In today’s article, we review the new $2,199 USD Campfire Audio Astrolith, a new dual planar IEM.
Disclaimer: Campfire Audio sent the Astrolith IEM in exchange for our honest opinion.
Campfire Audio
Campfire Audio has solidified its reputation as a premier brand in the portable audiophile market, boasting a dedicated following since its inception in 2015.
Notably, their Andromeda model garnered immense popularity, so much so that a 2020 version was later released, alongside their other acclaimed releases like the Trifecta, Solaris, and Bonneville models. You can still get the classic Andromeda in its final form.
Campfire Audio has been known for putting musical enjoyment to the front, and that’s why they have a distinct fan fair. We reviewed the Bonneville last year, as below:
Astrolith
The Campfire Audio Astrolith signifies a significant advancement in the brand’s planar magnetic IEM technology. It features two innovative drivers: a 14mm planar magnetic main driver that spans sub-bass to mid frequencies and a seamlessly integrated 6mm planar high-frequency tweeter. This dual-driver setup enhances the inherent planar magnetic qualities of speed, accuracy, impact, and resolution, delivering a cohesive and high-fidelity audio experience. There are no crossovers used in this combination.
The 6mm planar driver, responsible for high frequencies, marks Campfire’s first implementation of the new Particle Phase Resonator (PPR) tuning chamber. According to Campfire, this driver stands out due to its small size, which, combined with the planar technology, delivers exceptionally fast transients.
The 14mm driver continues the legacy of the driver found in the Supermoon model, but with improved mechanics and an updated grill design. Campfire states; “the raw strengths of this driver have been carefully and precisely shaped by our new Additive Acoustic Optical Inclusion (AAOI) housing to hone the impact, texture, imaging, and layering ranging from the sub-bass to the midrange, gracefully blending with the upper registers powered by its companion, 6mm driver.” This refined design ensures that Astrolith provides a well-rounded and immersive listening experience.
Packaging
The Campfire Audio Astrolith arrives in a vibrant cardboard box adorned with a captivating space theme and a central Earth motif, immediately drawing attention. This packaging breaks away from the conventional high-end audio product presentation, offering an authentic and distinctive aesthetic that stands out.
Inside the box, the Astrolith IEMs are carefully housed in a leather IEM wallet and a mesh carrying case. Additionally, two “Time Stream” cables are included, one with a 4.4mm jack and the other with a 3.5mm jack, eliminating the need for adapters and enhancing convenience. A paper bag containing various ear tips, a cleaning cloth, and a tool ensures the IEMs remain in pristine condition. This thoughtful and comprehensive packaging enriches the unboxing experience, reflecting Campfire Audio’s attention to detail and commitment to user satisfaction.
One thing I can criticise is the lack of premium ear tips as we see in other high-end IEM packages, like SpinFit or AZLA branded tips, which provide a premium experience in terms of fit.
Design & Build Quality
In contrast to Campfire’s signature colourful designs, the Astrolith sports a more understated yet sleek aesthetic with its stainless steel faceplates, black acrylic shells, and white stock cable. This both professional-looking and sci-fi design is complemented by robust build quality, featuring a monoblock chassis and metal nozzles for enhanced durability. The overall impression in person is quite impressive.
The build quality of the Astrolith is impeccable, combining stainless steel faceplates with a monoblock chassis. The nozzles are crafted from metal, creating a durable and appealing design that blends acrylic, metal, and steel elements. The MMCX connectors are notably stiff and feel robust, contributing to the durability of the IEMs. Additionally, the cable boasts great tensile strength and rigidity, including its connectors, ensuring a reliable and long-lasting audio experience. Overall, the build quality of the Astrolith is outstanding.
Fit
Fit is another strong feature of the Astrolith, which is flush and snug in the ear. The shape of the IEM is ideal for extended listening sessions, reflecting Campfire’s improvements in fitting over recent years.
With foam tips, the Astrolith fits perfectly and provides excellent isolation. Although the IEMs appear somewhat large in pictures, their actual size is compact enough for comfort and ergonomics. The chassis design enhances comfort, making for a fantastic fit. The isolation is top-notch for a universal monitor, approaching the level of custom IEMs when foam tips are used. Campfire has truly excelled in achieving a great fit with the Astrolith.
Page 2: Sound Quality
Page 3: Technical Performance, Comparisons, Conclusion
