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Campfire Audio HoloceneImage © Amazon

Campfire Audio Holocene

55/ 100
Average
HearWiki score

Poor value

$650
typical price, USD
Discontinuedupdated price check
Buy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
Campfire Audio
Type
Wired IEMs
Fit
-
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2021

Score breakdownaverage overall

Sound7.1
Value4.6

The Campfire Audio Holocene are two-way in-ear monitors with three balanced-armature drivers in a 3D-printed chamber and anodized aluminum shell, tuned acoustically for a reference response. They feature detachable MMCX cables and are handmade in Portland, Oregon.

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The Campfire Audio Holocene is a triple balanced-armature in-ear monitor with a reference-style, technically focused tuning that prioritizes clarity and detail retrieval. It offers a polished high end and solid build quality, though its low impedance and high sensitivity mean it can be picky about source pairing and may sound dry or sterile with certain gear. Its bass response is somewhat limited in versatility, with some listeners finding it either light or occasionally bloated depending on the setup.

What works

  • Excellent detail retrieval and resolution
  • Reference-style tuning with strong transparency and layering
  • High-quality build and polished design
  • Detachable MMCX cable for easy replacement

What doesn't

  • Bass can be light or occasionally bloated depending on source
  • Sensitive to source matching due to low impedance and high sensitivity
  • Can sound dry or sterile with certain tips or recordings
  • Lacks control buttons and wireless or ANC features

Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.

Specifications

Audio - Campfire Audio Holocene
Driver3× balanced armature
Driver typebalanced-armature
Drivers per side3
Frequency response5 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance5.4 Ω
Sensitivity94 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)94

What the reviews said

5 source(s) feeding this product's score.

audioreviews.org

80

This long-term review praises the Holocene for strong technical ability, especially its detail retrieval and resolution, while noting that its bass can be bloated at times. It also says the earphone is somewhat demanding to drive and benefits from careful source matching.

Read the full review

earphonia.com

86

The Holocene is described as a well-built reference-style IEM with strong layering, transparency, and detail. The review finds the bass a little light for some listeners, but overall sound quality and build quality are rated highly.

Read the full review

headfonics.com

The Holocene is presented as a very sensitive, low-impedance triple-BA monitor with a balanced tuning that emphasizes technical performance. The review also notes that it can sound a bit sterile or dry depending on source, tips, and recording quality.

Read the full review

majorhifi.com

MajorHiFi characterizes the Holocene as a clean, detailed three-BA IEM with strong build quality and a polished high end. The main drawbacks called out are limited bass versatility, occasional treble shininess, and only moderate separation.

Read the full review

soundstagesolo.com

SoundStage Solo highlights that the published specifications are unusually low in impedance and unusually sensitive, making the Holocene an easy earphone to notice in source matching discussions. The page is more specification-focused than a full tonal review.

Read the full review

What YouTube reviewers say

Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.

14:21

Campfire Audio Holocene - Review + Comparison to Mammoth

MajorHiFi6.3K viewsJul 2021

The reviewer finds the Campfire Audio Holocene to be a well-built, comfortable IEM with a spacious soundstage and a bright, detailed high end. It has a neutral, honest bass response that won't satisfy bassheads, but its mid-range tuning effectively reduces harshness. Overall, it's a solid choice for those who enjoy a bright, airy sound, though it may not suit listeners who prefer a warmer or bass-heavy signature.

7:44

Tylers Hot-takes: Campfire Audio Mammoth & Holocene

TylersEclectic3.8K viewsAug 2021

The reviewer finds the Campfire Audio Holocene to be exceptionally well-built with a warm, fun sound signature, though it is not the most resolving or neutral option. They recommend it for those who value premium build quality and aesthetics, but note that the audio performance may not justify the price compared to cheaper competitors.

17:58

Campfire Audio Holocene earphones — resolving and pure

Porta.Fi3.8K viewsSep 2021

The reviewer finds the Campfire Audio Holocene to be a well-tuned, natural-sounding earphone that offers a balanced and realistic presentation, with a large soundstage and good technical performance. It is positioned as a more affordable alternative to the Andromeda, though it requires a quality source and may not suit those who prefer boosted bass or a more colored sound.

8:49

The Rise of Humanity: A Review of the Campfire Holocene IEM

Project Perfection TV3.3K viewsOct 2021

The reviewer praises the Campfire Holocene IEM for its balanced, fast, and detailed sound with excellent layering and a wide, holographic soundstage. They appreciate the smooth yet detailed treble and the slight warmth in the midrange that adds emotional engagement, but note that bass is not powerful enough for bassheads. Overall, they give it high marks and recommend it for most listeners except those seeking heavy bass.

Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.

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Where it sits in our rankings

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