I've spent over a month now with the Dorado 2020 and here's what I've learned: They sound better after at least 80 hours of break-in. They sound great on a Chord Mojo as well as a Dragonfly Cobalt. I'm a longtime Chord customer with my stereo systems and even though the Mojo has been out for years, it's new to me and I prefer it to the Dragonfly. I totally agree with AudioLevels about the included cables. They become a rat's nest every time they are coiled. I switched to SuperLitz. I cannot vouch for ANY improvement in sound as a result, but they are MUCH easier to handle. The Dorado 2020 with foam tips work the best for my ears and they are really comfortable to wear over time. The included case really isn't great and I've switched to using the case that was included with my Campfire Comet buds. Somehow it's both smaller on the outside and roomier on the inside. Prior to the Dorado 2020's, I've owned Campfire Comets and Etymotic ER-4i. The Dorado 2020 is EASILY the best iem I've owned or experienced. Sad truth about iem's in general: you can EASILY hear how inferior the quality of many recordings is. I have WILDLY eclectic tastes in music and as an example, I have some freshly downloaded "hi-res" albums recorded in the 70's by country artists that sound absolutely HORRIFIC on the Dorado 2020's. Like AM radio horrific. I remain somewhat curious about trying out Solaris 2020's but since I believe my own preferences in iem's are similar to AudioLevel's that curiousity has diminished a lot.
Brilliant review man. I saw this (and read the text version) a few months ago and on some level it felt like gushing but there was a tangible sincerity to your enthusiasm. Fast forward to 3 days ago and I finally got ahold of a set myself and they've absolutely blown me away. I was a Solaris owner for 2 years and they were forever my favourite Campfire-- but these have surpassed them. The Dorado 2020 is deceptively simple-- but it's a simplicity honed to absolute and utter perfection. They're insanely fun to listen to and in terms of pure engagement and enjoyment they better many much more expensive sets. I can understand them not being someone's ideal, but when judged on their own terms by what they set out to do they're pretty much flawless and imho they will one day equal if not surpass the Andromeda as Campfire's most storied IEM. I can't get enough of them.
Awesome hearing something like this. Yup since I tried them the have been my daily driver and honestly nothing sounds close to the way they make me listen to my music for pure enjoyment. Wonderful bit of kit. Congratulations and may you keep on enjoying them.
@@AudioLevels You made a brilliant observation in your video where you said that these will make you just zone out and straight up enjoy your favourite music again with the same passion eagerness as when you were a kid. That's 100% it-- there is a total straight forwardness and non pretentiousness to the sound that's absolutely addicting. Thanks again.
This is the first review I've seen that spoke to me as a listener. Having just last night, finally made a decision and bought a higher tier IEM from Campfire Audio after months of learning and not quite finding a model that I felt suited me or my needs, this is exactly the information I was looking for. Now I'm certain that I made the right choice in the Dorado 2020. I'm wondering if the Dorados are forgiving of source or, like the Andromedas, very sensitive? I'm aware that the andromeda's have an audible hiss with certain sources. I'll be using an audio quest dragonfly cobalt with the dorado's.
Bought Andromeda 2020 when it released and blown away by their clarity and detail retrieval but might have to start saving for these if they're as good as you say they are lol
Great review and video mate, I will definitely have to give these a listen when I have a chance in London or hopefully if Canjam London goes ahead next July. I was looking at getting the Andromeda 2020 next. Out of interest what 64 Audio IEM’s have you heard or have? Snugs in the U.K. now do custom tips for all of the Campfire Audio models and will ship worldwide. I currently have a Noble K10, I Sine 20, Campfire Audio IO, Chord Hugo 2 and custom 64 Audio A18t. Have you managed to listen to the Empire Ears Hero and Odin yet? If so what did you think of them? Let’s hope Munich goes ahead next year. Enjoy your music and keep safe.
Fingers crossed the shows go ahead. Given that this is a great way for people to actually hear a lot of stuff before buying I recommend it to everyone. Possibility Ill be at Canjam too. Tips wise I get on really well with the Final E series, Linsould have some tips that look interesting as well with some heat forming property for a better seal. Will definitely look into songs though. I have the tia forte but have had others come and go in the past. I kind of settled on the IER sound-wise for a while but I seriously hate how big they are. Not heard empire ears in a while, it's getting really hard to keep up with so many companies haha but that's not really a bad problem to have when I started I had a choice of a Shure e2c or Grado 80's :p .
