Campfire Audio Supermoon Review

Introduction:

Campfire Audio is specialized in high-end earphones, headphones, cables, and more, all equipped with innovative designs and technologies. One of their latest offerings, that I will now review for you is the Supermoon IEM, which belongs to the Chromatic series, available in both universal (UIEM) and custom (CIEM) fit options. The Supermoon features a 14mm Planar Magnetic Driver unit embedded in to a 3D printed shell with an eye-catching stainless-steel faceplate. The IEM is available in two different accessory set options, which are the Essential and the Deluxe editions.

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank Campfire Audio for providing the Supermoon Universal IEM as review sample. I am not affiliated with Campfire Audio or any Third Person beyond this review and all my words reflect my true, unaltered opinions about the product.

Price & Availability:

The Campfire Audio offers the Supermoon in both custom (CIEM) and universal (UIEM) fit options same like all other members of the Chromatic Series, while the CIEM variants costing $400 more than the UIEM’s. The UIEM version of the Supermoons starts at $1,099, while the CIEM version is priced at $1,499. Moreover, you can order the Supermoon in Orange which is the official color or the second variant which is in Black color.

Additionally, Campfire Audio offers two accessory packages, which are the Essential and Deluxe editions. The Deluxe Edition includes a premium leather case, three Time Stream Cables (instead of one) with varied terminations and many more, which will set you back an additional $200.

• UIEM: $1,099 USD
• CIEM: $1,499 USD
• Deluxe Edition: Additional $200 USD

More details can be found under the link below;

• Campfire Audio Supermoon

Package & Accessories:

Campfire Audio is a brand that takes unboxing to a completely new level, creating a truly exciting and unique experience that sets the stage for enjoying their high-quality earphones.

The Supermoon Essential Edition that I will now review for you comes in a pretty minimalistic but fancy looking small cardboard box in orange color with decorative elements like stars, lines, and other icons enhancing its visual appeal. The design of the box shows a sense of a vintage and retro vibe.

The difference in terms of accessories between the Essential and Deluxe Edition are listed below;

Deluxe Edition: 

• Premium Leather Case: A luxurious carrying case made from high-quality leather.
• Three Time Stream Cables: Includes three earphone cables with different terminations (3.5mm SE, 2.5mm and 4.4mm Balanced)
• Cushioned Cable Bag: A padded bag for storing your earphone cables.
• Breezy Bag Micro
• All other Essential Edition accessories (marshmallow and silicone tips, precision cleaning tool, and Campfire Audio pin)

Essential Edition: 

• Breezy Bag Standard: A basic carrying case for your earphones.
• Customizable Time Stream Cable: A single earphone cable with interchangeable terminations (3.5mm SE, 2.5mm Balanced or 4.4mm Balanced)
• 3 pairs of Marshmallow and 3 pairs of silicone tips
• Precision cleaning tool
• Campfire Audio pin
• Breezy Bag Micro: A small carrying case for your earphones and accessories.

Features, Design and Build Quality:

The Campfire Audio Supermoon offers an excellent build quality, evident in its Solid Body Design and polished faceplate. The Supermoon is available in Black and Orange color, while Orange is the signature color of the Supermoon which is a member of the new Chromatic series. The monitors have a 3D printed medical-grade acrylic shell and an eye-catching stainless-steel faceplate that are Hand-assembled in Campfire Audio’s workshop located in Portland, Oregon.

These shells are 3D printed from a medical-grade acrylic that do look very durable. The new-patented Solid Body Design allows driver installation directly into a single, precisely 3D printed ‘engine block’ that routes the sound to your ears. The Supermoon is Campfire Audios first IEM that implements a full-range 14mm diameter Planar Magnetic Driver unit.

The stainless-steel faceplate has a very esthetic design that features the Campfire Audio brand logo and an opening that is dedicated for pressure relief.

The rear surface features the slightly angled sound nozzle made of stainless-steel material with 7x small and 1x large opening on the top.

Each monitor has an elevated that features a robust MMCX Beryllium / Copper connector with a golden finish on the top.

Campfire Audio Time Stream Cable:

The Time Stream Cable/Cables that comes with the Supermoon is made from 8-core Silver Plated Cooper copper conductors in ribbon configuration, which has a soft, flexible and durable transparent insulation with a flat profile.

The cable has MMCX male connectors that do have a soft plastic housing in orange color adorned with L  / R markings for easy identification. Near the connectors are heat shrink ear-guides that enhances comfort during over-ear wear.

The cable features a Y-splitter that is made from the same plastic material in yellow color, while the small chin slider is made from transparent plastic material.

