The discovery thread!

[SushiiFi]

because you are host to an internal alien and it's brains are coming out of you ears?

Bruh

 

[blacksesame]

Gone full circle on my chi fi journey from many years ago.. my first purchased was moondrop kanas pro... now i have the moondrop illustrious... (with many in-between...lol)

Will add impressions later but right now im enjoying it..

 

[SushiiFi]

Gone full circle on my chi fi journey from many years ago.. my first purchased was moondrop kanas pro... now i have the moondrop illustrious... (with many in-between...lol)

Will add impressions later but right now im enjoying it..

Congrats, these look great

 

[MakeItWain]

​

Alien Brain​

Out of this world five-driver hybrid in-ear-monitor​

Available Friday, April 11

Close-Encounters of the HiFi Kind​

Alien Brain is Campfire's latest in our long legacy of premium hybrid-design IEMs with a new five-driver internal architecture. Drawing from over a decade of engineering, experimentation, and innovation, Alien Brain.

New Hybrid Internal Architecture​

Alien Brain's new, five-driver, internal architecture is built on the long legacy of Campfire's world-class hybrid IEMs.

A new iteration of our renowned Dual Magnet Dynamic Driver forms the bedrock of Alien Brain's powerful sonic performance. Alongside this incredible new bass driver are four, high-performance balanced armatures; two dedicated to mid frequencies, and two for highs.

These drivers coalesce to form a smooth, musical, and engaging listen through Campfire's careful treatment and tuning.

New Dual-Magnet DD Iteration​

First introduced in Bonneville and Cascara, our Dual Magnet DD quickly became a fan-favorite. This latest iteration features an exciting new glass-pu diaphragm; with a glass speaker dome and polyurethane coating.

Experience incredible bass texture and impact, without being over-bearing or too forward. Giving you just the right amount of low-end power to infuse energy into your tracks without crowding out the rest of the frequency spectrum.

Peak Performance​

Alien Brain​

Tuned With Intention​

This curve displays relative volume levels at each point across the frequency spectrum, reflecting Alien Brain's careful balance and refinement in tuning. Though FR curves are a great general guide, they can't convey technicalities like soundstage, imaging, layering, etc​

Phase Harmony Engineering​

At Campfire Audio, our philosophy regarding driver treatment informs a considered approach that emphasizes quality over quantity. In the arms-race to fit a higher and higher number of drivers into an earphone, we find that a results-driven technique to driver treatment produces superior results with less room for pitfalls and ever-expanding variables that can undermine product consistency.

One of the products of this approach is our Phase Harmony Engineering, that allows us to segment the frequency spectrum and assign these segments to specific drivers, and allows those drivers to apply their strengths to that area. Using a combination of precision engineered driver housings and shell geometry, coupled with custom damping values we are able to physically shape the tuning and response of the drivers, and further, their interaction with one another. This driver-to-driver interaction is crucial to eliminating points of potential phase cancellation and creating the intangibles that don’t show on a frequency response curve; imaging, separation, resolution, and soundstage.

All-New Portable DAC​

Alien Brain comes equipped with Campfire's all-new, high-performance, portable USB-C DAC dongle. Enjoy streamlined, lightweight, high-res audio on the go, right out of the box. With 32 bit / 384 kHz resolution, plug and play your Alien Brain and ascend to new musical heights on your commute, in your workday, or anywhere you may be listening.

Premium Build​

Alien Brain's precious cerebrum is firmly protected in a black PVD stainless steel shell made from full billet CNC capped off by our new, transparent, iridescent, lightweight dome lid, revealing the inner-workings of each neuron.

Crafted with Care​

Each unit of Alien Brain was fully designed, engineered, assembled, tested, QC'd, packed, and shipped by Campfire's small team of professionals from our singular location in the heart of Southeast Portland, Oregon, USA.

Alien Brain - Premium HiFi Earphones​

Time Stream Cables - SPC Conductor cables in 3.5mm & 4.4mm balanced
New Portable DAC Dongle -32 bit / 384 kHz - 1 Vrms
New Compact IEM Case - Portable, magnet-closure case in Solar Yellow
Breezy Bag Micro - Black two-pocket IEM pouch
Silicone Eartips - Small, Medium, Large
Foam Eartips - Small, Medium, Large
New 'High & Clear' Eartips - Small, Medium, Large in high traction silicone
Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
IEM Cleaning Tool

Me looking at that graph:

 

[Jmop]

What makes the Chord Mojo so special that ppl are willing to give up balanced for it?

 

[clastorder]

I'm going to have to once again mention the AAW Z06. It kind of amazes me that there's nobody in the west talking about this thing, even if it's possible that people have written off the brand entirely or there were just no review units sent anywhere. Incredible bass texture, wide soundstage, one of the best suited to rock and classic rock.

