Campfire Audio Fathom Review

Having been captivated by the incredible sound of Campfire Audio's Bonneville IEMs, I was eager to explore their newest addition: the Campfire Audio Fathom. With a price tag of $1,049, the Fathom boasts an extraordinary audio experience. Curious about my thoughts? Read on to discover more.


What You Get
Fathom IEMs
Time Stream cables, 3.5mm and 4.4mm
Leather case
Zipper case
Drawstring IEM bag
Marshmallow and silicone tips

Look and Feel
I found the design of the Campfire Audio Fathom quite appealing. It reminds me of the Andromeda Emerald Sea but in a solid black color with subtle purple accents on the connectors. Unlike the bold designs of the Chromatic series, the Fathom maintains a clean, classic Campfire look. I especially liked the extended nozzle, which improved comfort. The Fathom's design strikes a chord with many, offering a blend of style and functionality that's sure to resonate with a wide audience.



Design and Functionality
The Fathom features a unique setup of six custom balanced armature drivers, incorporating dual super tweeters and dual woofers. Boasting a low impedance of 11.7 Ohms and an SPL of 94dB, these IEMs are compatible with devices sporting either a 3.5mm or 4.4mm balanced headphone connector.

Soundstage
In my experience with Campfire Audio, their soundscapes are often spacious and immersive. However, the Fathom differs in this regard. Initially, I wasn't sure what to think about them. But when I listened to "Over Again" by Alok, I started to appreciate the Fathom's soundstage. Despite its seemingly flat sound, its stereo imaging is precise, with clear layers of sound. Even though it doesn't have the same height as other models, the Fathom's forward presentation gives a sense of scale, making the soundstage immersive without relying on holographic effects.

Low End
When listening to dance house tracks, I found myself wishing for more bass presence from the Fathom. While the bass displays nice detail, it lacks a bit of depth. However, the Fathom impresses with its clarity and balanced presentation. The well-rounded and balanced lows ensure a realistic sound, with frequencies maintaining a pleasing shape. Moreover, I discovered that when listening to acoustic or classical music, where the low end isn't as prominent, the Fathom shines, delivering a truly enjoyable listening experience.

Mids
Campfire IEMs often have unique sound qualities, and the Fathom handles them well. It uses the mid-bass range to shape the midrange, adding richness and detail. The mids stay clear across different frequencies, keeping the sound vibrant. While it's not overly exciting, the Fathom's balanced sound keeps you engaged with each instrument and voice. Its warmer tone adds depth and consistency to the sound.
I especially enjoyed the mids when listening to jazz music; they added richness and clarity to the melodies and harmonies.


Highs
While the Fathom's highs lack elevation, they compensate with exceptional clarity and realism, enhancing its overall sound signature. Experimenting with EQ settings allowed me to tailor the highs to my preference for a brighter sound, which I found enjoyable. Their clarity and precision shine across various musical genres, contributing to an immersive listening experience.

Summary
Despite some limitations in the low and high ends, the Fathom still delivers impressive performance overall. Its balanced sound signature makes it suitable for a wide range of musical genres, ensuring versatility in listening experiences. Despite occasional shortcomings, the Fathom remains a solid choice, particularly for those who enjoy exploring diverse music styles.
I really love how the Fathom feels in my ears, and the design and branding are fantastic; I could definitely see myself using them every day.

Campfire Audio Fathom is available for pre-order at Audio46