Campfire Audio Andromeda Review: Holy Cow, This is a Dream, Awesomesauce!

Discussion in 'IEMs and Portable Gear' started by purr1n, May 13, 2016.

  1. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    Campfire Audio Andromeda: Holy Cow, This is a Dream, Awesomesauce!
    Stream of Consciousness Review


    Measurements Here: http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/campfire-audio-andromeda-measurements.2088/


    Disclaimer: I don't have a clear idea how or why these IEMs were sent to me. I believe several people (Nick and CT) worked really hard behind the scenes to make this happen. I have no idea who is who at Campfire Audio. I do know who Ken Ball is as I met him at THE SHOW, but I am pretty sure he would have no idea who I am.
    20160513_103011.jpg
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    I've decided to do a stream of consciousness review just to tease you guys (and also because I am doing several things at once right now). And also because a bunch of people are texting me about it because I've already laid hints that I think the Andromeda is absolutely wonderful. I figure I'll collapse the pertinent information together into a more coherent article once this interactive review is done. I've already written down a few notes. For now, I will present one measurement.

    CA Andromeda.png
    To me, on my measurement rig, with the compensations that I use, this is essentially the perfect frequency response for an IEM. A downward sloping response with a little bit of a bump at 2-3kHz to make up for the fact that IEMs bypass pinna. @CEE TEE asked me one question: "That if I could change the FR, what would I do?" The answer would be absolutely nothing. Keep in mind to me that this what I consider a "reference" response - one that I happen to like. I think most IEM people may prefer something with more bass, and perhaps more sizzle, given the popularity of other IEM brands.

    Measurements Here: http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/campfire-audio-andromeda-measurements.2088/

    Now taking questions.


    5/15/20016 UPDATE / HUGE CAVEAT:

    My impressions are largely from portables with a few ohms output Z. The Andromeda, because of its impedance curve, is SUPER sensitive to output Z. See here:


    http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...audio-andromeda-measurements.2088/#post-52702

    FWIW, I felt the iPhone5 with a Zout of 3-4 ohms was perfect match! I also thought the Sony X Walkman with the Class D output (unknown Z Out)was an excellent match as well, albeit with some hiss. All subjective impressions I have given in day one should assume a device with Zout of several ohms! I did not like the Andromeda as much from a device with near 0 output Z.

    PROS AND CONS:
    http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...s-a-dream-awesomesauce.2075/page-7#post-53158


    FIFTEEN HOUR FLIGHT TEST:
    http://www.superbestaudiofriends.or...s-a-dream-awesomesauce.2075/page-8#post-53797


    IMPRESSIONS FROM VARIOUS PORTABLE SOURCES:
    http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/campfire-audio-andromeda-review-holy-cow-this-is-a-dream-awesomesauce.2075/page-9#post-54687
     
    Last edited: May 27, 2016
  2. zerodeefex

    zerodeefex SBAF's Imelda Marcos

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    Conclusion: buy it now. I'm going to sell tons of gear to afford a pair.
     
  3. jexby

    jexby Posole Prince

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    @velvetx are you gonna arrange a small group buy for the first 10 of us buying Andromeda ?
    put me in the list somewhere while you figure out details!
    chop chop!
    :bow:
     
  4. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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  5. M3NTAL

    M3NTAL Friend

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    Marv, let us know which tips you end up with. I've been rolling Spin Fit, Spiral Dot, Comply, and Stock. I think they did a pretty good job choosing the stock foamies as the starters.

    Yes, they are very sensitive. I've had to break out my dedicated portable amps.
     
  6. blackships

    blackships Friend

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    UERM with more bass is my dream, but I'm spoiled by custom IEMs and not sure I want to go back to universal.
     
  7. Merrick

    Merrick A lidless ear

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    Looks like I'll be selling my Spartans to get these.
     
  8. OJneg

    OJneg The Most Insufferable

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    If Jupiter measurements are indeed comparable, it looks like the Andromeda's got a warmer slope but also a less laid-back upper mid. Is that correct? I am starting to get the impression that the relaxed upper-mids on the Jupiter and Lyra are not 100% honest.

    Very interesting. I'm guessing these have the same excellent resolution abilities as the Jupiter does? I've felt the Jupiter has great resolution and articulation and extension, but it doesn't really remind me of a sensitive full-ranger in terms of microdynamic ability and liveliness, so if the Andromeda adds that to the arsenal then this is a win of cosmic proportion.
     
  9. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

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    Given what I said about the Jupiter, what do you think I would make of the Andromeda? Not that I have any interest in buying IEMs (they are all uncomfortable and never fit right for me), but I'm curious regardless.
     
  10. Bill-P

    Bill-P Level 42 Mad Wizard

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    Given what Marv said of the Jupiter... and considering I heard it myself...

    These are now "must buy" for me. Looks like end-game portable material. :)
     
  11. velvetx

    velvetx Gear Master West/Vendor Spotlight Moderator

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    Well they said the magic words of hd6x0 so I think this might be for you <3
     
  12. Bill-P

    Bill-P Level 42 Mad Wizard

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    Hands doesn't like HD600, but he likes HD650, so there's that.

    The 600 does have a little bit of an upper mid peak as opposed to HD650. I prefer 650's smoother response, but it's at times a little too dark and laid back up top... whereas 600 is more lively, but at the expense of getting a bit hot. And the difference isn't really that subtle at all... to me.
     
  13. TimelessTele

    TimelessTele New

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    How is the cable in terms of microphonics? I know it doesn't annoy some people but it really takes me out of the experience whenever I move around my chair.
    Also, have you tried the Nova?
     
  14. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    I think you simply don't like the sound and timbre of balanced armatures. You might be better served with dynamics like the RE-0, Lyra, etc.
     
  15. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    I'm at lunch eating goat feet paki-indo style. Once I get back to the office, I will try them on with a portable in my pocket and do jumping jacks and will report back.
     
  16. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    These are like the HD600 in that regard. They will sound bright with a bright recording. But it's not anything inherently bright as the sun like the HD800.

    Keep in mind there is more deeper bass, more body, even a hint of lushness, compared to the HD600.

    I think @Hands will have most issue with the balanced armature sound. This is more of a presentation concern: dynamics, ribbons, stats, horns, etc.
     
    Last edited: May 13, 2016
  17. jexby

    jexby Posole Prince

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    also, please post your fitbit heart rate values during and after the jumping jack exercises.

    regarding cable micro phonics, I despised the cable on the Jupiter when they were on tour.
    since these cables are removable, Can Campfire IEMs be "re-cabled" by others- with quality Litz wire and good/soft sheathing?
    or is that connector type a one of a kind?
     
  18. Merrick

    Merrick A lidless ear

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    They don't have MMCX connectors? They look like they do.
     
  19. velvetx

    velvetx Gear Master West/Vendor Spotlight Moderator

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    Yes they can be re-cabled.

    https://www.campfireaudio.com/product/litz-cable/
     
  20. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

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    Could be the case. Haven't heard enough BAs (maybe just the Jupiter?) to say one way or the other. Would have to hear this and others.
     

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