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Campfire Audio Astrolith - Dual Planar IEM vs Qdc Anole VX: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Campfire Audio Astrolith - Dual Planar IEM comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 81. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Campfire Audio Astrolith - Dual Planar IEM - Great overall at around $2199.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Campfire Audio Astrolith - Dual Planar IEM leads on 3 of 4 measures.

  • Campfire Audio Astrolith - Dual Planar IEM
  • Qdc Anole VX
HearWiki score
81
80
Sound
9.0
9.0
Value
6.5
6.0
Price (USD)
$2,200
$2,300

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 Campfire Audio Astrolith - Dual Planar IEM is 6 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 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Astrolith - Dual Planar IEM20246 yr newer
  • Anole VX2018

Specifications

Astrolith - Dual Planar IEMAnole VX
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$2,200
$2,300
HearWiki score
81
80
Released
2024
2018
Availability
Discontinued
Discontinued
Driver
2× 14.2 mm planar magnetic
balanced armature
Driver type
planar
balanced-armature
Driver size
14.2 mm
-
Drivers per side
2
-
Frequency response
5 Hz - 25 kHz
-
Impedance
8.2 Ω
15 Ω
Sensitivity
94 dB/mW
-
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Voice assistant
No
-
Detachable cable
Yes
-
Connector
4.4 mm balanced
-

What reviewers said

Campfire Audio Astrolith - Dual Planar IEM

The Campfire Audio Astrolith is a premium dual-planar IEM that delivers a fast, clear, and highly detailed sound with impressive staging and technical precision. Its nearly flat impedance and very low distortion make it a strong performer, though it benefits from quality sources and has a couple of minor ergonomic quirks. Overall, it's a notable step forward in the brand's planar lineup, offering a cohesive and resolving listen for those seeking top-tier wired performance.

  • Pro:Exceptional speed and clarity across the frequency range
  • Pro:Very low distortion and flat impedance for consistent performance
  • Pro:Wide, well-defined soundstage with precise imaging
  • Con:Slight mid-bass bloom can color certain tracks
  • Con:Stock ear tips are not very good and may need replacement
  • Con:Best results require a high-quality source or amplifier

Qdc Anole VX

The Qdc Anole VX is a premium 10-driver balanced-armature in-ear monitor that aims to deliver a highly transparent and engaging listening experience. It offers a lively, musical tuning with strong bass impact and detailed mids, while its flexible tuning options allow users to adjust the sound signature to their preferences. Despite its steep price, the VX is praised for its excellent technical performance, build quality, and comfort, making it a top-tier choice for discerning listeners.

  • Pro:Excellent technical performance and detail retrieval
  • Pro:Flexible tuning options for sound customization
  • Pro:Engaging, musical sound with strong bass and mids
  • Con:Very expensive price point
  • Con:No active noise cancellation
  • Con:Requires a quality source to fully shine

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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