Campfire Audio has always pushed the boundaries of in-ear monitor (IEM) design, and the Astrolith is no exception. This $2200 powerhouse brings a unique dual planar driver configuration to the table, promising a listening experience that's out of this world. But does it deliver? Let's dive into the Campfire Astrolith and explore its strengths and weaknesses.

Look and Feel: Star Trek Meets Audiophile

The moment you lay eyes on the Campfire Astrolith, you'll notice its striking appearance. Campfire has crafted 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's undeniably flashy and ostentatious.

While the Astrolith's looks might not appeal to everyone's taste, it's hard to deny the attention to detail. The ergonomic housing provides a flush fit that hugs the ear comfortably. After some tip-rolling, you'll easily achieve a good seal, ensuring optimal sound isolation and performance.

The cable wraps around the ear comfortably, making the Astrolith suitable for extended listening sessions. However, the chrome finish is a fingerprint magnet, which might frustrate those who prefer a pristine appearance at all times.

Despite its futuristic design, some users might find the Astrolith's appearance a bit too flashy. The color scheme and overall aesthetic might not inspire everyone, but Campfire makes up for it with excellent comfort. If you prioritize fit and feel over looks, the Astrolith won't disappoint.

Engineering Marvel: Dual Planar Drivers in a Compact Package

At the heart of the Campfire Astrolith lies its most impressive feature: a dual planar driver configuration. Campfire's engineering team has managed to squeeze a 14.2mm planar driver and a 6mm planar tweeter into a $2200 IEM. This feat alone deserves recognition, as it's not often we see this type of design at this price point.

The Astrolith's body combines stainless steel outer 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 bring out the mids, hinting at the Astrolith's sound signature.

Sensitivity is high, as you'd expect from IEMs. The Astrolith plays well with a variety of sources, from dongle DACs to wireless body packs. 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), promising clean and accurate sound reproduction. It offers good transparency and semi-fast transients, though the bass isn't the sharpest you'll hear. Nevertheless, it remains exciting and clear, setting the stage for the Astrolith's unique sound signature.

Soundstage: Intimate yet Clear

When it comes to soundstage, the Campfire Astrolith presents a bit of a mixed bag. The 6mm tweeter contributes to a wider, more analytical presentation compared to some other IEMs. However, don't expect jaw-dropping holographic qualities here.

The Astrolith maintains the intimate nature typical of IEMs, but excels in imaging clarity. While expansive soundstage might not be its main focus, the Astrolith proves useful as a professional tool for accurate imaging. It manages to sound exciting and pleasant in most contexts, striking a balance between analytical precision and enjoyable listening.

One caveat: the prominent bass can sometimes detract from soundstage clarity. This trade-off is part of the Astrolith's character, and whether it works for you will depend on your preferences and primary use case.

Bass

If there's one area where the Campfire Astrolith shines, it's in the bass department. This IEM delivers deep, impactful low frequencies with excellent extension. While not quite as bass-heavy as Campfire's Bonneville, the Astrolith likely ranks as the second bassiest IEM in their current lineup.

The bass texture is forward and palpable, making its presence known in every track. Take "My Meds Aren't Working" by Dystopia, for example. The Astrolith's rendering of the clean guitars and bass lines perfectly showcases how pushed the low end can be. It's not the most natural timbre, but bass lovers who crave detail will find a lot to love here.

However, this tuning isn't without its challenges. In tracks like Meshuggah's "Broken Cog," the bass can sometimes overwhelm. The downtuned guitars and 8-string rumble can get muddy at times, clearly showing the bass-focused signature of the Astrolith.

For those seeking a flat or bright IEM, the Astrolith's bass might prove too much. But if you're a bass enthusiast who still craves clarity in other frequencies, the Astrolith could be your new favorite IEM.

Mids

The Campfire Astrolith's midrange presents a more complex picture. There's a noticeable emphasis in the 400 Hz to 800 Hz range, which can lead to a slightly boxy character at times. This tuning doesn't always play nice with the prominent bass, sometimes leaving listeners wanting more from the mids.

Vocals can occasionally get lost in busy mixes, depending on the instrumentation and production style. However, the Astrolith performs particularly well with live and acoustic recordings. These types of tracks often lack low end or are mixed brightly to showcase performance nuances, and the Astrolith's tuning complements them nicely.

If you're primarily a vocal lover, you might want to look elsewhere or consider using EQ. Bringing the mids down slightly and boosting the high mids can bring out more shine in instrumentation and voices, tailoring the sound to your preferences.

To illustrate the midrange performance, let's consider Def Leppard's "Photograph." On the Astrolith, the guitars can sound a bit harsh, while the vocals sit too low in the mix compared to the bass. It's worth noting that this is a AAA mix with no expenses spared, and the vocal presentation on the Astrolith doesn't quite do justice to the original production.

Highs

The high frequencies on the Campfire Astrolith take a backseat to the prominent low end, but they're not entirely absent. There's still plenty of detail, thanks to the 6mm planar tweeter, but it's not as forward as some might prefer.

On the positive side, the Astrolith exhibits absolutely no sibilance. However, cymbal hits have a strong recession, making it difficult to discern stick attacks and micro-harmonics in some instruments. Consider "Cherokee" by Jimmy Smith. On the Astrolith, you might miss some of the searing edge to the hi-hat and the percussiveness of the organ. The highs aren't bad by any means, 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 might not have heard before. The overall presentation results in a highly colored sound that will appeal to a select group of listeners who prefer a warmer, bass-forward signature.

Comparisons and Final Thoughts

Compared to other Campfire planar IEMs like the Moon Rover, the Astrolith is less cohesive across the frequency spectrum. Its bass-forward tuning will delight some listeners but might overwhelm others.

If you're considering the Campfire Astrolith, keep these key points in mind:

1. The bass is deep, impactful, and forward – perfect for bass lovers, potentially too much for others.
2. Mids can get slightly boxy and may get lost in busy mixes.
3. Highs are detailed but take a backseat to the low end.
4. Comfort is excellent, even if the flashy design isn't for everyone.
5. The dual planar driver setup is an impressive engineering feat at this price point.

The Campfire Astrolith carves out a unique niche in the high-end IEM market. Its dual planar driver configuration and bass-forward 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 might want to look elsewhere or be prepared to use EQ. The Astrolith's character shines best with certain genres and recordings, particularly those that benefit from a strong low end presence.

In the end, 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 a lot to love in this bass-heavy, sci-fi inspired IEM. Whether you're exploring new musical galaxies or just enjoying your favorite tracks, the Astrolith promises a journey that's anything but ordinary.