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Campfire Audio Andromeda 10 Review

Campfire Audio Andromeda 10 Review


Today, we’re taking a close look at the new Campfire Audio Andromeda 10 Launch Edition IEM.  The standard edition is priced at $1,799 USD.

 

Disclaimer: The CA Andromeda Launch Edition was sent to us in exchange for our honest opinion. The unit does not need to be returned.

Campfire Audio

Campfire Audio has solidified its reputation as a premier brand in the portable audiophile market, boasting a dedicated following since its inception in 2015.

Notably, their Andromeda model garnered immense popularity in the past, to the point that a 2020 version was later released, alongside their other acclaimed models like the Trifecta, Solaris, and Bonneville.

The unit we’re looking at today is the Andromeda 10 Launch Edition – Gold. Let’s check it out!

The Andromeda 10 (Launch Edition – Gold)

The Andromeda has long been a cornerstone of Campfire Audio’s lineup, known for its distinctive tuning, holographic staging, and unmistakable design language. Over the years, it has undergone several iterations, each refining the original concept while preserving its unique sonic identity.

With the 10th Anniversary Launch Edition, Campfire Audio takes a more celebratory approach. Rather than a complete redesign, this version focuses on refinement — both in aesthetics and tuning — while honouring the legacy that made the Andromeda name so recognisable.

The Launch Edition we have is limited to fewer than 225 units in each of the special, gold or black Damascus steel editions, and goes for $2,499.

So, how does the Andromeda 10 Launch Edition compare to its predecessors — and does it still hold its ground in today’s highly competitive IEM market?

Let’s take a closer look.

Packaging & Accessories

As expected from Campfire Audio, the unboxing experience feels premium and well thought out.

The Campfire Andromeda 10 Launch Edition arrives with a presentation that reflects its special-edition status. The packaging takes on a more refined, celebratory tone than standard releases, reinforcing its limited nature.

Inside the box, Campfire includes a generous selection of ear tips, along with its familiar carrying case and essential accessories. The overall presentation feels complete and consistent with the brand’s established identity.

While not radically different from previous high-end Campfire releases, the experience remains satisfying and in line with expectations for a product in this category.

The package includes:

  • Andromeda 10 Launch Edition (Damascus Steel)
  • Custom cable (gold-plated copper, 4.4mm)
  • Large leather carrying case and earpiece pouches
  • Foam eartips (S/M/L)
  • Silicone eartips (S/M/L)
  • High & Clear silicone tips (S/M/L)
  • Cleaning tool
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Commemorative pin
  • Serialized card

What’s new with the Andromeda 10?

The Andromeda 10, as its name suggests, uses a 10-balanced-armature driver configuration, compared to 5 in the original Andromeda. However, the real focus is not just the increased driver count, but how these drivers are integrated.

Campfire continues to use its Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber (TAEC) for the treble, which plays a major role in the Andromeda 10’s sense of openness and extension. In the midrange, the NEMC driver assembly improves control and consistency, resulting in a cleaner and more stable presentation.

Combined with updated internal tuning, these changes make the Andromeda 10 sound more controlled and refined — particularly in the upper mids and treble. This is not a radical redesign, but a more mature, better-integrated version of the Andromeda concept.

Sound Quality

Before diving into the sound, it’s worth noting that the Andromeda has always been about character rather than strict neutrality — and this new edition continues in that direction. 

The Andromeda 10 delivers a spacious, slightly bright, and highly characterful presentation — one that prioritises staging, separation, and clarity over density and warmth.

The first thing that immediately stands out is the sense of space. The stage feels wide, open, and almost holographic — a defining trait of the Andromeda lineage. It creates a presentation that extends beyond the usual “in-head” experience, making instruments feel more separated and distinctly placed.

At the same time, the tuning leans towards the upper-mid and lower-treble regions, giving the sound a noticeable sense of energy and clarity. Compared to earlier Andromeda models, this energy feels more controlled, but it is still very much present.

This is an Andromeda through and through — just a more disciplined one.

Bass

The bass is clean, fast, and deliberately restrained. It does not aim to impress with impact or quantity. Instead, it focuses on precision and control, supporting the overall presentation without becoming a focal point.

Sub-bass extension is present but very subtle. There is enough depth to maintain balance, but those looking for rumble or physicality will likely find it lacking. Mid-bass offers slightly more presence, with good texture and articulation. However, it remains tight and well-contained, never bleeding into the midrange.

The result is a bass response that feels technically competent but clearly secondary. This is very much in line with the traditional Andromeda philosophy.

Mid-Range

The midrange is where the Andromeda 10 defines its personality — and also where it may divide listeners.

There is a clear emphasis in the upper-midrange, bringing vocals forward and enhancing perceived clarity. This gives the presentation a vivid, immediate character, especially in female vocals and acoustic instruments.

However, this same region can occasionally become intense. At higher volumes or with certain recordings, the upper-mid energy introduces a slightly sharp or aggressive edge. Compared to earlier Andromeda versions, this behaviour feels better controlled, but it has not been fully eliminated.

Timbre leans on the lighter side, rather than full-bodied or warm. This contributes to the overall airy, open presentation but may come across as slightly lean, depending on preference.

What the Andromeda 10 does exceptionally well is separation within the midrange. Instruments are clearly defined and rarely overlap, benefiting from both tuning and staging.

Treble

The treble is a key contributor to the Andromeda 10’s sense of space and detail. It is extended, energetic, and clearly present, but better controlled than expected. There is enough sparkle to highlight micro-details and textures, without constantly pushing into harshness.

That said, this is still not a relaxed treble tuning. The Andromeda 10 retains a noticeable amount of upper-frequency energy, which contributes to its clarity and openness — but also means it can sound slightly forward at times.

For listeners sensitive to treble, this may require careful pairing and tip selection. For others, it will be one of the most engaging aspects of the sound.

Technical Performance

From a technical standpoint, the Andromeda 10 is strong — but in a very specific way. It does not chase maximum resolution or analytical detail. Instead, it focuses on presentation, spatial performance, and coherence.

Detail retrieval is solid, but not aggressively pushed forward. Separation is excellent, largely thanks to the tuning and stage structure. Transient response is fast enough to maintain clarity, though not overly sharp or clinical.

Overall, the Campfire Andromeda 10 prioritises how music is presented rather than how it is dissected. It is not the most technical or neutral IEM in its class — but it remains one of the most distinctive.

The article continues on the second page. Click here to go to page 2 or use the jumps below.

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