Nihal opinions the Campfire Audio Andromeda 10, the brand new 10 BA driver successor to the corporate’s traditional 5-driver Andromeda common IEM. It’s at the moment priced at $1799.00 for the common model and $2499 for the Launch Version.
Disclaimer: This pattern was despatched to me in trade for my sincere opinion. Headfonics is an impartial web site with no affiliate hyperlinks or providers. I thank Campfire Audio for his or her help.
Click on right here to study extra about Campfire Audio merchandise beforehand reviewed on Headfonics.
This text follows our present scoring pointers, which you’ll be able to learn in additional element right here.
Campfire Audio Andromeda 10 Evaluate
Abstract
The ten BA driver Andromeda 10 IEM seems like Campfire Audio remembering why individuals fell for this line within the first place. It nails timbre with out overthinking it. It is clear and musical, the form of tuning you do not have to overthink about.
Execs
Pure and musical midrange.
Good soundstage, instrument separation and layering.
Premium construct and good set of equipment.
Cons
Sub-bass response misses a little bit of depth.
Again in 2019, once I was nonetheless a newcomer within the audiophile world, I used to be at a small meetup with a number of mates. Nothing formal. Somebody had a Campfire Audio Andromeda. I plugged it into my Cayin N6ii, and we simply began taking part in music.
Performed a few Grateful Lifeless tracks, and that was it. I didn’t comprehend it on the time, however that little session planted the seed for me to turn into a future Andromeda proprietor and a Campfire Audio fanboy within the making.
Since then, I’ve owned a Solaris for a short time, and I’ve purchased and bought an embarrassing variety of IEMs. Totally different tunings, completely different driver configs, completely different hype cycles. However the Andromeda second has stayed weirdly clear in my head.
Andromeda debuted in 2016. Since then, it has seen many revisions. Emerald Sea was the place the unique lineage lastly closed.
Now Campfire is doing the Andromeda 10 for the tenth anniversary, and this isn’t a small refresh. The large headline is the driving force depend. Ten balanced armatures this time, as an alternative of the same old 5 BA setup that almost all Andromedas have been recognized for.
Andromeda Gold did push it to seven BAs earlier, so Campfire has performed with this earlier than, however ten nonetheless appears like an announcement product.
Andromeda carries a protracted legacy on its shoulders, and Andromeda 10 is strolling into that legacy whether or not it needs to or not.
On this overview, I’m going to dig into what it does and whether or not it earns the tag. I will even put it subsequent to some similarly-priced IEMs, such because the Grand Luna, Noble’s AGIS II, and THIEAUDIO’s Valhalla, to see if it is a actual improve or simply an anniversary flex.
Options
Campfire Audio just isn’t doing the “extra drivers, extra hype” factor right here. Andromeda 10 does have a bigger driver depend on paper, certain, however the story is about how they’ve reworked the internals to make balanced armatures behave cleaner.
The brand new circuit design in Andromeda 10 is constructed round one objective: reduce down the little annoyances BA drivers can carry, like noise and resonance.
The thought is to maintain the diaphragm extra secure, so the sound comes out clearer and extra locked in, as an alternative of feeling barely edgy or hazy when the combination will get busy.
The driving force format is of 4 BA for the midrange and vocals, and 4 massive BA for the lows, with the excessive finish dealt with by two drivers.
Campfire Audio can also be doing cautious acoustic spatial work utilizing TAEC (Tuned Acoustic Growth Chamber) to create a better sense of area and improve that traditional Andromeda taste.
The interior circuit is engineered to cut back and eradicate undesirable noise and resonance that may be current when a number of balanced armatures are employed collectively.
What helps glue all this collectively is a small however fascinating alternative: a classic ceramic-film capacitor contained in the crossover community.
The job of that half is mainly cohesion, mixing these driver “compartments” so the handoff feels seamless. On paper, it reads like a nerdy element – a extremely advanced Andromeda, simply with tighter management and a bit extra efficiency headroom.
Design
The model I’ve is the Andromeda 10 Launch Version in black, and it appears like Campfire wished it to really feel like a “critical object” within the hand.
