Pocket-sized hi-fi from Campfire Audio: Solaris, Polaris II & Andromeda
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- čas přidán 5. 01. 2020
- This video sponsored by dCS: www.dcsltd.co.uk/
Camera: Olaf von Voss | Editor: John Darko | Motion GFX: João
(Filmed December 2019)
After at least nine months of living with each of ‘em, here are my thoughts on three VERY different sounding IEMs from Portland’s Campfire Audio.
Campfire Audio Polaris II (US$499):
campfireaudio.com/shop/polari...
Campfire Audio Andromeda (US$1099):
campfireaudio.com/shop/androm...
Campfire Audio Solaris (US$1499):
campfireaudio.com/shop/solaris/
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Also featured in this video…
Chord Mojo / Poly:
darko.audio/2018/03/going-hom...
AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt:
darko.audio/2019/07/a-short-f...
darko.audio/2019/07/10-more-t...
Roon:
darko.audio/2018/07/a-short-f...
Apple MacBook Pro 16”:
www.apple.com/macbook-pro-16/
LG V40:
darko.audio/2019/10/a-journey...
Final D8000:
snext-final.com/en/products/d...
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Playlists…
Spotify:
open.spotify.com/playlist/06F...
Tidal:
tidal.com/browse/playlist/da2...
Qobuz:
open.qobuz.com/playlist/2690011
With special thanks to Signature Records.
#audiophile #headfi #campfireaudio
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DID YOU KNOW WE HAVE A PODCAST?
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
open.spotify.com/show/1mnKixp...
/ johnhdarko
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Darko.Audio is a web magazine covering new and exciting developments in the audio world and we aren’t afraid of indie rock or techno.
Web: Darko.Audio
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Finally.... A reviewer with intelligent, depth and character. I love it!!
I just gotta say, you've never led me astray. It's hard to get honest, serious advice in this often confusing world of audio. You're advice about KEF has been spot on and I've listened closely to all you've offered on Campfire Audio. Thanks for your work.
That Robert Leiner album is an absolute gem.
One of the best sound properties descriptions I ever heard. I like to follow your videos even not being able to buy stuff you show.
That's my number one aim: to make these videos interesting enough for people not necessarily interested in the hardware under consideration.
OK, I won't ask a question. I am just happy to see you giving love to our local Portland, Oregon company Campfire Audio. Feel free to ignore me, my feelings won't get hurt. Cheers.
That was one of the best video's you've come out with IMHO. I can feel the passion you have for quality audio, and then incorporating that with your soundtrack with how it ties into one with the other is really amazing! And thanks to you, I am also expanding my musical horizons with the playlists you have chosen and am loving every minute of it! Top notch work! Thank you! :)
Thanks for introducing me to Kaputt; enjoying the album right now with my CA Atlas and Mojo :)
I just recently got a Mojo 1 and MY GOD it opened up the soundstage for me on so many songs! I couldn’t believe how each individual instrument popped out at you as well as the vocals (as well as background vocals)! I’m using them with my Massdrop HD6XXs.
Marvellous as always. Got me pondering where to invest - to improve my hi fi set up, or just to spend on decent head-fi gear. Your videos, individually and in aggregate, have informed my thinking in the round, and for that, most grateful.
I can see the passion and gleam in your eyes like a child with a new toy.
This has been said millions of times but the sense of stepping into another world is definitely achieved by Björk and her entourage on Vespertine. It's so massive it honestly feel like another galaxy, especially on my favorite deep cut 'An Echo, a Stain'. If you haven't checked it out yet please do, one of my favorite albums, period.
Young audiophile who recently was gifted a Beyerdynamic DT-1990 and a AQ Dragonfly for their birthday. Thank you so much for making this hobby accessible to people like me and not putting people of with gatekeeping etc.
Review is spot on! Auditioned all 3 of them and own both the Andromeda SS and the Solaris. Could not be happier!