Absolutely worth considering. The andromeda is incredible but not tuned for me, these are far more musical. I wish there was a way for people to "wine taste" them all beforehand :p
Fantastic review 👌🏻 Could you let me know which high-quality aftermarket cable and which DAP you recommend for my Solaris 2020? That would be much appreciated. Thanks again 🙏🏻
Hi Farhoud, Of course, Dunu Hulk is the cable I use due to the high quality and interchangeable jack points. For a DAP I would look at Astell & Kern or Ibasso. Hard for you to recommend you one as its best you think about what features you like on them :) Great choice of IEM btw, happy listening.
@@AudioLevels Thanks a ton for your recommendations 🙏🏻 I mostly listen to Electronic Music like Jean Michel Jarre and Robert Leiner, as well as some Progressive and Melodic House or EDM in general. According to your review, I may purchase the Dorado as well 👍 What output impedance do you recommend for such sensitive IEMs?
@@fzolhayat For that I would recommend getting a DAP or DAC with switchable gains. Any of the high end DAP's will handle sensitive IEM's fairly easily. I really like the DX300. The Dorado would be a good choice but since you have the Solaris already how about something a bit crazier like the Vega 2020 those are great with electronic.... or even the Thieaudio Excalibur... don't let the price fool you those things are great with EDM/House/Psytrance etc :p
@@AudioLevels Thanks a ton. I completely agree about the bias towards the price and I think it's the main point in your review unlike any other. For example, I also own the Meze RAI Solo, and in some cases, it proves itself as a better choice.
thanks a million for sharing your opinion mate. Since you mentioned you rate the shure 846, would you please elaborate on the sound differences between the 2? cheers
Does anything from chifi compete or comes close with dorado's ? Since dorado's are way over my budget , do you suggest anything from chifi. Or else I have to save money to get these.
As I think these are the best I have heard to date from anyone for me personally no. These are very special. However, there is still a lot of stellar options through the price ranges. What's your budget?
Hey new to the channel and audiophile earphones (been into headphones for a while). I’m looking for endgame earphones. I am pretty sure my personal tastes align with yours (or at least close enough). I listen for fun/enjoyment. From your reviews, I think I am considering the Excalibur, Dorado, and Andromeda. I listen to mostly instrumental music but want my first purchase in the +$500 range (USD) to work for as much as possible. I’m willing to pay a premium for American made, within reason. I’d be upgrading from the 7hz Timeless (which I think are great other than for how they look). I have plenty of power in the DAC/Amp department to run whatever. Love your videos :)
Campfire Dorado 2020 blows away many headphones that I have listened to. The amount of detail and bass has just amazed me. The amount of bass is very playful and it creates a rich texture to mid to low notes. The highs are crips and cleary creating a contrasting style of sounds. Clarity is there as well!
True but it's not an all rounder like Atlas, They simply don't do everything which is why I see them as an outstanding pair of earphones and not monitors, Obviously technically they are monitor's but to me to be a monitor you actually have to be able to reliably monitor everything to various degrees
@@dereksbooks I ended up buying the Z1R used for 1.000€. My mindset was the same as you suggested. Buy used, and if you don't like, just sell at a small cost. In the end I really love the Z1R, and I have stopped looking for other iems or headphones.
everything sounds fine, and I am tempted to buy it, but I can't get over the Polaris 2 scam, and things are even worse because no not only the product had a price 10 times it's sound quality, but I credited campfire, and based on that my friends spend 500$ to buy me a pair, so I went to spend another 700$ on gear just to be able to use it, and not made their effort a waste of money because I told them campfire does good IEM. If I go and search for Polaris 2 review, wow glowing recommendation... actual product: on par with 50$ Tin T2 and I am not exacerbating, so Campfire... yes looks nice but stay away, they are a scam.
I've got the Solaris SE, and I think the Dorado 2020 are the best of the bunch especially since the Solaris 2020 (not the LE and not the X) is tuned more and more like the andro with a price premium. Good thing I also have the Andromeda Gold for a warm resolving all BA set up with the magic of no cross over (which is what I was excited about for the Ara which released on my birthday last year) but those turned out out be a 7 BA w/ 4 low drivers... but no low end and just resolution monsters for critical listening.
