Campfire Audio Trifecta Astral Plane Review

As a proud owner of the Campfire Andromeda, I’ve joined a cult of audiophiles who are ceaselessly loyal to the brand, especially given the emotional attachments we have to our IEMs. But given that the Andromeda is best in its class, the significantly pricer Trifecta has a lot to prove. What kind of sound signature does it offer, and how does it perform in terms of skill?

What’s in the Box?

• Campfire Audio Trifecta (Astral Plane) IEMs
• Blue Dimensional Folding Case
• Time Stream Cables – Silver-Plated Copper Conductors with Berylium Copper MMCX. Preformed ear hooks. 2.5mm Balanced, 3.5mm Stereo, and 4.4mm Balanced terminations included.
• Campfire Audio Marshmallow Tips(s/m/l)
• Silicon Earphone Tips (s/m/l)
• Campfire Audio Lapel Pin
• Cleaning Tool

Look and Feel

The transparent nylon housing reveals the inner components of the Trifecta, highlinting the three gold-plated 10 mm dynamic drivers inside. One of the standout features of these IEMs is their triangular body shape. Quite different from the industrial design of their more classic models, the Trifecta is one of the more comfortable Campfire IEMs I’ve worn, even if less aesthetically striking than some of their other models. For me, the sound isolation might be less effective than other Campfire IEMs I’ve tried, but that could probably be fixed by finding a more optimal ear-tip to pair with the wide nozzle.

Design

The Trifecta employs three gold-plated 10 mm dynamic drivers. Included in the package are three silver-plated copper cables in different sizes: 2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm. They feature a flat-wrapped, 4-core design. Like all of Campfire’s models, the Trifecta is easy to drive. In fact, with an impedance of 6.3 Ohms, you’ve really got to watch out for any DAC/amp volume mishaps.

Specifications

Soundstage

In line with Campfire’s signature sound, the Trifecta offers a vast and highly dimensional soundstage. Even in complex mixes, each instrument maintains a clear distance from the other, creating a sense that musical elements are coming from angles and degrees you might not have thought possible. Imaging once only notable for its depth, for example, takes on added subtle degrees of height variation, bringing a whole new layer of color to the layout of the soundscape. And overall, the separation and comprehensiveness of the imaging of the Trifecta are very solid, ultimately producing a clean and ultra-engrossing soundstage. 

Low-End

The Trifecta’s low-end will satiate bass enthusiasts while probably remaining unoffensive to those who prefer a more moderate balance. There seems to be a consistent, almost linear bass presence throughout the low to mid-bass range, with decent speed and tons of power, reminiscent of all the other lively Campfire models. However, the bass tends to be thicker rather than tight, and while not sloppy, it possesses a lush and weighty character. Still, despite its generous bass, the Trifecta maintains a clean and detailed presentation throughout the low-end, never bleeding into the higher frequencies or bloating over nuances.

Mids

In spite of its warmth, the Trifecta’s low-mids exhibit tidiness and reveal sufficient definition even in singular instruments like acoustic guitars. The upper-mids have top-notch resolution and are slightly favored over the lower-mids. So, while the balance still lends some meat to heavier mixes, instruments like guitars and pianos in the high-mids gain added shine.  Also percussion instruments, like snares, possess Campfire’s characteristic hard impact and power. Still, the tuning feels well-balanced and natural. Vocals are detailed and intimate, while strings offer smoothness rather than pronounced texture, contributing to an easy and luxurious listening experience. And finally, as mentioned above, the midrange also showcases excellent layering, providing spotless delineation between each element in the mix, especially in the higher frequencies.

Highs

The Trifecta exhibits snappy highs, allowing percussion, organs, and rhythm guitars to deliver deliciously crisp resolve. There is sparkle in this frequency range as well, and Campfire achieves skillful clarity and liveliness, as it so often tends to do with most of its IEMs in this frequency range. Vocals shine with a light and detailed presentation, capturing every modulation and microphone pop. And though there’s sufficient extension in this range, the highest treble peaks avoid piercing, maintaining a smoothness that is forgiving on the ears.

Summary

The Trifecta Astral Plane continues Campfire’s tradition of delivering a highly enjoyable and crowd-pleasing sound signature that is a treat for the ears. It combines low end thickness, top-notch definition, and lively shine with a powerful momentum that is distinct to the Campfire brand. The Trifecta’s unique 3 dynamic driver setup is also a fun novelty for avid Campfire collectors. And while the Trifecta might not be the most memorable IEM I’ve tested, it undoubtedly offers the brand’s classic sound characteristics, blending some well-earned nostalgia from Campfire’s most beloved models.

You can buy the Campfire Audio Trifecta Astral Plane at Audio 46.