Disclaimer

I bought this IEM with full retail price. This is not a sponsored review

Introduction
The Phantom is the result of constant reinvention. The ambition to push for more. To go beyond the conventional. With precision crafted performance as the touchstone and innovation as its creed, new ways were created to engineer, design, and build a revolutionary in-monitor. Introducing the Phantom - a pure IEM tuned in perfect balance, created and crafted to master every genre with absolute fidelity.

I have been listening Empire Ears for long and finally decided to write a review on the Empire Professional (EP) Series TOTL, Phantom. The EP series started with the Empire Vocal Reference (E.V.R) then Empire Studio Reference (E.S.R) and finally the Phantom. I like how sincere Empire Ears is when designing their IEM. They chose Effect Audio Ares II as their stock cable. The cable is rigid, and it matches well with the phantom most of the time. Minimum effort is needed for cable rolling.

The Phantom is Empire Ears bold assertion to challenge the status quo; a new take on a reference iem that performs at the highest level concerning both timbre and performance, rather than a compromise between either. Offering a sound befitting its name, the Phantom's sole mission is to disappear, and let the trueness of the music shine through. Besides industry-leading tonal accuracy, the Phantom promises both high resolution and transparency, with a versatile signature aimed to please both musical professional and audiophiles.

Building forth on Zeus' impressive vocal display and three-dimensional stage, the Phantom adds a touch of warmth to achieve its perfect timbre, as well as a smoother sound. A mission fulfilled by a beautiful lower treble, and excellent top-end extension. Finally, by relying on deep low-end extension and a tastefully lifted bass, the Phantom's bass makes a compelling argument when called upon, while equally taking a step back when required.


Technical Specifications

• 5 Proprietary Empire Balanced Armature Drivers
• 2 Low, 1 Mid, 1 High, 1 Super High
• 5-Way synX Crossover Network
• A.R.C. Resonance Mitigation Technology
• Impedance: 10 ohms @ 1kHz
• Frequency Response: 10 Hz - 40kHz
• Sensitivity 117dB @ 1kHz, 1mW
• UPOCC 26AWG Handcrafted Cable by Effect Audio

Accessories

• In Ear Monitor
• Empire Aegis Case
• Empire Dust Bag
• Empire IEM Pouch
• Empire Cleaning Cloth
• Empire Cleaning Tool

Technology
Empire Ears embedded a few technologies in the creation of Phantom. The technologies such as synX Crossover Network and A.R.C Resonance Mitigation Technology are explained in detailed on Empire Ears websites. For those who are interested can browse and read through.
https://empireears.com/collections/ep-series/products/phantom-universal-in-ears#tech


Fitting
I chose Universal with 3.5mm terminated when I order this IEM. The shell is Piano Black with Empire Ears Logo on it – shiny and nicely done. I love the colour matching. The shell could potentially be huge for those who have relatively smaller ears. I would recommend them to opt for Custom fit for the best result.



Pairing
I used Opus #3 and 2.5mm terminated Effect Audio Ares II Cable for this review. In the latter part of the review, I will introduce a bit on source matching and cable rolling which are done by me when auditioning the Phantom.


Test Track

• Hotel California (DSD) - 100/160 on low gain
• Somewhere, Somebody (DSD) - 100/160 on low gain
• Beat It (24 bit/96 kHz FLAC) - 70/160 on low gain
• Animals (16 bit/44.1 kHz FLAC) - 75/160 on low gain
• Shape of You (24 bit/ 44.1 kHz FLAC) - 75/160 on low gain
• Lonestar (16 bit/44.1 kHz FLAC) - 75/160 on low gain
• I Knew You Were Trouble (16 bit/44.1 kHz FLAC) - 75/160 on low gain
• Hello (16 bit/44.1 kHz FLAC) - 75/160 on low gain

Sounds
The overall sound signature of this IEM is warm and smooth. It is relaxing to enjoy the music with this IEM. There is a slight emphasis on the lower frequency as compared to others over the frequency spectrum. The soundstage is relatively wide – Zues’ shadow can be seen here. There is sufficient amount of air and space - the imaging and separation is supreme. All these signatures hits what I desired – I love it. The depth is good – deeper as compared to a lot of the IEMs in the market but not as deep as Legend X.

