Campfire Audio Fathom Review
Campfire Audio Fathom Review
Introduction:
Renowned Portland-based audiophile brand Campfire Audio specializes in high-end earphones, headphones, cables, and more, all boasting innovative designs and technologies.
Campfire Audio’s Fathom utilizes a six-driver balanced armature architecture, evenly distributing drivers across low, mid, and high frequency ranges. This design incorporates the company’s accumulated experience in balanced armature technology. A key component of the Fathom is Campfire Audio’s Phase Harmony Engineering, a method for assigning specific frequency bands to individual drivers. Housed in a precision-machined aluminum shell and adorned with striking Rainbow PVD accents, the Fathom not only seeks to excel in audio performance but also in aesthetic appeal. Let’s take a closer look at what this IEM has to offer.
Disclaimer:
I would like to thank Campfire Audio for providing the Fathom Universal IEM as review sample. I am not affiliated with Campfire Audio or any third person beyond this review and all these words reflect my true, unaltered opinions about the product.
Price & Availability:
The Campfire Audio Fathom is available for Regular price $1,049.00 USD, while more details can be found under the link below;
Package and Accessories:
The Campfire Audio Fathom In-Ear Monitor is housed in a rectangular cardboard box featuring a fusion of industrial and artistic elements. The packaging showcases a striking visual pattern combining deep, rich colors with a dark background, printed on its exterior. This design aesthetic suggests a product that marries technical precision with artistic expression.
Campfire Audio takes unboxing to a completely new level, creating a truly exciting and unique experience that sets the stage for enjoying their high-quality earphones. Campfire Audio has a reputation for delivering products with extensive accessory bundles, and Fathom maintains this tradition.
The box is including the following items;
- 1 pair x Campfire Audio Fathom Monitors
- 1 x Campfire Audio Time Stream Cable with 3.5mm Single-Ended headphone plug
- 1 x Campfire Audio Time Stream Cable with 4.4mm Balanced headphone plug
- 3 pairs x Foam tips (small, medium, large)
- 3 pairs x Silicon Ear Tips (small, medium, large)
- 1 x Handmade Leather ‘Dimensional Folding’ Case
- 1 x Breezy Bag Junior (Small mesh zipper case)
- 1 x Breezy Bag Micro (Two-pocket IEM pouch)
- 1 x Cleaning Tool
- 1 x Cleaning Wipe/Cloth
- 1 piece x Campfire Audio Pin
- 1 piece x Warrant Card & instruction manual
Campfire Audio Time Stream Cables:
The Campfire Audio Fathom comes with 2 separate cables with different headphone plug terminations including one with 3.5mm Single Ended and 4.4mm Balanced plug, which are the companies lates Time Stream cables.
Time Stream Cables feature eight silver-plated copper conductors arranged in a flat ribbon configuration for superb ergonomics and low microphonics. Each conductor is encased in soft, flexible, and durable transparent insulation.
The MMCX (Micro Miniature Coaxial) connectors are made of custom-made beryllium copper material that provides a robust mating mechanism. The MMCX connectors do have metal housings in grey color that do sport L (Left) / R (Right) indicator.
The plugs of both cables to have a straight profile and feature a plastic housing in black color.
Other Accessories:
The Fathom came with 6 pairs of ear tips, including 3 pairs of silicone with a wide opening and 3 pairs of foam ear tips. A cleaning tool and cleaning wipe/cloth, and Campfire Audio’s trademark pin with the brand logo are some nice additions.
The so-called Campfire Audio “Dimensional Folding Case” is a foldable case in black color with a premium look and design that is Made in Portugal. The foldable case has a magnetic closure and a carabiner, which is a nice addition.
The packaging of the Fathom also includes 2 pairs of double pocket soft pouches called Breezy Bags, one “Junior” with a small mesh zipper case, and the Micro (Two-pocket IEM pouch).
Features, Design and Build Quality:
The Campfire Audio Fathom presents a minimalist aesthetic defined by clean lines. Its anodized aluminum construction provides a sleek, black exterior that is both durable and corrosion-resistant.
The Fathom’s faceplate features a matte finish with angular contours. A discreetly embossed Campfire Audio logo maintains a premium appearance. The faceplate’s geometric facets create a visually interesting interplay of light and shadow.
Despite its compact size, the Fathom houses a sophisticated six-driver balanced armature system. Each driver is dedicated to specific frequency ranges. Campfire Audio’s Phase Harmony Engineering optimizes driver performance by assigning specific frequency bands to individual drivers.
