Campfire Audio has spent the past decade building a reputation as one of the most innovative brands in the high-end in-ear monitor market. The Portland-based manufacturer has become a global force in portable Hi-Fi with cult-favorite releases like the Andromeda, Clara, and Astrolith, each pushing design and tuning in directions that most competitors avoid. That willingness to experiment has produced some of the most recognizable IEMs in the audiophile space, often at premium prices that climb well past $3,000. The new Campfire Audio Andromeda 10 continues that legacy as the latest evolution of the company’s flagship Andromeda series.

Priced at $1,799 and available directly from Campfire Audio, the Andromeda 10 promises improved driver integration, refined tuning, and an ergonomic shell designed for long listening sessions. But the high-end IEM market has never been more competitive. With strong offerings from brands like 64 Audio, Noble Audio, and Astell&Kern crowding the field, the question is simple: can the Andromeda 10 still stand out in a category it once helped define?

Listening Preferences and Review Context

This review is ultimately a subjective evaluation shaped by my own listening priorities. I aim to remain consistent and fair in my comparisons, but no amount of methodology can fully remove personal bias. Transparency matters, so it’s worth understanding the lens through which this review is written.

My reference sound signature leans toward controlled, authoritative sub bass with textured and articulate mid bass, a slightly warm and natural midrange, and treble that is extended and detailed without crossing into glare. I’m also mildly sensitive to elevated treble energy, which inevitably affects how I judge brightness, listening fatigue, and long term comfort.

Full details on my testing equipment, methodology, and evaluation standards can be found here.

For testing, I used a mix of dedicated DAPs and portable dongles, including the HiFiMAN SuperMini, Hidizs AP80 Pro MAX, and Astell&Kern PD10, alongside the Astell&Kern HCL, Audioengine HXL, Meze Alba dongle, and Apple’s USB-C dongle. This range covers everything from dedicated audiophile sources to more typical everyday mobile listening setups.

Unboxing​

Build​

Campfire Audio products are well known for their abstract, angular designs. Most of the company’s IEMs feature strong lines, sharp edges, and bold contours that make them instantly recognizable. The Andromeda 10 follows that same visual language, building on the aesthetic established by earlier Andromeda models.

I’m still a big fan of the designs used for the Andromeda 2019 and 2020, though realistically there’s probably no way to physically fit ten drivers into those smaller shells.

Die-hard Campfire Audio fans will notice immediately that the Andromeda 10 features something unique to their lineup on the top of the shell: a 0.78mm 2-pin socket. This break from tradition (using MMCX sockets), while a personal disappointment, makes sense given the buying power wielded by Eastern audiences; they’re major proponents of cable-swapping and almost exclusively use 2-pin cables.

The Andromeda 10 is the second Campfire Audio product to come with their new TimeLink modular cable, following the Grand Luna. This cable uses a friction-based mechanism to permit the user to swap between 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and USB-C terminations. Swapping terminations is easy, and they fit snugly onto the cable–but friction-based modular cables, no matter how-well manufactured, almost always suffer early failure when swapped often. I’d like to see Campfire Audio revise this cable to include a mechanical lock, such as a threaded nut. DUNU, Melody Wings, and many other brands have adopted this more-secure style.

The included USB-C termination works well and provides far more power than the Andromeda 10 actually needs. In fact, it delivers so much output that using it with my Pixel 10 Pro can be a challenge. I have to set the volume to around 1 out of 20, and even then it’s still a bit louder than I’d prefer.

Some form of built-in level control would be welcome, because the only real solutions are rooting the phone or applying a negative preamp in the music player—neither of which is exactly convenient for everyday listening.

Comfort

Comfort is a metric that relies heavily on factors influenced by your individual ear anatomy. Mileage will vary. The Andromeda 10, in spite of its unusual dimensions, is quite comfortable. It is light-enough to not tire the backs of my ears and the TimeLink cable, while not as ergonomic as Campfire’s Timestream cables, is still viable for long listening sessions. The Andromeda 10 makes use of venting, so there’s no pressure-build up, even after two or three hours of listening.

Accessories

Inside the box, you’ll find:

• 1x 2-pin TimeLink modular cable
• 1x 4.4mm termination
• 1x 3.5mm termination
• 1x USB-C termination
• 3x Pairs “High and Clear” liquid-silicone eartips
• 3x Pairs foam eartips
• 3x Pairs standard silicone eartips
• 1x CFA 10th Anniversary pin
• 1x CFA microfiber cleaning cloth
• 1x cleaning tool
• 1x Semi-hard carrying case

The Andromeda 10 introduces a new large zippered case. It offers plenty of room for the IEMs, extra terminations, spare eartips, and even a small USB-C dongle. However, there’s no real way to secure additional gear inside.