If pushed, I would say this thing is better than pretty much all the hyped mid-fi sets, having listened to or personally owned all versions of the Dunu SA6, the Mega5est, etc. Vs the kilobuck-plus range it loses in detail, but the bass texture it has isn't something I get out of too many units, DD or no.

I recently finally sold a kidney for the AME Raven, and I still think the Z06 beats it in some ways.

 

[4ceratops]

The faceplate looks terrible like car lamp housing.

That was the first thing I thought of when I saw this design misadventure. They look like a belated April Fool's Day prank, or a chi-fi under €5. Pure disaster.

 

[Generic Ninja]

They really are not giving up anything as balanced isn't necessary when a DAC's twin 3.5 mm jacks are each capable of 600mW 4.2V at 30 ohms and an impressive 0.06 ohm output impedance and 118 dB of stereo separation. The 3.5 single ended connections on a Mojo outperform many 4.4 balanced connections on other portable sources, it basically provides 3.5 mm outputs comparable to good desktop DAC AMPs, rather than what is normally seen in portable DACs. I cannot personally attest to the sound quality of the Mojo/2 but have seen nothing but very positive professional and user reviews and comments.

 

[EnigmaFotos]

Me looking at that graph:

 

[Leonarfd]

Appreciate the heads-up! As someone who’s definitely treble sensitive, I’ve still been curious about the DX1 after hearing so many people praise its resolution and snappy bass, but knowing it leans more toward an energetic, upper-mid-forward presentation gives me pause. If it’s even a touch tamer than the EA1000, that might be manageable for me...but it still sounds like it could toe the line for my ears. That said, the clean mid bass and present sub bass sound right up my alley. I love bass that’s articulate and not overly boomy.

Shouldn't be afraid of the treble, it's well extended but not aggressive. And upper mids is the same way.

Does anyone know when the Letshuoer DX1 will be available?

End of the month I was told.

Take it from a fellow treble sensitive audiophile, the DX1 is not sibilant prone incisive. It reminds me of the Mystic 8 really. Neutral but not boring. Obviously not the same technical performance though.

Biggest difference of the two is that Mystic 8 have a little better technicality, but also that the DX1 bass is stronger and more defined ( downside of BA, you need to have way more bass on the measurent for it to be as powerful as a DD)

Still the Mystic 8 does have a little smoother sound, back to BAs being that way.

They definitely have taken some inspiration from Cadenza 12 and Mystic 8 for DX1.

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Your prior posts about this set and others have got me feeling "bud-curious." I feel like I should have at least one pair laying around!

While I respect the fact that DIYers have "cracked the code" on tuning, I just can't get behind the build quality and aesthetics of DIY sets. For that reason, I'm currently floating between this set, the BGVP DX7, the Yincrow RW-3000, and the Penon Conductor as my first (only?) set of flathead earbuds. I'm in no rush to decide so I figure I'll wait to hear from more reviewers/listeners on the PolarNight.

Penon Conductor might be cool? I've regretted not PTT when I could have gotten it for $99.00.

I forget who posted the Trusted Audio Store cable deals during the Anni sales, but a huge thank you to whoever it was. The Trusted-52 cable is gorgeous!

Trusted cables are some of my faves. Unfortunately, I only have 2, but these are 2 excellent cables, that are on fave IEMs of mine (Letshuoer Cadenza 4 and Thieaudio Hype 2).

​

Alien Brain​

Out of this world five-driver hybrid in-ear-monitor​

Available Friday, April 11

Close-Encounters of the HiFi Kind​

Alien Brain is Campfire's latest in our long legacy of premium hybrid-design IEMs with a new five-driver internal architecture. Drawing from over a decade of engineering, experimentation, and innovation, Alien Brain.

New Hybrid Internal Architecture​

Alien Brain's new, five-driver, internal architecture is built on the long legacy of Campfire's world-class hybrid IEMs.

A new iteration of our renowned Dual Magnet Dynamic Driver forms the bedrock of Alien Brain's powerful sonic performance. Alongside this incredible new bass driver are four, high-performance balanced armatures; two dedicated to mid frequencies, and two for highs.

These drivers coalesce to form a smooth, musical, and engaging listen through Campfire's careful treatment and tuning.

New Dual-Magnet DD Iteration​

First introduced in Bonneville and Cascara, our Dual Magnet DD quickly became a fan-favorite. This latest iteration features an exciting new glass-pu diaphragm; with a glass speaker dome and polyurethane coating.

Experience incredible bass texture and impact, without being over-bearing or too forward. Giving you just the right amount of low-end power to infuse energy into your tracks without crowding out the rest of the frequency spectrum.

