Astrolith Official Thread - New Dual Planar Magnetic IEM by Campfire Audio

[jrg63]

I have to say I enjoy my Astrolith iems. I have found some music that I did not like that much on the Astrolith. Sometimes the bass is too much for me. Sometimes they have sibilance. But I have a lot of music I really enjoy a lot on them and I am blown away at how good they are.

I can see where the Astrolith is not for everyone. For me I have bigger ears and it sits low in my ears. The pointy edges hurt after a while. I have used electrical tape and sticky nose pads to make them more comfortable for me. I do this because I love these IEMs. Some folks would not want to do what it takes and I would not blame them for it.

Like I said before if they make you happy and you enjoy them then awesome. That is what music is there to do.

I would call myself an IEM audiophile noob. I am not an expert. But I am happy to share my experience and listen and hopefully learn from others.

Enjoy the music !! Share your experiences we will all be better for it. Remember they are your experiences and as they say “your Milage my vary.”

 

[Yarbles]

Saying the Volur is extremely disappointing in bass quantity is just simply not accurate - unless you are an extreme basshead, or, does not like bass much at all. I mean it's simply not true. The quality part is simply not true no matter what. It's clearly some of the best quality bass out there.

Get over yourself.

 

[Daniel Johnston]

After rolling a few tips, I've settled on the Corier Brass. A little stiffer than the azla wide bores, but still comfortable. I briefly tried the Final audio E tips, but much to bass forward for my taste.

Between the Sony IER-Z1R and the Astroliths, I don't have a desire to upgrade or explore anymore. I've tried everything from mutiple BA, single DD, hybrid DD, electrostatic, and all the combinations. There is something to be said about minimizing the number and complexity of drivers. But, YMMV, and IMHO.

 

[Yarbles]

I agree on Coreir being the best - but I prefer Al Aloy - it doenst oxidize & go green within a few months like the brass. Also best to order 1-1.5 sizes up as they really are Japanese size.

I'd suggest a more laid back all day listen IEM if you wany to add another pair - both the Astros & the IER-Z1R can be fatiguing. Thieaudio Prestige Ltd are my most used IEMs because they sound amazing & I can wear them all day - and have for almost 18 months now... I loved them so much I did a CIEM conversion.

The pic in the photo has our prototype 2.0 custom tips. This is the only thing that will sound better than the Coreir IMO... although the narrow bore isn't always suitable for certain genres on the Astros... for eh IER-Z1R they are a godsend as they sound better & fit much better.

---

I don't think there's a better all rounder that exists in this space.

They may not be my all time #1 (but certainly top 4) - but if I had to pick one set for the rest of my life, these would be a very easy choice.

Used the Hagukei cable that looks like an Abyss rip off (not a bad cable to rip off!!) & add our V2.0 prototype custom tips.

Obviously using a Mojo 2 as it smashes everything else on the market!!! Although there are some oddball Americans who think the Sony nw-wm1zm2 sounds better despite having very little power... but they're usually the mugs with IE900's

After rolling a few tips, I've settled on the Corier Brass. A little stiffer than the azla wide bores, but still comfortable. I briefly tried the Final audio E tips, but much to bass forward for my taste.

Between the Sony IER-Z1R and the Astroliths, I don't have a desire to upgrade or explore anymore. I've tried everything from mutiple BA, single DD, hybrid DD, electrostatic, and all the combinations. There is something to be said about minimizing the number and complexity of drivers. But, YMMV, and IMHO.

 

[Daniel Johnston]

I'd suggest a more laid back all day listen IEM if you wany to add another pair - both the Astros & the IER-Z1R can be fatiguing. Thieaudio Prestige Ltd are my most used IEMs because they sound amazing & I can wear them all day - and have for almost 18 months now... I loved them so much I did a CIEM conversion.

Thanks, but that's not been my experience. I can wear both all day without issue. I've fallen asleep with both IEMs multiple times. But that is me. I have no desire to spend more money on cables beyond stock as I can't perceive a difference. That doesn't mean others can or can't.

I have a pair of Meze Rai Pentas that are as you describe. They are astonishingly comfortable, have a more laid back presentation, and have good tonality. Sound stage is very competitive. However, they don't "grab" me like the Astroliths. Same with the KSE1200. It's a technical monster with resolution and transients that aren't possible in the BA/DD realm. But, they lack the timbre, tonality, and bass of the Astroliths. I would call those fatiguing with long listening sessions unless one wants to EQ a bit.

The key factor many people don't realize when they say that IEM XYZ is the best ever and it is not reflected by others is each individuals hearing acuity and perception of sound. I have tinnitus and have hearing loss from years as an orchestral musician and my extracurricular activities. I also know that when I say I'm done and happy with the two IEMs I mentioned, that it only applies to me.

I agree the Mojo2 is an incredible DAC/AMP. I've listened up the Chord ladder and find the Mojo2 to be the best all-rounder. I have a penchant for tubes though. My current bedside setup is either the AK SP3000T or the Schiit Mimir/Woo WA8 combo. both synergize amazingly well with the Astroliths.

 

[Yarbles]

Thanks, but that's not been my experience. I can wear both all day without issue. I've fallen asleep with both IEMs multiple times. But that is me. I have no desire to spend more money on cables beyond stock as I can't perceive a difference. That doesn't mean others can or can't.

