Audiophilepure

The number one takeaway from the AK UW100MKII listening experience is best summed up in one word: resolution. The detail and ultimate fidelity of the playback is one of the best I’ve ever heard from a True Wireless earphone. The resolving power of the design really lets the listener peer into the music. Sounds from the far left and right push out slightly, and dimensionally is increased over flatter, softer sonic stages that are constructed from most options that pepper the market. The highs and mids were particularly articulate. The out-of-the-box settings were a touch light on the bass for my preferences, but the AK mobile app allows for adjustments to the frequency curve. And with this type of customization available, it puts even more weight on the perceived resolution than ever before. If you have a solid baseline to work off of, then individual EQ preferences become less of concern to the generic build of any response. I use the work “perceived resolution” specifically in this context. The wireless connection is still lossy from my iPhone, even though the AK UW100MKII does option the apt -X Adaptive codex in front of the internal 32-bit DAC.

The outer purple-coloured cardboard box is unique to Campfire, which has lots of easter-eggs and an awful lot of information. You don’t get any paperwork for instructions or information. The cardboard box has all the information you need, printed everywhere you look. It’s certainly a distinct feature of Campfire’s packaging, and I’ve never seen it with any other brand.

Inside you get a breezy bag which stores the IEM, and the IEMs are inside the pocket bags individually. You get your ear tips in a paper bag, and there’s a cleaning cloth and tool to make sure your IEMs are in a pristine state at all times. Overall, the packaging is very lean but very effective. The essential packaging was my choice for shipping reasons, so I can’t complain here.

In essence, Bellos Audio is revolutionizing the design and production of CIEMs with significant quality-of-life innovations that optimize the build and repair process while improving sound fidelity, comfort, and product longevity. I admire their approach, and this is the kind of engineering that we need to see more in this ever-expanding industry.

The IEM is constructed from high-quality materials, which makes it durable and sturdy. The shell is of excellent quality and put together very well. The cable is nicely braided, has good tensile strength, and ensures its quality. I particularly liked the 4.4mm jack which is incredibly durable.

The Annihilator 2023 comes with P-Ear (Pentaconn Ear) connectors that offer a more stable connection with less rotation than MMCX connectors, making them less likely to disconnect and easier to attach. However, the IEM socket itself looks a bit fragile with a single pin on top, so it’s important to handle it with care. 

Aurora uses a total of four balanced armature woofers and is able to reproduce a big, bold bass. The bass’ power comes from the sub-region, as the subs feel more elevated compared to the midbass. This particular side of Aurora’s sound design enhances the perceived spaciousness, especially in vocals and natural instruments, while maintaining a good body and allowing a more seamless bass-to-midrange transition. The bass texture is commendable, and its tonality is both punchy and true to the track’s mastering. Moreover, the impact feels natural, and the control is excellent.

In terms of fit, the Meteor’s compact size is a major advantage, providing a comfortable fit even for those with smaller ears. The well thought-out design ensures that the IEMs sit well in the ear, providing a stable, deep and secure fit, which is essential for an optimal sound experience. There’s an excellent article by Symphonium Audio that covers this subject in depth and it’s a great read for audiophiles new and old. The seal is of vital importance and this is true of any portable audio wearable.

The metal construction, coupled with the meticulous design, not only adds to the overall aesthetic appeal, but also contributes to the premium feel when held and worn. In my opinion, the design of the Meteor strikes a harmonious balance between style and practicality. The intricate etchings give it a distinctive flair and make it visually appealing, while its compact and robust construction ensures both durability and comfort. It’s clear that Symphonium Audio has put a great deal of thought and craftsmanship into the Meteor’s aesthetic

The bass response you get from the DIVA 2023 depends on the tuning switch. With the blue setting you have the most bass rumble, and especially the sub-bass area becomes very apparent. The middle setting (white) is the most balanced, and the red setting has the leanest bass. Unsurprisingly, I decided to stick with the middle setting, as I like listening to the most natural and realistic sound. 

In the middle setting, the DIVA 2023 has a very good bass performance, but I would also say that it doesn’t have a distinct character here. I think the sub-bass is also a bit elevated, so it’s not flat in the bass. That’s fine for the fun factor, and it works really well with popular music too. 

The FW3 features a sleek and modern design that aligns with FiiO’s universal IEM design style. It shares its design with its bigger sibling, FW5, but comes in a different finish. Available in two colors, Moonlight White and Interstellar Gray, both options feature chrome mesh accents inside the faceplate, giving the earphones a unique look. FiiO opted for plastic mesh over metal mesh to keep the earphones as lightweight as possible.

The charging case, which matches the earphones in color, is compact and sturdy, featuring a magnetic closure that securely holds the earphones. Design-wise, it closely resembles the FW5’s case but has slight differences, particularly around the top cover. While the FW5’s case has more rounded corners on its top cover, the FW3’s is edgier and features slightly more aggressive top edges. The interior of the case, as well as the battery and charging PCBs, are identical between the two models. Each earphone shell contains a 65mAh battery, and the charging case houses a 380mAh battery. Despite the lesser build quality compared to metal units, the case feels adequately durable and quite light, even with the earphones inside it. The total weight of the FW3, including the charging case, is 57 grams, and each earphone weighs just 6 grams.

If the Campfire Audio Solaris Stellar Horizon In-Ear Monitors seem like your cup of tea, just make sure you spend some time picking the right ear tip for your ear, this can make or break a set of IEMs. And make sure your electronics are up to the task. These IEMs have me looking for a new headphone amp with more punch and clarity than the Schiit I currently have, so be aware of the system you will pair them with. While most headphones and speakers hint at the gear that is driving them, the Solaris Stellar Horizons drag the gear into perfect view and tear it apart. It was an honor and a thrill to get to review them, and if you’re wondering, YES, they are worth it.

Overall, I would describe the presentation as being slightly soft, with just a hint of warmth for the musicality. It’s a very coherent tuning with a compelling and addictive tuning. The Multiverse Mentor can do anything without any effort, and it will always sound easy and natural to the ear.

Last thing I want to mention here is about the bass and bone conduction. I really like the typical feel and presentation this gives the bass and if you go from the MM to a regular monitor, you will feel something is missing. I know that some people don’t like the bone conducing experience, but I personally enjoy it. However, I listened to the new Raven from Empire Ears last weekend at Canjam London, and there the bone conduction is a whole different experience. It didn’t leave me with the same pleasing feeling as with the Multiverse Mentor, so if you can do try out the MM or any monitor using bone conduction, it just might not be for you.