Astell&Kern - Pathfinder
IEMs with 2 DD + 3 BA DriversUnfortunately, even if we desire to, we won't be able to resurrect this product. The Museum is where we pay our respects to end-of-life, old, archived, but not forgotten products. This page was made with a lot of love and will live on for posterity. What to say, we're sentimental people. 😔
While this product is gone forever, here are others we recommend
Customer Reviews
The IEM market is booming, no doubt. Since the past few years, low cost IEM’s, mainly from Chinese manufacturers, & IEM’s of diffirent driver configurations from various manufacturers have flooded the market. People are definitely spoiled for choice.
This was a blind buy for me, as there were no demo units or a chance to hear it some other way. The little confidence I had for purchasing Pathfinder was my admiration from Campfire’s original Solaris. (U12t, IE900, IE600, Solaris OG, Solaris 2020, Ara, Duo, 64Audio Trio, IER Z1R, Fiio F7, Fearless S8F, MEST MK2, Kublai Khan etc are some of the IEM’s i have owned in the past.)
Pathfinder is a 3 BA & 2 Dynamic Driver setup, nothing novel or radical & its build quality is of high quality but simple. Unlike many other IEM’s in the market, it's not made of resin shell, but a combination of aluminum & steel. Definitely feels premium, light weight & inspires confidence about logitivity. Provision of three different cables, 3.5mm, 2.5mm Balanced & 4.4mm Balanced cable is a fine & much needed addition. Cable is flat & comes with silver coated copper wires. It definitely looks & feels high quality.
Regarding sound (never an easy task to explain in words), when you listen to a lot of IEM’s from the plethora of choices we have, it will finally dawn upon that there is very little that truly differentiates or stands out.
Pathfinder fortunately stands out, not only in the way it sounds, but also in how it presents music. The closest resemblance in sound I can state is a combination of Sony IER Z1R & Noble Audio Ragnar.
Pathfinder at its core has a highly enjoyable & musical sound presentation. It is definitely a balanced sound, but with an excellent characteristic of showcasing details, especially micro details. It has an uncanny knack to present new existing details in songs that I have heard multiple times. Many others have this trait, but not at this price point. Ragnar, Odin, U18T, Phoenix etc are some IEM’s off hand I can think of having excellent detailed presentation & seperation, thereby creating a nice 3D type of music listening experience. Pathfinder has this unique characteristic, plus the authenticity of sound reproduction of each instrument is remarkable. Drums, Guitar, Sarangi, Violin, Sitar, Clarinet etc are just some of the instruments that have a life-like quality. Tracks that we may have heard many times, yet gain a very musical quality & sucks us right into the world of beats, rhythm & the ethereal quality of a musical piece.
In the headphone world, Pathfinder is a lot like Arya Stealth. The ever present bass, impactful yet never overbearing, trble energy that always feels the right amount, & mids that are a step behind but always clean & clear. Arya Stealth & Pathfinder both have these common charateristics. Instrument separation exists, yet it blends well to portray the overall homogenity of a track.
Comfort wise Pathfinder is one of the most comfortable IEM’s as it doesn't touch the inner area of our ears. The nozzle being long & overall IEM size being on the smaller side, only the eartips touches our ears. Anyone who has used an uncomfortable IEM or a headphone will realize how important it is to use products without discomfort for a long time, no matter how good or bad a product sounds. Monarch MK2, Kublai Khan, IER Z1R are just some of the IEM’s that sound good, but are of large size & uncomfortable for longer usage.
Pathfinder is indeed a great IEM & for me an even greater find. My search for a detailed yet musical IEM stops with Pathfinder. Music listening sessions have become exciting & enjoyable with Pathfinder. It's unfortunate this product is still under the radar, other than some chatter on audio forums. With Chinese manufacturers releasing IEM’s having attractive pricing & driver configuration, & on the other side highly expensive models like Empire Ears ODIN, Noble Ragnar & others grabbing people's attention, Pathfinder seems lost & ignored in this competitive market. But I am very happy & lucky to have found it. Appreciate Headphonezone for making it available & delivering it in a timely manner. Thanks for reading & keep enjoying music.
Thanks a lot for your detailed and genuine feedback, we're glad that you have such positive thoughts about the product and we'll share your thoughts with the brand as well. It'll also help our fellow customers to make the right choice!
