The PATHFINDER is a collaboration between Astell&Kern and the IEM manufacturer Campfire Audio. Astell&Kern is known primarily for its digital audio players, but they have dabbled in in-ear monitors. Campfire Audio, meanwhile only makes IEMs. It's not the first time A&K has joined forces with Campfire; they released the AK Solaris X back in 2021. It's also not the first joint effort for AK, having paired up previously with Beyerdynamic. The PATHFINDER is a hybrid balanced armature and dynamic driver design, and it costs $1,899. If it sounds as good as it looks, I'm all in!
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Pathfinder IEM Earphones
$1,399.00 USDFeatures
To create a higher quality acoustic performance and listening experience, we needed a new technology that previous products did not have. Knowles’ new ‘Dual Chamber’ Balanced Armature Driver, used for the first time ever in PATHFINDER, is an innovative driver in which a single coil operates two individual diaphragms. It’s like a twin cylinder engine – delivering more horsepower and smoother operation compared to one with a single, larger piston. Compared to a traditional BA with a single, larger diaphragm, the all-new design incorporates two chambers, each housing its own diaphragm and drive rod actuated by a single coil, resulting in a higher, more powerful output for its size than any other BA and is excellent at expressing a warmer and more natural midrange. Find out more about the amazing performance of this brand-new Dual Chamber BA Driver unique to PATHFINDER.
Astell and Kern Pathfinder Dynamic Driver
Rich and Visceral Bass All-New Dual Custom 10mm Dynamic Drivers
Dual Custom Dynamic Drivers with PU + LCP Hybrid Diaphragms present a clean and balanced low to midrange with quick response. The Dual 10mm Dynamic Drivers contained in the innovative 3D-printed chamber design provide a rich and high-definition low to midrange. The acoustic chamber is an all-new design by Campfire Audio, creating a faster and more powerful low frequency response without unnecessary pressure or exaggeration. Each dynamic driver is vented through a specially designed opening located at the face of the driver. This new design dramatically improves the expression of the drivers. With this design, we are able to create a magnificent low-note frequency while preserving the unique sound of the dynamin driver.
Astell and Kern Pathfinder
Beryllium / Copper MMCX Connections
Custom Beryllium Copper MMCX connectors are more resilient against wear and tear than regular brass connectors, providing a robust mating mechanism; one that is typically made from soft brass. This selection of a harder material extends the life of the component and the earphone.
Silver-Plated Copper and Flat Cable Design
PATHFINDER comes with three silver-plated copper cables allowing the earphones to reach their full performance potential. The silver-plated OFC copper Litz cable is a newly produced flat cable, with enameled silver-plated copper wire conductor to offer clearer, extended sounds. The flat cable prevents tangling, can be wound for easy storage, and has minimal cable distortion. It is over-molded for increased durability and finished with a metal housing.
T.A.E.C.
[Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber]
Our tuned acoustic expansion chamber technology allows us to deliver extended high frequencies without sibilance or fatigue. We optimize our driver performance by adjusting the volume of space available in front of the driver. This is superior to the typical “Tube+Dampener” system because it provides a direct passage from the driver to your ear, which results in unsurpassed clarity and extension.
Radial Venting Technology
Radial Venting Technology
[3D printed acoustic tuning for dynamic drivers]
This allows our dynamic drivers to vent to the entire circumference of the driver. The practical impact is a larger soundstage and more presence without increasing pressure or bass bloat.
3D Printed Interior
3D Printed Interior
What's in the Box?
Warranty
The Hybrid IEM Redefined
Campfire Audio and Astell&Kern have earned the recognition of audiophiles around the world thanks to their excellent technology introduced with the first collaboration model, AK Solaris X, which is a celebrated product that recreates the deep, rich sound of Astell&Kern. Now, Astell&Kern and Campfire Audio join forces once again to present PATHFINDER, a new hybrid IEM that offers amazing technology and sound.
