Closer Examination

The Astell&Kern x Campfire Audio PATHFINDER appears to be have discovered the path for Campfire Audio's cable offerings for its premium IEMs. It shipped with three separate cables that offered 2.5 mm TRRS/3.5 mm TRS/4.4 mm TRRS connectors for the source and the same continues with the new Solaris Stellaris Horizon. Campfire Audio calls these "timestream" cables and these are a more expensive route to providing you single-ended and balanced connectors compared to modular cables. Some would argue modular connectors take away from how cables sound without one so I suppose they should be happy with this route CFA is taking even if that means you inevitably end up with two cables you won't be using. Note the unique flat nature to the cables here with Campfire Audio going with high-quality enameled silver-plated oxygen-free copper conductor in a Litz configuration. There are four strands to begin with which then split into two per channel, and we end up with a predominantly silver aesthetic including with the use of metal housing except with gold used on the splitter that bears the truncated logo. There is well-integrated strain relief throughout and the cable cinch is highly functional too. Indeed, I know these cables are somewhat divisive but I found them to be fairly easy to route without any microphonics in use. It's not the easiest to re-shape though—especially given the cables come wrapped up already in a manner it takes a while to deviate from. The cable terminates in low profile custom beryllium/copper MMCX connectors that have L/R markings on the housing to help indicate the left and right channels, respectively. The metal plugs on either end are gold-plated for oxidation resistance.


Now we get to the IEMs finally and, simply based on photos, it does appear that Campfire Audio has retained the general design language of its popular Solaris IEM line. This includes an ergonomic shell design that is slightly wider at the bottom compared to the top akin to the ear concha. The shells are made of machined stainless steel which then get a brushed finish that is easy to grip on to when inserting/removing them, while also keeping them resistant to fingerprints, finger oils, and dust. Brass fasteners secure the two halves together while also doing double duty as accents to break up the monotony from the steel. There are no machining marks seen and the construction/assembly is quite good.


A closer look at the face plates reveals the use of a polished black acrylic insert that has a custom designed PVD (physical vapor deposition) gold inlay, including with the CFA logo on either side. The various crevices created by this assembly can end up trapping dust so do clean these periodically. But the appearance of a freshly cleaned set with the gold floating in the black abyss is neat and treads a fine line between premium and overly flashy while being on the correct side of it for me. The side view confirms the use of radial vents for the dynamic drivers and we will discuss this more on the next page. We also see the MMCX connectors are placed in an extension on the shells and the seams between the shell halves are barely visible unless up close. There is no other branding seen here, not even to identify the channels although the shape of the shells does make it fairly easy if you are remotely familiar with IEMs. The spout/nozzle is also made of stainless steel and is fairly elongated in typical Campfire Audio style. It's tiny compared to a lot of recently released IEMs at ~5 mm in diameter as it tapers down before having a retaining notch to help keep the installed ear tips in place. The grill on the end has eight circular holes and is no doubt designed deliberately with the sound output in mind while also doing double duty in preventing contaminants from easily entering the acoustic chamber.


Fitting the different ear tips will require you to slightly stretch the inner bore to fit over the nozzle before pushing them in and going around to ensure they are not at an angle. The retaining notch helps keep them in place too although there isn't a defined end point so you effectively stop when the bore of the ear tips runs out of expansion room. Seen above are the included size M silicone and foam ear tips installed on the Campfire Audio Solaris Stellar Horizon; both happen to have wider bores than usual. Try out the various tips and sizes, and keep in mind that both ear canals won't necessarily have the best seal with the same size or set, either.


Regardless of which tips you pick, the next step is to re-connect the cable of your choice by carefully identifying the matching channels and orienting the ear hooks around your ear when connecting the IEMs. Doing so is simple, as you just push the MMCX connectors together until they click in place. This also allows free rotation unlike with 2-pin plugs and now you will also note how the silver on the cable works well with the brushed steel shells and the steel nozzle. The availability of three cables with different connectors also means you can easily pair the Solaris Stellar Horizon with the source of your choice, and I found myself using this set on the go mostly paired with the excellent Questyle M15 or the Cayin Audio RU6. You can then use the product box as a display stand for the IEMs as seen above, allowing the source and cable to be neatly placed in the main compartment and the IEMs hanging off the display hand. It makes for an eye-catching visual and also provides a good backdrop for photography. Just be aware that opening and closing the wood lid isn't the smoothest operation in the world but do it a couple of times and you will get the hang of it.