Wired IEMs
Campfire Audio Andromeda Gold
84Great
$1300
Full review dataCampfire Audio Andromeda Gold vs Moondrop ILLUMINATION: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Campfire Audio Andromeda Gold comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Campfire Audio Andromeda Gold - Great overall at around $1300.
Wired IEMs
Moondrop ILLUMINATION
62Average
$800
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Campfire Audio Andromeda Gold
Sound9.0
Value6.0
Moondrop ILLUMINATION
Sound7.0
Value4.5
Specifications
| Spec | Campfire Audio Andromeda Gold | Moondrop ILLUMINATION |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $1300 | $800 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 62 / 100 · Average |
| Released | 2021 | 2021 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 10 balanced armatures (4x low, 4x mid, 2x high) | single dynamic driver; liquid crystal polymer dome diaphragm |
| Driver size | - | 11 mm |
| Drivers per side | 7 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-28kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 8.5 Ω | 25 Ω |
| Sensitivity | - | 124 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | none | - |
| Battery | ||
| Wireless charging | - | No |
| Features | ||
| ANC type | - | none |
| Transparency mode | - | No |
| Companion app | - | No |
| Custom EQ | - | No |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Controls | - | buttons |
| Design | ||
| Water resistance | - | none |
| Foldable | - | No |
| Detachable cable | - | Yes |
| USB-C | - | No |
| Model code | Andromeda 10 | - |
What reviewers said
Campfire Audio Andromeda Gold
The Andromeda Gold is a significant reworking of Campfire Audio's flagship IEM, swapping in seven balanced-armature drivers for a more bass-heavy, V-shaped sound. It delivers a notably more spacious and detailed presentation than earlier versions, making it a strong choice for those wanting the most low-end-focused Andromeda yet. While not a full review, early impressions highlight its impressive tuning and premium build, positioning it as a top-tier performer in its price range.
- Pro:Enhanced bass weight and presence
- Pro:Spacious, detailed soundstage
- Pro:Striking, premium aesthetic
- Con:High price point
- Con:Requires a powerful source due to low impedance
- Con:No wireless or noise-canceling options
Moondrop ILLUMINATION
The Moondrop ILLUMINATION is a wired single-dynamic-driver IEM with an 11mm liquid crystal polymer dome, offering a warm, musical midrange and controlled treble. Its build quality and comfort are highlights, but its technical performance—especially imaging and handling of complex passages—is only middling, while the $800 price tag is widely considered difficult to justify against its sonic capabilities. The accessory package is basic, and it can sound bright or aggressive at higher volumes depending on the source.
- Pro:Excellent build quality and premium materials
- Pro:Comfortable fit for extended listening sessions
- Pro:Natural, musical midrange with tamed treble
- Con:High price relative to overall sound performance
- Con:Imaging and speed falter on busy, fast-paced music
- Con:Basic accessory package and no tuning filters
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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