Campfire Audio - Introducing 2 new models Hello Andromeda and Nova

[Rockwell75]

For me at least, I associate the Andromeda title with the u shaped signature with the distinctive bass and treble sparkle with slightly recessed mids.

I consider the Andro Gold a different IEM because it has a different driver configuration-- even if they try and make it sound vaguely "Andro like". This does constitute an interesting philosophical point I hadn't really thought of before-- what is the essence of the identity of an IEM? I haven't spent enough time with it to comment meaningfully on the sound but the Andro Gold to me feels/felt like something they just slapped the Andro name on due to how well known it is in a way that the MW10 doesn't. I could be wrong though--but my gut feeling is the MW10 is kind of a mid-point between the OG and 2020 models with better technicalities and dynamics than either. I'm glad more of these are getting out there so we can get more impressions/comparisons and eventually some measurements.

 

[aaf evo]

I consider the Andro Gold a different IEM because it has a different driver configuration-- even if they try and make it sound vaguely "Andro like". This does constitute an interesting philosophical point I hadn't really thought of before-- what is the essence of the identity of an IEM? I haven't spent enough time with it to comment meaningfully on the sound but the Andro Gold to me feels/felt like something they just slapped the Andro name on due to how well known it is in a way that the MW10 doesn't. I could be wrong though--but my gut feeling is the MW10 is kind of a mid-point between the OG and 2020 models with better technicalities and dynamics than either. I'm glad more of these are getting out there so we can get more impressions/comparisons and eventually some measurements.

I have a coupler. I only received it last week so I’m incredibly amateur with it but I’ll post what the MW10 measures like when I have it.

Obviously, for visual purposes only and nothing to be taken too seriously

 

[mashuto]

I consider the Andro Gold a different IEM because it has a different driver configuration-- even if they try and make it sound vaguely "Andro like". This does constitute an interesting philosophical point I hadn't really thought of before-- what is the essence of the identity of an IEM? I haven't spent enough time with it to comment meaningfully on the sound but the Andro Gold to me feels/felt like something they just slapped the Andro name on due to how well known it is in a way that the MW10 doesn't. I could be wrong though--but my gut feeling is the MW10 is kind of a mid-point between the OG and 2020 models with better technicalities and dynamics than either. I'm glad more of these are getting out there so we can get more impressions/comparisons and eventually some measurements.

It is an interesting discussion to have. What exactly would constitute any of them as different? There are all these different versions floating around that all seem to be targeting relatively the same sound (I assume, I havent heard most of them). But then beyond that, what would qualify them as the same to most people? The driver config? Ok, so 5 drivers, 2 low, 1 mid, 2 high (with taec). But does that take into account whether they are using the same drivers in each model, or different crossover configurations, or internal tuning chambers, etc etc.

So while I consider the andro gold something different as well, if campfire next year came out with andromeda 2021 as a mainline replacement, but with a different driver configuration, but still targeting the same basic sound, would that count?

 

[Rockwell75]

It is an interesting discussion to have. What exactly would constitute any of them as different? There are all these different versions floating around that all seem to be targeting relatively the same sound (I assume, I havent heard most of them). But then beyond that, what would qualify them as the same to most people? The driver config? Ok, so 5 drivers, 2 low, 1 mid, 2 high (with taec). But does that take into account whether they are using the same drivers in each model, or different crossover configurations, or internal tuning chambers, etc etc.

So while I consider the andro gold a different configuration as well, if campfire next year came out with andromeda 2021 as a mainline replacement, but with a different driver configuration, but still targeting the same basic sound, would that count?

Fair points-- in the final analysis I suppose Campfire has the ultimate say in what constitutes an Andromeda and what does not, given it's their creation and branding.

 

[aaf evo]

Fair points-- in the final analysis I suppose Campfire has the ultimate say in what constitutes an Andromeda and what does not, given it's their creation and branding.

I just assumed it was called andromeda Mw10, or is it Mw10 only?

 

[Rockwell75]

I just assumed it was called andromeda Mw10, or is it Mw10 only?

It was released with the Andromeda name.

 

[aaf evo]

Ah thought so. Can’t wait to get mine! I’m hoping end of next week at the latest.

 

[Tchoupitoulas]

It's tricky with the Gold. It's substantially different from the other Andromedas, given its two additional BA drivers (making seven in total). It's the only Andro with any other than five drivers, if I'm not mistaken. At the same time, though, are the differences made by these drivers and the tuning enough to warrant CA making it an entirely new product? Is it still recognizably Andromedan? I can't say, I've not heard it.

My sense, though, is that CA uses the limited editions for the purposes of experimentation and innovation. Hasn't it been said that the Ara came out of the Gold? Or am I mistaken again (more than likely)? Wasn't the MW10 also a basis for the 2020? The MW10 has "a ceramic acoustic chamber molded by a 3D printer," which CA says “has been adopted as a precursor to new earphone manufacturing standards that will become the mainstream of Campfire Audio in the future.” See here (according to Mixwave's website). I don't know if this is accurate. But if it is, then I wonder if the most recent Andro limited editions have been the beginning of a fork in the road, leading to the Ara and the 2020.

 

[Rockwell75]

 

[Rockwell75]

Sorry for the spam These things are pure class...the abalone inlaid CFA logo is the cherry on the sundae.

 

[zeny]

I love that blue and gold color, reminds me of a Subaru rally car! I was the one that purchased the mw10 that was on AVexchange. Only heard them so far with Apple dong, but I like what I hear. Sound stage is bigger than utopia to my relief, and it sounds so crystal clear.. I think I hear the sparkle you guys talk about and I'm liking it. This IEM is kind of dangerous in that it keeps sounding better the higher the volume, so you have to control yourself. Anyways really impressed how they sound just off my phone, I'm getting a dap next week so curious about the sound improvement...

 

[Rockwell75]

I love that blue and gold color, reminds me of a Subaru rally car! I was the one that purchased the mw10 that was on AVexchange. Only heard them so far with Apple dong, but I like what I hear. Sound stage is bigger than utopia to my relief, and it sounds so crystal clear.. I think I hear the sparkle you guys talk about and I'm liking it. This IEM is kind of dangerous in that it keeps sounding better the higher the volume, so you have to control yourself. Anyways really impressed how they sound just off my phone, I'm getting a dap next week so curious about the sound improvement...

Congrats man...the color is indeed stunning. I was in talks with the guy who listed that Andro but wound up being able to get one through a friend in Japan. Welcome to the most exclusive of clubs!

Edit: Here is the link to the original announcement of the MW10...incidentally it was released in Japan one year ago today...so happy birthday to my new favorite IEM!

 

[Rockwell75]

 

[Sebastien Chiu]

https://tidal.com/browse/track/157109489

This track sounds fantastic on the Gold. Exactly the kind of music it excels at.

 

[Rockwell75]

I made a summary post around my experience with the MEST, Andro 2020/MW10, Solaris SE if anyone's interested.