The top flap includes a small elastic pouch similar to the mesh compartments found in many zipper cases, but it doesn’t stretch much. Larger DACs like the Campfire Audio Relay or Astell&Kern HC5 won’t fit there and end up sitting loose in the main compartment. It’s not a dealbreaker, but a Velcro divider or modular insert system would make better use of the space.

Tech Specs

The Andromeda 10 uses ten balanced armature drivers per side, arranged in a three way crossover: four for bass, four for the midrange, and two for treble. Campfire implements the crossover using what it calls a “hybrid vintage” ceramic capacitor design.

Despite the large driver count, the Andromeda 10 is very easy to drive. With an 8.5Ω impedance and a sensitivity of 94 dB @ 1 kHz (12.10 mVrms), it works comfortably with modest sources, including low power dongles like Apple’s USB-C adapter. The bigger consideration is output impedance. These IEMs perform best with sources that have a near zero output impedance.

Listening

The Andromeda 10’s sonic signature is warm and comfortable, with a dash of upper-treble sparkle. Its sub-bass is well-extended, rolling into a slightly elevated mid-bass. The Andromeda 10’s lower-mids are blended nicely into its sub-bass, carrying a healthy dose of warmth. The upper-mids sit above the lower-mids, but don’t ever over-step, ensuring a cohesive, though distinct, vocal and instrumental space. Above the Andromeda 10’s upper-mids sits its expressive and precise treble. The Andromeda 10 expertly-balances a medium-serving of brightness with comfort while preserving the carefully-curated “vibe” of its predecessors. Its upper-treble features a few key lifts and peaks to bring out a sense of sparkle and air. Simply put, the Andromeda 10 sounds like a good pair of Hi-Fi speakers: rich, quick, and detailed.

Enigmatic Treble

The Andromeda lineup has long been known for its signature “sparkly” treble. A quick scan of forum threads or YouTube comments makes that reputation clear. But sparkle alone isn’t rare: many IEMs achieve it simply by boosting the upper treble. What sets the Andromeda apart is finesse. Its upper register isn’t just elevated for effect; it’s carefully shaped to deliver air, detail, and shimmer without turning harsh or fatiguing.

The OG Andromeda, Andromeda 2019, and Andromeda 2020 all share the same core tuning that contrasts carefully placed upper-treble emphasis against a warm and smooth midrange. The Andromeda 10 iterates on this approach, eking out subtle increases in treble presence without creating treble bloom. The Andromeda 10 captures a wealth of upper-register texture and detail, staging them with clarity.

The Andromeda 10 is thusly an excellent partner for critical-listening, but also reveals the flaws in rougher masters. For example, the original recording of “Parallel Universe” by Red Hot Chili Peppers can be a tough listen. The Andromeda exposes the grain and harshness in the track that less resolving IEMs tend to smooth over.

Absolute Transparency

One of my few reservations with the previous Andromeda models were their propensity to over-warm the midrange. The Andromeda 10 handily addresses this concern, expertly balancing convincing tonal weight with transparency. Rock tracks with contrasting elements like gritty electric guitars and somber vocals, like those on Middle Class Rut’s outstanding album, No Name No Color, place believably across a wide soundstage. Tracks with modern production values, like “Die For Me” by A Day to Remember, pair well with the Andromeda’s balanced and cohesive presentation.

Male vocals, deep or otherwise, sound well-weighted and organic. The Andromeda 10’s responsible upper-midrange lift gives lyrics separation and intelligibility without compromising overall timbre, allowing the Andromeda 10 to achieve excellent levels of immersion and imaging.

The Pursuit of Bass Balance

The most common complaint with the older Andromeda models were their inability to generate proper bass response. The Andromeda 10 goes above-and beyond simply meeting the standards of neutrality and actually produces stable, controlled dealings of punch. The Andromeda 10’s mid-bass is fast and technical, but isn’t above getting down-and-dirty on electronic tracks like “Motion” by Uppermost.

The Andromeda 10 performs impressively on tracks with demanding bass hits and complex sub bass passages. Listening to “Turbulence” by Neddie highlights the IEM’s control over texture and intensity, showing how far all balanced armature designs have come since the original Andromeda debuted. The Andromeda 10 moves a surprising amount of air for an all BA design, reproducing the track’s deep and layered bass textures with confidence.

