Campfire Audio Solaris
New Dimensions of Sound, Technology, and Construction
Pushing ourselves to discover what is possible, we explored the outer horizon and found something exceptional; Solaris.
The Campfire Audio Solaris is the summation of our experience creating earphones and the acoustic technologies we’ve developed and discovered along the way. It delivers a sound that is second to none.
Super Sonic
Explosive musical realism with deft execution.
Holographic presentation and intimate detail retrieval. Soaring highs, engaging mids, and impactful bass. Music sounds like music with lifelike performances, superior layering, and unbelievable imaging.
The traditional wall between high-end two-channel hi-fi and personal audio just got thinner.
Carefully Considered Creation
Mixing from our palate of audio technologies, a sonic masterpiece emerged.
By incorporating our many unique acoustic technologies into Solaris, we created an exceptional earphone. The Campfire Audio Solaris is a hybrid design, blending the best of the balanced armature performance with the physicality of dynamic drivers. It features two custom balanced armature drivers paired with our T.A.E.C for extended highs, without sibilance or fatigue. A larger single rear-ported balanced armature driver provides rich delivery of mid frequencies. A specially tuned version of our 10mm A.D.L.C. dynamic driver, optimized with our Polarity Tuned Chamber, anchors the sonic performance with deeply engaging mid-frequency tonality and visceral bass response.
Carefully Considered Creation
Mixing from our palate of audio technologies, a sonic masterpiece emerged.
By incorporating our many unique acoustic technologies into Solaris, we created an exceptional earphone. The Campfire Audio Solaris is a hybrid design, blending the best of the balanced armature performance with the physicality of dynamic drivers. It features two custom balanced armature drivers paired with our T.A.E.C for extended highs, without sibilance or fatigue. A larger single rear-ported balanced armature driver provides rich delivery of mid frequencies. A specially tuned version of our 10mm A.D.L.C. dynamic driver, optimized with our Polarity Tuned Chamber, anchors the sonic performance with deeply engaging mid-frequency tonality and visceral bass response.
Constructing a classic
Crafted by hand from years of experience
Each pair of Solaris is hand-assembled in our Portland, Oregon workshop. Our team of skilled builders pours their time and attention into each earphone they construct. The attention to detail paid throughout the process ensures your Solaris will be a world-class earphone unlike any other.
Constructing a classic
Crafted by hand from years of experience
Each pair of Solaris is hand-assembled in our Portland, Oregon workshop. Our team of skilled builders pours their time and attention into each earphone they construct. The attention to detail paid throughout the process ensures your Solaris will be a world-class earphone unlike any other.
Super Litz for Superior Sound
An exceptional earphone deserves an exceptional cable
Our Super Litz cable is made from four large conductors of Silver-plated Copper Litz wire. Each conductor is individually comprised of a selected set of particular diameter strands. The Super Litz cable is the perfect balance of physical gauge and performance.
The cable is terminated with our custom beryllium/copper MMCX connectors and over-molded 3.5mm plug. This cable brings out the best in Solaris.
Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber (T.A.E.C.)™
Our tuned acoustic expansion chamber technology allows us to deliver extended high frequencies without sibilance or fatigue. We optimize our driver performance by adjusting the volume of space available in front of the driver. This is superior to the typical “Tube+Dampener” system because it provides a direct passage from the driver to your ear, which results in unsurpassed clarity and extension.
Polarity Tuned Chamber
Our Polarity Tuned Chamber allows us to optimize the sonic performance of our dynamic drivers. Deploying particular volume cavities, both in front of and behind our dynamic driver, we can pull bigger sounds from smaller drivers. This also gives us the ability, in the case of hybrid designs, to specifically target the driver performance.
3D optimized acoustic construction
Close attention to detail is critical to delivering you a superior musical experience from our earphones. Solaris features an acoustically optimized interior model that allows each driver to deliver the very best sound quality. When heard together, the drivers offer a seamless musical experience as a result of this process.
