These earbuds with 3 planar magnetic drivers per ear may be the most daring on the planet, and I have to have them
Campfire Audio makes exceptional in-ear monitors for audiophiles, with models like the Solaris Stellar Horizon that deliver… well, fantastic sound for high-end buyers. And now the company has announced what will undoubtedly be its most elite wired earbuds yet, the Campfire Audio Astrolith. According to the company, they deliver the most refined, enhanced acoustic experience you can get.
The Astrolith IEMs are made with Campfire’s new Additive Acoustic Optical Inclusion housings, which consist of mirror-polished stainless steel housings that are not one, not two, but three planar magnetic drivers.
There are dual custom 14.2mm drivers for mid, low and sub-low frequencies, with highs handled by custom 5mm planar magnetic tweeters. Using planar drivers means harmonic distortion is very low – less than 0.3%, says Campfire – and the Astrolith’s voice coil diaphragm maintains its shape, even at high volumes.
Campfire Audio Astrolith: Specifications, Pricing and Availability
The Astrolith IEMs have a frequency response of 5Hz to 25kHz, an impedance at 1K of 8.2 ohms, and an SPL of 94dB at 1kHz and 44.90mVrms… for those who keep track of this sort of thing. You get both 3.5mm and 4.4mm cables, three sizes of ear tips, plus a black leather foldable wallet, a dual-pocket mesh pouch, and a cleaning tool. There’s also a Campfire Audio pin.
Here at TechRadar, we love planar magnetic drivers. You can check out our glowing reviews of the Edifier Stax Spirit S3 and Edifier Stax Spirit S5 for proof, as well as the fact that Editor in Chief Matt Bolton still has a pair of Oppo PM-1 headphones lying around in a drawer, and he refuses to ever part with them.
As ever with Campfire, these challengers to the best earbuds are for the wealthier audiophile: at £2,199 / $2,199 / €2,399, they’re a fair bit more expensive than the Sennheiser IE 900, though they’re actually more affordable than Campfire’s Solaris Stellar Horizon. Unfortunately, that means they’re well out of my budget, but if you’re lucky enough to be able to afford a pair, please consider leaving them to me in your will.
The Astrolith IEMs are now available from retailers such as Audiological, Audio Sanctuary And Amazon.
