The Anole VX beat out Solaris for me ever so slightly…looking forward to having the SE Solaris go head to head against it in the coming couple weeks…will I be tempted back to Solaris full time? It remains to be seen…
1 Like
If I were to get two iems at around $1000, I would definitely pick the Andromeda and IER-M9. They do things differently, but the warmth and overall balance of the M9 is what wins it for me. Sure, the soundstage is a bit better on the Andromeda, but you get one of the best imaging in an IEM (even beating some TOTL IEMs) on the M9. The bass on the M9 is surprising too, it approaches the dynamic driver (DD) feel a lot.
Anyway, I don’t think you can go wrong with the Solaris. If I HAD to choose in your picks, that would be mine. Final E eartips were a MUST for me on the Solaris though, as they were a bit bright otherwise.
2 Likes
The Solaris is still such a fun listen - such a balanced, coherent sound with amazing imaging and depth, while having a touch of warmth and/or sweetness that I really enjoy.
I see some comparisons to the Verite here - is it the general consensus here that that is a good comp in a set of headphones? The only headphone I own that I would consider a ‘flagship’ is the HD800S, and as much as I love them for what they are, they do not sound like the Solaris.
1 Like
@Resolve recently did a video with comparisons between the Solaris and other high-end IEMs. He also did a Campfire shootout as well which you can check out.
6 Likes
Great video. The u12t and Solaris are the only two on his table that I’ve heard. I preferred the Solaris overall (though not by a huge margin or anything), which might just mean my tastes veer more towards “fun” than pure audiophile sensibilities.
Yeah, I think apples to oranges the closest thing would be the Verite…or actually closer to the Verite Closed. The Solaris is a great sounding IEM for sure…damn…now I almost want one again…
I LOVED the Verite C when I heard it at our meetup in August
1 Like
If I did switches again, I may consider the Inear Prophile 8 small. But I love the VX. People call the PP8 boring, but it looks like the signature I like. That said, I have yet to listen to it, but have contemplated buying a used pair.
1 Like
All this talk of the SE Solaris really makes me want to audition one. There are some great iems around now. Not enough money to buy them all though.
Also having never had an iem with switches before I find it intriguing. I like to fiddle with filters and EQ to change up the sound when possible. The VX I certainly on my to try list.
2 Likes
The switches on the VX were a cool novelty at first but I don’t even turn them on anymore…the stock tuning is quite nice.
1 Like
Yes I can see where your coming from. One thing that does worry me about switches is that it’s simply something extra to go wrong. Especially on complex TOTL iems. Though I know they are built to a high standard. I look forward to hearing how you get on with the new Solaris SE.
My Solaris is arriving today, that delay was due to them being on Vacation. Ill update once I listen to them and do a comparison to the Legend X.
Thanks for everyone help, I really appreciate it.
2 Likes
Keep in mind that several people who do not normally suggest burn-in have stated that the Solaris need a good 75 hours and I think Ken Ball of Campfire does as well.
I never noticed any changes couldn’t be attributed to brain adjustment when I had the OG Solaris though, so YMMV etc.
1 Like
I also didnt notice any memorable changes using Solaris. My squiggle measurements also dont show any changes over-time.
1 Like
First impressions of the Solaris.
Build: Excellent, lovely, and Beautiful! Man you get a lot for your money. Its a beautiful presentation and wonderful experience opening the box and discovering your IEMs. The build feels solid, its does semi feel like plastic, but a good quality plastic.
Accessories: You get a large number of extra tips, I wouldn’t use any of these personally. I found they limit the bass by large amount. This was my experience with the Foam Tips, Finale tips and the wide bore tips. The case is wonderful and so is the cable, its all top quality stuff.
Sound:
Highs: Clear, detailed and wonderful, a bit bright maybe. It’s has clean as you are going to get for 1500$.
Mids: Wonderful, I cant hear any problems with it, they are a very even sounding IEM.
Lows: Here is where I was hoping for more, I own the Legend X and I think its ruined IEM’s for me in regards to low end. The bass is present and its good but it lacks heavy impact and rumble IMO (Could need more burn in time). Now I was able to achieve a better bass response with the Spinfits, so this most certainly could be the seal. You hear the bass I just wish it had more rumble and impact. Putting aside my personal preference, the bass here is clean and detailed. You can hear sub-bass and its clean.
What these do great:
-Imaging & sound stage are incredible, they are really amazing. I can hear the singer dead center and the instruments right behind my head. Its insane for an IEM.
-Balanced, they are very well balanced in the sound, at least to me.
What I found lacking:
-Size, its a bit big for my ears.
-Wish the bass was better, this could be that the driver needs to settle, or it could be the seal. (Please keep in mind the bass is great I just wish it had more rumble on top of the rumble it already has.)
Other:
The Fiio FH7’s are a step down with almost the same experience, if you want something like these but you only have 500? Then get the FH7’s
If you are on the fence between these and the Legend X, these have better balance and highs. The Legend X has more detail and bass. The highs on the X are a bit rolled off or laid back you could say. The LX to me is just an all around better IEM for my needs. Still does not mean I am not going to keep these and enjoy them for years to come, they are an amazing IEM for the money.
In conclusion I found my experience with Campfire Audio to be above expectation.
3 Likes
Got my SE Solaris today, along with a 4.4mm Smokey Litz.
Inkey while it’s true that the Solaris is definitely “bass light” relative to the LX (there’s not much that isn’t to be fair), but what you lose in bass you gain in a more forward and present mid range. That said it’s super important that you use tips that give you a good seal. My own favorites so far have been spiral dots and double flange spinfits.
2 Likes
Thank you for the tip (pun intended).
I understand and agree, the Solaris is an amazing IEM. Campfire Audio reminds me of Focal, the presentation and attention to detail is out of this world.
The sound is amazing and the value is almost unbeatable.
I understand I am comparing a $2200 dollar IEM to a $1499 IEM. Yet, the $1499 IEM beats the $2200 IEM at certain things, these things might really matter to a consumer.
If Campfire Audio were ruthless people they could sell this IEM for around the same price. Yet, I think Ken is a reasonable person selling an honest product with a set expectation. This business model will ensure they will be around for a long time to come.
1 Like
Hey Guys is it the wider the bore the less bass or the smaller the bore?
Or is it more the length of the tip?
Do spiral dots remove bass and bring up the highs?
In my experience:
Wider bore - less bass
More length - more seal = more bass usually
Spiral Dots - Less bass, more highs (its got a wide opening)
1 Like