Campfire Audio is reintroducing wired technology with its latest high-resolution USB-C Axion earphones.

      Campfire Audio

      Campfire Audio, recognized for its premium in-ear monitors, believes that there's a compelling argument for wired earphones that provide high-resolution audio at a reasonable price. The Portland-based company is making a significant move into the “everyday earphone” market with the announcement of an updated version of its entry-level Axion earbuds. These new earbuds come equipped with USB-C connectivity, an integrated high-resolution DAC, and a modern design, all priced at $249.

      Though not exactly “budget,” the Axion is the most accessible set of earphones in Campfire Audio’s collection to date, aimed at those seeking audiophile-quality sound without excessive complications.

      With the proliferation of wireless Bluetooth earbuds dominating the market, the wired Axion prioritizes convenience and usability. The new Axion includes a detachable USB-C cable and features a built-in 32-bit/384kHz DAC, allowing users to bypass the often subpar DAC found in many smartphones. The inclusion of the DAC eliminates the need for external dongles or devices for high-resolution audio. Additionally, the cable features an inline microphone and a three-button control module, offering a practical alternative to the sometimes unreliable touch controls found in wireless earbuds for managing calls and media on the go.

      Inside, the Axion boasts Campfire’s inaugural “full-range silicon dynamic driver.” According to Campfire's press release, this technology aims to combine "a distinctive, compact form factor similar to that of a balanced armature, along with the rich sonic characteristics of a dynamic driver." The company asserts that its extensive experience in acoustic engineering and tuning has been utilized to ensure a balanced and smooth listening experience.

      Ken Ball, Campfire's founder and chief acoustic engineer, stated in a press release, “We aimed to create a high-performance, accessible gateway into the realm of high-fidelity, portable audio. Axion fulfills all requirements for true hi-fi on the go; exceptional sonic performance, plug-and-play usability, lightweight, and comfort.”

      The Axion has also undergone a visual revamp. Its sleek black-and-clear casing exudes a premium and sophisticated aesthetic that exceeds its $249 price point.

      Campfire Audio indicates that the Axion earphones will be available later this month through Campfire’s website, Amazon, and other prominent retailers.

      Derek Malcolm is a contributing editor and evergreen lead for the A/V and Home Theater section of Digital Trends. Derek…

      1More’s Evo ANC earbuds offer wireless hi-res audio for $170

      The newest noise-canceling wireless earbuds from 1More combine the design of its popular ColorBuds 2 with wireless high-resolution audio capabilities. The 1More Evo will be available for $170 starting May 10, 2022, in black and white options, with a promotional discount of $30 for orders placed between May 10 and June 8.

      To deliver on its promise of wireless hi-res audio, the Evo uses Sony's LDAC Bluetooth codec, capable of handling 24-bit audio via lossy compression as long as the user has a compatible smartphone or computer. This feature aligns it with the pricier Sony WF-1000XM4 and Technics EAH-AZ60, positioning the 1More Evo as one of the most affordable options for LDAC capabilities in earbuds. However, this excludes users of Apple devices since iOS and iPad OS do not support LDAC.

      Can hybrid wireless earbuds solve the lossless audio issue?

      For years, music enthusiasts have had to choose between practicality and sound quality with their earbuds or headphones, but the Zorloo Zophia aims to offer a solution by combining both in a single product. The Zophia is a set of true wireless earbuds that can connect to a wired digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and amplifier for completely lossless, high-resolution audio from any computer or smartphone. Zorloo plans to launch the Zophia on Kickstarter on January 28, with backer prices starting at $140.

      If the Zophia meets Zorloo's expectations — and with the important caveat to be cautious with any crowdfunding initiative — these hybrid wireless earbuds could address a longstanding issue in wireless audio: Bluetooth headphones and earbuds, even those that support Sony's LDAC or Qualcomm's aptX HD codecs, are not compatible with true lossless audio, even in the lower, CD-quality range of lossless options. As a wireless technology, Bluetooth lacks the necessary bandwidth to accommodate lossless audio, making it incompatible with the vast array of lossless audio tracks now available from streaming services like Apple Music, Amazon Music, Tidal, Qobuz, and others.

      Edifier’s NeoBuds Pro earbuds claim wireless hi-res audio for $99

      Edifier, a company that has gained recognition for designing quality audio equipment at affordable prices, is launching its latest product, the NeoBuds Pro, on Indiegogo. Priced at $99, these true wireless earbuds feature active noise cancellation (