Designed & Made
in the USA
Balanced Sound Signature
Museum with a Balanced sound signature presents a precise sound and an enriching listening experience, where sounds are naturally presented without extreme emphasis on any region. With a pair of headphones with this sound signature, you can hear audio with clarity and detail. The sound is vivid and revealing, a perfect mixture of instruments and vocals, lows, mids, and highs. This sound signature works for most music listeners who like switching between various music genres like Classical, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Folk and Pop.
Ideal for Audiophiles
Best Suited for Portable Use
Metal
Build
3 BA + 2 Dynamic
Drivers
Tangle-Free Cables
Replaceable Cables
A pair of headphones with a replaceable cable has many benefits, and one of them is if the connecting cable has a problem, it doesn’t mean that you have to buy a new one. If the connecting cable gets pulled or damaged, you can replace it and keep using your good-old headphones or IEMs. This way, your headphones will be protected and will last longer. With the advancements in cable manufacturing, you now get a variety of replacement cables with various termination options, lengths and quality.
DESCRIPTION
Astell&Kern and Campfire Audio collaborate to introduce the all-new PATHFINDER IEM
Astell&Kern and Campfire Audio have again collaborated to present us with another superior IEM - the PATHFINDER. Leveraging expertise from the juggernauts in the IEM space, PATHFINDER features two Dynamic drivers and three BA drivers to deliver a highly engaging listening experience. PATHFINDER also utilises the newly designed acoustic chamber from Campfire Audio, creating a faster and more powerful low-frequency response without unwanted masking. The exterior includes a stainless steel faceplate and precision-milled aluminium shell to give it a sleek and sophisticated look. PATHFINDER comes with three Silver-Plated Copper cables enabling the earphones to reach their full performance potential. The combination of the design of Astell&Kern, which expresses the purity of authentic sound with its philosophy of light and shadow’ and the that of Campfire Audio, which showcases its awe of nature, gave birth to the Mountain Peak inlay design.
FEATURES A HYBRID DRIVER ARRAY WITH 2 DD + 1 DUAL-CHAMBER BA AND 2 CUSTOM BA DRIVERS
The new PATHFINDER from Astell&Kern and Campfire Audio utilises a hybrid driver configuration, providing wide frequency response and a perfect balance of realistic sound. PATHFINDER embeds a unique Dual-Chamber BA Driver from Knowles for smooth midrange. This Dual Chamber BA driver is one of its kind with a single coil and employs two individual diaphragms for a warm and life-like midrange. PATHFINDER also includes two BA drivers for the top end and embeds two dynamic drivers with a hybrid diaphragm to produce a perfect bass and dynamic midrange creating a balanced sound. A Radial Venting Acoustic Chamber, newly developed by Campfire Audio, is also applied to the Dual Custom 10mm Dynamic Drivers and is housed in a 3D-printed chamber that allows the PATHFINDER to deliver a defined low and midrange.
Enjoy Extended highs with the Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber (T.A.E.C.) Technology
Campfire Audio has developed a Radial Venting Acoustic Chamber to induce immersive harmony of dynamic drivers delivering control of all drivers with minimal shifts. To ensure that the highs are well extended and do not sound too sharp or cause fatigue, the Astell&Kern Pathfinder employs a Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber (T.A.E.C.) Technology. The volume of space available in the front of the driver is carefully adjusted for optimum driver performance. This highly advanced system creates a direct passage between the drivers and your ears for unparalleled audio clarity. When paired with the T.A.E.C. (Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber), newly customised Dual Balanced Armature Drivers offer clear and precise expressions that enable you to listen to high frequencies without fatigue or distortion through a specially devised audio technology.
Hand Assembled In Portland With Stainless Steel Faceplates And Features 3D Printed Interiors
Astell&Kern PATHFINDER is hand-assembled in a workshop in Portland, Oregon, with stainless steel faceplate and precision-milled quality aluminium shell. The shells are further anodised into a pitch-black Night Sky colour. The stainless steel parts and aluminium shells increase the PATHFINDER's durability, and suppress unnecessary vibrations for minimal distortion, and offer a secure fit. With careful attention to design, the Astell&Kern PATHFINDER ensures sonic excellence. The acoustically optimised interior featured in the PATHFINDER is 3D printed, enabling each driver to deliver top-notch audio performance. Because of this 3D-printed interior, the drivers offer a coherent and seamless listening experience.