Peak Performance​

Alien Brain​

Tuned With Intention​

This curve displays relative volume levels at each point across the frequency spectrum, reflecting Alien Brain's careful balance and refinement in tuning. Though FR curves are a great general guide, they can't convey technicalities like soundstage, imaging, layering, etc​

Phase Harmony Engineering​

At Campfire Audio, our philosophy regarding driver treatment informs a considered approach that emphasizes quality over quantity. In the arms-race to fit a higher and higher number of drivers into an earphone, we find that a results-driven technique to driver treatment produces superior results with less room for pitfalls and ever-expanding variables that can undermine product consistency.

One of the products of this approach is our Phase Harmony Engineering, that allows us to segment the frequency spectrum and assign these segments to specific drivers, and allows those drivers to apply their strengths to that area. Using a combination of precision engineered driver housings and shell geometry, coupled with custom damping values we are able to physically shape the tuning and response of the drivers, and further, their interaction with one another. This driver-to-driver interaction is crucial to eliminating points of potential phase cancellation and creating the intangibles that don’t show on a frequency response curve; imaging, separation, resolution, and soundstage.

All-New Portable DAC​

Alien Brain comes equipped with Campfire's all-new, high-performance, portable USB-C DAC dongle. Enjoy streamlined, lightweight, high-res audio on the go, right out of the box. With 32 bit / 384 kHz resolution, plug and play your Alien Brain and ascend to new musical heights on your commute, in your workday, or anywhere you may be listening.

Premium Build​

Alien Brain's precious cerebrum is firmly protected in a black PVD stainless steel shell made from full billet CNC capped off by our new, transparent, iridescent, lightweight dome lid, revealing the inner-workings of each neuron.

Crafted with Care​

Each unit of Alien Brain was fully designed, engineered, assembled, tested, QC'd, packed, and shipped by Campfire's small team of professionals from our singular location in the heart of Southeast Portland, Oregon, USA.

Alien Brain - Premium HiFi Earphones​

Time Stream Cables - SPC Conductor cables in 3.5mm & 4.4mm balanced
New Portable DAC Dongle -32 bit / 384 kHz - 1 Vrms
New Compact IEM Case - Portable, magnet-closure case in Solar Yellow
Breezy Bag Micro - Black two-pocket IEM pouch
Silicone Eartips - Small, Medium, Large
Foam Eartips - Small, Medium, Large
New 'High & Clear' Eartips - Small, Medium, Large in high traction silicone
Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
IEM Cleaning Tool

Totally unique look, but I have no idea how good these actually are, because there's hardly any mention of them from CJ SG impressions.

Good luck there KBear! A 2+6 for $209.00, when you recently released a 1 DD + 1 BCD for $40.00, and I can buy the TRN Shell for $50.00, the LAFitEar LF-4 for $40.00, the KZ ZA12 for $50, the TRN ST7 for $30, and the ZS12 Pro X for $40. This is more expensive than the ivipQ V12, and in the same ballpark as the I/O Sogno, KE Arcanis, and Mangird Tea Pro. Will any of those move the needle (in the case of the Sogno, V12, and Tea PRo, the answer is NO. The Arcanis just got released, so still tbd)? GOOD LUCK.

Is that new Kbear the most expensive so far in their lineup? I forget they are a KZ-esque company in terms of pricing.

I believe it's about the same price as the Kbear Believe, which got pulled from the market quick like, but was very well received. These are the two most expensive KBear IEMs, if memory serves.

Gone full circle on my chi fi journey from many years ago.. my first purchased was moondrop kanas pro... now i have the moondrop illustrious... (with many in-between...lol)

Will add impressions later but right now im enjoying it..

Nice score. I too once owned the Kanas Pro, along with the KXXS, Aria, Crescent, and the Starfield. Sold them all but the Crescent, which I still own (almost miraculously), but still quite interested in hearing about your Illustrious. I've wanted to try the Stellaris and the Meteor, but not gonna happen.

I'm going to have to once again mention the AAW Z06. It kind of amazes me that there's nobody in the west talking about this thing, even if it's possible that people have written off the brand entirely or there were just no review units sent anywhere. Incredible bass texture, wide soundstage, one of the best suited to rock and classic rock.

If pushed, I would say this thing is better than pretty much all the hyped mid-fi sets, having listened to or personally owned all versions of the Dunu SA6, the Mega5est, etc. Vs the kilobuck-plus range it loses in detail, but the bass texture it has isn't something I get out of too many units, DD or no.

I recently finally sold a kidney for the AME Raven, and I still think the Z06 beats it in some ways.

You got @Vonbuddy ears ringing now. You got his attention! I'm gonna cut off his next question at the pass though!!