Another great video... I think what I appreciate most is how you get into using audio equipment as getting into the experience of music (which is what you said at the beginning of the video). Sometimes audio reviews and videos from other sources get hooked on measurements or other minutiae and lose the plot (why we listen to music in the first place). I really enjoy your perspective and the eloquence of your descriptions - thank you! In addition, I think your team does a tremendous job conveying the ambiance of the experiences you are describing.
Brilliant review, I can never sit and listen to these for 20 minutes straight but this was something else!
Holy butts I was just looking to see if you had a commentary on the campfire lineup or Andromeda and this popped up and said "17 seconds ago." I feel so lucky.
Another superbly done video John. Just got wowed . Awesome review as always . Looking forward to owning this thing one day. Full marks to team DARKO.
Thaaank YOU John.Darko for these album drops!
As always...thanks for your insights. Hope 2020 turns out to be your best year yet 👍👍
Great review as always! I didn't know a lot about IEMs before seeing some of your videos but I must try out in the future it seems
Hahaha “all Krall and no play make John a dull boy” 😂😂😂😂
Bandcamp is an excellent source for unknown or lesser music. Takes a bit of time to sift through it.
Thanks for the most excellent Destroyer - Kaputt album recommendation, definitely a sonic delight. A wonderful recording with space, openness, layers and air. Jazzy pop, with a smooth groove punctuated by the sharp retort of the trumpet in the background that helps create that sense of space as well as the female lead vocals that also cuts through the mellow musical undertones. Just wonderful how the music breathes and comes alive.
Your comparison of these IEMs to full size speakers (Wilson’s) was very informative. Suddenly, I could relate to the prize of the IEMs. Thanks for another great episode.
Great video. Imagine losing a pair of these on a bus or train. Would the person finding them know their worth. I wonder.
Spectacular video, as always! And great music recommendation at the beginning, I already have the 3 albums downloaded from deezer hehe.
Your approach is exceptionally outstanding. I like the way you think. To the point. No bullshit. Dead straight.
This is best video to date. No question. Exudes professionalism. I do feel that scene in which the bell tolls and Darko installs iems while viewing buildings should have been the closing. Imo
Great video, the Robert Leiner album is outstanding, thanks.
Loved the diversity of the Music Playlist. I especially enjoyed Robert Leiner's "Aqua Viva": with its undulating Techno Pad and whale song riding above. Sublime.
Recently bought the T4s and really impressed so getting used to iems. Never warmed to any in the past.
You're tempting me...
This is an amazing video and great topic of conversation, especially since I have become so fascinated with the IEM world this past year. The IO’s were my first taste...now I’m graduating up to the Atlas cause I wanna know good of a beast the IEM concept can be. :)
Very excited and I have a feeling some IEM’s are gonna replace some flagship headphones some day. I think Ken ball can do it. :)
They are really good!
Very nice. Actually wanted to explore this music. Found Cocteau Twins and Robert Leiner on Qobuz. Destroyer at my fantastic local library system here in Seattle. I run a couple of modest Wharfedale 80th Anniversary Denton's with a pair of Vandersteen 2WQ subs. Old sightly modified Dynaco Pas 3 preamp, and while I look for a new amp I'm using a free Adcom GFA 535 II, which has acquitted itself beyond my wildest dreams. Turntable by Technics SL-1200 mkii, with new upgraded arm and re-tipped and upgraded Dynavector 10x5. Currently using a Khadas Tone Board or an old HRT Streamer ii. I've had much much more expensive well regarded stuff in here, but in my smallish room 10x14x9 room this is honestly the best sound I've had. I'm 64. I go way back. Was in the business in the 70's and 80's. Used Leiner to fine tune my speaker placement. Essentially an equilateral triangle about 7 and a half feet apart. The sound on the Leiner album is expansive, deep, with bass that makes one of my windows rattle, at a fairly modest level. I'm most interested, besides in more dream pop etc that I'm really beginning to enjoy, but, having no headphones or facilities, I'm likely looking to see what you have to say about phones/ear pieces and headphone amp/DACs in the coming year. And maybe an amp. Keep up the good work. Always enjoy your reviews.
