Latest news with #CampfireAudio
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
It's a good day for head-fi fans: two big audiophile brands just released small headphones amps, and you might want both
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The Campfire Audio Relay is a USB-C DAC/amp for headphones Pro-Ject Head Box E is a very small desktop headphones amp Campfire Audio Relay: $229 / £229 | Pro-Ject Head Box E: £89 (about $120) Two of our favorite hi-fi firms have released two very different headphone amps. One's designed to live on your desktop, and the other in your pocket or purse, but both promise a significant audio upgrade for fans of the best wired headphones and best wired earbuds. The amps are the Campfire Audio Relay, a portable headphone DAC/amp with a USB-C connection; and the Pro-Ject Head Box E, a compact desktop headphone amplifier. Both are available from July 2025, and both cost less than you might expect. Campfire Relay and Pro-Ject Head Box E: key features and pricing Let's start with the most affordable of the pair, the Pro-Ject Head Box E. That's just £89 / €119 (around $120 / AU$180), and unlike similarly priced amps it doesn't use an integrated chipset for its amplification: Pro-Ject says that it has used carefully selected discrete components to deliver a sound that punches above the amp's modest price tag. The Head Box E delivers 665 milliwatts into 32 ohms, and it's deliberately simple: it has a pair of 6.3mm and a 3.5mm headphone outs on the front – which can be used simultaneously for shared listening – and RCAs on the back. The RCA out is bypassed so it can send unaltered audio to your hi-fi system. According to Pro-Ject, it "outperforms the headphone stages typically found in stereo amps". The Campfire Audio Relay is even smaller, and it's built around the AKM 4493 SEQ DAC chip that according to Campfire, delivers "just the right amount of color and a touch of a classic analogue sound signature." It has 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm outputs and USB-C for wide connectivity with phones, tablets and computers. The Relay has selectable high/low gain, six filter modes and variable bit rates up to 32-bit / 768kHz, and it supports both PCM and DSD playback. The Campfire Audio Relay is £229 / $299 / AU$399 and if you're in London this weekend you'll be able to check it out at CanJam London. You might also like The best wired headphones 2025, all tested by us The best headphone DACs of 2025 so far This Bluetooth DAC and headphone amp is stunningly well-priced
Stuff.tv
14-07-2025
- Stuff.tv
This accessory may be the easiest way to listen to Hi-Fi audio from your phone
Got a killer pair of headphones, but nothing to plug them in to? Or maybe, you want to listen to Hi-Fi audio on your cans, but your device (such as a smartphone) can't output the audio. You'll need a DAC – they're usually quite fiddly, but not this one. Campfire Audio's Relay accessory is a dinky new DAC/AMP that slides into your pocket without kicking up a fuss. Yet it still promises to deliver the kind of sound usually reserved for amps the size of bricks and the weight of top dollars. From the outside, Relay is sleek, aluminium-clad, and unapologetically premium. Inside, it's packing an AKM 4493 SEQ DAC chip, which might not mean much to your average Spotify-on-a-smart-fridge user, but those who've flirted with the idea of Hi-Fi on the go will be excited. The chip adds a bit of analogue charm to your digital music – promising a hint of warmth and a smidge of character. This thing can basically connect to any device. It has a USB-C connector and works with Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android. It even plays nice with gaming PCs, in case you want to take your gaming to the next level (pun fully intended). There's a real sense that Campfire Audio has tried to make the Relay not just portable, but usable. You get both 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs, high and low gain modes, six filter options, support for up to 32-bit/768kHz playback, PCM and DSD formats, and even media playback controls. Campfire even included a bunch of thoughtful extras. You get a short USB-C cable that won't tangle, a microfibre cloth for the inevitable fingerprints, and a plush little bag to keep it all snug. The Campfire Audio Relay DAC/AMP is available now directly from the brand, Amazon US, Amazon UK, and specialist audio retailers. It'll set you back £229/$229, which is pretty comparable for this kind of device.
Forbes
14-07-2025
- Forbes
Campfire Audio's New And Affordable Relay DAC/AMP Is Made For Headphone Listening
The new Relay DAC/AMP from Portland's Campfire Audio is making its debut at this weekend's CanJam ... More London. Portland's Campfire Audio has announced a premium and portable hi-fi solution in the form of its new Relay DAC/AMP. With its flexible features, Campfire Audio says the Relay has enough power to drive high-end headphones. 'Relay is the culmination of an exhaustive and expansive search for the best sonic qualities, form factor, and functionality possible to meet the demands of modern, portable hi-fi,' explains Ken Ball, founder and lead acoustic designer at Campfire. Ball added, 'We hope that it gives users the high level of performance they expect from bulkier devices, with the flexibility of variable parameters and the convenience of a compact, robust form factor.' The Relay DAC/AMP has both 3.5mm single ended and balanced 4.4mm outputs. The new Relay DAC/AMP uses AKM's powerful 4493 SEQ DAC chip housed in a precision-machined and lightweight aluminum housing. The AKM 4493 chip was selected by Ball, following an extensive evaluation process, for its technical prowess and engaging sound. Ball says the chip imparts just the right amount of color and a touch of a classic analog sound signature. The new DAC/AMP includes a range of features that help the user dial in performance and integrate the Relay into their portable hi-fi setup. There is USB-C connectivity and the Relay is compatible with Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android platforms. The Campfire Audio Relay uses the AKM 4493 SEQ DAC chip. The Relay can be paired with a wide range of devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops or gaming PCs. Fitted with both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs, users can choose to use the output that best matches their earphones or headphones. The Relay's sonic performance is boosted by customizable parameters, which include selectable high/low gain, six filter modes and variable bit rates up to 32-bit / 768kHz. With both PCM and DSD playback, a precise, 60-step built-in volume control and built-in media playback controls, users can customize the sound to suit their tastes. Rounding off the Relay's talents is a range of accessories, including a usefully short 6cm USB-C-to-USB-C cable, a microfiber cleaning cloth, plus a black cushioned Ripstop bag. The Campfire Audio Relay will make its UK debut at CanJam London this weekend. Campfire Audio's Relay DAC/AMP is available now on Amazon and from a range of specialist audio retailers. The suggested retail price is $229 / £229.