I have a pair of Meze Rai Pentas that are as you describe. They are astonishingly comfortable, have a more laid back presentation, and have good tonality. Sound stage is very competitive. However, they don't "grab" me like the Astroliths. Same with the KSE1200. It's a technical monster with resolution and transients that aren't possible in the BA/DD realm. But, they lack the timbre, tonality, and bass of the Astroliths. I would call those fatiguing with long listening sessions unless one wants to EQ a bit.

The key factor many people don't realize when they say that IEM XYZ is the best ever and it is not reflected by others is each individuals hearing acuity and perception of sound. I have tinnitus and have hearing loss from years as an orchestral musician and my extracurricular activities. I also know that when I say I'm done and happy with the two IEMs I mentioned, that it only applies to me.

I agree the Mojo2 is an incredible DAC/AMP. I've listened up the Chord ladder and find the Mojo2 to be the best all-rounder. I have a penchant for tubes though. My current bedside setup is either the AK SP3000T or the Schiit Mimir/Woo WA8 combo. both synergize amazingly well with the Astroliths.

Sorry to hear about your tinnitus. As an ex full time music guy, I got very lucky.

 

[klyrish]

My Coreir Brass tips from London arrived about an hour ago and I've been listening with them installed for the last 20 minutes or so. I'm really impressed and surprised with these tips. I didn't really expect the brass to do much, but there is a difference. Cymbals sound so much more lifelike and detailed. They're also smoother and sparklier...again, removing some harshness I didn't even realize was there with the Liqueur Black tips. It's not a huge difference, but it is noticeable.

The Coreir Brass make music sound a bit more cohesive and coherent. Backing layers are a bit more noticeable now, too. I'm excited to listen to these more!

EDIT: Kick drums have very satisfying punch, better than I've noticed with any other tip.

EDIT 2: I don't know how to describe this better, but music sounds more (a)live with these tips. There's an increase in how organic everything sounds. I'm really surprised at how much these tips have improved the sound.

 

[Yarbles]

My Coreir Brass tips from London arrived about an hour ago and I've been listening with them installed for the last 20 minutes or so. I'm really impressed and surprised with these tips. I didn't really expect the brass to do much, but there is a difference. Cymbals sound so much more lifelike and detailed. They're also smoother and sparklier...again, removing some harshness I didn't even realize was there with the Liqueur Black tips. It's not a huge difference, but it is noticeable.

The Coreir Brass make music sound a bit more cohesive and coherent. Backing layers are a bit more noticeable now, too. I'm excited to listen to these more!

EDIT: Kick drums have very satisfying punch, better than I've noticed with any other tip.

EDIT 2: I don't know how to describe this better, but music sounds more (a)live with these tips. There's an increase in how organic everything sounds. I'm really surprised at how much these tips have improved the sound.

You should buy the Coreir Al Alloy in the future. No oxidation - the brass to green quickly.

I should mention for everyone's sake (unless you have tiny Japanese ears) go one full size up... they're very small vs anything else.

L Coreir is like M Divinus or Baroque (which I'm an M In).

 

[OhmsClaw]

You should buy the Coreir Al Alloy in the future. No oxidation - the brass to green quickly.

I should mention for everyone's sake (unless you have tiny Japanese ears) go one full size up... they're very small vs anything else.

L Coreir is like M Divinus or Baroque (which I'm an M In).

That sizing may work out on the Astrolith but maybe not with the Clara/Bonny shells that seat pretty deep.

Will definitely keep that in mind though, nothing worse than wasting 40$+ on the wrong tips

 

[jrg63]

You should buy the Coreir Al Alloy in the future. No oxidation - the brass to green quickly.

I should mention for everyone's sake (unless you have tiny Japanese ears) go one full size up... they're very small vs anything else.

L Coreir is like M Divinus or Baroque (which I'm an M In).

I second Yarbles, I just got the Coreir AI Alloy. They work great on the Astrolith. They shift the IEM just the right amount out of my surrounding outer ear so the metal pointy edges don't poke my ears. It makes them more comfortable for me.

 

[Shrapnel7247]

If anybody has a pair of unused Coreir AL in size medium, they would like to trade for a pair of unused size large, let me know. I bought two pairs of size large, but I think I might need a size medium for one ear.

 

[Yarbles]

If anybody has a pair of unused Coreir AL in size medium, they would like to trade for a pair of unused size large, let me know. I bought two pairs of size large, but I think I might need a size medium for one ear.

They have ML also.

 

[Shrapnel7247]

They have ML also.

They have ML also.

Oh, for the AL version two? I didn't see that option when I ordered the large. ML might fit me better.
Thanks for letting me know, I'll take a look

 

[Yarbles]

Oh, for the AL version two? I didn't see that option when I ordered the large. ML might fit me better.
Thanks for letting me know, I'll take a look

In honesty I haven't seen it but they did with brass. I bought LOADS of brass a year ago & they're all green & have been for months!!! Never again. Had alloy, I dunno, seven months & no sign of oxidization or anything. I reckon they'll phase brass out... they're crap.

 

[klyrish]

The L are 14mm and work for my giant ear openings. I wish they were slightly bigger (maybe like .2mm more), but they get seated well after a few minutes of warming from body heat.

Is there a sound or performance difference with the Al tips vs the Brass ones? Or is it just the lack of oxidation with the Al version?