Campfire Audio - Introducing 2 new models Hello Andromeda and Nova

[Colors]

Hi everyone - I was wondering if I could ask for some recommendations for a DAP to pair with my Andromeda 2020, please? I've found that its frequency response isn't affected as significantly as I'd expected when moving between lower- and higher-impedance sources, e.g. with a Schiit Magni 3 or an iPhone 7 with dongle at below 1 ohm vs. the AK Jr at 2 ohms.

I'd like to upgrade from the AK Jr. for three reasons: longer battery life (my unit's a few years old now, of course), more storage space, and stronger macro-dynamics (the AK Jr is quite soft, I've found; it lacks punch). The natural upgrade would seem to be the AK SR25 (1.8 ohm or 1.6ohm, for unbalanced and balanced, respectively). I'm not fussed about the reports of wi-fi dropouts, which seem to be common complaints about the AK SR25, nor is streaming a priority (or, by extension, MQA).

The AK SR25 at $700 is at about the threshold of what I'd be prepared to spend. I'm not sure the Sony NW-507 represents a worthwhile extra $130. But if I were to be able to go with a lower OI source, then iBasso, Plenue, and HiBy DAPs could come into play... any suggestions?!

Anything low noise floor. AK DAPs are particularly noise free. There’s a faint hiss on 1A/1Z for Sony but not audible when track is playing. Lotoo PAW stuff good too.

 

[domiji]

Finally i got my first pair of Campfire Audio IEMs and i am totally happy with it. Why didn't i bought the Solaris earlier?

 

[Mirimar]

Finally i got my first pair of Campfire Audio IEMs and i am totally happy with it. Why didn't i bought the Solaris earlier?

Welcome to the club bro.
Great album BTW

 

[domiji]

Welcome to the club bro.
Great album BTW

Thanks a lot! I love this album

 

[yellowbirdfly]

Nice! I might grab myself a Super Litz in 4.4mm eventually, don't like the memory wire and need to get it removed.

Having listened to so many IEMs now, trust me, nothing is going to really compare to the OG's soundstage width (why I still have mine). The MW10 is definitely above average and definitely wider than the Andro 2020. Try Symbios if you have a chance, though Spiral Dots should increase stage as well.

4.4mm off the 1A w/ the Super Litz should sound sweeeet though. Let me know how that goes.

So my Spiral Dots and 4.4mm Super Litz arrived. The Spiral Dots does widen stage a little, in addition to more sub-bass due to a better seal over stock silicon tips. With the tips I do find the soundstage decently large now, definitely above average but not the widest by any means. Might try the Symbios next. Going balanced with WM1A, my initial impression is that it has a more well-defined soundstage, while taking some edge off the aggressiveness of the MW10. I do not perceive any difference in detail and resolution so far. However, I have not burned in the balanced jack of my WM1A so I'll reserve judgement after burning it in for 200 hours.

On a side note, the MW10 sounds pretty dang good wireless out of a Shure BT2 cable. Similar tonal balance to WM1A so I'm guessing similar impedance. Could be a wireless endgame for sure.

 

[Colors]

So my Spiral Dots and 4.4mm Super Litz arrived. The Spiral Dots does widen stage a little, in addition to more sub-bass due to a better seal over stock silicon tips. With the tips I do find the soundstage decently large now, definitely above average but not the widest by any means. Might try the Symbios next. Going balanced with WM1A, my initial impression is that it has a more well-defined soundstage, while taking some edge off the aggressiveness of the MW10. I do not perceive any difference in detail and resolution so far. However, I have not burned in the balanced jack of my WM1A so I'll reserve judgement after burning it in for 200 hours.

On a side note, the MW10 sounds pretty dang good wireless out of a Shure BT2 cable. Similar tonal balance to WM1A so I'm guessing similar impedance. Could be a wireless endgame for sure.

It's just an exciting IEM for sure. Glad you like them! I use Symbios on all my Andromedas to date.

 

[M3NTAL]

It's just an exciting IEM for sure. Glad you like them! I use Symbios on all my Andromedas to date.

Have you given any of the Azla's a try? I'm slowing switching all my Symbio / Spiral Dot stuff over the Sedna Lights or Xelastics depending on the fit I want. Just curious.

Wish Toronto was closer so I could hear the entire Andro lineup that you are rocking!

 

[Colors]

Have you given any of the Azla's a try? I'm slowing switching all my Symbio / Spiral Dot stuff over the Sedna Lights or Xelastics depending on the fit I want. Just curious.

Wish Toronto was closer so I could hear the entire Andro lineup that you are rocking!

I tried and it made the Andros too bassy and dark for my liking.

Symbios work best for me fit and SQ wise.

 

[M3NTAL]

I tried and it made the Andros too bassy and dark for my liking.

Symbios work best for me fit and SQ wise.

OK - cool, I'll have to revisit the tip bin again. The longer stem of the Gold/Ara was what forced me out of the Spiral Dots to begin with. The stem would hit the inside of my tragus if I didn't have a full length tip on there. The Symbio worked excellent in this regard. I just wish the material was less.. I don't know.... generic, maybe?

 

[Rockwell75]

This popped up on my Instagram feed-- It's Cayin's forthcoming tube DAP. Given the incredible synergy Cayin players tend to have with Campfire IEMs I'm excited about the possibility.

 

[texasaudiolover4747]

Can’t wait. Been a long CFA fan.

 

[Pott]

I just received my Andromedas (2019 B-stock version, which by the way look 100% mint to me) and I am STOKED. Finally, a good UIEM that actually gives me good Fit. It's borderline impossible for me to use either UIEMs or even most CIEMs due to my ear canals. Andromedas don't have this issue. Funnily, I DID have fit issues with Lyra IIs. Go figure. A lot of it is me learning how to deal with it as well; that makes me more glad that I kept trying until at least Andromedas.

My daily IEMs had been the Drop x Noble K10s (at $650 when I got them, reaaaally great value) and the Andros are a little less full-bodied, a little more clear and spacious. Essentially, everything I would have wanted in an IEM that's not the K10s, to complement them as I find they lack a little treble sparkle to make them shine.

I don't do lossless and I consider portability to be important: no DAPs here, I use a DragonFly Red (looking to upgrade) or Centrance DacPort HD for my sound, with Spotify on its highest quality. Andromeda is about the highest I would go quality wise but it got me to the point where I don't feel the need to upgrade any other components (of course I *could*. But the point is, the inconvenience, prices, and investments would far outgweigh the benefits. E.g. if I were to go Lossless, for example).

 

[knopi]

Agree I like too Campfire shallow fit. Most other IEMs have fat nozzle + deep insertion which my ears evidently do not like.

 

[Colors]

I just received my Andromedas (2019 B-stock version, which by the way look 100% mint to me) and I am STOKED. Finally, a good UIEM that actually gives me good Fit. It's borderline impossible for me to use either UIEMs or even most CIEMs due to my ear canals. Andromedas don't have this issue. Funnily, I DID have fit issues with Lyra IIs. Go figure. A lot of it is me learning how to deal with it as well; that makes me more glad that I kept trying until at least Andromedas.

My daily IEMs had been the Drop x Noble K10s (at $650 when I got them, reaaaally great value) and the Andros are a little less full-bodied, a little more clear and spacious. Essentially, everything I would have wanted in an IEM that's not the K10s, to complement them as I find they lack a little treble sparkle to make them shine.

I don't do lossless and I consider portability to be important: no DAPs here, I use a DragonFly Red (looking to upgrade) or Centrance DacPort HD for my sound, with Spotify on its highest quality. Andromeda is about the highest I would go quality wise but it got me to the point where I don't feel the need to upgrade any other components (of course I *could*. But the point is, the inconvenience, prices, and investments would far outgweigh the benefits. E.g. if I were to go Lossless, for example).

Congrats!

I like my Andromeda OG v3 and have never been able to sell it. Its soundstage is unmatched and retains the original sparkle which drawn me to Andromedas initially. I also get an unusually good fit w/ them hence why I've stuck with them for so long. Many IEMs I would have kept/owned by now, if it were not for fit sadly.

K10U are also pretty good, and I was sad when I had so sell mine. Fit was not 100%, but K10U sounded literally good with any track/genre. Truly a genre master IEM and very easy to listen to.

 

[Rockwell75]