Campfire Audio Polaris Hybrid IEM Review - "All New Hybrid Design"

Testing and Subjective Listening

I have been using the Campfire Polaris for more than a couple of months now. Not really on a daily basis, but more often in a week. I’m not sure if you are a believer of the so-called burn-in process, but I do believe that the Polaris needs some burn-in time to even things out and bring the drivers to its optimal performance; specially the dynamic driver.

When I first listened to the Polaris, it felt similar to the Andromeda. It has some of the Andromeda’s characteristics or qualities; like having a fun and easy listening sound signature. It feels or sounds like the Polaris is the budget-friendly version of the Andromeda. However, the longer I listen to and compare the Polaris with other earphones, I began to realize and hear the difference and the sound quality that it possess.

The Polaris has a somewhat V-shape sound signature. The bass is definitely rich and thick, and I can clearly tell that the Polaris has more bass presence (or volume) compared to the Andromeda. This is due to its dynamic driver, which has a clear advantage over a balanced armature driver when it comes to bass or lower frequencies. The bass is definitely not boomy and doesn’t bleed or overpower the mids and high section. It has a good amount of decay, as expected from a dynamic driver, has a nice amount of texture and overall produces a very clean bass.

Moving up, to my ears I find the mid-section to be somewhat recessed or laid back. The mid-section is still overall clear and detailed but lower-pitched (male) vocals may not sound as good compared higher-pitched (female) vocals. Don’t get me wrong, male vocals are still good, it’s just that they don’t sound as natural when compared to the likes of Andromeda. I know some would prefer this kind of sound signature, and I’m guessing this “split” of lower mids to upper mids is where the transition between the dynamic driver and balanced armature driver occurs. However, I still think that Campfire Audio was able to balance the mid-section well; as vocals are (still) rich (though not 100% natural) and doesn’t sound like in-your-face or in-your-head at all.

The treble section is sibilant free, non-fatiguing and doesn’t sound analytical and edgy at all. I don’t think it’s rolled off at all as I can still hear the crispness and every bit of detail in the music without being sharp and sibilant. It does have some good amount of “sparkle” and “air” for those who are looking for some “ting” on the higher frequencies.

Soundstage and imaging is pretty decent as well, although not as wide or huge as the Andromeda, but definitely better than its lower-end siblings. Instruments don’t sound compressed or lumped at all and again, it has a good amount of depth. You may consider the Polaris as an all-around genre type of earphone. But I prefer the Polaris when listening to EDMs or music where bass is more prominent than the rest of the frequencies. Andromeda is still my go to all around gear as it is more refined overall and can handle different genre better. Of course, the Andromeda is on a different level.

The Campfire Audio Polaris is also easy to drive. No need for an amplifier, a smartphone or tablet can power it up sufficiently. Of course, you’ll enjoy better listening experience when paired with a good to great sounding DAPs (digital audio players). Personally, I prefer to pair the Polaris with a neutral or reference sounding audio player; since it’s already a warm sounding earphone thanks to its dynamic driver.

Campfire Audio Polaris Review: Conclusion

Wrapping things up, I think the Campfire Audio is a well-made IEM or earphone with attention to detail. The team was able to balance the 8.5mm dynamic driver with Polarity Tuned Chamber and single balanced armature high frequency driver with T.A.E.C. technology very well, resulting to a warm sounding and enjoyable listening experience. It has the enough punch and amount of bass to satisfy your ears while maintaining every bit of detail and clarity.

Build quality surely won’t disappoint as it’s made from high quality materials; and as expected from Campfire Audio, craftsmanship is superb. The Polaris is not a cheap earphone, as it currently retails for $599 USD. However, if you look at other IEMs and earphones on the market (aside from Campfire Audio’s offerings) there are a lot that are priced higher, but unfortunately doesn’t offer significant advantage or sound quality to warranty the (huge) price gap.

Finally, I think the Polaris is a consumer-friendly earphone and people will find its fun sound signature pleasant to the ears; weather you’re an audiophile or simply a music lover enjoying music from your portable device. If you ever get a chance, I recommend you go ahead and try the Polaris out. Oh not to mention Campfire Audio offers a “15-day no questions asked return policy”. So go ahead and give it a try.