Here Lee, this is the answer to your follow-up questions to @clastorder

https://www.null-audio.com/products/aaw-z06-universal-6-driver-in-ear-monitor

Intriguing price range....

Shouldn't be afraid of the treble, it's well extended but not aggressive. And upper mids is the same way.

End of the month I was told.

Biggest difference of the two is that Mystic 8 have a little better technicality, but also that the bass is stronger and more defined ( downside of BA, you need to have way more bass on the measurent for it to be as powerful as a DD)

Still the Mystic 8 does have a little smoother sound, back to BAs being that way.

They definitely have taken some inspiration from Cadenza 12 and Mystic 8 for DX1.

Looking forward to getting back to those DX1. Today was KZ day, so all I listened to was KZ IEMs (currently the Decet), but the Lime Ears Maris and Incognita land on my porch later today, so probably won't happen until Friday?

 

[Okcerg]

(edit: typo)
Had some time to listen to my haul from the latest sale. Thought I should contribute with short impressions. Note that I don't consider this the ultimate truth by any means, it's just my highly personal experience. Others will (and does) hear things differently.

ISN H20: Tuned a bit too bassy for me. Too bad, I hear that there's a GREAT iem underneath all that bass. Great stage. (50 hours burned in, might be some improvements from reports here.)
Kiwi Ears Aether: A great great IEM, I think it has become my favourite set, even though I havent been a big planar fan before. Perfect tuning, and I get a "headphone experience" I haven't heard from any other IEM so far. Very immersive.
TRN Shell: A really good IEM, great value with all the accessories. Tight bass, very technical and extended treble. Modular cable, tuning nozzles, lots of eartips, and a waterproof case which costs $17 alone at Linsoul, "Linsoul LC02". (I tried it, it really is waterproof.)
Fengru Spark (aka Pirole Resin, but cheaper on Aliex): A very balanced tuning. I love this set. It doesn't have a super grand stage, super tight bass, or super technical treble. But it sounds so natural to my ears. With many IEM's I find myself analyzing and listening to the IEM more than enjoying the music, like "listening to the treble" (or bass). This one just makes me focus on the music.
It's not objectively as good in technicalities as the Shell, but I enjoy The Fengru/Pirole more. My best $34 spent ever!

The only Fengru Spark/Pirole Resin graph I've seen is from Akros' review:

 

[perrew]

Trusted cables are some of my faves. Unfortunately, I only have 2, but these are 2 excellent cables, that are on fave IEMs of mine (Letshuoer Cadenza 4 and Thieaudio Hype 2).

Trusted NI1 is excellent.

@Okcerg Agree on the Pirole! What tips are those?

 

[FreeWheelinAudioLuv2]

Had some time to listen to my haul from the latest sale. Thought I should contribute with short impressions. Note that I don't consider this the ultimate truth by any means, it's just my highly personal experience. Others will (and does) hear things differently.

ISN H20: Tuned a bit too bassy for me. Too bad, I hear that there's a GREAT iem underneath all that bass. Great stage. (50 hours burned in, might be some improvents from reports here.)
Kiwi Ears Aether: A great great IEM, I think it has become my favourite set, even though I havent been a big planar fan before. Perfect tuning, and I get a "headphone experience" I haven't heard from any other IEM so far. Very immersive.
TRN Shell: A really good IEM, great value with all the accessories. Tight bass, very technical and extended treble. Modular cable, tuning nozzles, lots of eartips, and a waterproof case which costs $17 alone at Linsoul, "Linsoul LC02". (I tried it, it really is waterproof.)
Fengru Spark (aka Pirole Resin, but cheaper on Aliex): A very balanced tuning. I love this set. It doesn't have a super grand stage, super tight bass, or super technical treble. But it sounds so natural to my ears. With many IEM's I find myself analyzing and listening to the IEM more than enjoying the music, like "listening to the treble" (or bass). This one just makes me focus on the music.
It's not objectively as good in technicalities as the Shell, but I enjoy The Fengru/Pirole more. By best $34 spent ever!

The only Fengru Spark/Pirole Resin graph I've seen is from Akros' review:

I prefer the Fengru BP to the Spark. I also might like the CF3 more as well? Hard to give either the nod over the Spark, with the channel imbalance of the BP and the slightly lesser bass impact of the CF3, but both have bigger stages, better spatial cues, and treble extension/air, but the build of the Spark is superb, and it goes sound great too!

H20 needs more burn in time, and even more important than burn in, the H20 needs a bright source to shine. Give it a bit of juice and a bright source, and it comes ALIVE.

 

[perrew]

The Glenn Porter Falling Down rec is just sublime on the WM1A->Trusted NI1->Pirole