Stock cable has too many issues (If you're picky like me)
Quite heavy (Better hit the gym and work those traps)
Lack of mid-bass hump may detract from 'realism' (It's not really real though, is it?)
Not the final word in transparency or layering (I wouldn't go as far as to say congested)
Discontinued (Oh the humanity!)

So that just about sums it up, while I spent a great deal of this review talking about how track dependant the various aspects of the response can be for these headphones, I only meant that in the nicest way possible. It is unlikely you’ll have to throw out half of your library to enjoy these cans, but you may want to double-check the recording quality of some of your favorites once you hear them on the Alphas.

I personally find that these headphones more than any other allow me to focus on my music and what I’m listening to versus listening to my gear. So much so that on my second night of ownership I found myself staying up exploring new music entirely as simply listening to a library I was already familiar with was not good enough. If that sounds exciting to you, then for this price the Alpha Dogs cannot be beat. If you’re after a colored or V-shaped response suited to your personal music preferences, then it’s possible the Alpha Dogs will be too dry for your tastes.

Nice review. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.

Thanks for the shout-out! I think you will find that your findings on the transparency can be overcome by a better dac/amp and cable. Those dogs will scale up! Call me!

I probably bought my Alpha Dogs around the same time you did. They actually rejected my request for them the first time I tried to buy, stating they were discontinued and they had no others in stock.Fortunately, the AD popped back up on the site with a few extras for sale, so I didn't waste anytime ordering.

One thing I definitely agree with is these cans don't discriminate, all genres sound good due to their neutrality.

I get into trouble nearly every night staying up too late with these, hard to stop listening. One more track!

@peter123

ATH-CKR9:

Not just a tagline

Please note: this review isn't finalized and I plan on adding additional images and refining some sections shortly. However, my overall impressions are certainly final.

Introduction

First, a disclaimer: I purchased the CKR9 ($150USD) with my own money after conducting my own research, and thus this is my unbiased (and highly subjective) opinion. A special thank you to @peter123 for his initial review and personal recommendation of these to me, as well as Stereo Electronics over in Singapore for excellent customer service.

With only one review prior to this one under my belt, I still have a lot to learn and as such any and all advice on how to improve this review or future others will be highly appreciated. I'll try to keep things simple, practical, and relate what I'm hearing to music that I hope others can recognize in order to put my impressions into context.

A little bit about me and my music tastes:

I only got into this hobby in late 2014, slowly working my way up from budget and entry-level cans in an attempt to find my "holy grail" like many aspiring victims of this rabbit hole tend to long for. I was going through a pair of full-sized cans every week or two and always finding something that I couldn't live with or found wanting after. It wasn't until January of this year I was blessed enough to stumble upon MrSpeakers and his very popular Fostex T50RP modification and pet project, the Mad Dogs ($279USD, discontinued). This headphone simultaneously addressed issues I had with comfort, build, and sound quality from the first time I listened to them until this day and hopefully for years to come. Needless to say, I dropped all interest in looking for other equipment and have been enjoying them since.

While I am still on the search for an in-ear headphone that can take what I love about the full-sized Mad Dogs into a portable solution, I am very happy I stumbled upon the CKR9 as a stepping stone on this path.

My music tastes vary widely, but I would describe myself first and foremost as a mid-head and female vocal lover. Thus any headphones that are known to showcase the mid-range in music and offer it up front and center pique my interest. Without further ado, on to the review!

Accessories

Starting with the un-boxing experience things are unfortunately off to a lackluster start. While the packaging itself gives a hint towards the premium Audio-Technica^tm listening experience you are in for, the included accessories leave much to be desired. The included leather carrying pouch is neither aesthetically pleasing (at least to me) nor pocket friendly. Matters go from bad to worse as you realize your tip selection is four sizes of generic silicone tips (XS/S/M/L) aaand... that's it. If you dislike silicone tips (there is not much to like about these tips even if you don't) then hopefully you have built up a small armada of different brands and styles of tips over your years of collecting and curating IEMs. No, but seriously, at this price point there should be a few more options especially with a consumer oriented product such as this one.