Fantastic video!
Brilliant review! I love the Solaris as well! Btw you can have the memory wire removed like I did! You will have a much comfortable fit.
Very tempting.
Love it how you relate sonic signatures to speakers brands, really helps new IEM entrees audiophile like me.
I love HOLV, so I can’t wait to get my hands on the other two albums you mention - thanks for this video!
Thanks for referring the Destroyer album. Didn’t know it and you just made my evening!!!! Amazing music!!
John, too often there are those who just don’t get it about the why high end gear is so pricey. Despite your explanation of the why, I am certain there still will be the wondering. Some will not get it because, unless you’ve worked in a high end audio environment in production or design, you won’t get it. There will always be whiners because there will always be those who want but can’t get the gear they crave. It is hard to wait. It took me five years to realize my first system. It is about impatience as much as it is about money! You can’t fix impatience! Oh well!🙄🤣👍🏻
Just bought the campfire Solaris a week ago and enjoying them since Monday. Rocking them with lg v50 thinq, Tidal and youtu.be premium! Thx John Darko!
Fantastic video. Thank you.
Your dead-on description of the campfire tripplets made me own them for the while of the video, though I cannot afford them. But then, at least, I walked away with your 3 introductory CD titles, which make for an immersive new sound-scape.
Destroyer, Kaputt is like a kaleidescope for your ears! Thanks for the tip!
Great video John, my view of the Andromeda is pretty much as you have said in the video. I loved its clarity and layering, but craved more low end power. I took a slightly different route and got a pair of Andromeda Golds, released as a limited edition 1000 pairs. The main selling point was an extra 2 balanced armatures for the low end. This gave the Andromeda’s more low end power and boy do I love them! If you ever get a chance, take a listen.
I had these old IEMS in my box set aside somewhere so I opened it and listened I was amazed how today's mid range IEMs are so much better like my Hype 4 beats all the older CFA Solaris Andromeda
Weird Science. You and Josh Valor are both “pleasure seekers” today but he’s a Krall fan with his latest. I’m patiently waiting for the Meze review next. As always Great Work from team Darko.
I'm currently using the Lyra II, and quite happy with them. That said, I've been tempted by the Solaris since their release. And after this video, I'm quite curious about the Rai Penta.
Bought that Robert Leiner album a few weeks back. Class album
Kaputt's title track, so very good.
This video made me go and listen to Kaputt, and damn. What an album! Added that to the Discogs want-list after the opening track.
Got a pair of Atlas’s!!! Arriving next week! Look forward owning a pair of IEM’s that has impactful sub bass response. They’re the best V-shaped IEM I could think of to buy. :)
My IO’s are gone in order to get the Atlas. A good upgrade I feel.
How are they?
Lol, the comment about cables
yes, I am new tot the audio world and I can't understand the cable war. I got the various arguments, but why the emotions? can't everyone buy whatever they feel is the best investment and move on to enjoy the music?
10.37 :-) love your humor, John!
Spending a pretty coin on the IEM and portable head-fi makes a lot of sense from my perspective. I say so as the owner of many high-end audiophile-grade headphones over the years. The best being Empire Ears Zeus XIV (about $2,500 as I've customized them). I loved every second with them- personal audio nirvana on demand anywhere and everywhere. Have you ever heard them?
Looking forward to the amazing head-fi portion of the upcoming AXPONA to pick my new on-the-go companion (after losing one of the Zeus XIV during a move 😭).
Love your channel, John! It is all about music and the pleasure it gives us. The gear is there to give us the experience. Oh, one more thing: regardless of what type of music moves us. Kudos for your work and contribution to make our "hobby" a little more inclusive, more mainstream.
Love love love!!! I remember when I was in my teens, driving back home from the club at dawn, all car windows open, blasting “I wear your ring”... I still feel the breeze and the smell of morning air when I play this song....
Great The Shining reference!!
