Astel and Kern Pathfinder
The Hybrid IEM Redefined
Campfire Audio and Astell&Kern have earned the recognition of audiophiles around the world thanks to their excellent technology introduced with the first collaboration model, AK Solaris X, which is a celebrated product that recreates the deep, rich sound of Astell&Kern.
Now, Astell&Kern and Campfire Audio join forces once again to present PATHFINDER, a new hybrid IEM that offers amazing technology and sound.
Astell&Kern and Campfire Audio take innovation to a new level by combining their advanced technologies and designs to create a product worthy of the name PATHFINDER. To realize this dream, they repeatedly tested numerous designs to produce a structure different from existing IEMs and added an innovative Dual-Diaphragm Balanced Armature Driver, finally achieving the best sound.
Enjoy a unique experience through PATHFINDER, a more advanced Hybrid IEM.
Campfire Audio springs from a passionate focus on refined audio reproduction.
Each model in our earphone line is designed and assembled by hand in our Portland, Oregon workshop; our earphones are second to none in performance and finish.
With a small team of highly skilled and dedicated craftspeople, we continuously experiment with materials and techniques to create some-thing unique and special for the people who care most about it.
The Combination for Perfect Balance
A completely new IEM design was needed for a wider frequency range, realistic reproduction, and a perfect balance.
To achieve this, PATHFINDER has a new Dual-Diaphragm Balanced Armature (BA) Driver from Knowles for the key part of the midrange, dual BA drivers for high frequencies, as well as two dynamic drivers with a hybrid diaphragms that create bass and midrange.
A Radial Venting Acoustic Chamber, newly developed by Campfire Audio, is applied to the two Custom 10mm Dynamic Drivers. The 3D-printed chamber design naturally expresses the intense low-frequency sound produced by the two dynamic drivers while preserving the unique sound of the Dynamic Driver.
Beryllium / Copper MMCX Connections
Custom Beryllium Copper MMCX connectors are more resilient against wear and tear than regular brass connectors, providing a robust mating mechanism; one that is typically made from soft brass. This selection of a harder material extends the life of the component and the earphone.
Silver-Plated Copper and Flat Cable Design
PATHFINDER comes with three silver-plated copper cables allowing the earphones to reach their full performance potential. The silver-plated OFC copper Litz cable is a newly produced flat cable, with enameled silver-plated copper wire conductor to offer clearer, extended sounds.
The flat cable prevents tangling, can be wound for easy storage, and has minimal cable distortion. It is over-molded for increased durability and finished with a metal housing.
-
T.A.E.C.
[Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber]
Our tuned acoustic expansion chamber technology allows us to deliver extended high frequencies without sibilance or fatigue. We optimize our driver performance by adjusting the volume of space available in front of the driver. This is superior to the typical “Tube+Dampener” system because it provides a direct passage from the driver to your ear, which results in unsurpassed clarity and extension. -
Radial Venting Technology
[3D printed acoustic tuning for dynamic drivers]
This allows our dynamic drivers to vent to the entire circumference of the driver. The practical impact is a larger soundstage and more presence without increasing pressure or bass bloat. -
3D Printed Interior
[Carefully Designed for Optimum Sonic Performance]
Close attention to detail is critical to delivering you the superior musical experience from our earphones. Solaris features an acoustically optimized interior model that allows each driver to deliver the very best sound quality. When heard together, the drivers offer a seamless musical experience as a result of this process.
Handcrafted IEM Made in the USA
PATHFINDER is hand-assembled in Portland, Oregon, USA by skilled craftsmen, ensuring each individual earphone manufactured to the highest quality standards.
Components
- 2.5mm Silver-Plated Copper Cable
- 3.5mm Silver-Plated Copper Cable
- 4.4mm Silver-Plated Copper Cable
- 5 pairs of Final Audio E-Type Tips (XS/S/M/L/XL)
- 3 pairs of Campfire Audio Marshmallow Earphone Tips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs of Silicon Earphone Tips (S/M/L)
- Earphone Cleaning Tool
- Leather Zipper Case
- Earphone Protection Sleeve
- Earphone Tips and Cable Storage Pouch
DESIGN
PATHFINDER combines Astell&Kern’s design philosophy, which expresses the purity of original sound with its philosophy of ‘light and shadow’, with Campfire Audio’s design philosophy, which expresses its awe of nature, gave birth to the ‘Mountain Peak’ inlay design. The inlay is individually produced from stainless steel and consists of six different sides that depict light and shadow. Together, these luminous sides form the shape of a brilliant mountain that rises from the earth. PATHFINDER, with its precision production, expresses dynamic beauty and displays the value of the premium craftsmanship and innovation that Campfire Audio and Astell&Kern pride themselves in.
-
General Specifications
-
Model
PATHFINDER
-
Transducer Type
[High] Custom Dual Balanced Armature Drivers + T.A.E.C.
[Mid] All-New 'Dual Chamber' Balanced Armature Driver Technology from Knowles
[Mid-Low to Sub-Bass] All-New Dual Custom 10mm Dynamic Drivers paired with Radial Venting Technology -
Cable
2.5mm Silver-Plated Copper Cable
3.5mm Silver-Plated Copper Cable
4.4mm Silver-Plated Copper Cable -
Material / Design
Aluminum shell / Hand polished stainless steel threaded spout / Stainless steel Inlay and Parts
-
Frequency Response
5Hz-20kHz
-
SPL
94dB @ 1kHz 13.49mVrms
-
Impedance
6.2 Ohm @ 1kHz
-
Total Harmonic Distortion
Less than 1%
-
Model
Internal Structure
