Campfire Audio Vega, Dorada, Lyra 2 Discussion/Impressions

Discussion in 'IEMs and Portable Gear' started by purr1n, Oct 29, 2016.

  1. KenBall

    KenBall Owner - Campfire Audio

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    Sure

    [​IMG]

    Ken
     
  2. jowls

    jowls Never shitposts (please) - Friend

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    Thanks Ken. It's great to see you trying your hand at different materials and drivers rather than the industry norm of +2 drivers +$200, +4 drivers +$400, etc. The R&D and tooling costs must be substantial...
     
  3. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    I know that many of you don't believe in burn-in, but I am willing to give Campfire Audio the benefit of the doubt in this case, especially when this comes from a manufacturer / designer rather than a retailer: Ken himself did say that the Vega required a massive amount of burn in. At the meet, Ken handed to me a pair of Vega IEMs that were well burned-in. Yes, do they sound a little different. Mainly in that the slightly ringy strident treble that I reported is gone. (With an overall treble volume no greater than that of Andromeda - subjectively a few db more laid back). The diamond driver coloration I was telling OJ about is essentially gone. To refresh your memory, see here (and read the next two pages): http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...yra-2-discussion-impressions.3111/#post-90915

    I'm wondering if various states of burn-in might explain the differences of opinion in this matter, with some saying the treble seem perfectly smooth to them and others reporting ringy behavior. (There did not seem to be any differences of opinion with the bassier nature of the Vega). I doubt that the differences I heard were because of brain-burn in because I've been listening to my Andromedas (which is like a palette cleanser to keep me honest). I did take some CSD measurements, but the caveat here is that they are of different units and measured at different times.

    Campfire Audio Vega CSD
    output_Mw7Vre.gif
    From a CSD perspective, the well burned-in unit that Ken delivered to me has more even FR, slightly less ringing, and slightly more treble extension.

    FR added per request.

    Campfire Audio Vega FR
    Grey = Fresh out of box
    Green =Well burned-in unit
    Vega BI FR.png
    Bass differences are more likely caused of variances in seal - the most difficult part of IEM measurement consistency.
     
    Last edited: Nov 7, 2016
  4. Serious

    Serious Inquisitive Frequency Response Plot

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    Can you overlay the FR? I'm also wondering if the slight difference in treble ringing in the CSDs is due to slightly different insertion depths with the measurements as the peak seems to be shifted slightly higher. That doesn't mean I don't believe in burn in. My Fostex FE83Ens seemed to need massive amounts of burn-in and I wouldn't be surprised if the HD6XX D3 lowered with more burn-in.
     
  5. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Posted along with CSD above.
     
  6. Kunlun

    Kunlun cat-alyzes cat-aclysmic cat-erwauling - Friend

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    I've mentioned it before, but KWKarth, who had a hand in the Monster Turbine DD iems, recommended burn-in at a relatively high volume to flex the driver, and those are mylar diaphragms.

    I wonder if the new materials used for an even stiffer diaphragm require more and louder playing to get them to flex and break in a bit. I'm sure if blue jeans were made of Be or DLC thread they would take a bunch of wearing before they became comfortable (and, in the case of Be, fatally toxic).

    @KenBall could you please comment, would you say different driver materials have different "burn-in" rates?
     
    Last edited: Nov 7, 2016
  7. OJneg

    OJneg The Most Insufferable

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    Nwavguy said burn-in doesn't exist you're a liar and shill obviously
     
  8. Warrior

    Warrior RIP 2021

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    Not sure if it was mentioned here or not, but @james444 has suggested a mod for those that would like a little less bass. Perhaps @shotgunshane can share a little more info and feedback? I don't have my Vegas, so I can't say how it works, but would be my last choice of mods. Lol

    Here is some info:

    "The j444 front vent tip mod is simply putting a strip of silicone between the nozzle and the tip to allow air to flow. Basically you are creating a leaky seal but not compromising the seal with your ear."
     
  9. ashrafazlan

    ashrafazlan New

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    That's a popular mod for TFZ S5 owners and it does help tame some of its bass boominess.
     
  10. Merrick

    Merrick A lidless ear

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    Shane and I have discussed that mod. I'm not actually sure I want to do it. The deep, powerful bass is part of what I love about the Vega. If I want a more restrained bass I have the Andromeda.
     
  11. Warrior

    Warrior RIP 2021

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    I completely agree. If anything, I want more bass!!
     
  12. mscott58

    mscott58 Friend

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    Agree as well. The bass rocks as-is. Cheers
     
  13. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    Some Vega impressions:

    I like the Vega but it's with caviats. I don't like it with silicone tips. I get ringing/reflections that I don't get with foam. Foam resolves those treble issues but I still get a lot of enhanced sibilance. Bass is also too strong in sub bass. It sounds oddly thick in combination with thin treble. However, if I apply the j444 front vent tip mod, they sound much more balanced and I like them a lot!

    The j444 front vent tip mod is simply putting a strip of silicone between the nozzle and the tip to allow air to flow. Basically you are creating a leaky seal but not compromising the seal with your ear. Instruction can be found here: http://www.head-fi.org/t/703874/jvc-ha-fx850-iem-woody/105#post_10347472. Expand the spoiler for the v1 of the mod. It works perfectly with the campfire audio foam tips. With comply I needed to double up on the pieces of silicone. TS style comply give me the most comfortable fit and in combination with this little mod, make the Vega a compelling package. I encourage any to try the mod that would like a more balanced signature.
     
  14. brencho

    brencho Friend

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    Holy crap, squeezing silicone on the nozzle and then managing a comply foam tip on top seems like a labor of love... at least with the andromeda those foamies are hard to put on, but maybe I should use some Vaseline haha
     
  15. shotgunshane

    shotgunshane Floridian Falcon

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    IMG_0045.JPG

    It's a little tedious to do but stays put once done. Just cut the silicone tip long enough to hold against the nozzle.
     
  16. Warrior

    Warrior RIP 2021

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    For the record, I highly discourage this mod. It goes against everything I stand for. ;)
     
  17. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Vega is going out on loaner. @sphinxvc will set this up when he gets a chance.
     
  18. KenBall

    KenBall Owner - Campfire Audio

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    I made several versions that have a pin hole located on the spout just behind the back of the silicone tip. The pinhole is then covered with a acoustic damper material where the dampers value can be adjusted. This is a more surgical approach to your silicone "leakage" method you are describing. So the pin hole is located in front of the speaker and allows for controlled accurate leakage. By adjusting the acoustic damper over the pin hole you can vary the -dB of the low end.

    I personally did not like the reduction in the bass which is why we did not implement this, but certainly its always a option for future something :)

    I wolud not try this to your vega, if you try it your almost certan to damage the hi drivers located in this area or ruin your Left / Right matching for sure.

    I only mention this because I share your tinkeing and moding heritage.

    Ken
     
  19. music_4321

    music_4321 Acquaintance

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    "I wolud not try this to your vega, if you try it your almost certan to damage the hi drivers located in this area or ruin your Left / Right matching for sure."

    Hey Ken, aren't you referring here (bolded text) to the Dorado (the hybrid one) instead of the Vega? I say this because you say "hi drivers located in this area".
     
  20. mscott58

    mscott58 Friend

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    Yeah, I'd guess the same thing as the Dorado's have their BA's right in the "spout", that's why it's wider and longer than the one on the Lyra II or Vega. Cheers
     

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