While the Andromeda 10 handles highly technical electronic music very well, it doesn’t fully deliver the level of bass intensity demanded by some R&B and hip hop tracks. “Baby Got Brap” by T Pain, a playful ode to rotary engines, calls for a massive wall of sub bass.

The Andromeda 10 produces more rumble than I expected, but it still falls short of what you get from dynamic driver based IEMs like the Clara or Cascara. Whether that matters depends on your taste. Bassheads may see it as a compromise, while audiophiles will likely appreciate the balance between articulation and bass presence.

Comparisons

Campfire Audio Andromeda 2019

When someone says Campfire Audio Andromeda, they’re usually referring to the models released between 2018 and 2020. Aside from the lineup’s brief departure from form with the Emerald Sea, the core Andromeda sound and identity have remained consistent and wildly popular. For the Andromeda 10 to truly qualify as an evolution of the series, it needs to deliver a clear and meaningful improvement over those earlier models.

To my ears, it does. The Andromeda 2019 is a warmer, thicker sounding IEM with less extension at both frequency extremes. The Andromeda 10, by comparison, delivers a more pronounced mid bass lift and a broader, deeper reaching sub bass shelf. That shift makes it far more capable with bass heavy genres like EDM, an area where earlier Andromeda models were not strong performers.

The Andromeda 2019 also presents vocals with less presence and leans into a smoother upper register. While it was an excellent IEM in its time, driver design and tuning have clearly progressed. The Andromeda 10 reveals a noticeable technical gap between the two. Sub bass textures that the 2019 often glosses over are clearly articulated and properly staged on the Andromeda 10, which also resolves more vocal nuance while introducing less coloration in the midrange.

In my view, the choice between the two is fairly clear. The Andromeda 10 is a different beast. It trades the overtly stylized tuning of earlier models for a more refined interpretation of what made the series special while delivering noticeably stronger technical performance.

Older Andromeda models may still be worth considering if you find a great deal on the used market, but otherwise the Andromeda 10 stands as the most capable and advanced Andro to date.

Campfire Audio Astrolith

The Astrolith is Campfire Audio’s flagship planar IEM. It uses two planar drivers per side, detachable MMCX cables, and stainless steel faceplates. At $2,200, it costs about $400 more than the Andromeda 10.

The Andromeda 10 includes the modular TimeLink cable with 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and USB-C terminations, while the Astrolith ships with separate 3.5mm and 4.4mm Timestream Metal cables. I personally prefer the Timestream Metal cables, which feel more compact and ergonomically friendly than the TimeLink system.

Both IEMs include the same excellent selection of eartips, though the Andromeda 10 fits my ears better without requiring aftermarket options. It also ships with a proper storage case, while Astrolith owners will likely need to supply their own solution, such as a Pelican 1010.

Sonically, both IEMs are serious performers, but they approach presentation very differently. The Astrolith is all about intensity, while the Andromeda 10 takes a more relaxed and balanced approach. The Astrolith’s midrange carries a bit more thickness, flowing into a fuller and more present mid bass region. Both extend well at the frequency extremes, though the Astrolith maintains stronger presence below about 200Hz, delivering punch and rumble with a convincing sense of note weight across the soundstage.

The Andromeda 10, despite its lighter bass emphasis, seems to reach slightly deeper into the lowest sub bass registers. In the treble, the Astrolith leans bright and energetic, fully exploiting the speed and openness of its dual planar drivers. The Andromeda 10 counters with a more measured top end, offering smoother and richer doses of air. If the Andromeda 10 feels like a refreshing breeze, the Astrolith is closer to an industrial fan—the better choice simply depends on how much intensity you want.

It’s a tall task to chose between these two IEMs. The Astrolith has excellent bass and incredibly-precise timbre, while the Andromeda 10 delivers a maximally smooth and organic tone without dropping an ounce of resolution. Both IEMs are well-equipped with accessories, but vary on the specifics, so your specific needs will influence which one is more practical OOTB. That said, my specific music library meshes a little better with the Andromeda 10. Its less-intense upper-treble is more-comfortable for me, and the lighter lower-mids synergize better with my commonly-listened artists.

ClearTune Monitors DaVinci X

The DaVinci X is the flagship offering from ClearTune Monitors, featuring 10 balanced armature drivers per side. It has remained unchanged since its 2018 debut and in that time has dropped from $2,500 to a comparatively-affordable $1200. At its adjusted price, the DaVinci X can be had for $600 less than then Andromeda 10. Both IEMs feature metal shells and detachable cables, though the DaVinci X has a comparatively utilitarian suite of accessories.