Dang, dude went devil when he talked about the comments section. 😂🤣
👿
@@DarkoAudio can you please review the Andromeda special edition gold IEM's next
@@DarkoAudio have you had the chance to audition the Sony IER Z1R? I'd say that THOSE are going to be something REALLY special indeed if I've understood your musical preferences correctly
I would also suggest to try out the Atlas, they have such a deep subbass extension, which makes it perfect for electronic music. I had to relisten to a lot of Aphex Twin albums, since it unveiled layers of sound I never heard before. All in a portable enclosure. Also to make those IEM's even more portable the, ES100 or new Fiio BTR5 Bluetooth receivers, are a great companion , because they support the high res LDAC codec.
Hal, have you ever heard the legend X? I want something with bass and I’m considering the atlas and legend X. Could you compare them if you have? Thanks!
I tried campfire solaris at local shop and could not believe the sound it was offering, it was surreal. Easily trashed all my overhead headphones(including HD650)! Well i have to sell my kidney to buy one of them. Hope they will outsource production at some point and make it cheaper. Still could not believe how balanced armature driver could produce such warm and detailed sound. Well done guys! My only advice is leave this Made in USA BS behind and outsource it! Chinese are catching up and you will be out of business soon. Tin HIFI P1 is almost better in everything but bass/sub bass and they cost 150 $. If they get bass and sub bass right, there is no way balanced armature can compete with planar magnetic. Darko, you rock:)
You are always an engaging watch, but this piece is right on the money for me.
Having a wife has long banished large audio furniture ("it's not aesthetic") and having kids has vapourised time to indulge in it.
So headfi is my homeland. I think you introduced me to Campfire Audio; Solaris is now on the endgame list, along with some Audeze over ears. And I blame you for the money I have dropped on Chord.
Nice work - thank you.
I really found this comparison helpfull. You're very good at describing the differences!
On a different note: Wether one believes in audible differences between cables or not, I'd argue that IEM cables should be nice to handle, be solidly build, be nice looking and be void of microphonics. So, there's that ...
Agreed. Construction matters to usability as much as it does to sound.
Dear Darko - thanks for the music tips. I did not know any of the three albums. Very fine music from the Destroyer - a big surprise, I expect hardcore Heavy Rock and Metal. But nothing about kaputt or Destroying! ;-) Have a good time stefan
Final Audio E - Type Tips ... I would love to see CA offer a choice of cable termination when purchasing .
Great music choices, love Robin Guthrie's whispered guitar playing!
Interesting observations on cable fit. Like you, I wear glasses, and I'm always a bit dubious about cables or hooks going over the ear, and if I were to spend 500+ on a set of IEMs I'd want to be damn sure they were actually comfortable. I also like that they manage isolation without a bunch of active electronics intervening.
Thanks John! I love the Truth Seeker/Pleasure Seeker idea. It's a nice validation for those of us who like to live in both of those worlds. They don't have to be mutually exclusive and neither have to be more valid or important than the other. My ears, my music, my truth, and dammit... my pleasure.
I like the words you can pretty much stop watching here!🤣
Thumbed in your store video. From us older audiophiles, you can be carried into another world with Irriglight(SQ), Mirage, and Ten as examples of Klaus Schultz original analog synth. recordings. And his earlier band Tangerine Dream with the album as Phaedra.
Totally agree with your opinion on the Solaris IEMs. I got them after my SE846s died and used them as a daily driver at my desk for about a month. I spend a lot of time on the road in hotels etc, and the combination of these and the mojo (you do get hiss with nothing playing which is annoying though) is epic.
I was going to get the Andromeda although after the bass impact of the SE846s I knew I'd only regret not going for the Solaris and what a leap it was!
Marty P I too have SE846’s which haven’t been singing over the last few months. Do BA drivers have a limited lifespan, or did yours get overdriven? Mine got accidentally blasted by my Chord Mojo!
@John: As always, thank you for your work and your reviews.
