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Campfire Audio Astrolith - Dual Planar IEM vs Sony IER-Z1R: 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.

Neither pulls ahead overall - they trade wins across the measures.

  • Campfire Audio Astrolith - Dual Planar IEM
  • Sony IER-Z1R
HearWiki score
81
78
Sound
9.0
9.0
Value
6.5
6.5
Price (USD)
$2,200
$1,700

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
  • IER-Z1R2018

Specifications

Astrolith - Dual Planar IEMIER-Z1R
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$2,200
$1,700
HearWiki score
81
78
Released
2024
2018
Availability
Discontinued
Discontinued
Driver
2× 14.2 mm planar magnetic
hybrid
Driver type
planar
hybrid
Driver size
14.2 mm
12 mm
Drivers per side
2
-
Frequency response
5 Hz - 25 kHz
-
Impedance
8.2 Ω
40 Ω
Sensitivity
94 dB/mW
103 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Voice assistant
No
-
Weight
-
26.1 g
Detachable cable
Yes
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

Sony IER-Z1R

The Sony IER-Z1R is a premium hybrid in-ear monitor that prioritizes a powerful, immersive sound with exceptional bass depth and a wide, airy stage. Its tuning is far from neutral, instead offering a bold, engaging signature that suits bass lovers, though it comes with notable comfort and midrange compromises. The build is elegant and the technical performance is top-tier, making it a standout flagship for those who value impact over accuracy.

  • Pro:Enormous, visceral bass response that adds weight to any track
  • Pro:Huge, holographic soundstage with precise imaging
  • Pro:High-quality, luxurious shell and detachable cable
  • Con:Recessed midrange can make vocals sound distant or veiled
  • Con:Large, heavy housings may cause discomfort during long sessions
  • Con:Requires significant burn-in before reaching its full potential

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

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonCampfire Audio Astrolith - Dual Planar IEMSony IER-Z1R