The housing is precision-machined chrome steel, and you may inform immediately that it’s got some weight and a sturdy, dense, arduous, and glossy look.
The shell form can also be a bit uncommon. From the entrance, it feels longer and extra stretched out than most IEMs. It appears extra like a small, angular software, with clear planes and sharp transitions.
The faceplate is the half that grabs consideration. On the Launch Version, it’s actual Damascus metal. It has flowing stripe patterns throughout the plate, virtually like layered waves. It has a refined but premium look, not colourful, not shouty, simply slick and imply.
The CA inlay is gold and pops properly in opposition to the black shell. That shiny black end generally is a fingerprint magnet, and it’s the form of IEM it would be best to child a bit. I can think about the opposite particular gold model can look gaudier.
Campfire Audio additionally made an enormous sensible change right here. They lastly ditched MMCX and moved to a 2-pin system. The sockets are recessed for stability, so the connection appears cleaner and feels safer long-term.
On the shell itself, you’ll be able to see a correct vent reduce on the facet. The nozzle can also be properly achieved, with a grille overlaying the opening, and it ought to assist maintain wax and dirt out.
Total, it’s a correct looker, feels premium, and feels constructed to final. The common Andromeda 10 is constructed with CNC aluminum and is lighter, with a extra traditional ‘inexperienced’ look. Nonetheless, this black Launch Version is the one which seems like a particular piece.
Consolation & Isolation
The Andromeda 10 LE has that elongated shell design that may look a bit massive in images, however in hand, it feels common. Extra importantly, it sits proper. The shells nestle within the ear properly and don’t really feel awkward or cumbersome when you put on them. Consolation has not been a difficulty for me in any respect.
The nozzles are on the smaller facet, and that helps greater than you’ll assume. When you get a tip that grips nicely, the IEMs keep put with out you having to push them in deep.
I really feel that even individuals with smaller ears needs to be fantastic with the match. In addition they don’t stick out an excessive amount of, so you aren’t strolling round feeling that it’s hanging off your ear.
Weight distribution is completed nicely. You don’t get that “flattening” feeling, and they don’t really feel like they’re hanging on the cable.
The light-weight inventory cable helps right here, so even in longer listening classes, you don’t really feel strain constructing on the highest of the ear or across the concha. It simply feels secure and simple to reside with.
Isolation is first rate. It’s not the form of deep isolation you get from some absolutely sealed resin shells, nevertheless it cuts sufficient outdoors noise to maintain you targeted on music.
I additionally didn’t run into any strain build-up points, and there’s no driver flex both. Total, it’s a snug set which you can put on for hours with out serious about it.
Ear Ideas
The Andromeda 10 LE is stocked with three units of ear ideas: customary silicone, foam, and clear silicone.
Campfire Audio has included these identical ear ideas with latest releases such because the Alien Mind and Grand Luna. These ear ideas are available three sizes: small, medium, and huge. They’re well-built, with a tender, premium end.
The usual silicone ear ideas have a really tender texture and pair fairly nicely with the IEMs. I’m not very keen on the ultra-clear silicone ear ideas, as they have an inclination to turn into sticky for me, however I do discover them fairly premium in construct. The opposite black silicone ear ideas will not be sticky.
With the small nozzles on the Andromeda 10, these ear ideas match fairly nicely, and I’ve spent sufficient time with the bigger dimension.
Among the many aftermarket ones I attempted, the Divinus Velvet ideas and the Eletech Baroque Stage ear ideas match fairly nicely. I’ve been utilizing the Stage ear ideas so much recently.
They increase the soundstage in each top and depth and maintain the sound open sufficient. Personally, I discover the Andromeda 10’s match to be straightforward, so that you gained’t need to wrestle a lot with discovering the right-fitting ear ideas.
Inventory Cable
The Andromeda 10 LE cable is clearly made to match the entire Launch Version vibe, each in appears and in the way it sits with the shells. The colour scheme of black and gold weave lines-up completely with the black chrome steel shells and the little gold accents on the faceplate. The conductors are 4 large-gauge, gold-plated copper.
This LE cable just isn’t modular, although. You get a straight 4.4mm termination, and that’s it.