While these do fit standard T-400 Comply foam tips which are usually my go-to, I did not really enjoy the pairing as I felt it resulted in a bit of dampening in the high frequencies (a big no thank you for this earphone). However, throwing on some SpinFits not only allowed me to get a better seal which I will touch on later, but the sound was great.

Build / Comfort / Isolation

As far as the body of the earpieces goes, everything about them from the minimalistic black-on-machined-aluminum Audio-Technica logo to the slightly nostalgic looking L and R indicators scream Made in Japan. The bore itself is quite long but otherwise standard fare, although a little trickier to fit tips on and off than most I found. While I am a big fan of the overall aesthetic of this earphone that really do look like they cost more than they do, the positive things I have to say about the build end here.

The cable on this IEM is bar-none the worst I have ever seen. Seriously, the old Apple earbuds that came included with first generation iPods had a better cable than this, and those things would find a way to tangle the second you looked away. Where do I begin? The cable is extremely microphonic, to the point where the slightest bumping will cause unpleasant vibrations. It is also very susceptible to wind noise when outdoors, prone to tangling, doesn't have a chin slider (seriously?), and is made of cheap rubber that feels pretty awful in the hand. A cable of this quality would be excusable on a a pair of $10 earphones you'd find AliExpress, but not a $150 product. At the very least the silver lining is that they got the termination mostly right, it's a glossy right-angle affair with good strain relief and phone case friendly.

While I had pretty bad comfort issues with the stock silicone tips that caused my ears to sweat about halfway through an LP, this was not an issue with SpinFit tips. I also found that the large circular nature of the earphones body was causing hotspots on my antihelix, the SpinFits allowed me to angle the earphones correctly to prevent this without breaking seal. Isolation is pretty non-existant with the stock tips but slightly improved with the SpinFits.

Due to issues with the cable and tips I cannot in good faith recommend these earphones for those on-the-go, and they are more suited for a sit down at home listen.

Sonic Impressions

If you've followed along this far you've probably noted that I haven't had too many positive things to talk about. This review is about to do a 180 however as it's all smooth sailing from here on out. If I had to describe these in two grammatically inappropriate words it would have to be "Sound Reality". Yes, Audio-Technica's own tagline here is more than just marketing speak as these are easily the most natural and lively sounding earphones, and perhaps even headphones in general, I have ever heard. Let me clarify for a second, since the word natural to some people conjures images of the soft-spoken HD600 or laid-back NAD HP50. The CKR9 is easily anything but, as a lively and accurate low end complements an even livelier treble both supported by a strikingly clear mid-range.

The benefits of the dual phase push-pull driver system in these is apparent from the first minute you listen to them. Reader beware however that I found a noticeable sound difference between these fresh out of the box and after they had been broken in a decent amount. While I don't normally believe in any form of burn-in past the often necessary mental type, the changes were mostly positive as the higher registers mellowed and evened out a bit, though still very much upfront and vivid.

I am confident at the time of this review that the CKR9 sports the best bass presentation of any IEM I have heard to date, with just the right amount of quantity and quality to satisfy all but the most extreme of bassheads. If I had to pick a word to describe the bass response it would be punchy. Two words: punchy & tight. Okay how about a whole list of wonderful adjectives everyone wants to hear: punchy, articulate, controlled, tight, well-extended, textured, fast. Forgive the superlatives, but sometimes the listener could feel as though they were behind the helm of the drum set themselves with each snap of the snare and kick of the, well, kick-drum.

"I told you 'bout the Seether before..."

While Chicago-based alt-rock production Veruca Salt didn't get the same critical reception to 1997's Eight Arms To Hold You as their freshman offering American Thighs it still holds some memorable takeaway tracks, and for our purposes an excellent demonstrations of the CKR9s low-end capabilities. Not the most well-recorded album in the world, I find drummer Jim Shapiro can sound if he's getting carried away on the set on anything but the most controlled bass presentations. Thankfully, the CKR9 suits this album wonderfully with every resonation of the toms and staccato snap of the snare on Straight and Volcano Girls being felt and heard while never overstepping their bounds. We also begin to get a taste of the crystal clear mid range on these bad boys as Nina and Louise compliment each other on tracks like Shutterbug and Venus Man Trap. I particularly love how the edge in Nina's voice is captured by this earphone as she tells tales of ex-boyfriends and the morning after without ever being unpleasant or harsh.