It just don't get it Crinacle gave them D...I've just read his Crinnotes...How is this possible he is such a experienced guy...so are you...can't get my head around it...it's not a matter of preference...because you clearly put them in S tier if you made one...hmmm interesting ✌️😁
Find out what he's listening to because a lot of the high end audio people use these things simply for "faithful" reproductions of really old music not necessarily getting the absolute most of a listening experience of modern and exceptionally produced music, Not necessarily trying to give it that magic touch which a lot of especially younger people I think look for, I've found campfire audio to be able to do this really well but it's just my opinion
Like he said , they aren’t better but he prefers the tuning. The Solaris 2020 is very close to perfect for me but considering the DD I think the bass could be slightly better but I don’t have many issues with sibilants so far. The OG Andromeda is still one of my favorite iems but the Solaris adds a little dark texture and bass which makes them a little more musical for certain stuff. Even though a lot of people shit on the Lyra II, I actually really like them just because the tuning is very rich, v shaped, and fun while maintaining enough clarity to not sound like a cheap bass head iem.
@@AudioLevels I am just surprised to see such a huge different views among reviewers. Unlike sony Z1R, there is almost no dispute regarding its endgame status.
@@AudioLevels big deal because crinnacle and bggar amongst the only reviewers to admit when something sucks. The Solaris 2020 suck azz especially compared to iems at it's price point. like U18S is bad for $3000. I need to hear Dorado for myself though.
Tbh the Dorado 2020 are very solid, they give color to music, something most iems lack. They are not perfect but are decently technical and well tuned for the most part.
I've spent over a month now with the Dorado 2020 and here's what I've learned: They sound better after at least 80 hours of break-in. They sound great on a Chord Mojo as well as a Dragonfly Cobalt. I'm a longtime Chord customer with my stereo systems and even though the Mojo has been out for years, it's new to me and I prefer it to the Dragonfly. I totally agree with AudioLevels about the included cables. They become a rat's nest every time they are coiled. I switched to SuperLitz. I cannot vouch for ANY improvement in sound as a result, but they are MUCH easier to handle. The Dorado 2020 with foam tips work the best for my ears and they are really comfortable to wear over time. The included case really isn't great and I've switched to using the case that was included with my Campfire Comet buds. Somehow it's both smaller on the outside and roomier on the inside. Prior to the Dorado 2020's, I've owned Campfire Comets and Etymotic ER-4i. The Dorado 2020 is EASILY the best iem I've owned or experienced. Sad truth about iem's in general: you can EASILY hear how inferior the quality of many recordings is. I have WILDLY eclectic tastes in music and as an example, I have some freshly downloaded "hi-res" albums recorded in the 70's by country artists that sound absolutely HORRIFIC on the Dorado 2020's. Like AM radio horrific. I remain somewhat curious about trying out Solaris 2020's but since I believe my own preferences in iem's are similar to AudioLevel's that curiousity has diminished a lot.
Fantastic coment and great to have more feedback so viewers who read the comments can make an informed choice :) Thanks for writing.
what sources are u using your Dorados on?
@@tinostarks chord mojo is best, dragonfly cobalt too
Brilliant review man. I saw this (and read the text version) a few months ago and on some level it felt like gushing but there was a tangible sincerity to your enthusiasm. Fast forward to 3 days ago and I finally got ahold of a set myself and they've absolutely blown me away. I was a Solaris owner for 2 years and they were forever my favourite Campfire-- but these have surpassed them. The Dorado 2020 is deceptively simple-- but it's a simplicity honed to absolute and utter perfection. They're insanely fun to listen to and in terms of pure engagement and enjoyment they better many much more expensive sets. I can understand them not being someone's ideal, but when judged on their own terms by what they set out to do they're pretty much flawless and imho they will one day equal if not surpass the Andromeda as Campfire's most storied IEM. I can't get enough of them.
Awesome hearing something like this. Yup since I tried them the have been my daily driver and honestly nothing sounds close to the way they make me listen to my music for pure enjoyment. Wonderful bit of kit. Congratulations and may you keep on enjoying them.
@@AudioLevels You made a brilliant observation in your video where you said that these will make you just zone out and straight up enjoy your favourite music again with the same passion eagerness as when you were a kid. That's 100% it-- there is a total straight forwardness and non pretentiousness to the sound that's absolutely addicting. Thanks again.
This is the first review I've seen that spoke to me as a listener. Having just last night, finally made a decision and bought a higher tier IEM from Campfire Audio after months of learning and not quite finding a model that I felt suited me or my needs, this is exactly the information I was looking for. Now I'm certain that I made the right choice in the Dorado 2020. I'm wondering if the Dorados are forgiving of source or, like the Andromedas, very sensitive? I'm aware that the andromeda's have an audible hiss with certain sources. I'll be using an audio quest dragonfly cobalt with the dorado's.
I wouldn't have any worries about the cobalt. That with the Dorado will be fantastic I'm sure.
Bought Andromeda 2020 when it released and blown away by their clarity and detail retrieval but might have to start saving for these if they're as good as you say they are lol
Just bought these. I'm stoked!!