Lows
I am not a bass head, but I do appreciate good bass especially energetic kick. Overall, the lows are nicely tuned – Rich body. The attack can be considered hard and fast with a short decay time. However, on some of the track (Hotel California and Hello), I find the lows can be a little tubby. This could potentially be mitigated through cable rolling or source matching. When I am listening to Beat It, how Phantom creates the kick impressed me – energetic and powerful. I will highly recommend the community to try this especially Michael Jackson lovers! Another fascinating point is how Empire Ears designed the bass presentation of Phantom. To me it sounds like a subwoofer kind of bass. I find that Legend X is the closest in term of subwoofer bass presentation, but Phantom is close too. Well done Empire Ears!

Mids
If you read my previous review on Campfire Audio Solaris, you will know how much I appreciate good vocal presentation as a mandopop lover. Overall, the mids presentation is pleasing for me. I love the presentation. However, the mids sometime can be blanketed by the over-power lows presentation. I suspect choice of cable could be the culprit and yes, I will further explain this in the latter part of cable rolling. The female vocals are silky smooth. For Somewhere, Somebody is played, Jennifer Warnes sounds gentle, smooth and full of soul. The layering is precisely and accurately tuned. Phantom makes Adele and Norah Jones sound extraordinarily sweet. The mid highs are breathy. However, the body of mid high could be a little thicker. For male vocals the body is sufficiently rich. I love how Ed Sheeran sounds. On some of the track, the mid can be slightly recessed because of more emphasised on the lows frequency but again cable rolling does help to overcome this.

Highs
The cymbals sound crisp on Phantom. The highs are well extended with good roll-off. The overall presentation is well delicate without piercing. However, if we compared in term of the emphasis in the frequency spectrum, I would for the emphasis to be shifted a little bit to high. I am a bright IEM lover and this IEM could be a little too warm for me. I know the full potential of Phantom is not unleashed yet with the current pairing. Do continue reading and I will unleash the full potential in a while.

Cable Rolling
Effect Audio Thor Silver II+ (2.5mm terminated)
The mid highs have a better extension with this cable. Adele sounds sweeter and smoother in this pairing. The low mids is slightly pulled back. The overall separation between mid and low is improved. Overall, the sound signature becomes more airy and brighter.


Effect Audio Eros II+ (2.5mm terminated)
The lows is more well controlled with this cable. It improves the attack and decay speed of the lows as compared to Ares II. For mids, I always like how Eros II+ present the rich and soulful mids. The mids now have more emphasis. The treble is improved too. Although it is not as much as Thor Silver II+, I think it is sufficient. The general sound signature is more balanced with this cable. I find that this is a good match with Phantom. Maybe Empire Ears can include this option.


Source Matching
Sony WM-NW1Z
I used my Ares II (2.5mm balanced terminated) with a 2.5mm to 4.4mm adaptor on this DAP. The depth is now better as compared to Opus #3. The high is more sibilant, and the lows is faster (both attacks and decays). The overall presentation is now more balanced and smoother, especially the mids. This pairing could yield more favourable micro details presentation.

Astell & Kern SP1000M
This is a more musical pairing unlike NW1Z. The presentation is more fun and livelier. Soul and spirit are now further added to this IEM. The highs are further extended but still without piercing or fatigue causing. The overall sounding is now more forward.

Comparison
Empire Ears Legend X
As mentioned in the earlier part of this review, the lows on Legend X is more like a subwoofer. The attack is as fast, but the decay is longer. This caused it to have a more “V” shaped sound signature. The soundstage is wider as compared to Phantom. Legend X would be a better choice for bass heads.
[No picture for this because they look exactly the same!]