Regarding the highs, while I did say this was the best bass response I had heard in an earphone to date, I actually feel like the highs are the main strength of the CKR9 and make this earphone so special. Reminiscent of it's big poppa in the Sound Reality line-up, the ATH-MSR7($249USD) as well as it's twice-removed studio-capable cousin the Sony MDR-7506($79USD), this little fighter retains all the crystalline clarity and details present in those full-sized offerings with none of the often associated harshness or fatigue. The treble comes through loud and clear, lending many higher-pitched singers an ethereal or lively quality. Despite this I wouldn't call the CKR9 bright but rather balanced and tuned to the advertised slogan adorned on the box.

"Isn't it ironic, don't you think?"

Jagged Little Pill (1995) was the third studio album released by Canadian sweetheart Alanis Morissette, and is most likely the one she will be forever remembered for. A 12-track feature showcasing some of the slightly R-rated sides of show business and life taught us Alanis wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty, a formula that many an upstart singer songwriter would try to emulate for the rest of the late 90s. In Perfect, a point of view piece where Alanis takes on the depressing role of the parent of a child star to treble levels that border on ear-piercing, the CKR9 keeps things tasteful and stops in what feels like just in time. Three tracks down on Forgiven, another narrative about the prejudices of religion where the high notes can reach the imaginary ceiling of a Roman Catholic cathedral the CKR9 never gets unpleasant but instead stays eerily real as a head-bobbing 1-2-3-1-2-3-4 drum line carrys her confessions to our ears.

Well that just leaves us the mid range to talk about, and a self-professed mid-head you're probably wondering why I didn't talk about that first. It's not that I wanted to necessarily save the best for last, but rather I find the CKR9 so masterfully balanced it doesn't feel like the mid-range and treble are separate entities, but rather forces working as one in a seamless transition to deliver an excellent vocal experience. What the mid-range may lack in resolution versus earphones costing twice as much such as the Campfire Audio Orion ($349USD) it more than makes up for in tone and timbre. You can fancy this vocal lover as thoroughly impressed.

"Who made up all the rules,

we follow them like fools..."

Jemma Griffiths AKA Jem first wowed me with her wonderfully mastered debut album Finally Woken (2004) nearly ten years ago, and it has remained a steady favorite of mine to this day. This LP plays like a groove-riddled mixtape of chill-hop, electronica, lilting reggae and britpop. It's diversity and ability to switch between tracks as serious as 24, a ballad about the discoveries one may experience with only a day left to live, to more carefree but equally well-written tracks like Wish I and Just A Ride lands it a very special spot in my library. On well known opener They, a conspiracy-fueled introspective about the powers that be; a prominent and deeply satisfying bassline is played back with equal parts accuracy and fun by the CKR9, while Jemma's distinct voice effortlessly lets off the questions that keep us up at night. Gears are immediately shifted to a nearly-seductive but equally low-end dependent Come On Closer, and all that is really left for me to say is despite having heard this album more times than I can count I have never been so engrossed or engaged with it as I have with the CKR9. I guess you could say I was finally woken.

Summary

I wish this IEM did not have the physical shortcomings that it did, so that I could effortlessly recommend it to absolutely anyone and everyone seeking after a well-balanced and clear sound in the $150-$200 price bracket. Unfortunately while the sound reality may very well be there you will also have to live with the reality of a downright shameful cable and poor accessories package. If you can get over these drawbacks however, I believe the CKR9 is a great all-rounder and pretty much a no-brainer.

I would especially recommend these earphones to any aspiring audio lover who may not quite understand enough about their own personal preference yet to know exactly what to ask for, as that sudden euphoria when listening to them for the first time may drive anyone who has been living with inferior gear to ask "where have you been all my life?". A brief word of warning however, once you are accustomed to the CKR9 you may interpret some of your other gear as veiled or lifeless. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Great review again mate! I'm glad you're enjoying them.