If you need the swapping comfort, that’s what the common Andromeda 10 will get with the Time Hyperlink modular cable, permitting you to swap between 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and even a USB-C DAC termination. It’s extra of a “do all the things” cable, whereas the Launch Version is extra targeted.
In hand, this cable has a pleasant middle-ground really feel. It’s not too tender and floppy, however additionally it is not stiff or annoying. It bends simply and sits comfortably across the ear. Storing can also be a simple affair, because it doesn’t battle you while you coil it again into the case.
{Hardware} is stored easy, which I like. The Y-split and the chin slider have clean edges and a clear end. The plug appears particularly good, with a extra angular barrel form that provides it a little bit of character. Up high, the 2-pin connectors look tidy and sit cosy.
Total, it’s a type of inventory cables that doesn’t make you rush to improve. It really works, it feels good, and it matches the IEM’s styling correctly.
After all, with 2-pin, cable swapping is at all times tempting as a result of we’re all like that, however you don’t really want to swap this one until you desire a completely different look or a distinct termination.
Packaging & Equipment
The Andromeda 10 LE packaging feels vibrant with out making an attempt too arduous. It arrives in an average-sized cardboard field.
The entire thing is drenched in that acquainted Andromeda inexperienced theme, with the paintings sitting entrance and heart and the branding laid out cleanly. It has that “Campfire” id instantly, and you probably have seen their latest releases, you’ll acknowledge the model.
The field opens from the entrance like a guide, and that first flip is satisfying. The within of the higher flap has a pleasant little bit of Andromeda 10 paintings, so it doesn’t really feel like lifeless area.
The entire thing units the tone, and it makes the unboxing really feel a bit extra particular than simply pulling foam out of a lid.
When you open it up, the format is simple. On the left, the large beige carry case is sitting there. It immediately turns into the star of the unboxing as a result of it appears and seems like one thing you’ll use.
On the appropriate, the IEMs are tucked into foam cutouts, secure and cushty, and also you additionally spot a small Campfire Audio pin sitting alongside them.
All of the equipment are inside that giant case, which is actually the appropriate name. You open it, and all the things you’ll count on from a premium set is there.
The cable, three units of ear ideas, a cleansing software, and a cleansing fabric. You additionally get a mesh pouch, and this one just isn’t a throwaway further. With these shells, you need that further layer of safety.
The case is roomy sufficient that you’re not taking part in Tetris each time you pack it up. You’ll be able to match the IEMs, cable, and ideas and nonetheless have respiratory room, which makes the entire package deal really feel extra thought-out than flashy.
Carry Case
The carry case right here is the sort that makes you grin as a result of you realize you need to use it every day with out taking part in the “how do I match the cable and shells with out stressing them” recreation.
The surface has a tender really feel with a pebbled texture, so it feels premium in hand and never like a generic arduous puck case.
The usual one is available in traditional Andromeda inexperienced. Mine, with the Launch Version, is a light-weight beige colour. It appears clear and fashionable, however yeah, it could possibly get soiled when you toss it round. A fast wipe often, and it’s fantastic.
On the entrance, you get the Campfire Audio branding stamped. The zip {hardware} is gold and feels stable, which provides a pleasant premium contact.
Inside, it’s plush. Velvet lining throughout, tender sufficient that you don’t fear in regards to the shells rubbing in opposition to one thing tough. On the highest lid, there’s a stitched Campfire Audio emblem and a small pocket that’s helpful.
It’s excellent for further ideas, adapters, cleansing instruments, and that form of stuff. One of the best half is the area. The IEMs and the cable match simply, no wrestle. It’s roomy sufficient which you can even throw in one other small set when you actually wish to.
And I like that Campfire Audio offers you these little mesh pockets for the shells. I exploit them each time. With the Andromeda 10 LE being a scratch magnet, it simply feels safer to tuck the shells in there earlier than closing the case.
Even with the common Andromeda, it’s a good behavior as a result of paint chips and knocks are actual when two shells slam into one another in a bag. This case makes that complete routine straightforward, and that’s the reason it really works.
Click on on web page 2 under for my sound impressions and really useful pairings.
