Campfire Audio has always pushed the boundaries of in-ear monitor (IEM) design, and the Astrolith is no exception. This $2200 powerhouse offers a unique dual-plane driver configuration, promising an otherworldly listening experience. But does it deliver on its promise? Let’s break down the Campfire Astrolith and explore its strengths and weaknesses.
Look and Feel: Star Trek Meets Audiophile
As soon as you see the Campfire Astrolith, you’ll notice its striking appearance. Campfire has created a design that wouldn’t look out of place on the bridge of the Enterprise. The chrome finish and triangular faceplate make a bold statement, creating an IEM that is undeniably eye-catching and ostentatious.
While the Astrolith's looks may not be to everyone's taste, it's hard to deny the attention to detail. The ergonomic housing provides a flush fit that hugs your ear comfortably. After twisting the tip a bit, you'll easily achieve a good seal, ensuring optimal sound isolation and performance.
The cable fits comfortably in the ear, making the Astroliths suitable for extended listening sessions. However, the chrome finish attracts fingerprints, which may frustrate those who prefer a pristine appearance at all times.
Despite its futuristic design, some users may find the Astrolith’s appearance to be a bit too flashy. The color scheme and overall aesthetic may not inspire everyone, but the Campfire makes up for it with excellent comfort. If you prioritize fit and feel over looks, the Astrolith won’t let you down.
Engineering marvel: dual-plane drivers in a compact package
At the heart of the Campfire Astrolith is its most impressive feature: a dual planar driver setup. Campfire’s engineering team has managed to cram a 14.2mm planar driver and a 6mm planar tweeter into a $2200 IEM. This feat alone deserves recognition, as it’s not often you see this kind of design at this price point.
The Astrolith’s body combines stainless steel external components with a 3D-printed AAOI polymer, striking a balance between durability and weight. Campfire has designed the housing to extend the bass range and highlight the mids, suggesting the Astrolith’s sonic signature.
Sensitivity is high, as you’d expect from IEMs. The Astroliths work well with a variety of sources, from DAC adapters to wireless beltpacks. Campfire includes both 4.4mm and 3.5mm cables, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.
Technically, the Astrolith boasts ultra-low THD (total harmonic distortion), which promises clean and accurate sound reproduction. It offers good transparency and semi-fast transients, although the bass isn’t the sharpest you’ll hear. However, it’s still exciting and clear, which sets the stage for the Astrolith’s unique sound signature.
Soundstage: intimate but clear
As far as the soundstage goes, the Campfire Astrolith presents a somewhat mixed picture. The 6mm tweeter contributes to a wider and more analytical presentation compared to other IEMs. Don’t expect amazing holographic qualities, though.
The Astrolith maintains the intimate nature typical of IEMs, but excels in imaging clarity. While an expansive soundstage may not be its primary goal, the Astrolith proves useful as a professional tool for accurate imaging. It manages to sound exciting and enjoyable in most contexts, striking a balance between analytical accuracy and pleasurable listening.
One caveat: the prominent bass can sometimes take away from the clarity of the soundstage. This drawback is part of the Astrolith's character and whether it works for you will depend on your preferences and your primary use.
Low
If there’s one area where the Campfire Astrolith excels, it’s in the bass department. This IEM delivers deep, punchy low frequencies with excellent extension. While it doesn’t have as much bass as Campfire’s Bonneville, the Astrolith probably ranks as the second-most bass-packed IEM in their current lineup.
The low-end texture is direct and palpable, and it comes through on every track. Take Dystopia's “My Meds Aren't Working,” for example. Astrolith's clean basslines and guitar delivery perfectly showcase just how intense low-end can be. It's not the most natural timbre, but bass lovers who crave detail will find plenty to love here.
This tuning isn't without its challenges, though. On tracks like Meshuggah's “Broken Cog,” the bass can sometimes feel overwhelming. The lower-tuned guitars and rumble of the 8-strings can become confusing at times, clearly showing Astrolith's bass-centric signature.
For those looking for a flat or bright IEM, the Astrolith's bass may prove too much. But if you're a bass enthusiast still looking for clarity in other frequencies, the Astrolith could be your new favorite IEM.
Media
The Campfire Astrolith's midrange presents a more complex picture. There's a noticeable emphasis on the 400Hz to 800Hz range, which can lead to a slightly boxy character at times. This tuning doesn't always pair well with the prominent bass, and sometimes leaves listeners wanting more from the mids.
Vocals can sometimes get lost in busy mixes, depending on the instrumentation and production style. However, the Astrolith works particularly well with live and acoustic recordings. These types of tracks often lack bass or are mixed brightly to show performance nuances, and the Astrolith’s tuning complements them very well.
If you love vocals, you may want to look elsewhere or consider using an equalizer. Slightly lowering the mids and boosting the high mids can make instrumentation and vocals shine more, tailoring the sound to your preferences.
To illustrate the midrange performance, consider Def Leppard's “Photograph.” On the Astrolith, the guitars can sound a little harsh, while the vocals sit too low in the mix compared to the bass. It's worth noting that this is a AAA mix where no expense has been spared, and the vocal presentation on the Astrolith doesn't do justice to the original production.
Maximums
The Campfire Astrolith’s high frequencies take a backseat to the prominent bass, but they’re not completely absent. There’s still plenty of detail, thanks to the flat 6mm tweeter, but it’s not as forward as some might prefer.
On the plus side, the Astrolith exhibits absolutely no sibilance. However, cymbal hits have a strong recession, making it difficult to discern stick attacks and microharmonics on some instruments. Consider Jimmy Smith's “Cherokee.” On the Astrolith, you might miss some of the searing edge of the hi-hat and organ percussion. The highs aren't bad at all, but they lack the sparkle and air that some listeners might crave.
Despite these limitations, the Astrolith still adds detail to the bass in ways you may not have heard before. The overall presentation results in a very colorful sound that will appeal to a select group of listeners who prefer a warmer signature with prominent bass.
Comparisons and final reflections
Compared to other Campfire planar IEMs like the Moon Rover, the Astrolith is less cohesive across the frequency spectrum. Its bass-oriented tuning will delight some listeners, but may overwhelm others.
If you are considering the Astrolite Campfire, keep these key points in mind:
- The bass is deep, punchy and direct – perfect for bass lovers, but potentially too much for others.
- Mids can become slightly boxy and lost in busy mixes.
- The highs are detailed but take a backseat to the lows.
- Comfort is excellent, although the flashy design isn't for everyone.
- The dual planar driver configuration is an impressive feat of engineering in this price range.
The Campfire Astrolith has carved out a unique niche for itself in the high-end IEM market. Its dual-plane driver configuration and bass-oriented tuning set it apart from the competition. If you’re a bass enthusiast who still wants detail and doesn’t mind a colored sound signature, the Astrolith could become your go-to IEM.
However, if you prefer a more neutral or bright tuning, you may want to look elsewhere or be prepared to use the EQ. The Astrolith's character shines best with certain genres and recordings, particularly those that benefit from a strong bass presence.
Ultimately, the Campfire Astrolith is a testament to Campfire Audio’s willingness to push boundaries and create unique listening experiences. While it may not be for everyone, those who connect with its sound signature will find plenty to love in this bass-heavy, sci-fi inspired IEM. Whether you’re exploring new musical galaxies or simply enjoying your favorite tracks, the Astrolith promises a journey that’s anything but ordinary.
