Overview
The latest from the acoustics team at Campfire Audio, Astrolith represents the tip-of-the-spear for IEMs using a pure planar magnetic architecture. Further expanding on Campfire’s lineage of planar earphones, Astrolith incorporates two new drivers wrapped in our PPR and AAOI tuning elements. Combining the inherent advantages of planar magnetic drivers with decades of acoustic engineering experiences brings about an incredible new horizon in the realm of planar magnetic IEMs.
Highlights
What's in the Box
Tech Specs
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Astrolith: Peak Performance, Inside and Out Astrolith combines a 14mm planar magnetic main driver that ranges from sub-bass to mid frequencies and blends seamlessly with our 6mm planar true high-frequency tweeter. This internal architecture highlights the purity of the speed, accuracy, impact, and ultimate resolution that only a planar magnetic driver can deliver. 6mm Planar + PPR With Astrolith, we are excited to reveal our first implementation of our 6mm planar magnetic driver, which is paired with our new Particle Phase Resonator (PPR) tuning chamber to bring truly astounding high-end performance. This driver is very atypical relative to other planar drivers due to its very small size. Larger planar drivers already move incredibly fast, so shrinking the form down and focusing the response to the high frequencies, creates lightning fast transient response and upper range detail. 14mm Planar + AAOI Filling out the body of Astrolith's tuning, is an updated generation of our 14mm planar magnetic driver. First seen in our renowned IEM, Supermoon, this updated version features refined mechanics and updated grille patterning. The raw strengths of this driver have been carefully and precisely shaped by our new Additive Acoustic Optical Inclusion (AAOI) housing to hone the impact, texture, imaging, and layering ranging from the sub-bass to the midrange and gracefully blending with the upper registers powered by its companion, 6mm driver. |
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AAOI Housing Campfire is proud to introduce our new Additive Acoustic Optical Inclusion housing (AAOI). This shell offers unique contributions in both performance and style. With built-in acoustic-shaping geometries, our AAOI housing contributes to the refinement and enhancement of the output of Astrolith’s dual planar magnetic drivers. These chambers are carefully engineered to create precisely controlled acoustic volumes and ensure the targeted vision for Astrolith’s sonic performance. In style, Astrolith’s shell is truly unique with the addition of its optically inclusive internal chambers within a transparent exterior. This creates a unique, gem-like effect, allowing for a changing perspective and internal visibility from various angles, appearing sleek and black at a distance, but revealing light and structure from within. |
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Particle Phase Resonator - PPR Specially designed to couple with and enhance the performance of Astrolith's new and unique 6mm planar driver, Campfire's Particle Phase Resonator is one of our smallest and most precisely engineered driver housings to date. Shaping this driver's performance was an incredible challenge from an engineering standpoint; the size and speed of this driver called for incredibly low tolerances and delicate treatment. Campfire's PPR smooths and tempers the 6mm driver while still allowing it to shine and do what it does best: create lightning fast transients, resolution, and top-end detail. |
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Advancing Pure Planar Performance
Until recently, planar drivers were deemed unsuited for IEM applications; held back by size, sensitivity and cost limitations, they were long used in over-ear headphones. However, advancements in this technology have overcome these limitations enough for them to be used in portable, in-ear applications. Now, the wonderful character and advantages of planar drivers can be brought to IEM lovers; with their unique blend of size and speed and accompanying unique sonic characteristics. Campfire's first planar IEM, Supermoon's premium, planar sound quickly became a fan favorite and became one of the most renowned planar IEMs on the market. Moon Rover set a new standard for linearity and balance in Campfire's lineup. Now, Astrolith is the modern torch-bearer of Campfire's planar evolution. |
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New 14.2mm & 6mm Planar Magnetic Drivers Astrolith blends our new 14.2mm & 6mm planar magnetic drivers in an elegant, crossoverless, tuning. Our updated 14.2mm driver has updated and improved internal mechanics alongside a new acoustic grille pattern. This driver is carefully shaped by our in-house engineering to focus this driver outputs to the low through mid frequencies. Another exciting introduction to the CA line, our 6mm planar magnetic driver brings a unique set of technical capabilities, with its lightning fast transient production and soaring high end extension up to 25kHz. This creates ultimate resolution, detail, and top-end imaging. |