Bundled With Silver-Plated Copper Cable And Accompanied With Various Accessories
PATHFINDER comes with three Silver-Plated Copper cables allowing the earphones to reach their full performance potential. The silver-plated OFC copper Litz cable is made in a new flat design, with enamelled silver-plated copper wire conductor to offer better audio transmission. The flat cable design makes it tangle-free and can be wound for manageable storage. This cable comes with Beryllium Copper MMCX connectors which are more resilient against daily wear and tear than regular brass connectors. In the box, you get a 2.5mm Silver Plated Copper Cable, a 3.5mm Silver Plated Copper Cable and a 4.4mm Silver Plated Copper Cable. It also comes with different sizes of ear tips - five pairs of Final Audio E-Type Tips (XS/S/M/L/XL), three pairs of Campfire Audio Marshmallow Earphone Tips (S/M/L), and three pairs of Silicon Earphone Tips (S/M/L) along with a cleaning kit, a leather zipper case and earphone tips, and a cable storage pouch.
SPECS
| DRIVERS | 3 BA + 2 DD Hybrid |
| TRANSDUCER USED | [High] Custom Dual Balanced Armature Drivers + T.A.E.C. [Mid] All-New 'Dual Chamber' Balanced Armature Driver Technology from Knowles [Mid-Low to Sub-Bass] All-New Dual Custom 10mm Dynamic Drivers paired with Radial Venting Technology |
| IMPEDANCE | 6.2 Ohm @ 1kHz |
| SPL | 94dB @ 1kHz 13.49mVrms |
| TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION | Less than 1% |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 5Hz-20kHz |
| WIRED CONNECTIVITY | 2.5mm 3.5mm 4.4mm |
| MICROPHONE | No |
| CONNECTORS | Beryllium copper MMCX Connector |
| WEARING STYLE | In-Ear |
| MATERIAL/DESIGN | Aluminum shell with "Night Sky" black anodized finish Hand polished stainless steel threaded spout |
| CABLE | 2.5mm Silver Plated Copper Cable 3.5mm Silver Plated Copper Cable 4.4mm Silver Plated Copper Cable |
| BOX CONTENTS | 1. Astell&Kern Pathfinder Earphone |
| 2. 2.5mm Silver Plated Copper Cable | |
| 3. 3.5mm Silver Plated Copper Cable | |
| 4. 4.4mm Silver Plated Copper Cable | |
| 5. 5 pairs of Final Audio E-Type Tips (XS/S/M/L/XL) | |
| 6. 3 pairs of Campfire Audio Marshmallow Earphone Tips (S/M/L) | |
| 7. 3 pairs of Silicon Earphone Tips (S/M/L) | |
| 8. Earphone Cleaning Tool | |
| 9. Leather Zipper Case | |
| 10. Earphone Protection Sleeve | |
| 11. Earphone Tips and Cable Storage Pouch |
Astell&Kern and Campfire Audio collaborate to introduce the all-new PATHFINDER IEM
Astell&Kern and Campfire Audio have again collaborated to present us with another superior IEM - the PATHFINDER. Leveraging expertise from the juggernauts in the IEM space, PATHFINDER features two Dynamic drivers and three BA drivers to deliver a highly engaging listening experience. PATHFINDER also utilises the newly designed acoustic chamber from Campfire Audio, creating a faster and more powerful low-frequency response without unwanted masking. The exterior includes a stainless steel faceplate and precision-milled aluminium shell to give it a sleek and sophisticated look. PATHFINDER comes with three Silver-Plated Copper cables enabling the earphones to reach their full performance potential. The combination of the design of Astell&Kern, which expresses the purity of authentic sound with its philosophy of light and shadow’ and the that of Campfire Audio, which showcases its awe of nature, gave birth to the Mountain Peak inlay design.
FEATURES A HYBRID DRIVER ARRAY WITH 2 DD + 1 DUAL-CHAMBER BA AND 2 CUSTOM BA DRIVERS
The new PATHFINDER from Astell&Kern and Campfire Audio utilises a hybrid driver configuration, providing wide frequency response and a perfect balance of realistic sound. PATHFINDER embeds a unique Dual-Chamber BA Driver from Knowles for smooth midrange. This Dual Chamber BA driver is one of its kind with a single coil and employs two individual diaphragms for a warm and life-like midrange. PATHFINDER also includes two BA drivers for the top end and embeds two dynamic drivers with a hybrid diaphragm to produce a perfect bass and dynamic midrange creating a balanced sound. A Radial Venting Acoustic Chamber, newly developed by Campfire Audio, is also applied to the Dual Custom 10mm Dynamic Drivers and is housed in a 3D-printed chamber that allows the PATHFINDER to deliver a defined low and midrange.