Caveat: De gustibus non est disputandum. My experience only, YMMV. I have auditioned both Campfire Solaris and Noble Encores and found Encores more detailed, especially at the upper range. Given the $1500 price of Solaris and a (sale) price of custom Encores (a tad over $1700) I went with custom Encores :)
I have the Atlas and I love it!!
Amirhosein Herandy Me too man!! Just got them for Christmas and they are INSANE!! Getting a pair of Solaris in a few weeks as well!! CA is my favorite IEM brand!! 👍🏽
Listened to kaputt on tidal they remind me of The blue nile which is great,thanks mate
The Blue Nile are also wonderful.
Really enjoyed this video. In terms of the Andromeda IEMs sounding too analytical, I was curious if you've had the opportunity to listen to Campfire's new Holocene IEM that was released last summer? My understanding from reading a few reviews is that the Holocene retains the clarity of the Andromeda's, but is closer in price and performance to the company's recently launched Mammoth IEMs (the Mammoth's apparently have replaced the Solaris II as Campfire's mid-tier bass-boosted IEM).
Thank you for the excellent video, John. I particularly liked your comparison of the three Campfire IEMs. I would love to learn more about Campfire’s philosophy since while they produce IEMs at different price points, they seem to intentionally give different sound signatures to those headphones. Some makers have one “house” signature for which they strive and each more expensive phone produces a “better” version of that sound. Campfire doesn’t seem to follow this approach and, in fact, I am not sure what their approach is. I would love a video where you explain that to us. Thanks very much for your work. Roger in Wisconsin.
rvenden the way I see it, campfire offer different IEMs and may recommend you buy different models. In some ways like shoes, dress shoes for evening parties, sneakers for sports, sandals around the house/beach. Perhaps the different IEMs are tailored so one type for hip hop, another for techno, classical...
Just a thought, I could be completely wrong :-)
Spot on!
The way you talk about dynamic drivers makes me wonder if you'd like the Lola. Has that tambre in the mids where it uses a dynamic driver.
I don't know if this was requested before but I would really love to know your impressions regarding RHA's CL2 Planar. Thanks for the video and the quality.
Along with ALO, drop into Timberline Lodge for a little Shining when in Portland too!
Bellsing BA drivers sound so good... ;)
My search for the right IEM led me to this video. I know it’s a bit dated but I think the way your described the Polaris II might be exactly what I have been searching for. Up to this date I thought I wanted the andromeda for its “scientific and technological” approach as you stated but couldn’t afford so I pursued many other options that are close to that sound but cheaper. I never really got to what I wanted and have now spent well over 1k.
Fast forward in life to a point I can afford the andromeda but not sure I want to.
Let me get to the point. I have posted on many forums and chat groups what I’m looking for. That’s an almost emotional response and that feeling of a warm hug. I think I’m actually a pleasure seeker rather than truth seeker. I think it’s taken me years to understand this. Again the way you talk about the P II sounds exactly like what I have been searching for.
So a question to you- do you still find the Polaris II as your favorite or has that been replaced with one of campfires other alternatives? Mammoth or Holocene?
Hi John, if money was no issue and you had to choose between the three above mentioned, would you go with the Solaris? Or is the Polaris II the smartest choice? Thanks for all the amazing content that you give us. Cheers.
Brilliant John! I think I've been living inside "Heaven or Las Vegas" since it came out. I've always really loved the depth of its sounds. I wonder if there is a graphic that could be developed that would illustrate the difference in how they sound and I wonder if someone like Juan Bagnell might have some thoughts on that.
Have you ever tried custom in ear monitors like Ultimate Ears? I can never get a truly comfortable fit with the foam/rubber tips. I also like the idea of complete isolation so I don’t have to ack my bulky Sony NC headphones when traveling.
What do you think about the final e5000 iems?
A question about something at the very beginning of the video. You hang your headphones on a kind of black hanger attached to the edge of your desk. I was wondering if you could tell us where you got that? I could use one (or more) of those. Great video as always. As much as i would like to try the Solaris I can't justify the price but I think I'm going to have a hard look at the Polaris. Thanks for a very informative review.
