In today’s article, we review the new $1,199 USD Campfire Audio Moon Rover, a single planar driver IEM.
Disclaimer: Campfire Audio sent the Moon Rover 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 in the past, 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 recently reviewed the Astrolith, a very successful IEM, as below:
Moon Rover
The Campfire Audio Moon Rover is another planar magnetic IEM from Campfire. The brand has been expanding its lineup with newer models since 2023, and this model is produced with a limited production run of 888 units. It has a 12mm full-range planar magnetic driver, and a titanium housing with flame treatment (each is done by hand).
Coupling the speed and even movement of the drivers diaphragm enables Moon Rover to create incredibly accurate representations of the original sound.
The planar magnetic driver has several advantages, and the brand also highlights those points in this special model. Campfire claims that the speed of the planar driver creates a great deal of sharp detail and overall resolution, presenting music tracks with life-like realism. Also, the ability of the driver to respond to signal and stop resulting movements quickly, allows to have a great transient response, according to CA. The planar driver’s voice coil is distributed evenly over the surface of the diaphragm, so the driver does not warp or bend as it moves back and forth. This contributes to the driver’s accuracy and rapid impulse response.
Packaging
The Campfire Audio Moon Rover arrives in a vibrant cardboard box with a captivating moon-themed design, immediately catching the eye. The packaging offers a unique, authentic aesthetic that stands out from the more conventional high-end audio presentations, making it an engaging unboxing experience.
Inside, the Moon Rover IEMs are neatly stored in a leather IEM wallet, with a paper bag containing various ear tips, a cleaning cloth, and a tool for maintenance, ensuring the IEMs stay pristine. This thoughtful and comprehensive presentation reflects Campfire Audio’s dedication to detail and user satisfaction.
However, there are a couple of areas where the package could improve. For instance, it lacks Campfire’s more premium “Time Stream” cables, providing only a basic 3.5mm cable, which feels a bit underwhelming given the price point. Additionally, the absence of premium ear tips, like SpinFit or AZLA branded options commonly found in other high-end IEM packages, is noticeable. These could elevate the fit and overall experience, aligning with the premium status of the Moon Rover.
Design & Build Quality
The design of the Moon Rover IEM embodies the classic Campfire aesthetic, mirroring the iconic look of the Andromeda. It continues Campfire’s legacy with a vibrant, sci-fi-inspired design that stands out due to its titanium shells and purple-hued coating, which reflects light beautifully. This combination of professional yet futuristic style is enhanced by its robust build quality, featuring a monoblock chassis and durable metal nozzles, giving it a sturdy and impressive in-hand feel.
The craftsmanship of the Moon Rover is top-notch, blending titanium with gold-plated screws to create a sleek and durable structure. The metal nozzles further elevate the design’s longevity, while the stiff MMCX connectors add a sense of reliability and ruggedness. The cable is equally impressive, offering excellent tensile strength and rigidity, ensuring a dependable and long-lasting audio experience. As always, Campfire delivers impeccable build quality, and the Moon Rover continues this tradition with its durable, eye-catching design.
Fit
The fit of the Moon Rover is another standout feature, offering a snug, flush fit in the ear. Its ergonomic shape is ideal for extended listening sessions, showcasing Campfire’s expertise in creating comfortable IEMs over the years.
When paired with foam tips, the Moon Rover provides an impeccable fit, delivering excellent isolation and sealing out external noise effectively. Its compact footprint ensures comfort without compromising on ergonomics, while the well-designed chassis enhances the overall wearing experience. The isolation is superb for a universal monitor, approaching custom IEM levels when using foam tips. Overall, the fit is comfortable, secure, and impressive, leaving little to be desired.
Page 2: Sound Quality
Page 3: Technical Performance, Comparisons, Conclusion
