Portable DAC/AMPs have become essential for audiophiles who want desktop-level performance on the go, and Campfire Audio’s Relay DAC/AMP aims to deliver just that. Compact, beautifully built, and powered by the renowned AKM SEQ 4493 DAC chip, the Relay promises warm, detailed sound with precision imaging and versatile output options. But does it live up to the hype when paired with high-end IEMs? In this review, we take a closer look at the Relay’s design, features, and, most importantly, its sound performance across multiple earphones to find out if it’s one of the best portable HiFi solutions of 2025.
What You Get
- Relay DAC/AMP premium portable hifi solution
- USB-C to USB-C Cable
- RipStop Cushioned Accessory Bag
- Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
Build
The Campfire Relay is a much smaller device than it appears in promotional images. It’s a simple build with angled edges that makes me think about IBasso’s DC06 design. The Relay has a bit more to it, with one side featuring a glass surface and a small window to showcase the AKM chip. 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs are present, and the Relay uses USB Type-C to connect to your source.
Design
At its core lies the AKM SEQ 4493 DAC chip, prized for its analog warmth and tonal richness. The signal is amplified through two ultra-low-noise, high-output drivers and routed to either a 3.5 mm single-ended or 4.4 mm balanced output. It offers six selectable digital filter modes, high/low gain settings, and a precise 60-step volume control, all housed in a sleek, durable CNC-machined aluminum chassis with USB-C plug-and-play compatibility, supporting both PCM and DSD audio up to 32-bit / 768 kHz.
Sound Impressions
With my primary source being TIDAL streaming, I connected the Relay to my PC and paired it with a few different IEMs. I started off with the Alien Brain, which is one of my recent favorites from Campfire. I immediately got a sense for what the Relay’s AKM DAC chip is capable of, with its pure tendencies and pinpoint imaging. Without the Relay, the Alien Brain is super holographic, with wide separation and open headspace. What the Relay does is take the sound out of the open air and nail it down to more exact positions in the mix. While you might think this subtracts from the natural immersions of these IEMs, the Relay’s precision makes a striking difference. Everything comes through as natural stereo, with more individualized instruments and layers that make the sound field even more articulate.
I switched over to the Bonneville to get a sense of what the Relay can do in the low end and was not disappointed. There’s a lot more to handle here compared to the Alien Brain in terms of frequency content, and the Relay handles it well. It never sacrifices the Bonneville’s impact, but it also smooths out some roughness and adds shape. The sub-bass still vibrates with a sense of authority, but its thickness is reduced to appear more centered in the mix. It never lets any resonance seep out, tightening the sound signature while keeping its drive.
Where the Relay starts to elevate the sound of your IEMs is in the midrange, as the AKM DAC chip works its magic. The Alien Brain had the most impressive midrange response with the Relay, heightening almost every aspect of their tone. There’s incredibly life-like clarity to these mids, especially when it comes to vocal response, which gains such an impressive amount of realism. They sit above the rest of the instruments, almost appearing like they’re cut out from the rest of the mix. You also get more warmth, which is more explicitly shown when listening to the Bonneville.
The Grand Luna was the last IEM I paired with the Relay, and it gave me much different results than the last two. This is a brand-new IEM from Campfire Audio, so I was eager to try it out with the Relay. Soundstage and imaging depth were as strong and precise as the others, with arguably even more spread to them. However, it differs greatly in the mids. While the mids are more escalated using the Relay, the Grand Luna is a tick lower in energy compared to the Alien Brain and Bonneville pairings. The bass was very clean, though, sustaining a balanced response that has a refined tuning, even if the tone is quieter in comparison to the others.
Summary
The Campfire Audio Relay DAC/AMP is more than just a stylish portable accessory; it’s a serious upgrade for anyone looking to maximize the performance of their IEMs and headphones. With its balanced outputs, customizable filter modes, and AKM-powered sound signature, the Relay delivers impressive clarity, natural warmth, and a level of precision that brings new life to familiar tracks. Whether you’re streaming TIDAL on your laptop or listening on the go with your favorite earphones, the Relay proves to be a versatile, high-performance companion. For audiophiles seeking a compact yet powerful solution, the Campfire Relay is easily one of the standout portable DAC/AMPs available today.
The Campfire Audio Relay is available at Audio46.
Compare the ranking of various headphones, earbuds and in-ear monitors using our tools.
Discuss this, and much more, over on our forum.
---MAJORHIFI may receive commissions from retail offers.