The cable has a straight-profiled headphone housing with a retro-inspired design, crafted from plastic material with the same signature color.

The Essential Edition includes one cable of your choice while ordering the IEMs. Choose from 3.5mm single-ended, 2.5mm balanced, or 4.4mm balanced plugs, while the Deluxe Edition comes with all three Time Stream Cables with different plug terminations for higher versatility.

Fit, Comfort and Isolation:

The Universal version of the Campfire Audio Supermoon comes with a pretty smooth curved semi-custom shape that fits comfortably in to my medium sized ears. This design has been inspired from Custom In-Ear Monitors (CIEMs) for the professional use. Thanks to the semi-custom shape, the Supermoon delivers an above-average passive noise isolation, effectively blocking out surrounding noises. This makes them ideal for immersive listening on-the-go or in noisy environments.

If you are looking for the ultimate passive noise isolation, you can also choose between the Custom Audiophile and Custom Artist fit options.

Technical Specifications:

• Model                          : Supermoon
• Driver Setup               : 14mm Planar Magnetic Driver Unit
• Frequency Response : 5 Hz – 20 kHz
• Sensitivity                   : 94 dB (SPL) @ 1kHz 54 mVrms
• Impedance                 : 15.5 Ω @ 1 kHz
• Connector                   : MMMC (Micro Miniature Coaxial Connector)
• Headphone Plug        : 3.5mm Single Ended, 2.5mm Balanced & 4.4mm Balanced (Deluxe)

Drivability & Pairing:

The Campfire Audio Supermoon comes with a quite efficient Planar Magnetic Driver unit that has a low impedance of 15.5 Ohms and a relative high sensitivity of 94 dB SPL @ 1kHz (54 mVrms). Thanks to these values the Supermoon requires minimal power to deliver their full sonic potential, which makes it perfect for on-the-go listening, especially with devices that don’t offer high-powered audio outputs.

Equipment’s used for this review:

• In Ear Monitors         : Campfire Audio Supermoon, Westone Audio MACH70
• Sources (DAP/DAC) : HiBy R6 PRO II, FiiO Q15, FiiO KA17

Albums & Tracks used for this review:

• Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Adele – My Little Love (Deezer HiFi)
• 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” (Deezer HiFi)
• Radiohead – Pyramid Song (Deezer HiFi)
• 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 (Spotify)
• 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” (Deezer HiFi)
• 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:

The Campfire Audio Supermoon is the first IEM of the company that features a Planar Magnetic Driver unit. The Supermoon is delivering deep, controlled bass with a clear midrange for natural instrument and vocal reproduction. The upper frequencies offer detailed extension without harshness, revealing subtle nuances in recordings, while its wide soundstage with precise imaging creates a realistic, immersive listening experience that I have highly enjoyed.

The review for the Campfire Audio Supermoon has written after a burn-in period of about 80 hours. 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 Q15 and the FiiOKA17.

Bass:

On of the most impressive parts of the Campfire Audio Supermoon is the bass response that shows an excellent fusion of power, speed and detail. The dedicated 14mm Planar Magnetic Driver unit generates subbass with a deep and visceral rumble, adding a pretty solid weight to the foundation of the music. This was quite audible in songs like Daft Punk’s “Doin’ it Right” and Lorde’s “Royals” that has been reproduced decent level of depth and authority. The midbass region on the other hand is tight and precise, delivering instruments like kick drum and bass guitar with a crisp and punchy impact without to show any remarkable midbass hump. The bass response is clear and musical even in complex passages, avoiding any muddiness and congestion that could affect the clarity.

The Supermoon’s bass response is ideal for those who prefer a strong and dynamic low end that can handle any genre and music styles. The Supermoon’s bass response is a testament to its technical and musical prowess, delivering a satisfying and enjoyable listening experience thanks to the well-adjusted Planar Magnetic Driver unit.

Midrange:

The Campfire Audio Supermoon’s midrange strikes a balance between detail and depth, revealing a deeper dimension within the sound. The lower midrange captures the warmth and essence of instruments like cellos and male vocals relative good, rendering them with a pretty natural and full-bodied presence. Tracks like George Michael’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me”, David Bowie’s “Heroes”, or Elton John’s “Rocket Man” are good examples of the fullness I deeply appreciate in the Supermoon’s lower midrange.

