Astell&Kern is a South Korean audio technology company that produces music players, amplifiers, headphones and Hi-Fi accessories. The brand is known for its music players being the best in the world. The company's newly introduced music player SP3000 is the most recent proof of this. A while ago, Campfire Audio and Astell&Kern announced the AK Solaris X with the instinct to recreate the deep, rich sound of Astell&Kern. The AK Solaris X made a big splash worldwide thanks to its refined technologies and attracted the attention of audiophiles.

Now, once again, Astell&Kern and Campfire Audio have joined forces to present PATHFINDER, a new hybrid IEM featuring a custom-made multi-driver system built with cutting-edge technology and delivering authentic, pure quality sound. Astell&Kern and Campfire Audio have spent a lot of time on this headphone to create a product worthy of the PATHFINDER name.

Let's take a look at the results of this!

Design

Unboxing a new pair of headphones is one of the most exciting rituals for audiophiles. The A&K Pathfinder brings this to life in the most luxurious version possible.

When we hold the Pathfinder in our hands, we observe that its design feels peaceful, with rounded corners that contribute to ergonomics. This changes shape on a steel pallet at the back of the cabin with classic A&K lines and transitions to an aggressive stance.

The color, shape and design of the cables are compatible with the general lines of the headset and complement each other.

The carrying case that comes with the headphones is so good that it makes me wish all high-end in-ear headphones came with such a good carrying case.

In addition to this bag, it is a great touch that 2 more mesh cases are included where you can store accessories.

What's In The Box?

Pathfinder is accompanied by a rich box content and a luxurious presentation.
greets us.

Box contents:

- 2.5mm Silver Plated Copper Cable

- 3.5mm Silver Plated Copper Cable

- 4.4mm Silver Plated Copper Cable

- 5 Pairs of Final Audio E-Tips (XS/S/M/L/XL)

- 3 Pairs of Campfire Audio Marshmallow Eartips (S/M/L)

- 3 Pairs of Silicone Eartips (S/M/L)

- Headphone Cleaning Kit

- Zippered Leather Case

- Headphone Protection Case

- Eartips And Cable Storage Pouch

Material Quality

Special Beryllium Copper MMCX connectors, regular brass
It is more resistant to wear and tear than connectors and creates a solid joint. Typical MMCX sockets are usually made of soft brass. This harder material choice in the Pathfinder extends the life of the component and the headset. Manufactured with great care and craftsmanship in the USA, the Pathfinder will accompany your music listening journey without compromising its original form thanks to the long-lasting and durable materials chosen.

PATHFINDER is hand-assembled in Portland, Oregon, USA by skilled headphone craftsmen who aim to produce each headphone to the highest quality standards. This excellent example of engineering, combined with the manual skills of human beings, promises a work of art of the highest standards, just like luxury automatic watches.

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Comfort

Pathfinder is a very comfortable headset. Since the comfort of use and comfort experience is a personal example, it can produce highly variable results depending on the individual ergonomics. This is real.

However, Campfire Audio and A&K made use of a lot of ear shape data while producing the Pathfinder, and directed this headset to fit into the most comfortable, smooth and comfortable mold possible.

Sound Quality

There is always a need in the market for new IEMs that can offer a wide frequency range, realistic reproduction and excellent balance.

To achieve this, the PATHFINDER houses a custom Dual Diaphragm Balanced Armature (BA) Driver from Knowles for a significant portion of the midrange, dual BA drivers again for the high frequencies, as well as two dynamic drivers responsible for the bass and midrange.

The newly developed Radial Vented Acoustic Chamber by Campfire Audio is another new technology implemented in a 3D printed cabinet with two Custom 10mm diameter Dynamic Drivers. This acoustic chamber is said to naturally express the intense bass produced by the two dynamic drivers placed at opposite angles here, while preserving the unique tonal character of the dynamic drivers. Cool!

The balanced armature drivers used here are from Knowles, the company that does this job best. These drivers, produced specifically for the Pathfinder, are easy on the ear and avoid sibilances.

First used in the PATHFINDER, Knowles’ new “Dual Chamber” Balanced Armature Driver is an innovative driver where a single coil drives two separate diaphragms. Think of it like a twin-cylinder engine. Compared to a single, larger piston engine, it
This structure provides more horsepower and smoother movement.

If we move beyond the engine analogy, these drivers are really good at expressing a warmer and more natural midrange tone compared to most hybrid headphones. The unique performance of this brand new Dual Chamber BA Driver, exclusive to PATHFINDER, is worth listening to in our opinion.

The PATHFINDER comes with three silver-plated copper cables that allow the headphones to reach their full performance potential. Here, you can use the 2.5mm and 4.4mm cables with the appropriate Astell & Kern music players to take the performance to the next level. The silver-plated OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper) copper Litz cable is a newly developed flat cable model to provide a clearer, more soluble sound.

Flat cables really do not get tangled, they wind up quickly and have minimal friction noise.

Pathfinder is a high-performance headset that will not leave you below any criteria you evaluate with its features, sound character, accessories and stylish design.