Great review and video mate, I will definitely have to give these a listen when I have a chance in London or hopefully if Canjam London goes ahead next July. I was looking at getting the Andromeda 2020 next. Out of interest what 64 Audio IEM’s have you heard or have?
Snugs in the U.K. now do custom tips for all of the Campfire Audio models and will ship worldwide.
I currently have a Noble K10, I Sine 20, Campfire Audio IO, Chord Hugo 2 and custom 64 Audio A18t. Have you managed to listen to the Empire Ears Hero and Odin yet? If so what did you think of them?
Let’s hope Munich goes ahead next year. Enjoy your music and keep safe.
Fingers crossed the shows go ahead. Given that this is a great way for people to actually hear a lot of stuff before buying I recommend it to everyone. Possibility Ill be at Canjam too.
Tips wise I get on really well with the Final E series, Linsould have some tips that look interesting as well with some heat forming property for a better seal. Will definitely look into songs though.
I have the tia forte but have had others come and go in the past. I kind of settled on the IER sound-wise for a while but I seriously hate how big they are.
Not heard empire ears in a while, it's getting really hard to keep up with so many companies haha but that's not really a bad problem to have when I started I had a choice of a Shure e2c or Grado 80's :p
.
Appreciate the review. I have the Andromeda 2020 and wish they had a little more to offer at both the low and high end. Should I consider these?
Absolutely worth considering. The andromeda is incredible but not tuned for me, these are far more musical. I wish there was a way for people to "wine taste" them all beforehand :p
@@AudioLevels Very true! Looking forward to your next review.
How are these holding up against the current competition?
which is the best cable for Dorado 2020 today ?
Fantastic review 👌🏻 Could you let me know which high-quality aftermarket cable and which DAP you recommend for my Solaris 2020? That would be much appreciated. Thanks again 🙏🏻
Hi Farhoud,
Of course, Dunu Hulk is the cable I use due to the high quality and interchangeable jack points.
For a DAP I would look at Astell & Kern or Ibasso. Hard for you to recommend you one as its best you think about what features you like on them :)
Great choice of IEM btw, happy listening.
@@AudioLevels Thanks a ton for your recommendations 🙏🏻 I mostly listen to Electronic Music like Jean Michel Jarre and Robert Leiner, as well as some Progressive and Melodic House or EDM in general. According to your review, I may purchase the Dorado as well 👍
What output impedance do you recommend for such sensitive IEMs?
@@fzolhayat For that I would recommend getting a DAP or DAC with switchable gains. Any of the high end DAP's will handle sensitive IEM's fairly easily. I really like the DX300.
The Dorado would be a good choice but since you have the Solaris already how about something a bit crazier like the Vega 2020 those are great with electronic.... or even the Thieaudio Excalibur... don't let the price fool you those things are great with EDM/House/Psytrance etc :p
@@AudioLevels Thanks a ton. I completely agree about the bias towards the price and I think it's the main point in your review unlike any other. For example, I also own the Meze RAI Solo, and in some cases, it proves itself as a better choice.
I have the Mammoths and I love the cables - so relaxing to wear compared with the IMR rubber ones I have.
Hey! Love your work dude! Can u pls make a video comparing all the campfire iems that u have?😃
marvellous reviwew ! this is still the best iem today for You in 2022 ?
thanks a million for sharing your opinion mate. Since you mentioned you rate the shure 846, would you please elaborate on the sound differences between the 2? cheers
Great video, what device is that in front of you in your video?
Enjoy your music and keep safe.
Thanks. :) Welcome to the channel. It a Yinlvmei m400 and A2.
What tips do you use on these? I got to try these with foam tips and it sounded quite congested.
Does anything from chifi compete or comes close with dorado's ? Since dorado's are way over my budget , do you suggest anything from chifi. Or else I have to save money to get these.
As I think these are the best I have heard to date from anyone for me personally no. These are very special. However, there is still a lot of stellar options through the price ranges. What's your budget?
@@AudioLevels Around 400$
@@leninreddy If you can stretch to the DUNU DK-3001 PRO I like them. Little less the LZ A7 is versatile. both can sound very musical with good bass.
@@AudioLevels ok thanks. Ur opinion on Fearless audio tequila ?
@@leninreddy I really like them. Sound like a S8Z but with different bass properties.
comparison with monarch?
thank you so much,
Hey new to the channel and audiophile earphones (been into headphones for a while). I’m looking for endgame earphones. I am pretty sure my personal tastes align with yours (or at least close enough). I listen for fun/enjoyment.
