REVIEW
Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020
The Campfire Audio Andromeda are one of the few genuine staples of the IEM world. The original version was released in 2016 and its latest iteration, seven years later, in 2023.
In-between, there has been three standard versions, this one included, as well as no less than eight special editions with the Andromeda Special Edition: Gold holding a very dear place in this audiophile’s heart. And yet, an actual, standard, Andromeda was yet to be heard.
Disclaimer: the Andromeda 2020 have been ordered from K55.ch after they were kind enough to offer me a discount for their last pair of Andromeda 2020 which have been paid out of the author’s pocket — as everything else here.
The object — The Andromeda 2020 are very small and light IEMs with the unmistakable Campfire Audio industrial design which, until very recently, was the brand’s hallmark.
Bundled with the usual boutique Campfire Audio packaging and accessories, they come with a thin and lightweight single-ended Silver-Plated Copper Smoky Litz cable, three sets of tips, a useful mesh pocket and an olive green-dyed sustainable cork case.
Fit & Comfort — Despite the lack of vents and their slightly shorter nozzle compared to other IEMs in Campfire’s lineup, the Andromeda 2020 remain comfortable.
For those worried about the shells being an issue, the Andromeda 2020 are small and, should one need to push them outwards, aftermarket tips will very likely solve any potential issue.
Last but not least, given how thin and light the cable is, you’ll quickly forget about it.
Tips used: stock silicone
Sound — The Campfire Andromeda 2020 are particularly receptive to output types and impedances though not to the extend of the Ara. Accordingly, the recommendation here would be to match them with a source having an output impedance under 1 ohm.
No need to spend a lot as an Apple or Alo Audio Pilot dongle are perfectly fine although the preferences here have been the Sony ZX507 or WM1AM2 which allowed for a more analog sound.
In terms of sound, the Andromeda 2020 are a warm-neutral set with a timbre and tuning rivalling, not only Campfire Audio’s own higher-end offerings such as the Ara or Solaris 2020, yet also the 64 Audio U6t or the Sony IER-M9, the latter which the Andromeda 2020 also beat in terms of dynamics.
As to details, textures, musicality and overall balance, the Andromeda 2020 seem to be the proverbial IEMs and genuinely strike a stunning balance. Their soundstage is also worth noting given that it manages to be above average without becoming artificial, both in terms of depth and height.
Last but not least, note that, via balanced output, the Andromeda 2020 seem to loose their magic — the recommendation here really would be to stick to single-ended.
Files / Sources used: CD-quality FLAC bought from Qobuz & Tidal HiFi streaming / Alo Audio Pilot, Uncapped Sony ZX-507 & NW-WM1AM2 (Direct Source: On)
Conclusion — The Andromeda 2020 are such a pleasant surprise. Surprise because, as many of you know, there are so many factors in this hobby that one listener’s bliss can turn out to be a totally average experience for another.
With that said, in almost 10 years in this hobby, they are the best IEM this vagrant audiophile has heard, for any genres.
The Andromeda 2020 are therefore wholeheartedly recommended and one might want to have a frequent look at the Campfire Audio Marketplace in case a pair is up for grabs.
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