Campfire Dorado 2020

Hybrid Hero

Since 2016 – Dorado’s original release – Campfire Audio has developed a remarkable series of high-fidelity hybrid IEMs that have gone from niche to popularized as some of the very best in the world. The Campfire Audio Dorado 2020 breathes new life into the name and the legacy of the original with a fresh take on its classic hybrid design. One balanced armature and one dynamic driver. No cross-over, no complications. They've found these distilled pairings reproduce sound more faithfully, with improved resolution and better cohesion than those with over-complicated cross-over schemes. The result is a detailed yet natural sound that is resolving and emotionally engaging, a true hybrid in design and sonic presentation!

Greater than the sum of its parts

Cascade delivers exceptional musicality and openness. It has a soundstage that expands well beyond the listening space. It possesses sonic traits not found in typical closed-back headphone designs. Specially crafted custom drivers are at the heart of Cascade. Powerful and impactful sound with excellent speed and micro-detail retrieval. Superior highs extend over precise and controlled bass notes.

Ceramic is Zirconia

In 2015, Campfire Audio was the first company to introduce a ceramic body earphone with the original Lyra. With the new Dorado and Vega, they've returned to this excellent material. Ceramic is a dense material. That’s part of its appeal when designing an earphone. The density pairs well with dynamic drivers because it doesn’t let vibrations run wild. It also has the added benefit of ownership by being extremely scratch-resistant.

The ceramic shells get their strength through a sintering process. Two days are spent at 600 degrees, followed by three days at 1200 degrees. This extended exposure to high heat dramatically reduces the parts’ size and increases their density as a result. The shells then spend up to 3 days in a tumbler along with small alumina stones and water. This polishing process gives them an attractive high gloss surface finish. With the Campfire Audio Dorado 2020,they’ve turned to a machined brass spout with a ‘gunmetal grey’ P.V.D. finish. The conical shape and reduced diameter of the spout provide further tuning enhancements while also improving wear comfort. The super small balanced armature sits centrally in the spout, and its proximity to the exit gives it an enhanced presence in just the right proportion.

Fun for All

Dorado’s acoustic design shares a relatively simple philosophy with Vega; use the best components possible and let them shine. Similar to Vega 2020, there isn’t a cross-over or other electronic clutter in the signal path to endanger the driver’s musical performance. Being a hybrid IEM Dorado 2020 is unique from Vega in adding another component; a single high frequency focused balanced armature. Dorado uses a custom-tuned dynamic driver as well – one that shares similar elements to its full range sibling found in Vega.