Portland-based audiophile outfit Campfire Audio has announced its latest in-ear monitor (IEM), Clara, developed in collaboration with Alessandro Cortini of industrial rockers Nine Inch Nails.
This intriguing partnership combines Campfire’s renowned engineering with Cortini’s artistic vision, resulting in an IEM said to bridge the gap between professional-grade monitoring and emotionally engaging personal listening.
IEMs are designed for high-fidelity listening and offer superior noise isolation. They’re commonly used by musicians, and audiophiles. Unlike regular earbuds, they fit snugly inside the ear canal, creating a seal that helps to block out external noise, thereby improving the clarity of the audio.
The Clara IEM represents a year-long project between Campfire founder and lead acoustic engineer Ken Ball and Cortini, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee celebrated for his innovative approach to sound.
With its high-end feature set and emphasis on emotional resonance, the release represents a fascinating development in IEM design.
The Clara IEM represents a year-long collaboration between Campfire and Cortini, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee…
Clara’s hybrid driver configuration promises a nuanced and dynamic sound signature. Key innovations include a Dual Magnet Dynamic Driver, which incorporates a bio-cellulose diaphragm for precise bass and balanced audio; Dual-Diaphragm Balanced Armature Driver for enhanced midrange clarity, and Dual Super-Tweeters with TAEC technology, for detailed highs and a wide soundstage.
The IEM is housed in a transparent acrylic shell with navy accents, providing a semi-custom fit that ensures comfort for extended listening sessions.
Clara comes with a premium accessory suite, including dual Time Stream Duet cables (3.5mm and 4.4mm), a portable DAC dongle, multiple carrying cases, and an assortment of eartips to suit various preferences.
Ken Ball describes Clara as a personal milestone. “This collaboration with Alessandro has been one of the highlights of my career,” he says. “Clara injects emotion into accuracy, offering an experience that’s both precise and deeply engaging.”
Cortini adds: “Clara reflects my personal preferences in tuning and spatial portrayal, blending emotional engagement with technical precision. It’s a tool for musicians and a joy for audiophiles.”
The Campfire Clara IEM is priced at £1,999 and is available in the UK through Amazon.
Ruark Audio has unveiled the R710 Music Console and Talisman-R floorstanding speakers at this week’s Vienna High End Hi-Fi Show, marking a major launch for the British brand as it celebrates 40 years in audio. Finished in either Fused Walnut veneer or Satin Charcoal lacquer, both lean heavily into furniture-grade presentation and tactile operation, without…
This time out, The Luxe Review podcast lends an ear to the latest developments in personal audio. Join our AI hosts as they recap TLR’s recent headphone coverage, including a review of Sony’s new WH-1000X flagship cans, and a literal paint swatch of new colourways from JBL and Technics… Anne: The team has been covering…
The right Father’s Day gift isn’t always about extravagance, it’s about the gesture. A well-chosen gift says: I know what you love. And yes, I noticed that your favourite aftershave ran out three months ago. In this guide, we’ve done the hard work for you, scouring the shelves, scrolling the sites, and calling in a…
The Luxe Review 
Portland-based audiophile outfit Campfire Audio has announced its latest in-ear monitor (IEM), Clara, developed in collaboration with Alessandro Cortini of industrial rockers Nine Inch Nails.
This intriguing partnership combines Campfire’s renowned engineering with Cortini’s artistic vision, resulting in an IEM said to bridge the gap between professional-grade monitoring and emotionally engaging personal listening.
IEMs are designed for high-fidelity listening and offer superior noise isolation. They’re commonly used by musicians, and audiophiles. Unlike regular earbuds, they fit snugly inside the ear canal, creating a seal that helps to block out external noise, thereby improving the clarity of the audio.
The Clara IEM represents a year-long project between Campfire founder and lead acoustic engineer Ken Ball and Cortini, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee celebrated for his innovative approach to sound.
With its high-end feature set and emphasis on emotional resonance, the release represents a fascinating development in IEM design.
Clara’s hybrid driver configuration promises a nuanced and dynamic sound signature. Key innovations include a Dual Magnet Dynamic Driver, which incorporates a bio-cellulose diaphragm for precise bass and balanced audio; Dual-Diaphragm Balanced Armature Driver for enhanced midrange clarity, and Dual Super-Tweeters with TAEC technology, for detailed highs and a wide soundstage.
The IEM is housed in a transparent acrylic shell with navy accents, providing a semi-custom fit that ensures comfort for extended listening sessions.
Clara comes with a premium accessory suite, including dual Time Stream Duet cables (3.5mm and 4.4mm), a portable DAC dongle, multiple carrying cases, and an assortment of eartips to suit various preferences.
Ken Ball describes Clara as a personal milestone. “This collaboration with Alessandro has been one of the highlights of my career,” he says. “Clara injects emotion into accuracy, offering an experience that’s both precise and deeply engaging.”
Cortini adds: “Clara reflects my personal preferences in tuning and spatial portrayal, blending emotional engagement with technical precision. It’s a tool for musicians and a joy for audiophiles.”
The Campfire Clara IEM is priced at £1,999 and is available in the UK through Amazon.
CD meets streaming: Ruark launches R710 Music Console and Talisman-R speakers
Ruark Audio has unveiled the R710 Music Console and Talisman-R floorstanding speakers at this week’s Vienna High End Hi-Fi Show, marking a major launch for the British brand as it celebrates 40 years in audio. Finished in either Fused Walnut veneer or Satin Charcoal lacquer, both lean heavily into furniture-grade presentation and tactile operation, without…
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This time out, The Luxe Review podcast lends an ear to the latest developments in personal audio. Join our AI hosts as they recap TLR’s recent headphone coverage, including a review of Sony’s new WH-1000X flagship cans, and a literal paint swatch of new colourways from JBL and Technics… Anne: The team has been covering…
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The right Father’s Day gift isn’t always about extravagance, it’s about the gesture. A well-chosen gift says: I know what you love. And yes, I noticed that your favourite aftershave ran out three months ago. In this guide, we’ve done the hard work for you, scouring the shelves, scrolling the sites, and calling in a…
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