Astell&Kern and Campfire Audio take innovation to a new level by combining their advanced technologies and designs to create a product worthy of the name PATHFINDER. To realize this dream, they repeatedly tested numerous designs to produce a structure different from existing IEMs and added an innovative Dual-Diaphragm Balanced Armature Driver, finally achieving the best sound. Enjoy a unique experience through PATHFINDER, a more advanced Hybrid IEM.
Campfire Audio springs from a passionate focus on refined audio reproduction. Each model in our earphone line is designed and assembled by hand in our Portland, Oregon workshop; our earphones are second to none in performance and finish. With a small team of highly skilled and dedicated craftspeople, we continuously experiment with materials and techniques to create some-thing unique and special for the people who care most about it.
The Combination for Perfect Balance
A completely new IEM design was needed for a wider frequency range, realistic reproduction, and a perfect balance. To achieve this, PATHFINDER has a new Dual-Diaphragm Balanced Armature (BA) Driver from Knowles for the key part of the midrange, dual BA drivers for high frequencies, as well as two dynamic drivers with a hybrid diaphragms that create bass and midrange.
A Radial Venting Acoustic Chamber, newly developed by Campfire Audio, is applied to the two Custom 10mm Dynamic Drivers. The 3D-printed chamber design naturally expresses the intense low-frequency sound produced by the two dynamic drivers while preserving the unique sound of the Dynamic Driver.
Internal Structure
Precision-Milled Aluminum Shell
The precision-milled aluminum shells made with high-quality aluminum are anodized into a pitch-black “Night Sky” color. The stainless steel parts and aluminum shells used in the body increase the product's durability and suppresses unnecessary vibrations for minimal noise and offers a secure fit so that users can enjoy a comfortable audio environment.
New Level of Performance, Custom Dual Balanced Armature Drivers + T.E.A.C.
The newly customized Dual Balanced Armature Drivers present clearer and more precise expressions with T.A.E.C. (Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber) that expresses high frequencies without fatigue or sibilance through a specially designed audio technology.
The World's First, All-New 'Dual Chamber' Balanced Armature Driver Technology
To create a higher quality acoustic performance and listening experience, we needed a new technology that previous products did not have. Knowles’ new ‘Dual Chamber’ Balanced Armature Driver, used for the first time ever in PATHFINDER, is an innovative driver in which a single coil operates two individual diaphragms. It’s like a twin cylinder engine – delivering more horsepower and smoother operation compared to one with a single, larger piston. Compared to a traditional BA with a single, larger diaphragm, the all-new design incorporates two chambers, each housing its own diaphragm and drive rod actuated by a single coil, resulting in a higher, more powerful output for its size than any other BA and is excellent at expressing a warmer and more natural midrange. Find out more about the amazing performance of this brand-new Dual Chamber BA Driver unique to PATHFINDER.
Rich and Visceral Bass All-New Dual Custom 10mm Dynamic Drivers
Dual Custom Dynamic Drivers with PU + LCP Hybrid Diaphragms present a clean and balanced low to midrange with quick response. The Dual 10mm Dynamic Drivers contained in the innovative 3D-printed chamber design provide a rich and high-definition low to midrange. The acoustic chamber is an all-new design by Campfire Audio, creating a faster and more powerful low frequency response without unnecessary pressure or exaggeration. Each dynamic driver is vented through a specially designed opening located at the face of the driver. This new design dramatically improves the expression of the drivers. With this design, we are able to create a magnificent low-note frequency while preserving the unique sound of the dynamin driver.
Beryllium / Copper MMCX Connections
Custom Beryllium Copper MMCX connectors are more resilient against wear and tear than regular brass connectors, providing a robust mating mechanism; one that is typically made from soft brass. This selection of a harder material extends the life of the component and the earphone.
Silver-Plated Copper and Flat Cable Design
PATHFINDER comes with three silver-plated copper cables allowing the earphones to reach their full performance potential. The silver-plated OFC copper Litz cable is a newly produced flat cable, with enameled silver-plated copper wire conductor to offer clearer, extended sounds. The flat cable prevents tangling, can be wound for easy storage, and has minimal cable distortion. It is over-molded for increased durability and finished with a metal housing.
