Campfire Audio Satsuma review (2023) natural and balanced sound

The Campfire Audio Satsuma is an audio company in Portland that makes high-end products. Most of its IEMs cost more than $600, but it now sells a few items for less than $300. The Satsuma is the newest model in this category. The IEMs cost $200. There are a lot of great options in this category, and the Satsuma stands out with its unique design and balanced armature (BA) driver, which gives a lively bass and lively mid-range.

Campfire Audio Satsuma: Description

So, if you are looking for new IEMs and your budget is around $200, here’s what you should know about the Satsuma. IEMs from Campfire Audio stand out because of their unique designs, and the Satsuma is a great example of this. The earbuds are a beautiful bright orange colour, and they’re light and easy to wear. There are a lot of sculpted edges on the faceplate of the shell, but the inside is ergonomic, and the fit is comfortable enough to use all day.

The only branding on the Satsuma is the Campfire Audio logo on the faceplate. The comfortable fit makes it great for everyday listening. Because these earbuds are on the smaller side, I was able to find a good fit that blocked out sound well.

Pros and Cons

Campfire Audio Satsuma: Specifications

Campfire Audio Satsuma: Design

This time with a new colour scheme called “orange fizz” that fits with the freshness of summer. So it’s not surprising that the finish is a single colour, with only the stainless-steel spout and MMCX connectors breaking up the orangeness.

As with the Honeydew, CA has gone with an ABS injection-molded version of the original edged zirconium-blasted aluminum shell from companies like Andromeda. The size is much smaller than that of their flagship siblings, so the shape and feel are the same as the Honeydew, but it is lighter because the driver inside is smaller.

The ABS finish is also very smooth, so the edges are mostly for looks and won’t hurt your ears or hands when you use them. Let’s just say that it has a very smooth curve. The Satsuma also has CA’s classic custom beryllium/copper MMCX connectors and a mini version of their new, well-fitting stainless steel spout, which was first seen on the Honeydew.

Comfort & Isolation

Because the shells are so small and light, they are very comfortable. Satsuma is only touching my ear in one spot, and it does so very gently by laying on it. The Litz Cable is one of the most comfortable stock cables I’ve ever used, which also makes these IEMs more comfortable to wear. I’m slowly getting rid of cables like the FiiO LC-B that are big and annoying from the start.

Isolation is also great. It might not stop that neighbor from drilling all the time for the next month, but it does help me deal with it. When music is playing on a subway or bus, no other sounds can be heard from outside. I can only hear what’s going on around me when there are no songs playing or when there is a break between songs, but it’s not very muffled.

Because the shells are more rounded and they are made of a different material, these won’t be as uncomfortable as their previous releases. I know some people who can’t stand the sharp edges of, say, the Andromeda. I don’t think anyone will have any trouble with the Satsuma, which is good.

Campfire Audio Satsuma: Sound quality

Satsuma has a sound that is mostly balanced, with a strong midrange, a lighter bass, and a smooth treble. The soundstage is small, but it feels balanced in terms of depth, width, and height, and the imaging is good for general placement, if not for pinpoint accuracy. Satsuma has a surprising strong sense of definition, which gives it better imaging qualities than you might expect from a camera in this price range.

The best thing about Satsuma is how its midrange is made and played. Some songs or genres have a clear, natural sound to the vocals and acoustic instruments that can make you think you’re listening to IEMs that cost a lot more. Folk, singer-songwriter, and a lot of indie and acoustic rock all do very well, and Satsuma does a great job of making low-key genres sound real and intimate.

Satsuma’s biggest flaw is that its bass response isn’t as deep as it could be. This makes heavier rock, EDM, and pop that leans more towards electronic sound a little thin. There’s a good amount of detail in the lower midrange and even a little bit of punch in the mid- to upper-bass ranges, but the rolloff is pretty steep, so the lower and subbass frequencies aren’t picked up.

Usually, IEMs with less bass end up having treble that is too bright, but Satsuma doesn’t do this. The treble is well-balanced and has a lot of taste. It has good presence and helps give Satsuma a strong sense of definition, but it isn’t too strong and doesn’t go into “bright” territory.

Satsuma really likes “Gravity” by John Mayer. The guitar has a smooth tone, and the drums are tight and snappy. The bass is just deep enough and clear enough to make sense. The cymbals are sharp and the snare drum is snappy. The bass drum hits have a nice amount of impact, but there aren’t a lot of other physical characteristics. The vocals are a little bit nasal, but other than that, they sound natural and close. The layering and definition are done well, making it easy to hear how the bass guitar and organ work together.

Price and availability

Campfire Audio released the Satsuma and the Honeydew in July 2021. Both of these products are meant for people who don’t want to spend more than $300. In North America, the Satsuma costs $199 and can be bought from Amazon, B&H, Newegg, and other big stores. Campfire Audio is where you can buy it you can also buy this product directly from Campfire’s website.

In the UK, the Satsuma costs £199 ($250) and is sold at Amazon and other local audio stores. At the moment, it costs 15,999 ($206) in India. IEMs usually come with a two-year warranty, and this one does as well.

Final words

Satsuma gets you pretty close to the full flagship Campfire Audio experience at a price that’s easy to afford. It won’t please bass fans, but for $199, its performance with orchestral instruments, guitars, and vocals, as well as its smooth presentation, is better than expected. Satsuma is a good choice if you want an IEM to help you relax on a summer night. It looks good and sounds good.

FAQs

What Hz is best for bass?

Even though the fundamental range of a bass goes up to about 400Hz, most bass playing happens between 40Hz and 200Hz.

Which frequency is best for brain?

In just 10 minutes, the 6 Hz beat improves all parts of the brain. The 8 Hz and 25 Hz beats don’t make any clear changes, but the 40 Hz beat makes the changes in the frontal lobe stronger. These brain responses can be used to stimulate brain activity in future studies through brain modulation.