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Drop + Campfire Audio Darkstar IEMs

$799

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... / HEADPHONES / IN-EAR MONITORS (IEMS) / DROP

Drop + Campfire Audio Darkstar IEMs

Name: Drop + Campfire Audio Darkstar IEMs
Brand: Campfire Audio
SKU: drop-campfire-audio-darkstar-iems
Price: 799 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 3.666667 (3 reviews)

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Product Description

In a world cluttered with IEMs, sometimes you have to search the stars for something great. Even there, the constellations can get a bit crowded, so it’s the spaces in between that really shine Read More

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Customer Reviews

3.7

(3 reviews)

(2)

(0)

(1)

By Feature

Build Quality

4.0

(1)

Sound

5.0

(1)

Comfort

4.0

(1)

Music GenresPopular among reviewers

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kevingzw96

Mar 2, 2025

Hidden Gem

The Headphone List review of the Dark Star: https://theheadphonelist.com/drop-x-campfire-audio-dark-stars-review/ Pros: + Lightweight and durable PVD-coated aluminium chassis. + Densely textured and detail-rich bass + Great technical fundamentals, with an expansive L-R stage and distinct layering. Cons: – Middling package not becoming of a $699 product. – 5kHz roll-off masks the sheen in the soprano range, masking intrinsic micro-details. – Perceivable timbral issues on female soprano vocals The Darkstars reflect a fruitful and value-driven collaboration between Campfire Audio and Drop.com. While it is true that the Darkstars are one of Drop’s most expensive partnerships to date, the Darkstars are a reflection of Campfire Audio’s decades of tuning acumen and know-how, followed by Drop’s expert understanding of audiophile market movements. It’s a shame that the Darkstars haven’t gotten quite much press coverage in audio circles. I believe it deserves strong attention for its versatile nature that focuses on undisturbed immersion.

Recommends this product? Yes

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Shawnyd1234

Feb 28, 2025

Activities:Casual Listening, Critical Listening

Music Genres:Hip-hop, Metal, Pop, R&B, Rock, World

Verified Buyer

2nd Time’s a Charm

The tips suck. Campfire used to provide final audio tips with there offerings. I installed final tips right away. Much better sound with them. Cable sucks bad. Like the first reviewer, I also had problems with the mmcx connections. And the base was atrocious. Muddy and bleeds excessively into the mids. Replacement pair, while the mmcx connections are not as tight as I would like, I used spacers to fix that issue. But the base was better. It’s still a lot, but not as much bleed and a little more coherent. I’ve heard about inconsistencies with campfire, but this is the first time I experienced it. That being said, I’ve learned to love these. Campfire has a way of moving the little intricacies of tracks up front, yet keeping it very musical and engaging. I would say the sound is like dropping a needle down on an old hifi system from the late 70’s. That’s the vibe I get. I’ve been into iems a long time. So I’m not reviewing these blind. My list will includes: Shure SE846 Westone W40 RHA CL2 7Hz Timeless Moondrop Variations Campfire Holocene Shanling IE80 Adv Model 3 Fiio FA7 And several more not worth mentioning. If I were to compare these, they would be closer to the Moondrop Variations, but more loose and open.

Recommends this product? Yes

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joeshtesh475

Dec 14, 2024

Verified Buyer

Maybe a little too dark....

First pair had cable issues and a loose mmcx connector. Very large channel imbalance too. Not off to a great start, and unable to get a refund so I had to do a swap :/. Shell and nozzle are quite large. I am unable to get a comfortable fit. The shells awkwardly protrude from my ears and are heavy on my concha. The included foam tips are also quite uncomfortable, they aren't as soft or isolating as ones from other oems, like comply or westone. The nozzles are thick and wide, so take that into consideration as well. The included cable is also very stiff and the plastic ear hookups also scratch, feel rough on the skin. The stiffness from plastic casing creates this leverage that also has a tendency to force the iems out of the ear. The bass quality is high and can be very commanding , HOWEVER, the bass also bleeds into the mids and these iems do sound boxy on certain tracks; I think they are too warm. There isn't enough ear gain and air in the treble to balance out the bass, I find it be a very uneven sound signature. If you REALLY love bass and you can get a good seal, maybe get these? But honestly these sound a lot like cheaper westone models, ones that are derided for being too dark and muddy.

(Edited)

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SmithW

Feb 2, 2025

joeshtesh475I'm sorry you were the proverbial canary in the coal mine. I really do appreciate your balanced review, and I'm sure you saved a bunch of us from trying these. There's so much good from Campfire, a bit of "meh," and not much bad, so I'm usually willing to give their stuff a shot. I'll take a pass this time, however. While reading your review, I couldn't help but wonder if Campfire proper (i.e., not Drop) would be willing to help you with a replacement. I doubt that a refund would be remotely possible, but maybe they'd be willing to slide you into a different model. My limited experience with their CS has been fantastic, and I've heard nothing but good things from others.

Shawnyd1234

Feb 7, 2025

joeshtesh475I would send those to campfire if you can. I had the same issue as you with my first pair. Almost as if they sent me your old set. But my replacement was completely different. A much more defined bass and a better all around sound. I can’t take them out of my ears now. Hopefully, campfire can help you out with these inconsistencies.

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