Great video as always pal. How would you rate these against the FiiO FA7 and FH7? And FA9 if you’ve tried them? Cheers
Hi John fantastic review, if the headphone police told you to hand in either your IEMS or Over Ears, which would you choose?
How does the wire feel around your ear with your glasses. I wear glasses and I'm hesitant on getting a pair of IEMs.
It is always a pleasure for me to look at your recessions and perhaps a little arrogantly to give you a recommendation for an in-ear. But if you have the opportunity, you should listen to the Campfire Audio Andromeda Gold Edition at least once. And I would bet you would buy it for yourself. It is the first and so far only in-ear where I got tears of joy because of its wonderful sound. It is currently still available in Germany.
I have just bought my first serious IEM this Christmas, and it has broadened my experience as an audiophile a lot more than I would have ever expected. Climbing into the music is a great way to describe it. Coupled with Audioquest‘s Cobalt it has really enriched my life.
which one did you get?
What are your impressions of the Cascade if you listened to them already?
If you get a lighten brush it over the the end of the cable to soften it be careful don't heat it up too much then manipulating the the cable and then let it cool while holding it in that position should fit round ear better. Happy New Year
Robert Leiner reminds of NEU! - Entrancing. There's a lot of fantastic music out there,.
Nice work, I really appreciate the attention to wired IEMs! Also I feel there is a lack of attention in hifi reviews for electronic music: all recommendation seem to be for jazz, classic, vocal rock (as if there is some conception that you just need bass-heavy low end gear). I also believe the overal level of design on IEMs is quite poor (especially on some of the chi-fi stuff), reviews keep it at: solid build. IEMs are worn throughout the day and especially the larger over ears require careful attention. I am therefore strongly considering Final Audios new B series, too bad it lacks that low end punch.
Hi Darko -Just wondered I’m looking at either the Solaris or Rai Penta primarily for the gym which you would choose. I currently use the excellent IFI Go Bar DAC along with Snug custom ear moulders with Sennheiser IE800’s with iPhone. Both seem to get great reviews like your & others.
Sorry late to the scene Darko ! you`re spot on about the Andromeda clarity and layer,please try them with a Sony NW-WM1A to have (x10)the extended layer and clarity you`ve been talking about it (w/4.4 Balance super litz cable) you`ll be genuinely surprised, and thanks for your efforts!
John, your channel , your production and knowledge is incredible - you have gained another subscriber !
I had terrible GAS (Gear acquisition Syndrome) a few years ago, when I was a bit flush and made some questionable purchases - -love your thoughts on what makes you ‘step inside the music ‘
My question is about the set up you have on the go - can you really get the proper quality with a smartphone and what looked to be an Audioquest Dragonfly? Maybe I didn’t see it properly - thought you might use an A&K SP1000 or something like that. Does that also make a difference to your listening experience?
I prefer to use a dongle DAC like the DFly rather than have to manage a second, heavier device like the A&K.
Just curious, how do they compare to SE846? I own the Shures and love them and I am looking to possibly get a pair of Solaris. Great review BTW :)
Great review! Have you tried using the silver coated cables from the Solaris on the Polaris2? It’s just that silver coated cables are known to remove the veil or “mashed potatoes” sound you described. Also, I find that a jitter filter usb helps reveal the highs more. My point is maybe with some small upgrades the Polaris2 can come close to the Solaris?
Nice review- a couple of questions. I have pretty small ear canals- do they come with some small plugs? Also- balanced headphone cables confuse me. My DAP (Sony WM1A) has both balanced 4.4mm and single-ended 3.5mm connection. Is a balanced cable an option? Also, why do I want a balanced cable?
I applaud this and all of your videos. Keep up the great work.
One question for you: I am considering purchasing Campfire's Polaris II. And while your description of this model's sound quality seems to make the purchase a smart one, other reviewers describe a lackluster mid-range presence for the Polaris II. To what measure, if any, would you agree with that observation?