The upper midrange adding a touch of brilliance to fine details. Every nuance of a vocalist’s expression, from subtle breaths to refined vibrato, is delivered with clarity. This extends to instruments, ensuring each one stands out, whether it’s the elegant articulation of a string quartet or the intricate plucking of a guitar. The Supermoon shows a midrange response characterized by slight warmth, contributing to a perceptually pleasant timbre. This characteristic extends to the upper midrange. As a result, vocals and instruments within this frequency range are captured with high fidelity, as evidenced by their clear and nuanced presentation in tracks such as Norah Jones’ “Don’t Know Why”, Adele’s “My Little Love”, and Edith Piaf’s “Non Je Ne Regrette Rien”.

Treble:

The Campfire Audio Supermoon shows a detailed and nuanced treble response form the upper midrange towards the higher frequencies for clear reproduction of instruments types like strings, woodwinds and percussions. This emphasis on accuracy translates to the dynamic range, painting a vivid picture of the music’s textures. Notably, the Supermoon avoids the metallic timbre sometimes associated with Planar Magnetic drivers, favoring a more natural oriented signature.

This detail-oriented presentation can sometimes unveil imperfections in recordings with less-than-ideal mastering. The Supermoon shows also an audible peak around the 8 – 10 kHz register. Specifically for that reason, I do recommend to use the stock foam ear tips instead of the silicone one, or to pair the Supermoon with a source that doesn’t amplifies the upper treble region if you are sensitive to this area. All in all, the Campfire Audio Supermoon truly shine with this level of clarity, definition and extension in this area.

Soundstage & Imaging:

The soundstage of Campfire Audio Supermoon has a large width, with clear separation of different layers. This creates a realistic soundscape where each instrument has its own location in the stereo image. The soundstage also has a good depth, which enhances the sense of space and atmosphere, especially for live or orchestral recordings.

Comparison:

Campfire Audio Supermoon versus Westone Audio MACH70:

Both the Campfire Audio Supermoon and the Westone MACH70 deliver a rich, full-sounding bass experience. However, the Supermoon takes the lead in terms of speed, texture, and accuracy. While the MACH70 exhibits generally a good level of extension and impact in this area, it struggles a bit with complex bass passages due to its elevated midbass response. The Supermoon shows a more present and impactful sub-bass presentation, while the MACH70 prioritizes punch and fullness in the midbass region.

The Campfire Audio Supermoon and Westone MACH70, while both excelling in midrange reproduction, cater to distinct sonic preferences. Supermoon favors a balanced frequency response across the midrange, emphasizing the lower and upper ranges for natural instrument and vocal timbre. In contrast, MACH70 leans warmer, boosting the lower midrange in order to enhanced the resonance. Supermoon’s Planar Magnetic driver delivers precise detail and fast transients, key to its nuanced midrange, while MACH70’s balanced armature setup produces a slightly fuller sound, shaping its warmer and fuller sounding lower midrange.

The Campfire Audio Supermoon’s treble extends gracefully with subtle detail, avoiding the harshness sometimes encountered in the Westone MACH70, especially at higher volume levels. High frequencies are clear and airy on the Supermoon, like sparkling cymbals and delicate string harmonics. While the MACH70’s treble offers decent detail retrieval, it can become sometimes fatiguing with its excessive brilliance, especially noticeable in cymbals and vocals. Supermoon provides a more enjoyable treble experience.

The Campfire Audio Supermoon has a wider and noticeably airier soundstage atmosphere compared to the Westone MACH70’s slightly more intimate presentation. Supermoon offers a spacious, immersive listening soundscape, while MACH70 focuses on pinpoint instrument placement within a slightly smaller sonic environment.

Conclusion:

The Campfire Audio Supermoon IEM offers a compelling combination of premium build quality, innovative planar magnetic driver technology, and a rich, immersive listening experience. Its hand-crafted design, featuring a 3D printed shell and polished faceplate, exudes a premium feel. The planar magnetic driver delivers deep bass, clear mids, and detailed highs, creating a wide soundstage for a realistic and enjoyable listening experience. With both universal and custom fit options, the Supermoon caters to a variety of users, and its unique unboxing experience adds to its appeal. Whether you choose the Essential or Deluxe edition, the Supermoon is a premium IEM that promises exceptional audio quality and a touch of luxury.

Pros & Cons:

• + Sound signature that offers deep, controlled bass, clear midrange, detailed treble, wide soundstage and precise imaging
• + Decent Timbre of the Planar Magnetic Driver
• + Gorgeous faceplate design
• + Solid build quality
• + Custom and universal fit options
• + Unboxing Experience

• – I would prefer the same cable, but with a swappable headphone plug design
• – It’s for audiophiles who prioritize top-tier performance and are willing to invest accordingly

Thank you for the Read!