@d marc0

Campfire Audio Orion:

An earphone suited to a starry night

Introduction

First, a disclaimer: I purchased the Orion ($350USD) with my own money after doing my own research and thus this is my independent (and highly subjective) opinion. A special thank you to @d marc0 for sharing his experiences with me and answering my questions, as well as to ALO Audio for excellent customer service.

This will be my first review on Head-Fi, and as such any and all advice on how to improve this review or future others will be highly appreciated. I'll try to keep things simple, practical, and relate what I'm hearing to music I hope others can recognize to put my impressions in context.

A little bit about me and my music tastes: I only got into this hobby in late 2014, slowly working my way up from budget and entry-level cans in an attempt to find my "holy grail" like many aspiring victims of this rabbit hole tend to long for. I was going through a pair of full-sized cans every week or two and always finding something that I couldn't live with or found wanting after. It wasn't until January of this year I was blessed enough to stumble upon MrSpeakers and his very popular Fostex T50RP modification and pet project, the Mad Dogs ($279USD, discontinued). This headphone simultaneously addressed issues I had with comfort, build, and sound quality from the first time I listened to them until this day and hopefully for years to come. Needless to say, I dropped all interest in looking for other equipment and have been enjoying them since.

While I am still on the search for an in-ear headphone that can take what I love about the Mad Dogs into a portable solution, I believe the Orion is the most worthy contender yet. My music tastes vary widely, but I would describe myself first and foremost as a mid-head and female vocal lover. Thus any headphones that are known to showcase the mid-range in music and offer it up front and center pique my interest. Without further ado, on to the review!

Image credits to @Ivabign

Accessories

While I will save you the details of the unboxing experience as I'm sure many other reviews already cover it, I think it's worthwhile to note the impressive accessory selection included with the Orion's, as there is certainly something here for everyone and it gives you the feeling of owning a product you will want to last forever. A plethora of tips including three sets of silicone, Comply foam and some slightly harder generic foam tips which reminded me of Shure olives are included in the package. You also get a stylish pin sporting the sleek Campfire Audio logo and a cleaning tool to keep your earphones spick and span.

Thanks to advice from @d marc0, I did not play around long with the silicone or generic foam tips and jumped straight to the Comply's, and thus all the sonic impressions noted later in the review are written using these tips.

UPDATE 05/13/2016 - It is now officially summer in Canada and the hot days really don't play well with the Comply tips. They get sweaty and loose in the ear which not only affects comfort but also sound. As such I have returned to using the silicone tips both at home and on the go. I have to say they are also really excellent; I certainly have a higher opinion of them now then I did when I first wrote this review. The larger bore makes for a slightly more spacious sound in general and really helps emphasize the mid-range resolution on the Orion. I also expected the isolation to suffer over the foam tips, but it really didn't. If anything the silicone tips help keep the actual unit closer to the ear drum unlike the soft foam which causes them to hang a little bit. I would recommend the silicone tips for at home listening with quieter volumes; just watch the volume level when out and about.

You also get a canvas zippered carrying case which I really like, and actually prefer to the leather-clad ones included with the higher end Lyra & Jupiter models. While it isn't exactly pocket friendly nor does it open all the way around like most clam shell cases, its soft wool interior will certainly keep your earphones safe during transportation.

The included cable is actually sold separately by ALO Audio for $149USD, so it certainly isn't included as an afterthought and is an excellent pairing for such a premium product. Despite having a great weave, Y-splitter and chin slider, I assume I appreciate this cables practicality less than most as I am not a fan of the memory wire or rather large termination that does not play well with my phone case. I suspect if you don't mind memory wire and have an average (non-recessed) 3.5mm output on your source you will appreciate this cable a lot more than I did. While shielded well against wind-noise and oxidization (according to ALO) the cable is slightly microphonic, and I have already made a habit of wearing it under clothing.

UPDATE 05/30/2016 - I've gotten my hands on the new ALO litz cable that I believe all new units of the Orion will ship with. I won't comment on sonic differences but the cable is a lot less stiff and the ear guides are easily malleable now compared to the tinsel cable. The termination is sadly still a little over-sized, but I'll live with it.

