Campfire Audio Clara Review

Content

Design
Accessories
What’s inside Clara?
Fit
Sound
Soundstage
Low Frequencies
Midrange
Verdict

If you appreciate high-quality headphones, you're likely familiar with the American company Campfire Audio. This team of audio enthusiasts crafts unique headphones, with their Solaris and Andromeda models already achieving iconic status. We're excited to announce that their latest model, developed in collaboration with electronic musician and Nine Inch Nails member Alessandro Cortini, is now available in our store.

As a fan of Campfire Audio, Alessandro dedicated about a year to perfecting his model, testing each version with his favorite tracks and live performances. Let’s explore what the Clara can offer to audio enthusiasts.

Design

The design of Campfire Audio Clara shares its lineage with previous models like Cascara, Ponderosa, or the Bonneville. In this series, the shell design stands out from the brand's other models – they are almost like custom in-ear monitors, providing superior noise isolation and comfort.

The Clara’s shell is a dark blue transparent color, allowing you to see all the internal components. This shell design was carefully curated by Alessandro Cortini, in collaboration with Campfire Audio's founder, Ken Ball. The result is a minimalist and stylish design.

In-ear headphones Campfire Audio Clara Black/Transparent

In-ear headphonesCampfire Audio Clara Black/Transparent

Brand: Campfire Audio

Headphone type: wired

The lowest frequency, Hz: 5

Add to favorites

To compare

AED 8,829

In stock (Dubai)

New Dual Neo Magnet 10mm Dynamic Driver with Biocellulose diaphragm design
(1x) Knowles dual diaphragm mid BA, (1x) Knowles dual tweeter
Features semi-clear blue polymer monolithic shell

The intricate details extend to the earphones' presentation, with packaging that reflects the visual essence of Cortini’s latest album, Nati Infiniti.

Accessories

Campfire Audio has always excelled in providing a comprehensive accessory package, and the Clara is no exception. Inside the box, you'll find a durable tour case filled with various goodies. Additional storage options include a leather pouch and two mesh bags of different sizes.

The package also includes two Time Stream Duet copper-silver cables with 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm connectors. There's a wide selection of ear tips – foam, silicone, and special Final Type E tips.

Campfire Audio has also thoughtfully included a portable HiFi DAC for USB-C and Lightning, which is a delightful addition. You'll also find a cleaning cloth, an IEM cleaning tool, and a signature Campfire Audio pin.

We rate the accessory package a perfect 10 out of 10 – absolutely impressive!

What’s inside Clara?

The Clara utilizes a hybrid driver system. It combines a dual-magnet dynamic bio-cellulose driver, a Dual-Diaphragm balanced armature with Clear Wave tuning chamber, and two high-frequency Super Tweeters with TAEC. Let us explain what it all means.

From a physics standpoint, dynamic drivers are generally better suited for reproducing low frequencies. However, dynamic drivers can sometimes sacrifice quality and detail for the sake of bass quantity. That’s why the Clara uses a dual-magnet driver – this design helps control the speed and precision of low frequencies.

Balanced armature drivers are better at handling mid and high frequencies. These frequencies require less energy, so a light, low-inertia transducer is ideal for accurate reproduction. Otherwise, excessive distortion can degrade the sound quality.

For the midrange, the Clara features a new Knowles balanced armature driver with a dual-diaphragm design. This additional diaphragm allows the driver to produce a richer signal, enhancing the overall sonic output.

Two super-tweeters, housed in a TEAC chamber, handle the high frequencies. TEAC stands for Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber, a proprietary design by Campfire Audio. It accurately controls resonance and enhances clarity across the frequency spectrum, delivering a clean and natural sound signature.

Fit

The Clara excels in its ergonomic fit, securely embracing the ear without causing discomfort. This precise fit ensures hours of comfortable listening and enhances the acoustic experience by minimizing sound leakage. Unlike bulkier models, the Clara achieves a balance between weight and comfort, making them virtually unnoticeable during extended use.

The included eartips create an intimate audio environment, effectively isolating external noise while delivering a personalized soundscape. Thanks to the thoughtfully crafted acrylic body and high-quality eartips, the IEMs sit comfortably in the ear without frequent adjustments, providing above-average noise isolation.

Sound

For testing the Campfire Audio Clara, we paired it with several high-end audio devices, including the Cayin N8ii, EarMen Angel, and Violectric DHA V590 MK2 PRO. This setup allowed us to discern Clara's sound profile, which is marked by an emotional yet relaxed connection to the music and a nuanced soundstage. While the difference was evident, Clara performed well even with more affordable sources.

Soundstage

The Clara delivers a well-organized soundstage that places instruments and vocals with precision. Its reference tuning allows listeners to explore the depths of midrange detail, making the listening experience both immersive and introspective. The soundscape is less about high-frequency sparkle and more about a relaxed treble that unveils the layers of a track with ease.

Low Frequencies

Clara's bass response is both articulate and dynamic. Whether listening to bass-heavy tracks or more subtle compositions, the IEMs reproduce low frequencies with clarity and control, avoiding the typical pitfalls of muddiness or overemphasis.

Midrange

The midrange is where the Clara truly shines. Vocals and instruments are rendered with a lifelike quality that feels both intimate and expansive. The IEMs excel in conveying the nuances of complex arrangements, bringing out the texture and emotion in every note.

High Frequencies

The treble response of the Clara is smooth and detailed, avoiding the harshness that can lead to listener fatigue. This refined high-end complements the overall balanced sound signature, making the Clara suitable for long listening sessions.

Verdict

The Campfire Audio Clara is a masterpiece in the IEM realm, designed for those who seek a balanced, immersive sound experience. Its combination of comfort, design, and sonic excellence makes it a standout choice for both casual listeners and audiophiles. While the Clara is ideally suited for artists on stage, its sound character ensures it can delight any audio enthusiast.

For those exploring the depths of their music collection, the Clara offers an invitation to rediscover the details and emotions within each track. If you’re in the market for IEMs that offer both technical prowess and a heartfelt listening journey, the Campfire Audio Clara deserves your attention.

Headphones Campfire Audio: