[miserybeforethemusic]

The SOLARIS X is based on the Solaris 2020 model. It does have one less BA driver for the highs, but the BA driver that is being used in the AK version is a new, custom BA driver developed by Campfire. According to the Campfire team, the new driver design gives the AK version a more neutral sound over the Solaris 2020 model. The AK version also includes an upgraded cable than the one provided with the Solaris 2020.

Looks like it would look great next to a Carmine Red SR25...let me know if you're looking for anybody to review



Guess I've got another kilobuck IEM to add to the wish list. Anybody able to give an account for the key differences between "tuned for A&K" specialty models over their standard counterparts?

 

[ipaddy]

Looks like it would look great next to a Carmine Red SR25...let me know if you're looking for anybody to review



Guess I've got another kilobuck IEM to add to the wish list. Anybody able to give an account for the key differences between "tuned for A&K" specialty models over their standard counterparts?

One less driver.

 

[miserybeforethemusic]

One less driver.

I meant generally speaking, not with this particular IEM.

It would be nice to know what about A&K's tuning is unique from the mainstream counterparts (thinking about all the A&K-tuned Jerry Harvey and Beyer models). Not only would it be potentially useful to understand how these sound relative to the Solaris (minus a driver, of course), but it might give insight into what particular IEMs might have a similar synergy.

 

[radambe]

Also curious to know if this A&K Solaris X is using a physically smaller chassis than the CFA Solaris 2020...

From the press kit photos, it does appear to me to be a smaller shell. Am I seeing things?

I’ve remained hugely impressed by Solaris 2020 and have only grown more so with each additional hour I spend with my set. Despite also owning LegendX, Z1R, U12T, EJ07, Andromeda Gold, among others, I still find myself grabbing the Solaris 2020 on my way out the door- especially when I know I’ve got a long day ahead of me and can only carry one set along with UP4 or BTR5. They usually just stay hung over my ears throughout the day. I think Solaris 2020 has remained somewhat underrated when in the company of other TOTL iem’s. They’re a killer value as to my ears they absolutely play in the same ballpark as sets like U12T and LX when it comes to an iem one can live with all day and really enjoy listening to.

 

[rantng]

I can't imagine it would use a smaller shell, that would add to production costs. If anything, the solid body acoustic chamber may have been needed to be reworked, but being 3D printed it wouldn't be difficult.

Here’s a picture of my Solaris 2020 held up to my monitor. The proportions seem to be the same.

 

[JasonNYC]

The shell of the SOLARIS X is the same size as the Solaris 2020. As the Campfire team said, "It is mostly a visual illusion because the inlay has a border around it, and the Solaris 2020 is flat to the edge. So when looking at pictures, the Solaris X looks a bit smaller."

 

[cr3ativ3]

The shell of the SOLARIS X is the same size as the Solaris 2020. As the Campfire team said, "It is mostly a visual illusion because the inlay has a border around it, and the Solaris 2020 is flat to the edge. So when looking at pictures, the Solaris X looks a bit smaller."

What kind of changes can we expect in the tuning ? More / less bass? etc

 

[rantng]

Is the 10mm dynamic driver the bio-cellulose driver or the ADLC driver?

 

[JerryX]

Photo credit: 斗室听澜 on Weibo

He mentioned that faceplates are slightly thicker, cable feels thinner than super smoky litz, but since the silver cable’s more expensive, he’s ok with that. Full review hasn’t been released by any reviewers yet.

Personally I love these faceplates. They look like ruby and has a stronger presence than the ones on Solaris 2020. I am also interested in the highs due to the single new BA driver instead of two. Judging from the photo, my concern is that the faceplates seem to be slightly softer and prune to scratches, unlike the faceplates on ciems which are protected by the resin. We will see

2.5mm is ok because I also use 3.5mm on my collection of order daps, just for fun and nostalgia. 2.5mm is easier on adapters, and 4.4mm is reserved for my upgrade cables. Although it’ll be a huge bonus to include another 2.5-4.4 adaptor, i won’t expect that until A&K release their next gen 4.4m flagship.

 

[cr3ativ3]

Photo credits: 斗室听澜 on Weibo

He mentioned that the faceplate is slightly thicker, cable feels thinner than super smoky litz, but since the silver cable’s more expensive, he’s ok with that. Full review hasn’ been released by any reviewer yet.

Personally I love these faceplates. They look like ruby and has a stronger presence than the ones on Solaris 2020. I am also interested in the highs due to the single new BA driver instead of two. Judging from the photo, my concern is that the faceplates seem to be slightly softer and prune to scratches, unlike the faceplates on ciems which are protected by the resin. We will see

2.5mm is ok because I also use 3.5mm on my collection of order daps, just for fun and nostalgia. 2.5mm is easier on adapters, and 4.4mm is reserved for my upgrade cables. Although it’ll be a huge bonus to include another 2.5-4.4 adaptor, i won’t expect that until A&K release their next gen 4.4m flagship.

These are stunning beautiful, would like to hear some comparisons to the original 2020 in sound

 

[CL14715]

How do they sound?

 

[cr3ativ3]

How do they sound?

still no sound impressions ?

 

[Postwarclover]

Havent spent much time with the X yet but these are my initial impressions comparing what i hear on the solaris 2020 v the X (im using stock cable on both 2020 and the X ( w the 3.5 adapter),and the AK kann alpha and cayin R01 as players):

The X does have a more neutral flavour (but its not the flat boring sounding type as it is still very engaging because there is still the energetic presentation down low n up high). The 2020 being the one with a more bombastic bigger bass presence with a richer low end, which i think the X trades for clarity and details- bass on the X feels tighter, faster. To me, female vocals sounds better on the X, whereas 2020 does Male vocals better. Vocals sounds slightly more forward on the x too in comparison.

The X is non-fatiguing and would likely be my EDC choice when i'm out and about.

So far, the 2020 is most at home with the R01 player and the X on the AK (duh, since its tuned for AK players?). The 2 iems sound more different than alike.

 

[cr3ativ3]

Havent spent much time with the X yet but these are my initial impressions comparing what i hear on the solaris 2020 v the X (im using stock cable on both 2020 and the X ( w the 3.5 adapter),and the AK kann alpha and cayin R01 as players):

The X does have a more neutral flavour (but its not the flat boring sounding type as it is still very engaging because there is still the energetic presentation down low n up high). The 2020 being the one with a more bombastic bigger bass presence with a richer low end, which i think the X trades for clarity and details- bass on the X feels tighter, faster. To me, female vocals sounds better on the X, whereas 2020 does Male vocals better. Vocals sounds slightly more forward on the x too in comparison.

The X is non-fatiguing and would likely be my EDC choice when i'm out and about.

So far, the 2020 is most at home with the R01 player and the X on the AK (duh, since its tuned for AK players?). The 2 iems sound more different than alike.

Thanks for this , I think the X version is not for me then

 

[Tristy]

Very quiet in here... will be nice to see some reviews of this one.