Campfire Solaris 2020 Mini-Review and Measurements

Yeah and from my end it will be nice if, say on a tour, someone says "this Solaris SE sounds like ass" at least they will have the option of trying it through the S1 to figure out if it's a fundamental difference in listening preferences or a matter of gear synergy.

 

So I had the fortune of participating in a Vision Ears loaner tour this past week and was able to hear their two flagship models, the VE8 and Elysium. Imagine if they'd taken the Andromeda and instead of spicing it up with a DD for the lows they used the DD for the mids and tuned the whole thing with an aim to focus the listener on a textured, detailed, impeccably staged mid-range. On top of that throw in some Sonion estats for the highs and you've got the Elysium. It's the single best mid-focused signature I've ever heard in an IEM and utterly captivating to listen to-- intrumental and vocal timbre is the best I have ever heard, bar none. If you're in the market you should consider it, I only mention this because, though the Elysium is more expensive than the Solaris, it's about the same as a new u12t and a vastly more satisfying listen imho. When I started to wrap my head around the Elysium's signature I thought back to your post and thought to myself "here, finally is a hybrid where the mid-range is given center stage". The Elysium is the first IEM I've heard-- and I've heard a few at this point-- that constitutes a bona fide upgrade from the Andromeda. I posted more impressions in the "IEM General Discussion" thread if you're interested. Cheers.

 

Any new skuttlebutt about the Solaris 2020 special edition?

 

People beware: only a positive number of these will be made! Act fast if you don’t want to miss out!

 

I would like to give some impressions to the loaner tour of the Campfire Solaris(CFS) 2020, of which I am very grateful to have the privilege to participate.

Appearance - I typically do not get enamored by the look of IEMs, which the CFS does not change. The build quality is great, and they reduced the bling by going black instead of that, IMHO, gaudy gold of the OG CFS. So no complaints in how they appear.

Chord - The supplied cord worked well and was one of the better functional cords I have used with IEMs. It snugged up well, added to the fit of the IEMs themselves in my ears and did not degrade the experience of the IEMs.

Tonal Balance - I found the tonal balance to be on point(to my ears...my favorite weasel phrase). While going through my evaluation standard tracks, I did not hear anything out of line. The midrange my be a db or two up, but found the tonal balance to be very enjoyable. (side note... if you want bombastic imbalance.. give them Polaris II a go)

Musical Genres - Electronic music was a solid experience, metal was meh, classical was pleasant and relaxing, The gem was female voices in lite rock/pop/folk. Although some older, not the best recordings showed their flaws more than musicality.

The only drawback I had with CFS was I could not find a tip to fit. The smallest silicon and foamies did not work. Either I have small ear canals, or the CFS are to girthy. Which is a shame, because I really enjoyed the overall sound of the IEMs.