The inner surface of the monitor shell features the sound stainless steel nozzle with a PVD coating in black color. The sound nozzle has 7 small and 1 large opening at the center.
On the top of the monitors is the MMCX connector interface that is encircled by rainbow PVD fastener rings, providing a contrasting element to the otherwise monochromatic design.
The rear and bottom of the monitors incorporate similar rings, adding visual interest.
The Fathom’s construction is a harmonious blend of durability and aesthetics. Its anodized aluminum and stainless-steel components are meticulously crafted, resulting in a robust and visually striking IEM.
Fit, Comfort and Isolation:
The Campfire Audio Fathom’s compact design, despite housing a sophisticated six-driver configuration, offers a comfortable for my average sized ear concha. The monitors ergonomic form provides a secure and pleasant listening experience, while its effective passive noise isolation makes it suitable for various environments such like a bus or train.
Technical Specifications:
- Model : Fathom
- Driver Configuration : Six-Driver Balanced Armature architecture
- Driver Setup : 2x Bass + 2x Midrange + 2x Treble
- Frequency Response : 5 Hz – 20 kHz
- Sensitivity : 94 dB @ 1 kHz: 6.75 mVrms
- Impedance : 11.7 Ohms @ 1 kHz
- Connector : MMMC (Micro Miniature Coaxial Connector)
- Headphone Plug : 3.5mm Single Ended & 4.4mm Balanced
Drivability & Pairing:
With an ultra-low 11.7 Ohm impedance and a sensitivity of 94 dB SPL, the Fathom delivers its full sonic potential with minimal power input. This makes it an ideal choice for on-the-go listening, especially with devices that lack high-powered audio outputs. However, the low impedance makes it also sensitive to hissing.
Equipment’s used for this review:
- In Ear Monitors : Campfire Audio Fathom, Meze Audio RAI Penta
- Sources (DAP/DAC) : HiBy R6 PRO II, FiiO M23, iBasso DC07 Pro
Albums & tracks used for this review:
- Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Apple Music Lossless)
- Adele – My Little Love (Apple Music Lossless)
- Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
- Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Radiohead – Live in Berlin “Album” (Apple Music Lossless)
- Radiohead – Pyramid Song (Apple Music Lossless)
- U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Bear McCreary’s – Valkyries (Deezer HiFi)
- Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
- Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Daft Punk – Instant Crush (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
- Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Apple Music Lossless)
- Hans Zimmer – The Dark Knight OST (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Spotify)
- Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Apple Music Lossless)
- Pink Floyd – Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Apple Music Lossless)
- Miles Davis – So What (Deezer HiFi)
- Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Metallica – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Rush’s – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
- Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
- Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)
The Sound:
Campfire Audio’s Fathom represents a significant evolution in the company’s Balanced Armature (BA) driver technology. Employing a novel six-driver configuration, equally distributed across low, mid, and high frequencies, the Fathom offers an optimized sonic performance and BA refinement. The resulting sonic signature is characterized by a well-balanced and detail presentation, which shows warmth in the midrange intended to enhance vocal overall musicality.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the sonic performance of the Fathom.
I have used the stock CFA Silicon Ear Tips and the new CFA Time Stream Cable that are included inside the package. The main sound sources are the HiBy R6 Pro II, FiiO M23 and the iBasso DC07 Pro.
Bass:
The low-frequency response of the Campfire Audio Fathom is characterized by a focus on quality over quantity. The bass is presented with commendable depth and richness while maintaining excellent control. The subbass region is less highlighted compared to the midbass, while offering good sense of depth and rumble. The low end is well-integrated into the overall sound signature, providing a solid foundation without overpowering other frequencies. While those seeking a more pronounced bass emphasis might find subbass slightly restrained, the Fathom’s accurate and natural presentation in this area will satisfy a wide range of listeners.
The Fathom’s bass extends smoothly into the midrange, creating a cohesive and natural tonal balance. The low frequencies do have a good sense of texture and detail, allowing for appreciation of the nuances of various bass instruments such as electric bass guitars, kick drums, and double bass. The bass impact is satisfying without overwhelming the rest of the frequency spectrum, making the Fathom versatile for a variety of musical genres.
Midrange:
The Campfire Audio Fathom’s midrange presentation is a standout characteristic, defined by its warm, clear, and natural tonality. Vocals are delivered with exceptional presence and detail, drawing the listener deeply into the music. Instruments such as acoustic guitars, pianos, and violins are reproduced with accurate timbre and texture. The midrange is forward-leaning without being overly aggressive, offering a balanced blend of intimacy and clarity.