Enjoy Extended highs with the Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber (T.A.E.C.) Technology
Campfire Audio has developed a Radial Venting Acoustic Chamber to induce immersive harmony of dynamic drivers delivering control of all drivers with minimal shifts. To ensure that the highs are well extended and do not sound too sharp or cause fatigue, the Astell&Kern Pathfinder employs a Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber (T.A.E.C.) Technology. The volume of space available in the front of the driver is carefully adjusted for optimum driver performance. This highly advanced system creates a direct passage between the drivers and your ears for unparalleled audio clarity. When paired with the T.A.E.C. (Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber), newly customised Dual Balanced Armature Drivers offer clear and precise expressions that enable you to listen to high frequencies without fatigue or distortion through a specially devised audio technology.
Hand Assembled In Portland With Stainless Steel Faceplates And Features 3D Printed Interiors
Astell&Kern PATHFINDER is hand-assembled in a workshop in Portland, Oregon, with stainless steel faceplate and precision-milled quality aluminium shell. The shells are further anodised into a pitch-black Night Sky colour. The stainless steel parts and aluminium shells increase the PATHFINDER's durability, and suppress unnecessary vibrations for minimal distortion, and offer a secure fit. With careful attention to design, the Astell&Kern PATHFINDER ensures sonic excellence. The acoustically optimised interior featured in the PATHFINDER is 3D printed, enabling each driver to deliver top-notch audio performance. Because of this 3D-printed interior, the drivers offer a coherent and seamless listening experience.
Bundled With Silver-Plated Copper Cable And Accompanied With Various Accessories
PATHFINDER comes with three Silver-Plated Copper cables allowing the earphones to reach their full performance potential. The silver-plated OFC copper Litz cable is made in a new flat design, with enamelled silver-plated copper wire conductor to offer better audio transmission. The flat cable design makes it tangle-free and can be wound for manageable storage. This cable comes with Beryllium Copper MMCX connectors which are more resilient against daily wear and tear than regular brass connectors. In the box, you get a 2.5mm Silver Plated Copper Cable, a 3.5mm Silver Plated Copper Cable and a 4.4mm Silver Plated Copper Cable. It also comes with different sizes of ear tips - five pairs of Final Audio E-Type Tips (XS/S/M/L/XL), three pairs of Campfire Audio Marshmallow Earphone Tips (S/M/L), and three pairs of Silicon Earphone Tips (S/M/L) along with a cleaning kit, a leather zipper case and earphone tips, and a cable storage pouch.
| DRIVERS | 3 BA + 2 DD Hybrid |
| TRANSDUCER USED | [High] Custom Dual Balanced Armature Drivers + T.A.E.C. [Mid] All-New 'Dual Chamber' Balanced Armature Driver Technology from Knowles [Mid-Low to Sub-Bass] All-New Dual Custom 10mm Dynamic Drivers paired with Radial Venting Technology |
| IMPEDANCE | 6.2 Ohm @ 1kHz |
| SPL | 94dB @ 1kHz 13.49mVrms |
| TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION | Less than 1% |
| FREQUENCY RESPONSE | 5Hz-20kHz |
| WIRED CONNECTIVITY | 2.5mm 3.5mm 4.4mm |
| MICROPHONE | No |
| CONNECTORS | Beryllium copper MMCX Connector |
| WEARING STYLE | In-Ear |
| MATERIAL/DESIGN | Aluminum shell with "Night Sky" black anodized finish Hand polished stainless steel threaded spout |
| CABLE | 2.5mm Silver Plated Copper Cable 3.5mm Silver Plated Copper Cable 4.4mm Silver Plated Copper Cable |
| BOX CONTENTS | 1. Astell&Kern Pathfinder Earphone |
| 2. 2.5mm Silver Plated Copper Cable | |
| 3. 3.5mm Silver Plated Copper Cable | |
| 4. 4.4mm Silver Plated Copper Cable | |
| 5. 5 pairs of Final Audio E-Type Tips (XS/S/M/L/XL) | |
| 6. 3 pairs of Campfire Audio Marshmallow Earphone Tips (S/M/L) | |
| 7. 3 pairs of Silicon Earphone Tips (S/M/L) | |
| 8. Earphone Cleaning Tool | |
| 9. Leather Zipper Case | |
| 10. Earphone Protection Sleeve | |
| 11. Earphone Tips and Cable Storage Pouch |
Don't sweat it, this
Astell&Kern - Pathfinder comes with a 1 Year warranty
from Astell&Kern that covers manufacturing defects.
All products featured on Headphone Zone are backed by an original manufacturer's warranty.
Read more about Astell&Kern's warranty in India.