T.A.E.C.
[Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber]
Our tuned acoustic expansion chamber technology allows us to deliver extended high frequencies without sibilance or fatigue. We optimize our driver performance by adjusting the volume of space available in front of the driver. This is superior to the typical “Tube+Dampener” system because it provides a direct passage from the driver to your ear, which results in unsurpassed clarity and extension.
Radial Venting Technology
[3D printed acoustic tuning for dynamic drivers]
This allows our dynamic drivers to vent to the entire circumference of the driver. The practical impact is a larger soundstage and more presence without increasing pressure or bass bloat.
3D Printed Interior
[Carefully Designed for Optimum Sonic Performance]
Close attention to detail is critical to delivering you the superior musical experience from our earphones. Solaris features an acoustically optimized interior model that allows each driver to deliver the very best sound quality. When heard together, the drivers offer a seamless musical experience as a result of this process.
Handcrafted IEM Made in the USA
PATHFINDER is hand-assembled in Portland, Oregon, USA by skilled craftsmen, ensuring each individual earphone manufactured to the highest quality standards.
What's in the Box?
- 2.5mm Silver-Plated Copper Cable
- 3.5mm Silver-Plated Copper Cable
- 4.4mm Silver-Plated Copper Cable
- 5 pairs of Final Audio E-Type Tips (XS/S/M/L/XL)
- 3 pairs of Campfire Audio Marshmallow Earphone Tips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs of Silicon Earphone Tips (S/M/L)
- Earphone Cleaning Tool
- Leather Zipper Case
- Earphone Protection Sleeve
- Earphone Tips and Cable Storage Pouch
DESIGN
PATHFINDER combines Astell&Kern’s design philosophy, which expresses the purity of original sound with its philosophy of ‘light and shadow’, with Campfire Audio’s design philosophy, which expresses its awe of nature, gave birth to the ‘Mountain Peak’ inlay design. The inlay is individually produced from stainless steel and consists of six different sides that depict light and shadow. Together, these luminous sides form the shape of a brilliant mountain that rises from the earth. PATHFINDER, with its precision production, expresses dynamic beauty and displays the value of the premium craftsmanship and innovation that Campfire Audio and Astell&Kern pride themselves in.
Astell&Kern PATHFINDER IEM Review
Astell&Kern is on the Right Path with Campfire Audio Collaboration
Riff
Notes
Pros
- Striking design
- Deep, rich sound
- Lots of accessories
Cons
- No Dragon Cable option
- May feel heavy to some users
Materials, Quality & Comfort
The PATHFINDER is a beautiful marriage of both Astell&Kern and Campfire Audio's design philosophies. Astell&Kern's aesthetic is based on the principles of light and shadow, which gives their products an industrial, futuristic look. Campfire Audio, meanwhile, likes to incorporate aspects of nature into their designs. The PATHFINDER does have that more industrial AK look, with matte black aluminum shells, stainless steel nozzles, and stainless steel backs. That's the nature aspect, as the brushed stainless steel is six-sided diamond-esque design that culminates in a point, like a mountaintop. It gives these IEMs a really snazzy look.
The aluminum and stainless steel make for an IEM with a durable and high-end look and feel. The outside of the left earpiece is emblazoned with "Astell&Kern," while the other side says "Campfire Audio." There are two small ports on each shell; this is to help expel energy that builds up from the dynamic drivers.
The MMCX connectors are made from beryllium and copper, making them more durable than traditional brass connectors that tend to wear out over the course of many cycles of connecting and removing the cable. That's actually the reason that Moon Audio does not use MMCX connectors on its Dragon Cables. As such, we don't have a Dragon Cable option for the PATHFINDER. That being said, the PATHFINDER comes with three silver-plated OFC copper Litz cables: 2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm. The cables have a flat design, which is said to make them less prone to tangling and easier to wind. It's actually rather cool looking. It was definitely easy to wind, and it tended to remain nicely coiled after I put it down.