Image credits to

@Ivabign

Build / Comfort / Isolation

While I won't attempt to embarrass myself by going in depth regarding the design of this earphone, all I will say is that the CNC'd aluminum build is the nicest I have seen on an earphone and I am reminded of just how pricey (but not fragile!) this IEM is every time I take them out of their case. The industry-standard MMCX connection feels quite solid and I quite like the aesthetic the stock tinsel cable provides against the space black of the Orion's earpieces. While the bore is a little wider than I am used to on most of my previously owned earphones, I find this actually makes it much easier to fit different tips on, and the angle of the bore is pretty much perfect for my ears to get a solid seal.

Speaking of seal, while I have read some concern other users have raised regarding the sharp-angle design on the ear-facing body, I have not personally experienced any discomfort or hotspots even in multi-hour listening sessions. In fact if it wasn't for the memory wire that I can't really get over personally, I find these earphones do an excellent job of just disappearing once you get a good fit, which shouldn't be too hard considering the generous included tip selection.

Isolation is definitely above average with the included Comply foam tips, wearing them on my rather long commute via bus I could barely hear other passengers or the bus itself at normal listening volumes. I was actually taken aback by how well details are still retained at lower listening volumes in what I would consider pretty noisy environments such as public transportation and restaurants. A big win in my book.

Image credits to

@Ivabign

Sonic Impressions

Coming from a pair of SoundMAGIC E80s ($55USD) as my daily driver, I was really looking for something that would retain the neutral but mid-forward signature I had become addicted to on both my E80s and Mad Dogs while offering a pretty genre neutral presentation to satisfy my diversified tastes. Still skeptical after reading a few impressions on here, mostly from loaner program participants, I found that the Orion fit this bill perfectly. The single armature setup in the Orion is rarely limited by it's own solitary nature, and instead offers a balanced and close to reference sound across the entire frequency range.

The mid range is the star of the show on the Orion, and as a mid-head I couldn't be much happier. The order of the day here is resolution, and the Orion serves it up tastefully. Going through some of my favorites during my first listening session with these I was delighted at the amount of vocal emotion and weight I was experiencing, especially from singers I had heard a million times before. It's as if the vocal range in every track (especially with female vocals) was taken and blown-up 10 times, albeit only in the most tasteful way possible. Going back to my faithful E80s there was no contest, it was akin to going from any of your favorite headphones today to listening to the earphones included with your phone. (sorry SoundMAGIC!) Timbre, tonality and clarity are all spot on here, with guitars sounding especially heavenly.

"Everybody loves me, everyone but you..."

Hey Babe (1992), the debut solo album from Blake Babies favorite Juliana Hatfield is an 11-track feature of ballads regarding love & longing. Hatfield's twee, almost-childlike vocals shine through on the Orion like I have never had the pleasure of hearing them before. The light drum presence on tracks like The Lights is the forte of the Orions low-end capabilities, carrying Hatfield's voice and guitar arrangements whilst making sure the spotlight is never taken off them. When the ante is turned up a bit in the slightly satanical Get Off Your Knees the Orion keeps up nicely, ensuring the listener is kept head-nodding and toe-tapping throughout.

So what about the bass? "Bass may be light for some", "may lack bass presence", "some may find it bass light" are just a few quotes pulled from the (very short) list of negatives pertaining to the CA Orion. The truth of the matter is I really do think for the most part it depends on the listeners preference and due diligence before investing in these earphones, or any other for that matter. Short of trying them out yourself, the opinions of your peers are all you really have to go on, as well as (hopefully) a general understanding of your own taste and preferences. For me, I find the bass to be just enough to carry most tracks and genres of music. I had little difficulty adjusting to the Orion's signature coming from the other relatively neutral offerings mentioned earlier in the review. While the single armature design scores top marks for bass speed and texture, I only very rarely found it to be "not enough" to give some recordings the body or soul needed to be fully enjoyed. I particularly enjoyed the bass presentation of this earphone in most rock, pop and even trance recordings.

"In December drinking horchata..."