Campfire Audio Andromeda
This is the fight between penta-drivers IEMs. Andromeda exhibits a brighter and more analytical sound signature. The lows are faster and more precise as compared to Phantom. However, in term of strength and energy, Phantom did a better job here. The micro details on Andromeda is better because of huge amount of air and space in its sound signature. Close fight!



Campfire Audio Solaris
Solaris is a more well-balanced IEM. The price of these 2 IEMs is pretty close. The bass on Solaris is more well controlled but with Effect Audio Eros II+, this could bring Phantom up to the arena again for the fight. Another close fight!


Westone UMPro 50N
Seldom see reviewers bring this IEM up for comparison. The fitting of this IEM is better because of its smaller shell. It sounds more balanced and the presentation of micro details is better. UMPro series is designed more for monitoring rather than listening. This could cause a little bit dull and lack of soul in the sound signature. Phantom gives a good uppercut of UMPro 50N.


Sony IER-M9
This IEM sounds darker, way darker than UMPro 50N. It is power hungry as well. I always pair it up with a dedicated amp to enjoy it at the fullest. Phantom is more engaging and fun when compared with M9. Definitely, M9 is more power efficient and this make it more pocket friendly when travelling or commuting.



Verdict
Phantom, nicely tuned by Empire Ears with a lot of efforts and technologies embedded in. The overall sound signature is pleasing and the accessories in the box is generously provided. Cable rolling and source matching can be done to fully unleash the potential – creating a Phantom Assassin that wins your hear in the dark. Stay tuned to my Instagram Page. Let me know which IEM you wish to see in the next review!
https://www.instagram.com/the_audiolocheese/?hl=en

Disclaimer:
A loaned unit from my friend. Not a sponsored review.

Introduction:
Started this particular hobby since 2016. It is always enjoyable and memorable. This year I decided to accomplish something different - actively providing feedback and opinions in this forum. The friendliness of fellow Head-Fiers make the journey fascinating.

I have been impressed by Campfire Audio for long since the launch of Orion and Jupiter. I can still remember how they created an unforgettable memory with their performance. Started with Tinsel (Balanced and Unbalanced) as their stock cable, move to Litz (Unbalanced) then Cerakote (Ck) coating, Campfire Audio has never disappointed me and I believe most of their fans.

This year, Campfire Audio take a huge leap, announced the launch of Limited-Edition Andromeda S, with stainless steel body and the long awaited Solaris - the new TOTL. I have been waiting for this unit to arrive in Singapore for long and finally I can share my honest opinions with fellow Head-Fiers in this platform.

Packaging

Accessories

• Campfire Audio Premium Leather Earphone Case
• Earphone Protection Sleeve
• Super Litz for Solaris (Silver Plated Conductors featuring multi diameter stranding with Berylium Copper MMCX and 3.5mm Stereo Plug)
• Final Audio E-Type Tips (xs/s/m/l/xl) – Campfire Audio Marshmallow Earphone Tips (s/m/l) – Silicon Earphone Tips (s/m/l)
• Campfire Audio Lapel Pin
• Cleaning Tool

Specifications

• Dual Custom Balanced Armature Drivers + T.A.E.C. (High)
• Single Custom Ported Balanced Armature Driver (Mid)
• Specially Tuned 10mm Dynamic Driver (Mid + Low)
• 5Hz–20 kHz Frequency Response
• 115 dB SPL/mW Sensitivity
• 10 Ohms @ 1kHz Impedance
• Less than 1% Total Harmonic Distortion

Build, Fit and Isolation
The outer shell of Solaris is 24K gold plated. The colour is closed to Sony WM1Z outer body. The braiding of the new Super Litz Cable looks like Silver Litz which is used on Atlas. The braid is very strong while the flexibility is not compromised. This IEM is relatively big as compared to other Campfire Audio IEMs. Nonetheless, it sits well in my ear and the isolation is good. This is subjective because I have a relatively big ear. Those who have small ears might find it challenging to have a good fit and isolation.

