I’d like to extend my thanks to Chris and Ken, the dynamic duo at Campfire that keep supporting our community with enthusiasm and conviction. Much appreciated, as always.
Campfire Audio marches to the beat of its own drum, crafting IEMs that blur the line between science and art. So, when the Portland-based outfit announced their entry to the serious dongle DAC arena (having released a few simpler cable-type dongles prior), eyebrows were raised. After all, this is a market already stuffed to the gills with offerings from every manufacturer under the sun.
Yet here we are with Relay, a $229 statement piece that promises ‘DAP-level’ performance in a chassis small enough to forget in your pocket. The question isn’t whether we need yet another dongle DAC, but rather if Campfire’s particular brand of audio alchemy can translate to this most pragmatic of formats.
Spoiler alert: it absolutely can, and then some.
Technical Specifications
- DAC Chip: AKM 4493 SEQ Velvet Sound
- Amplification: Dual low-noise, high-output drivers
- Outputs: 3.5mm single-ended (2 VRMS), 4.4mm balanced (4 VRMS)
- Power Output: Approximately 500mW @ 32Ω
- Sample Rates: PCM up to 32-bit/768kHz, DSD up to DSD256
- Gain Settings: High/Low selectable
- Volume Control: 60-step digital attenuation
- Filters: Six selectable digital filters (Campfire recommends #5)
- Connectivity: USB-C input
- Dimensions: 57 x 23 x 10mm
- Weight: 56 grams
- Compatibility: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android (plug-and-play)
Continue to packaging, design and build…
