Campfire Audio IO earphone review – Dynamic Clear Value
IO
$299
Pros
- Awesome value package.
- Beautiful shell design with 24K gold screws,
- Articulate and open energetic signature.
Cons
- Light aspect of signature may not suite certain listeners.
- Bass may be a little light for some.
Sound Signature:
Lets see how these sound as the specifications are impressive:
5Hz–22kHz Frequency Response
109 dB SPL/mW Sensitivity @ 1k
26 Ohms @ 1kHz Impedance
Features
Beryllium / Copper MMCX Connections
‘Garnet’ Red Anodized Aluminum Body
24k Gold Plated Screws
Stainless Steel Spout
Sub bass character is of a medium to light weight and will not result in low end vibrating rumbles for the Campfire Audio IO. This is completely inline with the signature style goal and gives a lightness to the rest of the signature sound spectrum style. There is some light smooth texturing resulting in a clean non dominating tone overall.
The IO is not tuned for heavy bass focus but it is not lacking in this area especially with the right tip selection. With it’s fast lively dynamic nature, the bass in the low end moves quickly and cleanly with a brisk pace. Not of the rich variety but more of a smooth flow character.
There is bass body present but with a textured rounded feel, it does not hit hard but flows more with softer edges. Campfire Audio have intentionally made the IO to respond in this way, so the other sound regions will have more focus. This results in an effortless listening experience, without too much colour and more of a neutral bass response. The bass recovery is quick and posses a flowing style, giving a particular lighter weight to the overall signature body.
You wont get veiling or bass bleed into the mid region. There have been some polarised views on the IO but this could be due to personal musical preference or an expectation of getting the higher end model experience that Campfire Audio offers for the lower IO price, which is unrealistic. Our experience is that the energetic nature of the IO really needs to be tuned this way in order to provide the space needed between the layering of sound, for the fun, non intrusive listening experience Campfire Audio is aiming for.
In our view this keeps the coherence extremely well balanced, ensuring no masking or veiling over the musical character. Separation and depth between instruments is well balanced ,vocals are very well focused, clear and with nice emotional content relayed.
Vocal presence is one of the strong aspects of the Campfire Audio IO, while feeling slightly airy at times giving a delicate sound style. Some people feel this is a little bright but in our view I would say it is more light and energetic in nature. Most of the instruments in the centre and upper mid areas are well presented and have a spacious natural feel, resulting in a more intimate experience for the listener. Mids have decent open body size and some warmness, resulting in a very fluid musical experience.
Depth of layering is very present, handled with ease but occasionally a little too distinctly separated at times. The Campfire Audio in ear monitor earphones portray a sense of intensity and space due to the dynamic fast nature of the sound signature. As expected sound stage on the IO is not huge due to the fast nature of the IEM. There is some presence and light range and it works well so as not to take away from the energy of this great looking earphone.
At times the Campfire Audio feels a little too fast at times for us on certain tracks and in our view I think slowing the decay a little would smooth out and add to the musicality.
However for the most part this aspect gives the IO earphones a very quick enjoyable fun character . Detail is precise and the fast decay gives a real dynamic level of energy with clean edges to the sounds relayed. A centre stage focus on treble has been chosen for these earphones but not at the expense of coherence. The upper region does not drift away from the balance and does not sound clinical or overly analytical, but sounds youthful and with vibrant fun energy.
As Campfire Audio have made some specific tuning refinements in the upper regions, the detail in the treble region is precise and articulate, resolving with energy and instruments sounding realistic and clean. Extra care has been taking in this area to ensure sensitivity doesn’t move into spiking or sharpness in this important part of the frequency spectrum. I am pleased to say the IO likes to extend and push far in this area giving rise to splashes of sheer treble sparkle. Longer listening sessions with these are very comfortable even though the IO has strong upper region focus.
The Campfire audio IO in-ear-monitor is a really well priced and no compromise on build, design and accessories. This certainly is an I Opener (IO – pub intended) to the Campfire sound and great for all audiences, entry level to mid level audio fans.
I’m sure this will end up being a gateway to the rest of the Campfire range, remember once you take the ‘red pill’ you wont be able to go back!
