Vega 2020
All New. All Improved.
Revisiting a popular design is not a task to be taken lightly. Critical and commercial success engenders good feelings and raises the expectations for the inevitable sequel.Â
The Campfire Audio Vega 2020 takes all the excellent and innovative aspects of the original 2016 design and improves upon them. Redesigned larger dynamic driver. Improved material selection and design. It’s all here, new and improved for 2020.
Frequency Response
Listening:Â Techno, IDM, EDM, Industrial, Hip-hop, Pop, Neo-soul, Funk, Rock, Alternative, Prog Rock, Psych Rock, Synthwave, House
Production:Â Drums, Bass, Beat Production
Dynamic(s)
Refined Sounds Like
At the heart of the Campfire Audio Vega 2020 is a single full-range dynamic driver. Using our signature A.D.L.C. (amorphous diamond-like carbon) coating material, we have created a unique lightweight and rigid diaphragm. These physical attributes increase the driver’s musical performance by reducing flex, improving detail, and reducing sonic distortion.
Dynamic(s)
Refined Sounds Like
At the heart of the Vega is a single full-range dynamic driver. Using our signature A.D.L.C. (amorphous diamond-like carbon) coating material, we have created a unique lightweight and rigid diaphragm. These physical attributes increase the driver’s musical performance by reducing flex, improving detail, and reducing sonic distortion.
Ceramic is Zirconia
Super Dense Stuff
In 2015, Campfire Audio was the first company to introduce a ceramic body earphone with the original Lyra. With our new 2020 Vega and Dorado, we’ve returned to this excellent material. Â
Ceramic is a dense material. That’s part of its appeal when designing an earphone. The density pairs well with dynamic drivers because it doesn’t let vibrations run wild. It also has the added benefit of ownership by being extremely scratch-resistant.Â
The port on the face of the earphone vents the rear of the dynamic driver. An acoustic dampener further regulates the airflow to optimize the sonic performance of the dynamic driver.
Our ceramic shells get their strength through a sintering process. Two days are spent at 600 degrees, followed by three days at 1200 degrees. This extended exposure to high heat dramatically reduces the parts’ size and increases their density as a result.
The shells then spend up to 3 days in a tumbler along with small alumina stones and water. This polishing process gives them an attractive high gloss surface finish.
Ceramic is Zirconia
Super Dense Stuff
In 2015, Campfire Audio was the first company to introduce a ceramic body earphone with the original Lyra. With our new 2020 Vega and Dorado, we’ve returned to this excellent material. Â
Ceramic is a dense material. That’s part of its appeal when designing an earphone. The density pairs well with dynamic drivers because it doesn’t let vibrations run wild. It also has the added benefit of ownership by being extremely scratch-resistant.Â
The port on the face of the earphone vents the rear of the dynamic driver. An acoustic dampener further regulates the airflow to optimize the sonic performance of the dynamic driver.
Our ceramic shells get their strength through a sintering process. Two days are spent at 600 degrees, followed by three days at 1200 degrees. This extended exposure to high heat dramatically reduces the parts’ size and increases their density as a result.
The shells then spend up to 3 days in a tumbler along with small alumina stones and water. This polishing process gives them an attractive high gloss surface finish.
Cohesive
‘Simple’ sounds good.
Vega’s acoustic design springs from a relatively simple philosophy; use the best components possible and maximize their abilities. There isn’t a cross-over or other electronic clutter in the signal path to inhibit the driver’s musical performance. There are high purity conductors from our custom Beryllium Copper MMCX connector to the driver and back again. The simplicity of the design is its strength and what Vega 2020 exceptionally coherent. Vega combines refinement with utility. It is an earphone that works across genre and recording. It is as forgiving and enjoyable to listen to streaming audio and lower quality recordings as it is rewarding when given a full-fledged hi-fi track from a dedicated player.
Andrew (verified owner) –
I haven’t listened to the biggest and the best IEMs, but I do have a good amount of experience with full size headphones. I don’t consider things like cables and chipsets and things like that to be audible factors in a sound system beyond a certain “barrier to entry”, if that makes sense. I like to think I’m an audiophile with my feet on the ground. With that perspective in mind, here’s what I think:
With this purchase, I had my fingers crossed, and my hopes were exceeded; I was hoping these would sound similar to Beyerdynamic DT990 (bassy, U/V shaped response, plenty of resolve and clarity throughout the mids and highs), and they really do. I’m quite happy about that, as the DT990 is, in my opinion, the perfect headphone for powerful and highly detailed and dynamic electronic music.
In any case, a more apt comparison might be between these earphones and Noble Audio’s 3C CIEM. The craftmanship on both items is superb, but materials on the Vega 2020 are clearly superior – the ceramic shells are actually really really cool and give the product an undeniably unique look and feel. The stainless steel pairs nicely with the ceramic too. These little earphones have some mass to them, which feels great. Unlike the Noble 3C, the Vega 2020 feels open and highly detailed, without muddying of the lows and mids. The 3C is no slouch, but listening to the 3C makes me wish I was listening to full size headphones. The Vega 2020 leaves no room for that desire, and I think the breather port that they added to the shell of the 2020 is a big part of that. You get an open feel in a universal IEM package! I think the fact that these are universal is a huge plus, honestly. Our ear canals change throughout our lives, and it’s pretty disappointing when your CIEMs no longer fit you properly.
Anyway, a little long and rambly, but I am a big fan of these earphones! Amazing work Campfire. :)
PS – In my opinion, the included case is a tad too small for the earphones if you keep them in the mesh bag that is also included. I stepped up to one of the Campfire leather cases and the fit and consideration for cables is much nicer.
Alex v Ingen –
Bass head enthusiasts at its best. Looks nice, fits well, small, sounds great for EMD and Techno. Small items with a big heartbeat!
google:suggestrelevance –
Me gusto mucho tu post Muchas gracias Saludos
Carlos Ruano (verified owner) –
Feel premium, sound premium. I treat stuff harshly and this can take it.
Sound wise, this perform incredible. Great bass, and somehow some of the best soundstage I’ve heard.
celentmah (verified owner) –
Beautiful ceramic shell feel like pearls to the touch, heavy but small enough to disappear when worn once the right fit is found. I am a fan of CA 10mm adlc driver, it is able to make sub bass, mid to high frequency sound clear. Timbre is excellent and staging at times can get out of my head. The Vega 2020 is tuned to be neutral and natural to my ears.
bojan b –
I love them! Super durable and for the price range have such good sound but I listen to drum and bass and I can tell you it sounds 10/10 on these babies
Chris F –
I was looking for a headphone with smooth response from the mids to the highs and much, but articulate bass. These are it. Quality of construction is top notch and I love the sound!