Campfire Audio - Introducing 2 new models Hello Andromeda and Nova

[Raketen]

If only there was the opportunity to get another run on the MW10. What’s this new Andromeda?

I might be wrong but isnt' the Ara supposed to be based on MW10?

 

[Rockwell75]

I might be wrong but isnt' the Ara supposed to be based on MW10?

No Ara if anything was based on the Andro Gold.

 

[Tristy]

I might be wrong but isnt' the Ara supposed to be based on MW10?

The Ara is the most reference tuned of CFA's lineup but it is based off of the same internal architecture as the Andro Gold. The Andro gold on the other hand was a more excitable Andro tuning with the additional 2 BA's for the bass and the crossover-less design but went in a different tuning directly than both the Andro and Ara (more toward the Dorado 2020 if anything but all BA).

 

[ExpatinJapan]

Andro Gold and Ara definitely in different directions tuning wise. Unless one wants to play count the BAs game.
One focuses on the low end and one on the higher end.


Back to Andros - yep variations for sure.
Each an improvement on the previous one (green v1 to v2 is shell, v3 and v4 internals and tuning).

Or a side tweak to appeal to different markets or personal sonic preferences.
White - more treble?
SS - more mids
Gold - more lows.
MW10 - fairly even

CA is always improving and trying new things. Which i think is a good thing. Whether internals or trying a different shell shape.
They arent stagnant which is also good, but if they were they would probably get grief for that also.
Other brands crank out their same editions of winning headphones or IEMs year after year (usually without any improvements, changes, tweaks etc) without such ire. Its all a bit ridiculous at this point…
They (CA) do get ire for it (change and development)…which is weird. Whilst other brands seem to get a free pass for different shells, same tuning for possibly all models and unattached drivers inside. Go figure…

Thankfully daps have also improved and developed over time at a similar rate.


Anyway back/onto to the Fujiya Avic show

One of the four+ demo black beta shells is probably an improved Andro (too my hobbyist enthusiast ears) . It Seems to fit inbetween the 2019 and 2020 to the brief shallow show listen i did. Possibly new tech.
I liked 2019 more than 2020 personally - but sometimes change my mind like the seasons and go for the 2020 more…


I posted my thoughts on each edition in the new campfire release thread - but of course it is short show shallow listening time. But you can get an idea of perhaps where they are headed with each model.

Here: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/campfire-audio-new-iem-release.932244/page-60#post-16940046


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Postscript: ‘you are right’

 

[Ken G]

Andro Gold and Ara definitely in different directions tuning wise. Unless one wants to play count the BAs game.
One focuses on the low end and one on the higher end.

Are they really different directions? Andro Gold definitely has more bass compared to the Ara but they seem to be more similar than different.

 

[paggio]

Are they really different directions? Andro Gold definitely has more bass compared to the Ara but they seem to be more similar than different.

Gold is a real basshead jewel with excellent mids

 

[ExpatinJapan]

Are they really different directions? Andro Gold definitely has more bass compared to the Ara but they seem to be more similar than different.

You are right.


Also check out my antique listening notes if you wish:
https://www.headpie.net/2020/06/campfire-audio-ara-andromeda-2020-and.html?m=1


<3

 

[Ken G]

You are right.


Also check out my antique listening notes if you wish:
https://www.headpie.net/2020/06/campfire-audio-ara-andromeda-2020-and.html?m=1


<3

Appreciate the link. Great website/ review site. I think some of your reviews and observations in the past are what compelled me to buy both the Andro Gold and Andro 2020 in the first place. I have not heard the Ara but recently purchased a Solaris OG and I think I like that item best of all.

 

[ExpatinJapan]

Appreciate the link. Great website/ review site. I think some of your reviews and observations in the past are what compelled me to buy both the Andro Gold and Andro 2020 in the first place. I have not heard the Ara but recently purchased a Solaris OG and I think I like that item best of all.

Glad i could be of some service and assistance.


The proof is in the pudding, or in this case the listening.
Freq graphs are a good tool, a starting point, a discussion focus for those without ready access to the actual item…..but everything goes out the window once in real world, real time paired with daps/amps/dongles that can skew the intended freq response via output impedance etc and then tips and different ear canal shapes and levels of hearing ability…age…… and onwards


Extended use and listening time reveals pluses and minuses, strengths and weaknesses, good pairings, comparisons and subtle nuances which appear over time that are lost when only trying something for 15 mins in a shop or at a show.

The head fi old main rule was ‘if you have not heard it then dont comment (or offer a faux informed opinion) on it’ - but it does seem that has fallen to the wayside these days…

As always best to read as many users and owners opinions,…then reviews and freqcharts etc to get closer to whatever it is if one cannot listen/demo for oneself.


Back to the Ara, Gold, Andro 2020, MW10….

I find that a combo of Andro Gold and MW10 hit the sweet spot for me and i carry those out and about more often than others - also the particular shell shape fits me well. Thats high on the list also - fit and comfortability.
If it won't stay comfortably in the ear without constant adjustment then immersion in the music is lost.
correct fit so that music can be at the top of the list is a must for me.
I want the gear to disappear so all thats left is music enjoyment.


Ara is great - just a tad too technical for my personal tastes.
I like either: even reference, wall of sound or a warm enveloping bath experience with my head submerged.


As for OG Solaris versus Solaris 2020 - i am pulled in two different directions between the big sound and shell (difficult fit for me) and the medium to large stage and smaller shell (good fit for me).


Head pie flitted between serious reviews, memes, satire reviews and everything between. But occasionally i did put in a dedicated effort.

These days i am more a general enthusiast as i was before rather than reviewing (which was just over active enthusiasm at the time).

Hopefully theres still stuff in the archives thats useful in this fast moving audio products endless release express train


But i doubt it cause #headpiesucks

 

[paggio]

If somebody is interested I'm selling my pair of CA Andromeda Gold
https://www.head-fi.org/classifieds/campfire-audio-andromeda-gold-le-extras.27611/

 

[Sebastien Chiu]

If somebody is interested I'm selling my pair of CA Andromeda Gold
https://www.head-fi.org/classifieds/campfire-audio-andromeda-gold-le-extras.27611/

Great price on a used set here!

 

[shimigg]

Any good recommendation for a MMCX cable for the Andromeda from XINHS ? I would like it to be as close to the stock cable as possible, thanks.

 

[kalibur]

Any good recommendation for a MMCX cable for the Andromeda from XINHS ? I would like it to be as close to the stock cable as possible, thanks.

Using the XINHS 8 core graphene cable with my andro 2020, having good results with it so far, however it can be a little bit thick. There is also a 4 core version which is lighter (and cheaper).

 

[shimigg]

Using the XINHS 8 core graphene cable with my andro 2020, having good results with it so far, however it can be a little bit thick. There is also a 4 core version which is lighter (and cheaper).

Should there be any difference between 4 and 8 cores ?

 

[DanielListening]

The store owner of XINHS is very responsive and is happy to answer questions too!