Campfire audio has announced a new in-ear monitor that will blow the competition away. Featuring a new lightweight design made from stainless steel, the Astrolite Astrolith is their newest IEM model that aims to impress. It comes with some technological improvements using dual-planar magnetic drivers – phase particle resonators and additive acoustic optical inclusion housing. They retail at $2199 which is a pretty high asking price. These IEMs are not on the market yet but I was lucky enough to listen to them and give my opinion before they hit the stores. Let’s take a closer look at the sound and tech specs of the Astroliths.
What's in the box
- IEM Astrolith
- x6 Adjustable Ear Tips
- x3 foam earplugs
- x3 silicone earplugs
- Time Stream Metal Cables (3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations)
- Premium handmade leather case
- Small Divided Mesh Drawstring Bag
- Large mesh crossbody bag with zipper
- Microfiber cloth and cleaning tool
- CA Lapel Pin
Aesthetics and Functionality
Starting with the look of the monitors, it's pretty impressive how they've managed to make such a lightweight and powerful product. The stainless steel finish is unlike anything Campfire has released before, and the shape leans more towards classic IEMs rather than their signature bulky style. It's a welcome change, as as someone who prefers the slimmer form factor, I'm also happy that it hasn't diminished the sound quality. The AAOI (Additive Acoustic Optical Inclusion) housing, first seen on the Large moonThis is implemented again in Astrolith. The semi-transparent body with stainless steel casing is both appealing to the eye and comfortable to wear. In terms of functionality, connecting these monitors to my computer was a breeze. The added option of a 4.4mm termination instead of a 3.5mm one allows for easy addition of any DAC or amplifier for people looking to further enhance their listening experience.
Technical specifications
- Dual-plane magnetic drivers
- 6mm planar with PPR
- 14.2mm Planar with AAOI Housing
- Frequency response: 5 Hz – 20 kHz
- Sound pressure: 94 db at 1 kHz
- Impedance: 7.05 Ω at 1 kHz
- Total harmonic distortion:
In this pair of IEMs, Campfire is announcing some technological improvements when it comes to their drivers. The dual-planar magnetic drivers have unique housings, a different one for each driver. The 6mm driver has a PPR tuning chamber, which stands for particle phase resonator. This allows the highs to take on a new sound quality with great detail and resolution. Considering that the IEMs are naturally bass-heavy due to their in-ear design, I like to see that Campfire is taking some measures to counteract all the low end and shower us with highs.
Listening review
Sound scene
Overall, the sound of the Astrolith was in keeping with what Campfire does. It was spacious, colorful, and impressively detailed. Regular users of Campfire products will feel right at home with this pair and find them easy to operate and listen to. Great imaging accuracy, as with all Campfire IEMs. I felt like the soundstage was surrounding me and I was completely immersed in my listening. Over the hours of testing, an impressive range of detail and imaging was on display, and at no point did it feel fatiguing. I liked the height and depth these IEMs provide, making them a great choice for a variety of listeners. Audio editors, casual listeners, and audiophiles alike will all enjoy them and find useful applications for them.
Low frequencies
On many IEMs, the bass is one of the first things that jumps out at you. The Astroliths are no exception. The bass is powerful and gives a well-deserved punch to any song you listen to. Part of it is probably due to the in-ear design that cancels out most of the noise, but the other part is the extended frequency response that starts at 5 Hz. Sub-bass frequencies are still detailed and have great clarity, and never once did they sound muddy or washed out in any mix. In particular, I was listening to Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” and was completely immersed in the bass, electric guitar, and throaty choir vocals.
Midrange Frequencies
Vocals really get a chance to shine with the Astrolith. Even with a low end that is powerful and ever present, it was nice to hear that the midrange still gets the attention and detail it deserves. The level of clarity that comes with all the layers of instruments in the midrange makes for an enjoyable listening experience. I wasn’t drowning in the low end and instead got great detail and color from the acoustic guitars, brass sections, drums, and harmonic layers. You can hear the enhanced detail that comes from listening to ROSALÍA’s “MOTOMAMI” album where all the post-production effects can come out and be appreciated.
High frequencies
The highs didn’t disappoint, thanks to the PPR tuning on the 6mm magnetic driver. Breathy vocals and crisp hi-hats balanced out the other ranges nicely. They didn’t overpower any other range and were kept at a great level to avoid a shrill or annoying quality. Sigur Rós’s “Hoppípolla” has plenty of detail in the highs, with a singer favoring his falsetto and a reverberant piano and string accompaniment. I loved that all of these layers came through and had enough clarity to distinguish themselves from one another; they weren’t too penetrating in tonality and I listened comfortably throughout.
Summary
In conclusion, the Astroliths are a great pair of IEMs for any audio enthusiast. As I mentioned before, they are a brilliant pair with plenty of versatility for different environments. It’s exciting to see that they use the dual planar magnetic drivers, which only begs the question of how they will design their next model. The new design is a big change from what Campfire fans may be used to, but they are still reliable in delivering quality sound without the cost of comfort. It’s familiar and completely new at once, and I would certainly consider saving up to get my hands on a pair.
He Astrolite Available August 7, 2024.
In the meantime, take a look Other IEMs from Campfire Audio in Audio46.
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