In terms of sound, the DaVinci X is a more-linear sounding IEM with a brighter lower-treble than the Andromeda 10. Its vocal range is a little more forward than the Andromeda 10, while the Andromeda 10 packs a warmer lower-midrange with greater bass presence. The DaVinci X narrowly avoids roll-off down below the 50Hz range, but lacks any real oomph in spite of its technical competence.

Comparatively, the Andromeda 10 is able to deliver light doses of punch and rumble — enough to be enjoyable in electronic genres. The DaVinci X possesses a special sense of air and space in its upper-register than is hard to reproduce, though the Andromeda 10 comes close. Both IEMs have substantial soundstage width and depth, though the DaVinci X has a bit more believable positioning. The DaVinci X’s roots as a stage-monitor are evident here, as crucial audio cues transparently pop up front when listening, while the Andromeda 10 presents a more cohesive, organic sonic environment.

Between the two, I’m choosing the Andromeda 10 for daily-listening. Greater genre flexibility, increased bass response, and improved ergonomics make it the better choice, even accounting for the difference in price. Of course, if you’re interested in maximizing your IEM’s utility as a technical tool, be it engineering or stage monitoring, the DaVinci X may still be the more-appealing option, but that’s not how I consume audio as a casual listener.

EarAcoustic Audio VSA-PM Crown

The VSA-PM is the flagship (and only) planar IEM from EAA, featuring one large planar driver per side. It runs $850, making it about half the price of the Andromeda 10. Both IEMs feature detachable 0.78mm 2-pin cables, though the Andromeda 10 has a modular cable versus the VSA-PM’s fixed 4.4mm.

Both IEMs have decent cases, though the Andromeda 10’s is larger and more accommodating to accessories like USB-C DACs. The Andromeda 10 has vastly superior stock eartips, though I should hope so given its substantial price tag. Both IEMs are built from high-quality aluminum shells and are fairly ergonomic, though the Andromeda 10 is easier for me to wear for extended sessions.

Sonically, the Andromeda 10 is warmer and bassier than the VSA-PM. Both IEMs feature excellent extension in the upper and lower-registers, though the VSA-PM seems to carry its upper-register emphasis a little further out than the Andromeda 10. The Andromeda 10 delivers a fuller, richer soundstage with its increased mid-bass presence. The VSA-PM has a comparatively cool lower register, allowing it to more easily stage a sense of “emptiness”, but at the cost of harmonic weight.

The Andromeda 10 delivers similarly-forward vocal presence, but manages to avoid to occasional sharpness generated by the VSA-PM. Both IEMs are extremely technically-capable, though the VSA-PM seems to more-easily surface micro-textures in the lower-treble. The Andromeda 10, by contrast, has much better control over its mid and sub-bass.

I was the very first purchaser of the VSA-PM, so suffice it to say, I like the IEM — a lot. It offers an excellent TOTL experience for under $1000, which is becoming increasingly rare these days. That said, its presentation is sometimes non-optimal for busier, dryer tracks in my collection. The Andromeda’s effortless richness and smoothness makes it an easier listen for long days in the office or during plane rides.

The Bottom Line

The Andromeda lineup has never been about neutrality. It’s never been about cost-efficiency. It’s never been about stage monitoring. The Andromeda has always represented the apex of Campfire Audio’s philosophy: that audio should be warm, welcoming, and something worth remembering. As such, I think the Andromeda 10 earns its keep as the new Campfire Audio brand ambassador. Combining quintessential Campfire Audio house-sound, truly impressive performance, and luxurious materials, the Andromeda 10 is set to deliver a special experience. And at these prices, that’s what you’re paying for: the experience.

The Andromeda 10 is best suited for audiophiles and enthusiasts who value balance, detail, and long term listening comfort over sheer bass quantity. Listeners chasing maximum low end impact may still gravitate toward dynamic or hybrid designs, and a bit more bass authority would make genres like hip hop and modern R&B more convincing. But for those who appreciate a refined, articulate, and unmistakably Campfire presentation, the Andromeda 10 stands as one of the most compelling entries in the lineup to date.

Pros:

• Speaker-like immersion
• Balanced sound signature with rich and clear bass
• Expressive treble with zero sharpness
• Excellent passive isolation
• Phenomenal vocal intelligibility
• TOTL layering abilities

Cons:

• Modular cable lacks affirmative locking mechanism
• USB-C termination is too loud on Android devices
• USB-C termination block microphone during phone calls on Android
• Minor sub-bass roll-off
• Sub-bass could use another 1-2dB for EDM

Where to buy:

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