Pairing
I used Opus #3 and stock Super Litz Cable for this review.

Test Track

• Hotel California (DSD) - 90/160 on low gain
• Somewhere, Somebody (DSD) - 90/160 on low gain
• Billie Jean (24 bit/96 kHz FLAC) - 50/160 on low gain
• Misery (16 bit/44.1 kHz FLAC) - 55/160 on low gain
• Perfect (24 bit/ 44.1 kHz FLAC) - 55/160 on low gain
• Don't Know Why (16 bit/44.1 kHz FLAC) - 55/160 on low gain
• Red (16 bit/44.1 kHz FLAC) - 55/160 on low gain
• Hello (16 bit/44.1 kHz FLAC) - 55/160 on low gain

Sound
This is not a power-hungry IEM, just like other Campfire Audio IEMs. It can be easily driven. Impedance mismatch at the DAP output might cause hissing for this IEM. The sound signature for this IEM sits between fun and analytical. Balanced and smooth across the whole frequency spectrum with no particular emphasis. The soundstage is wide and very precise imaging is performed. It gives me a "wow" within the first few seconds. The depth might be insufficient if you are comparing with TOTL like Legend X from Empire Ears but I believe this can be improved through cable rolling.

Bass
The bass attacks fast and decays fast. It has sufficient power to hit your eardrum while maintaining the presentation in other frequency spectrum. Simply says, it does not bleed towards the mids. I find the bass slightly lack depth, but this could potentially cause by my DAP. I will continue to try with other DAPs. When listening to Misery from Maroon 5, the few second kicks will definitely make your body shake with the rhythm. The body of bass is rich. People might expect the bass to be like Atlas or Vega but unfortunately it is not. The bass is more well controlled. Not as emphasis as you can find in Vega and Atlas making this IEM more balanced sounding.

Mids
As a Mandopop lover, I appreciate good vocals – both males and females. IEM that can produce the vocal with dynamic and soul will definitely win my heart. I love how Solaris brings the mids – smooth presentation. It’s neither too aggressive nor recessed. Campfire Audio successfully find the balance. Fascinating. The upper mids are breathy and spacious. When I am listening to Jennifer Warnes’s Somewhere, Somebody, the layering is done flawlessly. Her vocal is silky smooth with soul. Very neutral.

Highs
Solaris has a well-extended high that is not fatigue causing or piercing. The presentation of the high frequency is gentle, spacious and airy. After long hours of listening, I find myself a little reluctant to remove it from my ears. The cymbals sound crisp in Solaris. Very well-articulated.The highs of Solaris is very similar to Andromeda. If you loved Andromeda, you will love this.

Comparison
Andromeda S vs Solaris
I will say Solaris is an upgraded version of Andromeda S which tackles the mentioned insufficient in Andromeda S. It sounds fuller and more dynamic as compared to Andromeda S. This is provided you are interested in a fuller and richer sound signature. The space and air in Andromeda S is more than Solaris so in term of details presentation Andromeda S plays it better.

Legend X vs Solaris
Legend X, being the TOTL of Empire Ears has set a high reference point for other TOTL. Legend X has a deeper presentation, especially in lows. If you were a bass head, go for Legend X. For me, Solaris’ lows impressed me sufficiently and more extended lows will make a negative influence – might crack my mind. Legend X has a smoother presentation. If you need something with better details presentation, go for Solaris.

Phantom vs Solaris
TOTL of Empire Ears EP Series, Phantom has a rich and smooth presentation. This is a close fight with Solaris in term of price. I prefer Solaris – wider soundstage, better presentation in details and more well-controlled bass. I always find the bass of Phantom a little tubby and the overall presentation is blanketed. Solaris is more open overall. Plus one for Solaris!

