Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020 vs AKG N5005: Flagship IEMs Compared

The Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020 and the AKG N5005 are two of the most talked-about flagship in-ear monitors of the past few years. Both cost around $1,000, both use multiple balanced armature drivers, and both score in the mid-80s in our database. But they ask for different things from you as a listener. This head-to-head looks at what each actually delivers, where they overlap, and where they genuinely diverge.

Price and positioning

The Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020 retails at $1099. The AKG N5005 retails at $999. That $100 difference is small in absolute terms, but it matters when you consider what you get for it. The Andromeda is a pure wired IEM, with no wireless option at all. The N5005 is also primarily wired, but it includes a Bluetooth neckband, so it can work wirelessly if you want it to. That makes the N5005 the more flexible package on paper, and it is slightly cheaper. However, the Andromeda is the newer design, released in 2020 versus the N5005's 2018 launch, and it is built around a very specific tuning philosophy rather than versatility.

The scores, side by side

In our database, the Andromeda 2020 scores 85/100 overall. The N5005 scores 84/100. That is a one-point gap, which is effectively a tie in our scoring system. Both earn a 9/10 for sound quality, so the difference comes down to value, where the N5005 scores 6.5/10 against the Andromeda's 6/10. Neither is a value pick at this price, and both are priced for people who already know they want a flagship IEM. The other subscores for both products are not recorded: neither has ANC, battery, or call quality scores in our database, so we cannot compare those directly. You should treat the overall scores as saying "these are both excellent, but not perfect, and not cheap."

Sound

Both IEMs are tuned for detail, but they go about it differently. The Andromeda 2020 uses five balanced armature drivers and is known for a coherent, polished sound. Our notes say it has excellent treble detail, a wide soundstage, and precise imaging. The tuning is smooth and well-integrated, which makes it easy to listen to for long sessions. Its weakness is bass texture: the low end lacks the depth and physicality you might expect from a $1,000 IEM. It is also very sensitive to source impedance, so you will need a good DAC or amplifier to hear it at its best.

The N5005 uses a hybrid setup: one dynamic driver for bass and four balanced armatures for the rest. That gives it a more conventional bass response, with more weight and impact than the Andromeda. It also has adjustable tuning filters, so you can tweak the sound to your preference. Our notes describe it as detailed and reference-style, with impressive staging. The trade-off is that it can be more analytical and less forgiving of poor recordings. Neither IEM is a basshead pick, but the N5005 has more low-end presence, while the Andromeda is more about air and refinement.

If you are choosing purely on sound, the question is whether you prefer a smooth, cohesive presentation (Andromeda) or a more versatile, slightly more dynamic one (N5005). Both are capable of resolving fine detail, and both will show up weaknesses in your source gear. The Andromeda is the more demanding of the two in that regard.

Noise cancelling and battery

Neither IEM has active noise cancelling. The Andromeda is fully wired, so it has no battery at all. The N5005 has a Bluetooth neckband with an 8-hour battery life, which is modest by modern standards. In our database, the battery subscore for the N5005 is not recorded, and the Andromeda's is null. So if you need ANC, neither of these is the answer; you should look at our best ANC earbuds list instead. If you need wireless, the N5005 is the only option here, but 8 hours is short compared to most true wireless earbuds, and it only supports aptX and SBC codecs, not aptX HD.

Calls and everyday use

Call quality is not recorded for either product, so we cannot give you a score. What we can say is that both are large, premium IEMs that sit fully in the ear. The N5005 comes with a generous accessory bundle, including multiple tips and the Bluetooth neckband, which makes it easier to use on the move. The Andromeda is a pure listening tool: you plug it in and you listen. It has no microphone on the cable by default, so it is not designed for calls. The N5005's neckband does include a microphone, so it can handle calls in a pinch, but we have no data on how well it performs. For everyday use, the N5005 is the more practical of the two, but neither is a true wireless earbud, and both are better suited to sitting still and listening than to commuting in heavy noise.

Which one should you buy?

Buy the Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020 if you want a pure wired listening experience, you already own a good DAC or amplifier, and you value a smooth, coherent sound with excellent treble and imaging. It is the more refined of the two, but it asks more of your source gear and gives you nothing in the way of wireless or call support.

Buy the AKG N5005 if you want a slightly cheaper, more versatile flagship that includes a Bluetooth option, has more bass weight, and lets you adjust the tuning. It is the better all-rounder, but it is older, and its wireless implementation is dated by today's standards.

If you are still undecided, the full comparison table is at Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020 vs AKG N5005. You can also browse our best wired IEMs for other options in this price range.

FAQ

Which IEM is better for classical music?

Both handle classical well, but the Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020 has the edge for string and treble detail, with a wide soundstage that suits orchestral recordings. The AKG N5005 is also good, but its bass presence can sometimes feel slightly more forward, which may not suit purist classical listening.

Can the AKG N5005 be used wirelessly?

Yes, the AKG N5005 includes a Bluetooth neckband with an 8-hour battery life, supporting aptX and SBC codecs. It does not support aptX HD, and the battery life is short by modern standards, but it does work as a wireless IEM.

Do I need an amplifier for the Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020?

Yes, ideally. The Andromeda 2020 is highly sensitive to source impedance and quality, so a good DAC or amplifier will make a significant difference. Without one, you may hear hiss or a slightly uneven frequency response.

By Miles Archer · HearWiki