Campfire Audio’s new Fathom earbuds cost an eye-watering $1,049. What’s perhaps even more surprising is that they’re wired earbuds.
Well, there must be some special technology in those, right? Right. And even though they have a cable, of course you can use them with your Mac or another device with an audio jack.
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Campfire Audio Fathom Premium In Ear Monitors
Cult of Mac often reports on new wireless earbuds, particularly when they seem like worthy AirPods competitors. Campfire Audio has been putting out audiophile-grade earbuds from Portland, Oregon, since 2015. The expensive Fathom wired earbuds — er, excuse us, “premium in-ear monitors” — are the latest product from the small company.
Fathom buds are not wireless like AirPods, so you need to plug the detachable premium audio cables they come with into your Mac or any device with an audio jack. (Or through an appropriate adapter, although you should check on its effect on audio quality.) The latest Bluetooth technology approaches the high audio quality cables have long been capable of — and new advances are appearing in wireless audio — but many audiophiles still prefer wires.
Fathom earbuds feature six of Campfire Audio’s custom balanced-armature 10mm Beryllium PVD drivers. They’re engineered to produce exceptional sound quality with incredible detail, clarity and accurate sound reproduction across the frequency range.
‘Phase harmony engineering’
Photo: Campfire Audio
Another aspect of the buds’ audio quality comes from what Campfire calls “phase harmony engineering.” Here’s more on that:
[It] allows us to segment the frequency spectrum and assign these segments to specific drivers, and allows those drivers to apply their strengths to that area. But it doesn’t end there, using a combination of precision engineered driver housings and shell geometry, coupled with custom damping values we are able to physically shape the tuning and response of the drivers, and further, their interaction with one another. This driver-to-driver interaction is crucial to eliminating points of potential phase cancellation.
The earbuds use an unusual dual-bore design that optimizes airflow for enhanced bass response and soundstage imaging, according to the company.
In addition to impressive acoustic capabilities, the buds incorporate a lightweight-but-durable aluminum alloy housing. And they’re designed to fit comfortably and securely for as many listeners as possible (definitely try before you buy if you can!)
Fathom earbuds come equipped with a detachable cable featuring Beryllium copper LEMO connectors for easy cable replacement and maintenance.
Other Campfire Audio options on Amazon, including wireless earbuds
Not into spending more than a grand on wired earbuds, but you like Campfire’s vibe? On Amazon, you could try the company’s Cascara earphones with detachable cables for $499 or Orbit True Wireless Earbuds currently marked down to $199.
Fathom earbuds price: $1,049
Where to buy Fathom: Campfire Audio
These wireless earbuds offer 5Hz–20kHz frequency response, dual high-quality built-in microphones, Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity with Bluetooth LE support (codecs: SBC, AAC, AptX), USB-C wired or Qi-compatible wireless charging in the case and IXP5 water resistance.