Verdict
Being a long waited TOTL and high benchmark set by Andromeda, many audiophiles will have high expectation towards Solaris. After spending some quality time with it, I will consider change my daily listening reference to it. It does not disappoint me but impressed me with how it sounds. Well done Campfire Audio, Well Done Solaris!

Introduction
Personally I am using Campfire Audio Nova (with Effect Audio Eros II) and my Opus #3 for daily usage. This WF-SP700N is purchased for sports usage - gym and running. This is not a sponsor review but a good recommendation and advice for those who are looking for a sports truly wireless earbuds.

It is retailing at SGD299 in Singapore.
https://www.sony.com.sg/electronics/truly-wireless/wf-sp700n

Unboxing

This is all the accessories in the box:
1 x USB charging cable
4 x Silicon Eartips (XS, S, M and L)
2 x Ear hooks (M and L)
1 x Charging case

Physical Appearance + Specifications

The charging case is small and handy. You can put it in your pocket without any difficulties. It holds 2 charges (~6 hours).


The earbuds sit well in the charging case. The playback hour is 3 hours and total on-the-go playtime is 9 hours (6+3=9 hours). This earbuds support SBC and AAC codec. After first time pairing, whenever you remove the buds from the charging case, it will pair automatically with your phone (provided your phone's Bluetooth is turned on). A very user friendly earbuds.

Fitting

The fitting of a truly wireless earbuds is very subjective. For this earbuds, only the nozzle part goes into your ears so it could potentially fit all well (I am using a Final Audio E series tips to get better seal).

Sound
Bass - This is extra bass series from Sony - the bass is very powerful but it does not bleed towards other frequency region within the spectrum. Deep and punchy that can kick your ass when you are working out. Your heartbeat might go faster with the bass. Great workout companion!

Mid - The mid can be slightly recessed as found in most of the Extra Bass series of Sony but there is a solution for those vocal lovers.

Personally I appreciate good and neutral vocal. By choosing the "Vocal" EQ in the Headphone Connect app, the vocal is elevated and this gives a more balanced sound signature. The vocal is smooth for female and energetic for male. A plus point as a vocal lover!

Treble
Well extended with sufficient decay time. It is not sparkling high - enjoyable. No worries, the treble will not cause a fatigue in you, but the workout does!

Applications
Headphone Connect by Sony

The main screen show you the working codec, on/off for noise cancellation and ambient sound (nearly forgot this feature!). The noise cancellation for this earbuds is minimal but sufficient. It is unfair to compare it with other bigger earphones like WH-1000XM3 or QC 35II. It cuts off most of the external noise while providing sufficient allowance for safety purposes. So, run under a safe environment.

You can check the software version in this app and there will be software update from Sony too. The earbuds can be updated using this app. Cool right?

Conclusion
Let's go back to the topic and ask should you spend the money? I would say it is subjective. If you want a earbuds that can produce sound when you are working out and SQ is not a concern, go for those on AliExpress. Else, if you appreciate good music during workout, you could give it a try. I gave it 4 stars because I think low latency for videos and gaming is an essential criteria to achieve but unfortunately Sony traded it off.

First of all, this is my first review in Head Fi and wish to say hi to all the Head-Fiers here!
English is my second language so please bear with me if there are some grammatical errors

Waited long for this model to be launched in Singapore and yeah finally I got it 2 weeks ago.
Burned 200 hours and decided to write a review for this.


Physical Appearance
The box of Campfire Audio Cascade is the bigger version of their IEM - Enlarged to fit in the Cascade. Very simple design but eye-catching.

Opening the box, there is a leather case, again the enlarged version of their IEMs' leather case.

I like the case a lot because the inner part always provide sufficient cushion to absorb the shock and protect the "gem" in the case. Together with the headphone, there is a cloth cable terminated with 3.5mm jack. The cable disappoint me because I am expecting it to come with braided cable.

The earpads of this headphone are genuine lamb skin leather on memory foam which able to give you extra comfort. One good point of genuine leather earpads is reducing the chance of earpads peeling off. This is one major issue for audiophile in Singapore because of the humidity here.