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wangmingchu06 (verified owner) –
I don’t have much experience with IEM before, I only had a few mid to low end IEM such as Sennheiser IE6, IE80, and westone w40.(that was years ago) I bought the Solaris with Andromeda together to see what CA IEMS have to offer. Annnnd they don’t disappoint, at all. I’m actually quite surprised by how much detail they can reproduce compare to my headphones. I’m using my iPhone and Wooaudio WA8 to drive these earphones. From what I experienced, Solaris is simply superior. Don’t get me wrong, Andromeda is awesome, it has that precise bass and beautiful treble going on. However I found Andromeda’s mid can be underwhelming at times. Meanwhile Solaris have sparkling treble, full bodied mid, and impactful DD bass. It simply makes music very enjoyable to listen while being more detailed than the Andromeda! Compare to the headphones, it’s kind of like HD800S and TH900MK2 had a son. Combining that well controlled and textured bass with more forward mids, plus that warmness can never go harsh in your ears.. I pre-ordered wooaudio WA11 specifically for these babies, hopefully they will get along well..
Chris Bair –
When I auditioned the Solaris at Campfire Audio, my jaw dropped. I could not believe how natural, realistic, and detailed the sound was. I didn’t know that anything could be better than the Andromeda, but I was pleasantly surprised. Now that I have owned it a couple months I can safely say it is the best purchase I have made in the audio world.
jasonpark08 (verified owner) –
Before owning the Solaris, I’ve owned mid tier IEMs and some closed back headphones. The other IEM I’ve owned of is Noble Audio’s Encore. This and the Solaris are in similar tiers, but I think the Solaris fits my tastes more.
The Encore has more color and a bit fuller bass. However, the Solaris’ extends just as low as the Encore except it’s more detailed. The highs on the Solaris aren’t just clear, they sparkle. It’s more analytical than the Encores and draws your attention to all details that the producer puts into their songs. In that sense, I know people talked up the Solaris for acoustic genres, but I listen to EDM, electropop, pop, and pop instrumentals and it cleanly separates all instruments for these genres just as well.
In summary, if you just want to enjoy a song, the Encores are fun and will do justice to anything you throw at them. If you want to experience all the details the producer placed into a song, I think the Solaris does a great job putting on display every instrument in their best light. The separation and clarity the Solaris provides lets me just sit and appreciate the front and center as well as the background intricacies.
Ron Meyer (verified owner) –
I am a recording engineer who owns 3 RHA, 1 Sennheiser, 1 Master & Dynamic pairs of earbuds, having selected these for further auditioning (i.e. purchase) after extensive earbud listening at multiple audio shows using my own classical/jazz recordings. My players have been the A&K 1120 MkII, the Questyle QP1-R and Questyle QP2-R (my best player), so I have a repeatable reference. After extensive listening, the purchase of some non-stock earbud tips (I tried 5 brands and several types), and a non-stock extension cable (tried 2 that should have worked well), I can say that the Solaris can be the most accurate earbud around, in frequency response, imaging, and dynamic range, with the best combination of the above. THe stock earbud tips were a bit too small in diameter for my ears, but I could make them seal if I sat still. With the stock tips the sound was decent, but missing some special details like dynamic transients, imaging cues (yes, you can get imaging out of these earbuds), and dynamic range. I also learned that matching the tip inner sleeve opening to the opening of the earbud output makes a major difference in dynamic control. I used a 5 mm inner diameter memory foam tip from Saber and got magic sound. The same foam must be used in the tips from earphones plus because they sound the same, but the earphones plus guys do not make a memory foam tip with a 5 mm inner diameter, so Saber guys have the perfect match. Several other similar size memory foam tips lost dynamics, smoothed over transients, and rolled off the high end……I knew that the difference between memory foam and silicon was a change in at least high frequency response (the silicon eat high frequencies), but I was not prepared for how the memory foam from Saber got the dynamics, transients, and high frequency response right with my rig. The only thing missing was a bit of dynamic contrast, which was solved by adding in a 3 foot section of a cable from Cable Creation part number CCO883 (silver plated copper supposedly). THis combination will make even classic rock (from HD tracks etc.) in higher sample rate and 24 bits sound unbelievable. Change the tip to the stock, and lose some detail, dynamics, and feel of being there. Run without the cable extension and lose more dynamics, and some transient response. The stock product is very good, and has a pleasing tonal balance, but this product can make magic with the updates noted. I spent way more hours doing this testing that I had wanted to, but the results were well worth it. Very happy owner, tempted to purchase another set just in case they quit making them as I don’t want to lose this playback capability. If you do not like accurate sound, you can get a similar tonal balance with RHA T20, but without the detail, transient response, and precise imaging. I can’t speak for other CA products, as I just found the company a few weeks ago before I ordered the big dog. Nobody else is close in accuracy for real sound. Now if you have a bad recording, or more, do not despair as you can go back to the stock memory foam tips, and the stock cable…..or choose some silicon tips that will eat the high frequency distortion, along with the program material, but it may be worth it for you. Don’t sacrifice magic sound on good recordings for mediocre sound on everything, just to avoid nasties on some bad recordings. Tune the sound with the tips…..it will be well worth your time if you like to get the most of the music you listen to. My only gripe is the cable does not easily wrap around the ear, at least mine do not, and I would like a clip to keep the cable weight from pulling the buds loose. The cable from RHA has great ear forming properties, maybe such an overshield of plastic would not work with these wires, but the cables as they are mean that you must balance the buds in your ears with the memory foam tips and strain relief the wires with a clip. Annoyances to be sure, but since we can tune everything else with parts that can be swapped (tips) or added (cable extension), go for it. Most highly recommended…..and I am very hard to please when it comes to sound quality. I can’t believe how great these are.