Because the shells look and feel so solid (and so high quality, I might add), I was worried they might feel too heavy in my ears. Not so! These are really comfortable IEMs, and once I had them in, I didn't have much awareness about anything being in my ears.
Sound Quality
I paired the PATHFINDER with the Astell&Kern SE180 DAP for my testing sessions. While pairing the PATHFINDER with an AK DAP was an obvious choice, you can use any portable music player or headphone amplifier/DAC that you like. (And yes, you can also drive the PATHFINDER directly from your phone, but for optimal sound quality, we recommend playing your higher-end IEMs on a dedicated playback device.)
To my ears, two of the most striking sound aspects of the PATHDINDER are the depth and punch of the bass and the clarity. The bass is definitely beefy, but it doesn't overpower. The sound is rich with some midrange warmth, but also crisp, clear, and peppy. The PATHFINDER strikes a nice balance in those regards.
"Away from the Mire" by Billy Strings sounds warm and weighty, but not at the expense of detail. Highs are smooth; my ears appreciated the smoother tonality of the banjo. Mids are clear and warmish, with nice vocals. Mandolin and fiddle are sweet but not screechy, and the upright bass has an enjoyable twangy punch. The PATHFINDER kept everything nicely aligned during the extended and frenetic solo. There is great instrument separation, such that you can easily track the guitar, banjo, mandolin, bass, and fiddle.
Athens Creek's "House of the Rising Sun/Amazing Grace" medley was another great example of the rich full sound with clear mids. The vocals are to die for on this track, and no amount of obscuring or recessing them will do this track justice. (Opinion time: If you're looking for one of the best renditions of "House of the Rising Sun" you've ever heard, this is it. I recommend the acoustic version on YouTube.)
From the iconic funky bassline in Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" to Carly Simon's soulful vocals to the delicate flute in Jethro Tull, the PATHFINDER suited everything I cued up.
While it's not the widest soundstage (it is an IEM, after all), I found that the PATHFINDER has a nice depth to it. That makes for a sense of realism on tracks with interesting sound effects and lots of layers. In the end, that's important for a satisfying listening experience. No one wants music that sounds flat and one-dimensional.
"Away from the Mire"
Billy Strings
(Home)
"House of the Rising Sun/Amazing Grace"
Athens Creek
(The Road Home)
"Billie Jean"
Michael Jackson
(Thriller)
"That's the Way I've Always Heard it Should Be"
Carly Simon
(Carly Simon)
Technology
As mentioned, the PATHFINDER is a hybrid design using two dynamic and three balanced armature drivers.
Two 10mm dynamic drivers are used for the bass and part of the lower midrange. The drivers are housed in a 3D printed chamber and feature Campfire's new Radial Venting Technology. Each dynamic driver is vented through a specially designed opening located at the face of the driver. This 3D printed acoustic tuning allows the dynamic drivers to vent to the entire circumference of the driver. This dramatically improves the expression of the drivers. The result is a larger soundstage and more presence without increasing pressure or bass bloat.
The midrange is covered by two new "dual chamber" balanced armature drivers from Knowles. This is an innovative driver design in which a single coil operates two individual diaphragms. Compared to a traditional BA with a single, larger diaphragm, the design incorporates two chambers, each housing its own diaphragm and drive rod actuated by a single coil. The result is a higher, more powerful output for its size than any other BA that is excellent at expressing a warmer and more natural midrange.
Dual balanced armature drivers are used for the high frequencies. The drivers incorporate Campfire's T.A.E.C. (Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber), which adjusts the volume of space available in front of the drivers and helps the drivers to express high frequencies without fatigue or sibilance. Campfire Audio says this is superior to the typical “tube and dampener” system because it provides a direct passage from the driver to your ear, which results in unsurpassed clarity and extension.