Sound
I have to admit that I was so impatient and I had a try once I opened it. It gave me a shock because the presentation is merely messy After 200 hours burn, everything get better. The soundstage is opened up and the separation is there. Campfire Audio always have very good separation, soundstage and details. I am using Campfire Audio Nova now and I love it. However, Cascade sounds a bit different from the traditional Campfire Audio's sound signature.

Lows
The lows is strong as compared to Campfire Audio balanced armature driver lineup. I think the bass is closer to Campfire Audio Vega, boomy and engaging. This will definitely suit those who like the bass of Vega. I am not a bass head so this is a No-No for me The upper lows is slightly too strong to the extend it bleeds to the mids. I appreciate mids a lot and hence this deducts some points as well

Mids
As usual, the mids are smooth and forward. I love mandopop and mid to me is the most essential part. Campfire Audio has never disappoint me in this that's why it is always the best for me. Male vocal are solid and powerful while the female vocal are extended but not to the extend of causing fatigue for long listening. The only cons is as mentioned, the upper lows have slightly bleed towards the mids.

Highs
The highs are well extended. I like the highs because it is not too sharp or roll off. This solve the problem that I am facing with my Nova now because the high is rolled off by a huge extend.

Soundstage and Imaging
I do not think I need to comment much on this portion because Campfire Audio always ace the soundstage and audio imaging. It will not disappoint you.

Comparison
I did a comparison with SONY MDR-Z7. Z7 attracts me slightly because of its well controlled bass. I would say the bass kills my interest in Cascade - too boomy.

Conclusion
The change of cable will able to improve the sound quality for sure but it will burn your pocket a hole. Nonetheless, this is the very first headphone from Campfire Audio and I believe they will come out with more and better headphone to fulfill my expectation to them

Being a fan of ALO Audio and Campfire Audio, I do not hesitate to give this new flagship IEM upgrade cable a try. I matched the Gold 16 with both Campfire Audio Nova and Andromeda. This cable is not sponsored so I able to give a "fair" review for sound:value ratio. (This burns a hole for my wallet)

Physical Appearance:
The Gold 16 catch my eye with its shiny appearance - literally gold colour! The texture is smooth and it is soft - Reference 8 gives me a hard time as the cable is too stiff. It sits well on my ear and this reduce the microscopic noise to the minimum. This is a plus point as compared to Reference 8.


Sound:
I tried this flagship cable with my favourite Campfire Audio line up, Nova and Andromeda. This gives very different presentation.

Lows:
The Gold 16 gives Andromeda a very different sound signature. The lows are elevated and the sound signature turns from analytical to musical - better enjoyment level! This really attracts me because I find that the lows of Andromeda lack a bit - not punchy enough for me. This cable is a No-No for those who cherish the airy sound signature of Andromeda. For Nova, this cable is not suitable for it. The presentation is too messy. The separation is messed up. The bass is bloated and it bleeds to the mids and highs.

Mids:
When I used this cable on Andromeda, Wow! The mids are smooth and sweet. I like Mandopop. I always focus on vocal. Both male and female vocalists' voice are so sweet. It is neutral and rich. Andromeda use to be slightly analytical in vocal and lack of neutrality. This further improve the performance of the Andromeda. I love this! For Nova, the Mids use to be rich. This cable makes it too rich and this causes it to be slightly muffled.

Highs:
The high is slightly rolled off for both Nova and Andromeda. For Andromeda is not an issue because the high is always sufficient enough. The high is slightly brought down to reduce the fatigue for long listening. For Nova, the highs are almost disappeared This cable is really a No-No for Nova but definitely a YES for Andromeda.

Conclusion:
This cable give a rich and slightly warm sound signature which is really different from the Litz cable used by Campfire Audio. It changes the sound quality of Andromeda and gives it a new profile. I would say I love it but the price really kills me. (I hope ALO Audio can sponsor me a bit)