Douglas (verified owner) –
What can I say? I am no audiophile , but these are amazing.. the sound is so rich and vibrant , bass response is where it needs to be. Sound is so great you don’t even need to raise the volume to get the feeling if you know what I mean. It is a rock solid product. When compared to shure line se 535 or even the se 846. No comparison. Simply buy them , you won’t regret it.
Rockwell –
I would describe the Solaris as Andromeda plus Atlas– a beautiful marriage of Campfire’s earlier offerings. It is a beautifully balanced hybrid, taking the best of Campfire’s DD and BA technologies and combining them into a seamless and coherent whole. Massive holographic soundstage filled with deep and extended bass response, lush mids and airy and sparkly treble, all brought together with pinpoint precision and detail. Every time I have them on I can’t keep the smile off my face. They have, in fact, totally changed how I listen to my music. Before earphones were merely a means to an end for me– I used them to listen to my music. Now it’s reversed– I use my music to access the jaw-dropping sound of the Solaris. Emotional, fulfilling and engaging. Highly recommended (and Nicely Done).
Burkhardt Ulrich –
The Solaris match the new AK SP2000 perfectly … soundstage, channel separation, bass foundation, clear highs, 3D effect … awsome ?
usaf9756 (verified owner) –
The Solaris sounds beautiful. I have been an Andromeda owner for about 8 months and I’ve really enjoyed them. I have always had IEM’s that were BA (balanced armature) based so purchasing the Solaris was a new experience for me. I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’m so happy that I took the risk. From reading the reviews they say that the Solaris sounds best after some “burn-in time” and I have to agree. At first listen with the Solaris they sounded bright and not that much bass. However, after listening to them for about 10 hours now the brightness has calmed down and the bass is now sounding much fuller. I’m sure that the sound will continue to improve with time (I love them now and can’t wait to hear what they will eventually become). Compared to the Andromeda the Solaris have a much fuller sound, mid’s sound more forward/fuller and vocals sound more forward also most of the time. The bass on the Solaris is of coarse more prominent but not overbearing, it is balanced with the high’s and mid’s. The Solaris is so musical, I think this comes from the fullness of the sound. The soundstage and layering are fantastic, a step above the Andromeda. I’ll leave it there for now. I wasn’t sure I was a fan of a DD (dynamic driver) but I’m sold with the way it is utilized in the Solaris. Campfire Audio has done it again, “nicely done”.
usaf9756 (verified owner) –
I forgot to add how comfortable the Solaris are to wear. I have average size ears and I don’t have any fix issues at all. Also, I think I may have the next generation of Solaris. I say this because the Super Litz cable comes WITHOUT memory wire and the leather case is a lighter brown color and more clam shaped with the edges rounded. It is much better looking than the older one.
Thomas –
Except the low impedance of Solaris that makes the IEMs prone to interference, I would say that the Solaris is the best IEMs I have ever heard of. The tuning is perfect, every nuance is retrieved without sacrificing the musicality of the IEMs. The bass is punch and extends considerably well. The mids is very nice while the treble is so pleasant. The soundstage and layering is excellent considering the fact that the Solaris is a pair of IEMs. It is a real joy listening to the Solaris.
Pearlie Ermogemous –
Ooooo. Sounds delicious! The adaptations go by the same name?
Servio Cabrera (verified owner) –
I have tried the CA Solaris for some days now. I have tried all sorts of inputs and DACs, from cheap to expensive ones. In all cases, Solaris makes me smile, makes me a happier person. The sound is in one word: FANTASTIC. I wish I had bought them years ago.
ASSANE CISSE –
Simply amazing