Comparisons
I opted to compare the PATHFINDER to the Empire Ears Legend X. Like the PATHFINDER, it's a hybrid dynamic and balanced armature design, but it has seven drivers vs. five. The Legend X has a bold, bassy, and energetic sound, but not at the expense of other good things like detail and instrument separation. It's got a V-shaped tuning, meaning that the bass and treble are more forward and the midrange is pulled back just a bit. This gives it a sound reminiscent of many consumer-oriented headphones, but at $2,299, this is definitely an audiophile's IEM. Again, the tuning is such that the bass is big, but it doesn't drown out everything else.
Campfire Solaris 2020
Compared to the PATHFINDER, the Legend X has more bass and bombast. For lovers of Rock and Roll, EDM, and other more bass-driven genres, the Legend X is a solid choice. For listeners who want more present mids as well as great bass but in a more toned-down presentation, the PATHFINDER would be the better option.
I was unable to compare the PATHFINDER to the Solaris X, which was AK's previous collaboration with Campfire Audio, but I did listen to the limited-edition Solaris 2020. The Solaris 2020 has a balanced and natural sound that is crisp and smooth. Bass is tight but not huge. Compared to the Solaris 2020, the PATHFINDER hits harder. The sound is weightier, punchier, peppier.
The Verdict
Great sound in a gorgeous package. That's the PATHFINDER in a nutshell. It was love at first sight and listen for me. The PATHFINDER has enough bass and slam to do justice to more rocking tracks, but enough midrange clarity and presence to make vocals tracks and acoustic music sound great. There's plenty of definition throughout the upper ranges, but the presentation is smooth. This makes the PATHFINDER a versatile IEM. I listen to a lot of Rock, Folk, Bluegrass, and Jam Band music, and all of those genres shone on this IEM. I don't listen to much Jazz, but I imagine that the low-end weight coupled with a smoother top end would appeal to Jazz listeners - classical, too. Paired with your favorite AK DAP or other digital music player, the PATHFINDER is going to give you a versatile option in both sound and ergonomics for your on-the-go hi-fi listening.
Featured Products
What's in the Box
- 2.5mm Silver-Plated Copper Cable
- 3.5mm Silver-Plated Copper Cable
- 4.4mm Silver-Plated Copper Cable
- 5 pairs of Final Audio E-Type Tips (XS/S/M/L/XL)
- 3 pairs of Campfire Audio Marshmallow Earphone Tips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs of Silicon Earphone Tips (S/M/L)
- Earphone Cleaning Tool
- Leather Zipper Case
- Earphone Protection Sleeve
Specifications
Transducer type:
- High: Custom dual balanced armatures + TEAC
- Mid: "Dual chamber" balanced armature driver from Knowles
- Mid-Low to Sub-Bass: Custom 10mm dynamic driver from Knowles
Frequency response: 5Hz-20kHz
SPL: 94dB @ 1kHz 13.49mVrms
Impedance: 6.2 Ohms @ 1kHz
Total harmonic distortion: <1%
Cable: 2.5m silver-plated copper; 3.5mm silver-plated copper; 4.4m, silver-plated copper
Material/Design: Aluminum shell / Hand polished stainless steel threaded spout / Stainless steel Inlay and Parts
Videos
Astell&Kern Pathfinder IEMs Review & Comparison
Specifications
| Model | PATHFINDER |
|---|---|
| Transducer Type | [High] Custom Dual Balanced Armature Drivers + T.A.E.C. |
| [Mid] All-New 'Dual Chamber' Balanced Armature Driver Technology from Knowles | |
| [Mid-Low to Sub-Bass] All-New Dual Custom 10mm Dynamic Drivers paired with Radial Venting Technology | |
| Cable | 2.5mm Silver-Plated Copper Cable |
| 3.5mm Silver-Plated Copper Cable | |
| 4.4mm Silver-Plated Copper Cable | |
| Material / Design | Aluminum shell / Hand polished stainless steel threaded spout / Stainless steel Inlay and Parts |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz-20kHz |
| SPL | 94dB @ 1kHz 13.49mVrms |
| Impedance | 6.2 Ohm @ 1kHz |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | Less than 1% |
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