Wired IEMs
Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020
80Great
$830
Full review dataCampfire Audio Andromeda 2020 vs Moondrop Illustrious: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 80. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020 - Great overall at around $835.
Wired IEMs
Moondrop Illustrious
75Good
$900
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020 leads on 3 of 4 measures.
- Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020
- Moondrop Illustrious
HearWiki score
80
75
Sound
9.0
8.0
Value
6.5
6.5
Price (USD)
$830
$900
Generation & platform
The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?
Same generation
The Moondrop Illustrious is 5 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Andromeda 20202020
- Illustrious20255 yr newer
Specifications
Andromeda 2020Illustrious
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $830
- $900
- HearWiki score
- 80
- 75
- Released
- 2020
- 2025
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- 5× balanced armature
- 1DD
- Driver type
- balanced-armature
- dynamic
- Driver configuration
- -
- 1DD
- Driver size
- -
- 11 mm
- Drivers per side
- 5
- 1
- Frequency response
- 5 Hz - 20 kHz
- -
- Impedance
- 6.4 Ω
- 25 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 123 dB/mW
- -
- Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
- 94
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Controls
- none
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- No
- -
- Connector
- MMCX
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
- Model code
- Andromeda Emerald Sea
- -
What reviewers said
Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020
The Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020 is a premium five-driver balanced armature IEM that refines the original's signature with smoother, more coherent mids and improved treble. It delivers an expansive soundstage with excellent imaging and layering, though its low impedance and high sensitivity mean it demands a quality source to shine. A worthwhile update for both newcomers and existing fans, it excels in clarity and detail but has some limitations in bass texture.
- Pro:Cohesive and smooth midrange
- Pro:Excellent soundstage and imaging
- Pro:Strong, detailed treble
- Con:Requires a high-quality source
- Con:Limited bass texture and weight
- Con:No controls or ANC
Moondrop Illustrious
The Moondrop Illustrious is a premium single-dynamic-driver wired IEM that delivers a refined, neutral, and relaxed sound signature leaning toward diffuse-field tuning. It pairs a high-quality build with excellent accessories, making it a strong choice for listeners who value natural presentation and monitor-style accuracy over bass-heavy coloration. While its tuning is impressive for detail and balance, the bass lacks significant impact, which may not suit bass enthusiasts.
- Pro:Premium build quality and materials
- Pro:Refined, neutral, and natural sound tuning
- Pro:Excellent accessory package
- Con:Bass lacks impact and punch
- Con:Relaxed tuning may feel too subdued for some
- Con:High price for a single-driver design
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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