Campfire Audio Andromeda 10 Review: Worth the Decade
Almost every month, many IEM brands launch new products all around the world, and the hurdle for surviving the competition gets more rigorous for flagship-tier IEMs. Just about 10 years ago, a flagship IEM was born that swept the global awards – the Campfire Audio Andromeda. Featuring the iconic green metal shells, this 5BA flagship IEM was widely regarded as one of the most successful flagship earphones ever made and a key item that helped Campfire Audio expand its business.
Over the past decade, Campfire Audio has released various revisions and editions of Andromeda. There are almost a dozen different Andromeda editions, though if only mentioning official releases and those that are sonically different, examples would be the original Andromeda (OG), Andromeda S, Andromeda 2020, Andromeda Gold, Andromeda Emerald Sea, and after a decade since the launch of the first version, we now finally have the Andromeda 10. Today, we’ll cover the features and sonic performance of Andromeda 10, as well as compare it with other IEMs, including the old Andromedas. Campfire Audio Andromeda 10 is a 10BA flagship IEM priced at $1,799 for the Standard Edition and $2,499 for the Damascus Launch Edition.
Packaging / Accessories
Campfire Audio has always treated packaging as an extension of the product itself, and with Andromeda 10, likely the most complete set of accessories you could be provided with. Andromeda 10 doesn’t arrive in Campfire’s traditional origami-style box. Instead, the packaging inclusions have now become more diverse and practical. Apart from the Andromeda 10 earphones, the packaging includes a premium leather case, a series of different silicone tips and foam tips, replaceable nozzle filters, and more. The Andromeda 10 is available in Launch Edition and Standard Edition. The earpiece and cable materials differ, as well as the carrying case, which differs in colors. The full details of the included accessories are as follows:
- Andromeda 10 Earphones
- Custom Cable – Gold-plated copper conductors for Launch Edition (Silver-plated and pure copper for Standard Edition) / 4.4mm with 2-pin connectors
- New Large Leather Zipper Carrying Case
- Foam Eartips (S, M, L)
- Silicone Eartips (S, M, L)
- New High & Clear traction silicone eartips (S, M, L)
- IEM Cleaning Tool
- Microfiber cleaning cloth
- Ten-year CA commemorative pin
- Serialized commemorative card
Most Comfort-Optimized Earpieces of the Family
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Andromeda series, Campfire Audio also released the Andromeda 10 Launch Edition, featuring PVD black stainless steel bodies with genuine Damascus steel lids, available in either Gold or Black. Of course, the Standard Edition comes with the classic “Andromeda Green” color with CNC aluminum shells.
Let’s first talk about the updated form factors. Andromeda 10 sports a new ergonomic shape while keeping the mechanical, edgy design. The old Andromedas were often mentioned as IEMs allowed only for ears that could accept their shapes, though the Andromeda 10 is one of the most comfortable flagship IEMs you can find. The chassis is thinner with nozzle angles and length optimized for comfort. This is arguably the most comfortable metal-chassis IEMs to date, providing a snug fit that stays secure even during long sessions, without the typical “ear-fatigue” from metal contact.
First-ever 2-Pin Implementation / The NEMC System
Perhaps the most significant and surprising mechanical update is the transition to 2-pin connectors, moving away from the MMCX standard they’ve used since the brand’s inception. While I’m still convinced that Campfire Audio won’t drop MMCX terminations anytime soon, the Andromeda 10 was applied with 2-pin connectors due to community demand – and also because Andromeda 10 has a stronger meaning as a celebration product to thank the fanbase. The much-requested 2pin standard connectors offer better capability, and I would give Andromeda 10 a strong plus for that alone. On the inside, as the name suggests, the Andromeda 10 uses 10BA drivers per side. Campfire Audio also introduces the new Noise-Elimination Mid-Circuit (NEMC) system, which works alongside CA’s renowned proprietary T.A.E.C. technology to eliminate unwanted resonance from the 10BA array.
For the stock cable, Campfire Audio offers two distinct paths depending on the edition you choose. The Standard Edition comes paired with the “Time Link” modular cable, which features a blend of silver-plated copper and pure copper wires. What makes the Time Link special is its modularity, allowing you to hot-swap between 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and even a high-quality USB-C DAC termination for modern convenience. The cable is lightweight and supple, offering a tangle-free experience that perfectly complements the mobile-friendly aluminum earpieces. It provides a balanced, even-keeled sonic signature that preserves the shimmering tone of the Andromeda 10 without adding unnecessary color.
On the other hand, the Damascus Launch Edition is equipped with a custom-paired, small-batch premium cable. This 8-conductor cable uses high-purity 7N OCC gold-plated copper, specifically engineered to further bring out the resolution and tonal richness of the IEMs. The gold plating adds a touch of “moistness” and weight to the midrange, further enhancing the creamy texture that the Andromeda DNA is famous for. Both cables feature a premium matte finish and custom-designed hardware that feels robust yet elegant.
The Standard Edition of Andromeda 10 is introduced with the Campfire’s modular cable system – the Time Link cable. It uses a modular swap mechanism, with interchangeable 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and USB-C DAC plugs included. The USB-C module runs on the Cirrus Logic CS43131 chip, supporting 32-bit/384kHz resolution and DSD256 playback.
The stock cable itself is a 6-braid blended copper and silver design. The cable has moderate weight to it, being heavier than Campfire’s Time Stream cables, but nothing to an extreme extent. I’d suspect this is the reason for the hardware parts being plastic rather than metal, as the weight may be overwhelming otherwise. The wires are decently pliable and supple without ear guides, which makes the cable comfortable to handle. Due to its rather weighty nature, the stock cable may not suit those who prefer a weight-free experience. That aside, the modular swap system functions smoothly, and the mechanism feels reliable. Having all three termination options out of the box, including Type-C connection, is very useful and a step in the right direction for Campfire.
Next Page: In-depth Impressions / How Does the Andromeda 10 Sound?