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Even Diaphragm MovementPlanar driver’s serpentine voice coil is distributed evenly over the entire surface of the diaphragm which stimulates driver movement such that the driver does not warp or bend as it moves back and forth. This contributes to the drivers incredible accuracy and rapid impulse response, making each note tight and defined and avoiding smearing seen in other large, dynamic drivers. Coupling the speed and even movement of the drivers diaphragm enables Astrolith to create incredibly accurate representations of the original sound. |
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Even Diaphragm Movement Planar driver’s serpentine voice coil is distributed evenly over the entire surface of the diaphragm which stimulates driver movement such that the driver does not warp or bend as it moves back and forth. This contributes to the drivers incredible accuracy and rapid impulse response, making each note tight and defined and avoiding smearing seen in other large, dynamic drivers. Coupling the speed and even movement of the drivers diaphragm enables Astrolith to create incredibly accurate representations of the original sound. |
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Even Diaphragm MovementPlanar driver’s serpentine voice coil is distributed evenly over the entire surface of the diaphragm which stimulates driver movement such that the driver does not warp or bend as it moves back and forth. This contributes to the drivers incredible accuracy and rapid impulse response, making each note tight and defined and avoiding smearing seen in other large, dynamic drivers. Coupling the speed and even movement of the drivers diaphragm enables Astrolith to create incredibly accurate representations of the original sound. |
Simply Amazing
The Lotoo GT2 is an amazing DAP. The treble has amazing detail and resolution, without harshness. Midrange is less colored than LPGT but meatier at the same time. The bass? I have never heard bass like GT2. It's a monster only biting off the perfect amount. Bass is powerful and accurate. GT2 seems to be made for my Meze 109 Pro headphones, but it sounds wonderful with all. I listen balanced. This DAP underwhelmed me initially but opens like a flower in the sun with more play time.
The Lotoo GT2 is an amazing DAP. The treble has amazing detail and resolution, without harshness.
The midrange is less colored than LPGT, but meatier at the same time. The bass? I have never heard bass like GT2. It's a monster only biting off the perfect amount. Bass is powerful and accurate. GT2 seems to be made for my Meze 109 Pro headphones, but sounds wonderful with all. I listen balanced. This DAP underwhelmed me initially, but opens like a flower in the sun with more play time.
Lotoo GT2 maintains Lotoo neutrality with power and grace. Do not judge this DAP until you get substantial hours in. It underwhelmed me during the first several days, but is blowing every other DAP I own away now. I own Lotoo Paw Gold Touch, Lotoo Paw 6000, Sony NW-WM1Z, and Sony NW-WM1A. I listen balanced with Meze 109 Pro, Shure SRH1540, and Sennheiser HD660S2 headphones. It seems as if Meze 109 Pro is made for Lotoo GT2, but all my headphones sound phenomenal. The midrange is less colored than LPGT, but meatier. Treble is so detailed with outstanding resolution, absent harshness. The bass? Good Lord, it is a raging monster only biting off what it should. I have never heard such beautiful bass. This player isn't fully burned in. I am at about fifteen hours. I am told GT2 will get even better. I can't even imagine.
I own virtually all the TOTL iems, and I have never heard one as detailed and moving as the PMG APX SE. The bass thumps, the treble glistens, the soundstage is all over and the definition amongst instruments is the best I have heard. It is my clear favorite now.
First, I must tell that I am not an audiophile, just a music enthusiast. Owning only headphones wanted to give a try to IEMs since I am always on the go. This being my first IEM, wanted to invest in something good so after searching in this price range and reading multiple reviews, decided to go for the Softears Enigma.
Photographs don’t give enough credit; this set is gorgeous and elegant. Engaging, without being extremely striking, so I can listen to my music while I wear suit at work or jeans on the street. But, above all, the sound. Enigma just blowout my mind. Fantastic for my taste: beautifully balance, with good clarity, detail, separation and expanded soundstage. And in the center of all that, the magic of that vocal tuning. Some audiophiles find Enigma treble recessed, not for me: everything is there in the right amount and when music asks for a stronger performance, they become energetic. And add to that excellent comfort.
I pair them with iBasso DX320MAX Ti, Mojo 2 and Lotoo PAW GT2.
I am very happy with them and grateful with Andrew and his team.