Digital Trends
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Digital Trends
Save $200 on Campfire Audio's IEMs that push the limits of what earbuds can do
Here's something you won't find on our list of the best earbuds but you may be interested in if you're deep into the music space or play music yourself. They're Campfire Audio's Supermoon IEMs. An IEM is a type of earbud (though some may argue it is its own, separate device) that sit directly in your ear canal (IEM stands for In-Ear Monitors) and provide a 'pure' sound free of post-processing. They're typically used for live audio feedback by musicians but are also appreciate by audiophiles for their extreme quality. Of course, with that great sound quality, they can be very expensive The Ultimate Ears Premier are $2,999, for example. But sometimes you can get a very expensive pair of IEMs at a discount. Right now the Campfire Audio Supermoon are marked down from $1,099 (they used to be $1,500) to $899, a savings of $200. These are premium IEM earbuds, no matter how you look at it and, if you're in the audiophile world, they're a possible pickup for you. Why you should buy the Campfire Audio Supermoon The Supermoon are 14mm planar magnetic IEMs that combine solid bass and technical details on the high-end of the spectrum. They have a wide 5Hz to 20kHz frequency response and produce less than 1% total harmonic distortion. They come in a cool shiny black or a color that I can't help but call, as a native of the state, a 'Tennessee' orange. In our large IEM shootout they were featured as an example of what the very top of the line of IEMs can get you — earbuds that fit perfectly in your ear because they were built for your very ear, an 'undeniably smooth and precise sound signature,' and a listening experience that gives noticeably more even at the hard to improve upon midtone level. The rub was that they were $1,500 at that time. Today, they're considerably more affordable. The Campfire Audio Supermoon are down to $899 for a limited time, $200 off of their usual price of $1,099. They aren't the usual fare around here, but they can bring something new to your music experience if you need something extra. If they aren't your style, however, you should check out Campfire Audio's new Axion earbuds that are also designed to provide a premium listening experience, though at a more universally approachable price.
Forbes
01-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Noble Audio Introduces New Multi-Driver Knight IEMs With An Entry-Level Price Tag
Buying a pair of In-Ear Monitors, such as the recently launched Campfire Audio Clara IEMs, will set you back $2,000. They sound great but not everyone is willing to drop that much on a pair of posh earbuds. However, if you want a high-performance pair of multi-driver IEMs but you can't or won't pay a high price tag, then the new Noble Audio Knight IEMs might be just what you've been looking for. For the past decade, Noble Audio has been building a reputation for itself by making some excellent IEMs aimed at discerning audiophiles at the top end of the market. The company has a passion for making hand-crafted IEMs with both universal and custom fits. Custom fit IEMs are molded to suit an individual's ears, while universal IEMs use ear-tips of different sizes to suit all ears. With the launch of the new Knight IEM, Noble Audio is taking aim at the growing market for entry-level market for IEMs. Plenty of people want the subtleties and sophistication of multi-driver IEMs but without the eye-watering price tag. By producing an affordable pair of multi-driver IEMs, without compromising on sound and build quality, Noble Audio hopes to bag a slice of this growing market. Historically, knights in shining armor were members of the nobility and warriors whose job it was to protecting a kingdom and its subjects. Knights were expected to embody honesty and chivalry. It's the honesty that Noble is chasing on with the Knight IEMs thanks to their carefully engineered response at a sensible price. With Noble Audio's rich signature sound , the Knight IEMs offer a premium performance at an accessible price without compromising on sound quality. Encased in an aluminum shell with a striking three-dimensional acrylic faceplate in deep purple and blue, the Knight IEMs strike a bold look. Designed to offer clarity and a rich audio performance, the Knight IEMs are fitted with a dual-magnet, dynamic 10mm driver in each earpiece. This robust driver can elevate the power of the overall audio performance while serving up a deep and controlled bass and sub-bass which creates a more immersive listening experience. Alongside the dynamic drivers, Noble Audio has selected a Sonion balanced armature driver which has exceptional clarity as well as articulate mid-range frequencies. For the treble end of the sound, Noble has opted for a Piezo super tweeter that rounds things off with detailed high frequencies that provide the focus for a stereo soundstage. The Noble Knight IEMs are priced affordably, although the company says it hasn't cut corners on quality. The combination of all three drivers enables the Knight IEMs to adapt to a wide range of musical genres and can provide the kind of audio performance that will satisfy the demands of everyone from enthusiasts, audiophiles or casual listeners looking for an audio upgrade. The Knight IEMs ship with high-quality 8-core OCC cable with OFC silver plating. The cable is coated in a PU skin-friendly material and is detachable, using 0.78-2 pin connectors with L/R markings. The cable is terminated with a balanced 4.4mm Pentaconn jack plug, although the detachable two-pin cable can be easily swapped out or upgraded with different cable and plug. The Noble Audio Knight IEMS are available to buy from and priced at $289 / £269 / €309 which is significantly less than many high-end and multi-driver IEMS.