The Fathom excels in its portrayal of male vocals such like Dave Gahan, and Sting up to Elton John, rendering them with depth and richness. Female vocals like Adel, Norah Johns and Diana Krall are equally impressive, showcasing excellent clarity and detail. The midrange is smooth and refined, devoid of harshness or sibilance, ensuring a fatigue-free listening experience even during extended sessions. The Fathom’s midrange is a testament to Campfire Audio’s ability to craft a natural and engaging sound with an IEM that is equipped with Balanced Armature drivers.
Treble:
The treble presentation of the Campfire Audio Fathom is characterized by a refined and extended character. It offers a good degree of detail retrieval without veering into harsh or fatiguing territory. The treble adds a sense of airiness and sparkle to the overall sound, contributing to a more expansive and realistic listening experience. While not exhibiting the same level of energy and extension like higher end IEMs from Campfire Audio like the Solaris Stellar Horizon or the ARA, the Fathom’s treble is well-balanced and contributes to an overall pleasant and fatigue-free listening experience.
The general treble presentation is delicate, avoiding harshness or sibilance, making it suitable for listeners sensitive to high frequencies. Instruments such as cymbals, hi-hats, and violins are reproduced with clarity and precision. The treble seamlessly integrates with the midrange and bass, creating a cohesive and balanced overall sound. While some listeners may desire a more pronounced treble emphasis, the Fathom’s approach is commendable for its accuracy and refinement.
Soundstage & Imaging:
The Campfire Audio Fathom impresses with its ability to create a spacious and immersive soundstage. It offers a good degree of width, depth, and height, allowing for clear distinction between individual instruments and their placement within the sound field. The imaging is precise, contributing to a realistic and engaging listening experience.
Comparison:
Campfire Audio Fathom versus Meze Audio Rai Penta:
The Campfire Audio Fathom delivers a more refined, controlled, and accurate bass response compared to the Meze Audio Rai Penta. While the Rai Penta offers a more emphasized and impactful low-end, the Fathom excels in providing a natural and balanced foundation for the music. The Fathom’s bass is less likely to overshadow other frequencies, resulting in a more harmonious overall sound.
Moving to the midrange the Campfire Audio Fathom offers a more balanced and musical presentation compared to the Meze Audio Rai Penta. The Fathom delivers a clear, natural, and engaging vocal presentation with excellent detail retrieval. In contrast, the Rai Penta’s upper midrange is highly detailed but sounds slightly sharper, thinner, and less natural, lacking the overall coherence and warmth of the Fathom.
The Meze Audio Rai Penta’s treble is pretty energetic and detailed, but sounds also a bit spicy and bright in certain tracks. The Campfire Audio Fathom on the other hand offers a more refined and extended treble response compared to the Meze Audio Rai Penta. The Fathom’s treble is smoother, more controlled, and less fatiguing, providing a more balanced and natural listening experience.
Both the Campfire Audio Fathom and the Meze Audio Rai Penta deliver impressive soundstage performances. The Fathom’s slightly wider and deeper soundstage, combined with more precise imaging, creates a more immersive and enveloping listening experience.
Conclusion:
The Campfire Audio Fathom is a precisely engineered in-ear monitor that presents a balanced and refined sound signature. Its six-driver balanced armature architecture, paired with Campfire Audio’s Phase Harmony technology, delivers a precise and detailed listening experience. The Fathom excels in its midrange reproduction, offering natural vocals and instrumental timbre. While the low end provides solid foundation, enthusiasts seeking emphasized bass might find it slightly restrained. The treble is extended and airy without sacrificing smoothness. Characterized by a spacious soundstage and accurate imaging, the Fathom immerses listeners in their music.
Campfire Audio has crafted an IEM that appeals to a wide range of listeners. The Fathom’s careful attention to detail, combined with its elegant design, makes it a compelling choice for audiophiles looking a well-rounded and enjoyable listening experience.
Pros & Cons:
- + Sound profile with impressive sense of Balance and Detail retrieval
- + Warm, clear, and natural midrange presentation with exceptional vocal clarity
- + Refined and extended treble response
- + Bass impact is satisfying without overwhelming
- + Spacious soundstage with excellent imaging
- + Aesthetic design
- + Solid Built Quality
- + Comes with a rich set of accessories
- – Slightly roll-off in the subbass area
- – Low impedance makes it sensitive to hissing
- – Despite the high-quality cables, a modular design would be a welcome feature
Thank you for the Read!