From your reviews, I think I am considering the Excalibur, Dorado, and Andromeda. I listen to mostly instrumental music but want my first purchase in the +$500 range (USD) to work for as much as possible. I’m willing to pay a premium for American made, within reason.
I’d be upgrading from the 7hz Timeless (which I think are great other than for how they look). I have plenty of power in the DAC/Amp department to run whatever.
Love your videos :)
Campfire Dorado 2020 blows away many headphones that I have listened to. The amount of detail and bass has just amazed me. The amount of bass is very playful and it creates a rich texture to mid to low notes. The highs are crips and cleary creating a contrasting style of sounds. Clarity is there as well!
They are simply amazing :)
True but it's not an all rounder like Atlas, They simply don't do everything which is why I see them as an outstanding pair of earphones and not monitors, Obviously technically they are monitor's but to me to be a monitor you actually have to be able to reliably monitor everything to various degrees
I would love to try these, or the Vega, but both seem pretty expensive, given the competition in the IEM market...
Shop used. Try Head Fi classifieds. These can be had for 33-40% off. If you don't like them, you can sell them for around the same price.
@@dereksbooks I ended up buying the Z1R used for 1.000€. My mindset was the same as you suggested. Buy used, and if you don't like, just sell at a small cost. In the end I really love the Z1R, and I have stopped looking for other iems or headphones.
everything sounds fine, and I am tempted to buy it, but I can't get over the Polaris 2 scam, and things are even worse because no not only the product had a price 10 times it's sound quality, but I credited campfire, and based on that my friends spend 500$ to buy me a pair, so I went to spend another 700$ on gear just to be able to use it, and not made their effort a waste of money because I told them campfire does good IEM. If I go and search for Polaris 2 review, wow glowing recommendation... actual product: on par with 50$ Tin T2 and I am not exacerbating, so Campfire... yes looks nice but stay away, they are a scam.
Any shoutiness on male and female vocals?
No vocals are brilliant!
Better then fa9 fiio?) 😁
I've got the Solaris SE, and I think the Dorado 2020 are the best of the bunch especially since the Solaris 2020 (not the LE and not the X) is tuned more and more like the andro with a price premium.
Good thing I also have the Andromeda Gold for a warm resolving all BA set up with the magic of no cross over (which is what I was excited about for the Ara which released on my birthday last year) but those turned out out be a 7 BA w/ 4 low drivers... but no low end and just resolution monsters for critical listening.
It just don't get it Crinacle gave them D...I've just read his Crinnotes...How is this possible he is such a experienced guy...so are you...can't get my head around it...it's not a matter of preference...because you clearly put them in S tier if you made one...hmmm interesting ✌️😁
:) Interesting isn't it.
Find out what he's listening to because a lot of the high end audio people use these things simply for "faithful" reproductions of really old music not necessarily getting the absolute most of a listening experience of modern and exceptionally produced music, Not necessarily trying to give it that magic touch which a lot of especially younger people I think look for, I've found campfire audio to be able to do this really well but it's just my opinion
@@ilanraeayalabaciu2957 bs. Z1R, legend x, mest mk2 sounds phenomenal to all age groups.
Really surprised to hear that these are better than Solaris. A new toy syndrome? :) Or a matter of personal preferences i guess.
Purely personal preference, the tuning is spot on for me. Wish they had the white ceramic from the vega though.
Like he said , they aren’t better but he prefers the tuning. The Solaris 2020 is very close to perfect for me but considering the DD I think the bass could be slightly better but I don’t have many issues with sibilants so far. The OG Andromeda is still one of my favorite iems but the Solaris adds a little dark texture and bass which makes them a little more musical for certain stuff.
Even though a lot of people shit on the Lyra II, I actually really like them just because the tuning is very rich, v shaped, and fun while maintaining enough clarity to not sound like a cheap bass head iem.
Crazy that Crin and Max Settings hate these
Most reviewers hate these actually
In crinacle's ranking list, Dorado 2020 is in category D!
So?
@@AudioLevels I am just surprised to see such a huge different views among reviewers. Unlike sony Z1R, there is almost no dispute regarding its endgame status.
@@AudioLevels big deal because crinnacle and bggar amongst the only reviewers to admit when something sucks. The Solaris 2020 suck azz especially compared to iems at it's price point. like U18S is bad for $3000. I need to hear Dorado for myself though.
Tbh the Dorado 2020 are very solid, they give color to music, something most iems lack. They are not perfect but are decently technical and well tuned for the most part.
No way in hell should anyone pay a grand for headphones that can't even do a hundred decibels, no way !
What?
Lmao