Over the past year, the world of audiophile headphones has provided more and more portable options. Because, think about it. Of course we all love the sound quality of a big open-back headphone. However it’s just not feasible for listening on-the-go in today’s fast paced world. Which brings us to today’s comparison review. The new release of the Campfire Audio Cascade made me curious. It goes for $799.99 which is the same price as the MrSpeakers Aeon Flow Closed-Back headphones. So how do these two portable audiophile options compare? Today we’ll find out with this Campfire Audio Cascade vs MrSpeakers Aeon Flow Closed-Back headphones comparison review

Campfire Audio Cascade vs MrSpeakers Aeon Flow Closed-Back Headphones Comparison Review

In the Box

Specifications

Design

Headband

Upon first glance, the headband designs are quite different from each other. The MrSpeakers Aeon Flow closed-back headphone has a two-tiered-style headband with two thin metallic strands followed by a soft leather strap. It just much lighter than the steel headband of the Campfire Audio Cascade. As a result, it is a bit more comfortable on my head while the Cascade seems more durable.

Earcups

The earcups of both the Campfire Audio Cascade and the MrSpeakers Aeon Flow have unique shapes. They are both large, although the Aeon Flow cups are larger and therefore, feel bulkier on my head. Both have a stylish look. The Cascade has more of an old-school look while the the Aeon Flow has a bit more of a modern look.

Earpads

The Campfire Audio Cascade and the MrSpeakers Aeon Flow have similar earpads to each other. They feel like compressible memory foam and are coated in soft leather. Both do a great job of noise isolating and are super comfortable.

Cables

The cable of the MrSpeakers Aeon Flow is a bit bulkier and more rigid than the Campfire Audio Cascade. Both are detachable, although the cable that comes with the Aeon Flow is the only cable option. The Campfire Audio cable can also be switched out for the wide range of ALO Litz cables which sound absolutely fantastic in my humble opinion! (I got to hear the Cascade with one at Can Jam and it was really great!)

Sound

Acoustic Dampeners

Before getting into the specifics of the sound signatures of the Campfire Audio Cascade and the MrSpeakers Aeon Flow Closed-Back, I just want to mention a few things. First of all, both headphones come with acoustic dampeners which change the response of the mid frequencies and low frequencies according to the companies. This comparison review covers the sound of the headphones without any of the dampeners.

Amplification Needs

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that while  the MrSpeakers Aeon Flow Closed-Back has a low impedance of 15 ohms, it has a low sensitivity so you will need an amp to listen to it. You don’t need an amplifier to listen to the Campfire Audio Cascade, but for the sake of keeping the playing field fair, I listened to them both using the FiiO Q5 DAC/amp for this comparison review.

Sound Signature

Listening to both headphones quickly will leave on thing obvious. The Campfire Audio Cascade has a big, thumpy, and punchy low end. On the other hand, the MrSpeakers Aeon Flow favors the high mids and low-treble. They both have a great sound, but the sound is just very different.

The Cascade sounds amazing when portraying electric guitars, synthesized instruments like those in hip-hop, EDM, and pop, and provides emotional energy through its responsive and quick low end. The Aeon Flow has a more detailed high-mid response, so vocals feel higher in the mix. Additionally it has a more forward image of cymbals and string attacks. Therefore, it sounds really wonderful with acoustic, folky, singer-songwriter music. It’s emotional expression comes via exciting and driving percussion, vocal breath, and big cymbal hits.

I couldn’t decide which I liked better when listening to jazz or classical. Jazz sounded a little bit clearer when listening to the Aeon Flow, but also sounded more harsh at times. In classical music, the Aeon Flow emphasized more the strings attack and breath, whereas the Cascade emphasized more of their body and girth.

Sound Stage

Both the MrSpeakers Aeon Flow closed-back and the Campfire Audio Cascade have wonderful sound stages for being closed back headphones. They’re quick transient responses give them a strong sense of width, although the Cascade feels ever so wider to me than the Aeon Flow. They both have a very detailed sense of height although this height feels different because the Aeon Flow gets its tallness from the high frequencies and the Cascade gets its tallness from the low frequencies. The Aeon Flow as a slightly better sense of depth, especially in the high-mids because of its emphasis there.

Conclusion

Both the Campfire Audio Cascade and the MrSpeakers Aeon Flow are great headphones! Your preference for on or the other will come about based on your sound signature preference and the type of music you like to listen to. The Aeon Flow is brighter, and the Cascade is thicker. My personal preference is for the Cascade because I think it is more fun and conveys emotion through its punchy low end. However, it is worth noting that while the Cascade can fold up into a small package, the Aeon Flow weighs less.

The Campfire Audio Cascade and the MrSpeakers Aeon Flow are available for the best price here:

Campfire Audio Cascade at Audio 46

MrSpeakers Aeon Flow (closed-back) at Audio 46

ÆON Flow Closed-Back on Amazon

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