So as to keep this review unbiased by my personal penchant for female vocals I thought it prudent to discuss indie rock hit Vampire Weekend's sophomore offering Contra (2010). I find this recording perfectly illustrates the strengths of the Orion's low end as it's tracks feature more in the way of low-end punch and snap rather than boom and rumble. Right off the bat openers Horchata, White Sky and Holiday have lead singer Ezra Koenig's vocals displayed like that of a male angel, all the while never missing a single hit of the bands signature xylophone. The first single Cousins requires a fast-paced and deft delivery of guitar riffs and percussion alike and the Orion steps up once again without hesitation.

That just leaves us with the treble. While not a treble-head per se, I do enjoy the spinal shivers that can be provided only by rendering your favorite singers high notes in all their glory. That being said, despite my best efforts the large amounts of aggressive & hardcore punk, rock and ska in my library cannot be enjoyed on overly bright or fatiguing gear. I'm happy to report the Orions polite treble, while some may find lacking in sparkle, never has me on the verge of wanting to shut off a track. This non-fatiguing character in combination with excellent comfort and isolation make the Orion easy to recommend to those looking for a chill-out pair of phones on long commutes or work periods. That isn't to say the Orion comes off as boring or playing it too safe. An accentuation in the upper mids still keeps things very interesting in the vocal ranges (though a little bit too interesting with the stock silicone tips I found) and to my own ears, slightly addicting despite being technically unnatural in its response.

As far as sibilance goes, I did encounter some on certain recordings. However, due to these incidents being isolated to certain artists and vocalists in particular I'm willing to chalk it up to a poor recording. That being said, while I wouldn't classify the Orion as overly sharp or harsh, it can be revealing and audible noise floors in lower quality recordings can easily be heard.

"Don't think twice, it's all right..."

Joan Baez's timeless collection of Bob Dylan covers in Baez Sings Dylan is one of my favorite acoustic and folk recordings of all time. It is an album I play through almost every piece of audio equipment I can as a test and thus I have listened to a countless number of times. Nevertheless, I have never heard such a breathtaking rendition of Baez's wide vocal range until I tried it on the Orion. Resolution is the key word here, and that is offered in spades on tracks like Love Minus Zero and Tears Of Rage. Personal favorite Boots Of Spanish Leather almost made me want to reach for tissues as Baez sings as both sides of a couple distanced by the sea. Toe tapping narratives such as Drifter's Escape had me grooving out in public without quite caring who was watching. And thus, this is where I found the Orion's are truly at their potential: with folk and acoustic music. I could write a novel on how each one of the twenty tracks on this LP are presented, but perhaps I'll save that for another review.

Image credits to

@Ivabign

Summary

In conclusion, I find the balanced sound of the Orion close to perfection for my personal tastes. I doubt you can show me another pair of earphones at this price that share not only its prowess of many genres, but also its mastery of folk and acoustic music. If they come close in sonic performance, I promise you won't get the same accessories, build, comfort or isolation.

However, if you are in search of a bass presence elevated even slightly above neutral or treble extension to the stars and back (astronomy jokes), you may want to look elsewhere.

Thanks Jazzi and jinxy, already have a second write-up out and plan on doing more as soon as I can get my hands on new gear.

Thanks for the review. Good job

thanks for the review! as similar mids and female vocal lover I'm very much interested now with the Orion.. my main IEM right now is Final Heaven II, and what an IEM it is for the price.

Campfire Audio Andromeda:​

Crown jewel of the Campfire fleet​

Introduction

Accessories

Build / Comfort / Isolation

Sonic Impressions

Summary

MrSpeakers Alpha Dog:​

A reference class Dog​

Introduction

Accessories

Build / Comfort / Isolation

Sonic Impressions

Summary

ATH-CKR9: ​

Not just a tagline​

Introduction

Accessories

Build / Comfort / Isolation

Sonic Impressions

Summary

​

Campfire Audio Orion:​

An earphone suited to a starry night​

Introduction

Accessories

Build / Comfort / Isolation

Sonic Impressions

Summary

Campfire Audio Andromeda:

Crown jewel of the Campfire fleet

MrSpeakers Alpha Dog:

A reference class Dog

ATH-CKR9:

Not just a tagline

Campfire Audio Orion:

An earphone suited to a starry night