If you were to look at impressions online of Campfire Audio products, you would probably end up confused. There does not seem to be any real consensus for its recent releases with some fervently loving them and others deriding everything from the brand. Needless to say then that the truth is probably somewhere in between and this is a great example of how subjective audio can be. To its credit, Campfire Audio does seem to be more willing than most to try different things and offer a variety of tonalities. I can respect this philosophy even if I did not like many of the recent releases, because when it does work we end up with the likes of the Solaris Stellar Horizon.

The Solaris Stellar Horizon is the best Campfire Audio product I've ever listened to, which is a good thing since it's also the most expensive CFA set I've reviewed. Everything about the new Solaris feels premium beginning with the box with its secondary function as a display stand complete with a 3D printed tiny hand model, the multiple carry/storage cases provided, the three different cables—even if you'd mostly only use one—as opposed to going with modular connectors, and then we get to the shells and face plate that are best appreciated in person. I've seen some compare it to the Subtonic Storm but both are different enough and came about around the same time. The gold inlay floating in the background of the smooth black acrylic feels stellar, if you can pardon the pun. It's built well and is comfortable to use for long periods of time.

The drivers are also fully custom and the balanced armature drivers are seemingly new too, using dual diaphragms. The dynamic driver is quite good too and the radial venting helps further by giving you a punchy sound which is still detailed. The tonality is forward, perhaps a bit too much in some cases, and yet controlled and smooth where it counts. You can get a taste of this sound presentation at a lower cost from the likes of the 64 Audio U4s but the Solaris Stellar Horizon is more dynamic, more resolving, and handles layers better than even the more expensive U12t (and U18t to an extent). It does enough to justify a recommendation but is also the perfect product to debut our new additional award to indicate that the Campfire Audio Solaris Stellar Horizon is a nice but expensive set of IEMs. Those with the budget for such a set would do well to try it out before purchase!