While most earphones these days are going all-in on wireless, Campfire Audio is taking a different route. The Portland-based audio company has introduced a new pair of wired in-ear headphones called the Axion. Instead of Bluetooth, these plug in via USB-C—and they come with a built-in DAC (digital-to-analog converter). At $249, the Axion is aimed at folks who want great sound without relying on wireless tech.
Let’s be real: the headphone jack is basically extinct on most phones. So if you want to use wired headphones, you’ve typically had two choices—deal with a dongle or carry around an external DAC. The Axion skips both of those. Its DAC is built right into the cable, so you just plug it straight into your phone, tablet, laptop, or even a handheld gaming console with a USB-C port—and you’re good to go.
That onboard DAC isn’t just there for convenience. It supports up to 32-bit/384kHz audio, which means it can handle high-res audio files with ease. That’s great news if you're into lossless formats or streaming from services like Qobuz or Apple Music’s lossless tier. Even better, it bypasses Bluetooth compression entirely—particularly the AAC codec used by many phones, which can smooth out or lose some detail in the sound.
Campfire didn’t just tweak the cable and call it a day. The Axion features a brand-new full-range silicon dynamic driver. Without diving too deep into the audio engineering weeds, this driver is designed to balance accuracy with warmth—something you don’t always get in lower-cost earbuds.
Balanced armature drivers are often praised for their precision, while traditional dynamic drivers tend to offer a fuller, more natural sound. The Axion’s driver aims to strike a blend of those characteristics, offering a smooth sound that works across different genres. No harsh highs, no boomy bass—just a balanced experience meant to work well for everyday listening.
Even though the Axion is wired, it doesn’t skip out on features people expect from modern earphones. There’s an in-line mic and a three-button remote built into the cable, so you can take calls, pause music, or adjust the volume without fishing your phone out of your pocket.
Visually, the design keeps things low-key with a black-and-clear housing, giving it a slightly industrial look without going over the top. It’s meant to feel more like a daily companion than a piece of studio gear. And that’s kind of the point—this isn’t just for critical listening at home. It’s built for daily use, whether you're commuting, on a call, or watching a show on your laptop.
Campfire Audio is known for high-end models like the Andromeda and Fathom, which can cost over $1,000. The Axion, at $249, marks a different kind of offering. It’s not quite a budget product, but it does make Campfire’s design and audio experience more accessible without needing to jump into the deep end of audiophile pricing.
It’s aimed at listeners who want something better than the usual earbuds but aren’t necessarily looking to build a full hi-fi setup. Think of it as a stepping stone into the world of high-quality audio—without the extra gear or the learning curve.
The Campfire Audio Axion is set to launch at the end of April and will be available through Campfire Audio’s website as well as Amazon and other retailers.
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