Campfire Audio - Introducing 2 new models Hello Andromeda and Nova

[josler]

Regarding hiss with ZX-300 - I see it depends on records. Some records doesn't hiss at all. But some does and even with Balanced high gain, hiss starts noticeable after volume 80-90 or more. Also, hiss is less if you use direct sound, but the tone is a little high.

Regarding condensation - at the moment using comply to prevent it. But will try silicon Spiral dots later, that time I will just leave it to dry on a USB dehumidifier every night.

This is embarrassing - probably I am the first to encounter it. The MMCX connectors never been easy, used my Andros for 6 months or more, needed to remove cable total 3 times so far. But the last time, they weren't coming out no matter what and I broke my nail! Then I used a plus to remove and one connector form the shell got broken. I just sent those to support for shell repair.

Most IEM manufactures uses MMCX connectors. But if these are such painful why still use? I do feel to take an upgrade from Andro and try 64 Audio this time at least they don't use painful MMCX.

Do you think dehumidifying is necessary?

 

[candlejack]

They didn't say exactly. I suspect an armature was loose or something. I've also had some problems with the MMCX connectors. Again, ALO fixed everything, but not terribly happy to have problems in the first place. I had to send them back twice actually. Seem good now.

Yeah, having to send them back twice stings. I live in Europe so if that happens to me it can mean 2-3 months without my precious.

Glad it got sorted out in the end and you're enjoying them again.

 

[Ryokan]

They didn't say exactly. I suspect an armature was loose or something. I've also had some problems with the MMCX connectors. Again, ALO fixed everything, but not terribly happy to have problems in the first place. I had to send them back twice actually. Seem good now.

I thought these were bomb proof, they certainly feel robust. Hopefully this is a rare occurrence.

 

[josler]

Also I should add as a PSA that ALO warned me that even plugging the Andromeda into a MacBook can lead to power surges that could damage the drivers, especially when it is charging. They detected distortion in my set and I've only ever plugged them into MacBook, iPhone, and ES100. They recommended only mobile and other battery-powered sources. If using with the Mac they said to use an ieMatch to attenuate.

 

[ddmt]

Wow! I haven’t been able to use Andromeda that loud on high gain and balanced mode! I usually use it on balanced regular gain st around volume 20-45. If I use high gain balanced I can’t go past 25!

Maybe older recordings with little compression like some classical music might need much more volume.

What type of music are you listening to?

I don't go past 12 on balanced and high gain with zx300 with andro S, usually around 9 for all day listening. I have tinnitus on my left ear, don't want the same thing on the other one

 

[Gww1]

I don't go past 12 on balanced and high gain with zx300 with andro S, usually around 9 for all day listening. I have tinnitus on my left ear, don't want the same thing on the other one

I usually listen at around 20 for modern music and 25 for older and I thought I listened at quite low volume!

Edit: also on Andro S balanced high gain (it's an amazing pairing isn't?)

 

[Erfan Elahi]

Wow! I haven’t been able to use Andromeda that loud on high gain and balanced mode! I usually use it on balanced regular gain around volume 20-45. If I use high gain balanced I can’t go past 25!

Maybe older recordings with little compression like some classical music might need much more volume.

What type of music are you listening to?

Haha may be I am semi deaf at my 28 years!

It depends on how the tracks are mastered. My preferences - classical metal, modern metal and classical instrumental. Tracks like Pink Floyed's - " High Hopes", or " Shine on You Crazy Diamond " - these tracks in the beginning they start on low volume, later it goes higher. So in order to enjoy all the elements need to switch to high volume. Besides the Drums and base with the ZX-300 and Andro combo is so sharp and enjoyable; I can't prevent myself to go high. But me also cannot listen to more than 30 mins at volume 80 or up. But if go sleep and plug the Andros, even volume 1 is loud enough! Anyways the point was at which stage the hiss is noticeable for me.

 

[Erfan Elahi]

Do you think dehumidifying is necessary?

it's not that, just thought buying something one time instead of buying drycaddy repeatedly.

 

[autosleeper]

I usually listen at around 20 for modern music and 25 for older and I thought I listened at quite low volume!

Edit: also on Andro S balanced high gain (it's an amazing pairing isn't?)

Do the Andro S’s sound better in high gain than not-high gain then? I don’t see why you’d have the ZX300 in HG mode if the IEM is so easy to drive and you only listen at low volume anyway.

 

[Gww1]

Do the Andro S’s sound better in high gain than not-high gain then? I don’t see why you’d have the ZX300 in HG mode if the IEM is so easy to drive and you only listen at low volume anyway.

To me the ZX300 sounds better on high gain. It's impossible to do proper back to back testing due to having to change volume when switching, but I've tried low and high gain for longer periods to try to see if there is a difference.
I think the high gain sounds more open and generally more enjoyable. Maybe they are the same and it is all in my mind but as I can't hear any hiss and it is digitial volume, so no imbalance, I don't think there is a reason not to use high gain. It saves me having to change settings when plugging in harder to drive headphones at the very least.

 

[justrest]

What is the best cable for Andromeda, without losing details and sparkle on the top frequencies?

 

[phiemon]

What is the best cable for Andromeda, without losing details and sparkle on the top frequencies?

Ref-8 is one of the best, for me noticeably better than stock cable.

 

[theveterans]

What is the best cable for Andromeda, without losing details and sparkle on the top frequencies?

EA Lionheart for me. Portrays slightly better imaging while even extending treble sparkle.

 

[SLC1966]

Yeah, having to send them back twice stings. I live in Europe so if that happens to me it can mean 2-3 months without my precious.

Glad it got sorted out in the end and you're enjoying them again.

If this helps anyone feel better: I have two different 2 pin IEMs out for plug repair. One for two months and the other for one month. One is in France and the other in Hong Kong. Who knows when they will arrive at my door.

And I am not a cable roller.

Both two pin and MMCX have their inherent issues.

 

[justrest]

Ref-8 is one of the best, for me noticeably better than stock cable.

I’ve heard really good things about them. Let me read some impressions. Thank you!

EA Lionheart for me. Portrays slightly better imaging while even extending treble sparkle.

Lionheart seems great. Thank you.