Sound Impressions: Low-ends
Bonneville has an energetic W-shaped sound signature. Low-ends are deep and bold, bringing out thick bass grooves. The bass quantity is that of V-shaped IEMs but not bloated on the sub-bass. The bass stays fairly even in quantity for ultra and upper lows. Although the low-end presence is significant and grand, Bonneville managed to present the bass in a calm, well-controlled manner.
The low-ends don’t get bombastic or wild but well tamed. Extension towards the ultra lows is also deep and clear in resolution, offering great depth perception to Bonneville. The sub-bass is adequately tightened to have an al dente bass, where the bass core is solid and the gently allowed sub-bass reverbs for a creamy and smooth body.
Sound Impressions: Mid-range
It’s not uncommon for hybrid IEMs to show inconsistency in timbre or texture due to the use of different drivers, especially on the mid-range. Bonneville has done a wonderful job fusing the DD and BA drivers, playing an extremely cohesive and stable sound throughout the mids. With the vocals mildly forwarded than the bass, the mid-range sounds full-bodied and thick in density. The vocal flows steady and shows no noticeable shift in tone or sibilance.
Bonneville aims for a very specific spot in which the vocals sound both neutral-warm and sparkly bright. The mid-range timbre is based on the dynamic driver, while the BA drivers add some nice lushness. The use of BAs to add finesse makes the vocals rich and lively, all while keeping a highly neutral tone. The vocal thickness is mildly thicker than neutral. The tightly controlled reverbs and energetic power prevent the vocals from sounding loosened, hence going along well with both male and female vocals.
Sound Impressions: Highs, etc.
Apart from the resolving treble extension, EST drivers are loved by many due to the silky, refined texture those drivers bring. Although using BA drivers, Bonneville’s highs rival close to EST tweeters in fineness and resolution. The textures are incredibly detailed that smoothly picks up small treble grains and details. Trebles have a rich timbre that makes it sound silvery, polished, and moist, a type of timbre that makes the upper end tonally rich yet remains neutral.
Highs take a small step forward from neutral, standing in a position similar to the vocals but appropriately controlled in heat and quantity, preventing Bonneville from sounding too bright or fatiguing. Bonneville has neutral-bright highs with great airiness. This gently introduces an open-ended upper headroom. As for the soundstage, Bonneville’s dynamic, W-shaped sound signature creates a three-dimensional deep and large sound room, size and depth that is equivalent if not larger than average IEMs in this price range.
Compared to Hifiman Svanar (Review link)
Svanar is overall more organic in tone and timbre, having more of that typical DD-like sound tuning than Bonneville. The imaging and soundstage are flatter than Bonneville. Svanar sounds relatively (and slightly) drier in texture yet the timbre is more neutral and reference-like, and Bonneville sounds relatively colored. Svanar’s mid-range is fuller in body and more musical whereas Bonneville has better lushness and fineness on the higher-ends. The overall sound is warmer on Svanar while Bonneville has a cooler, brighter tone, yet their fatigue level is still just about similar, remaining well-tamed and smooth.
Svanar would be an ideal choice for those seeking a classic single-driver sound that isn’t overdone, or wanting a strictly neutral and accurate sound phasing. On the other hand, Bonneville would fit well if you’re looking for additional 3D imaging and technicality, or are keen to enjoy hybrid sounds.
Compared to SoftEars Cerberus (Review link)
Cerberus is more neutral and timbre, bringing out a more color-accurate tone and texture feel than the Bonneville. Simply put, Cerberus is more reference than Bonneville in tuning. However, Bonneville is more lush and colorful in tuning, bringing out more fun and shininess to the sound. The trebles are higher in quantity on Bonneville but not to the point of being harsh. However, for those who are sensitive to trebles or those who were satisfied with Cerberus’ brightest, Bonneville may be a tad bright. Bonneville is also more blatant in expressing the treble textures, introducing a lot more air and open-ended feel than Cerberus. Meanwhile, Cerberus focuses more on keeping the trebles smooth and creamy, along with the brightness a tad dark (not a type of dark that feels clogged on the trebles but has a quiet background).
Overall, Cerberus desires a low-mid centric sound with lush treble extension topped with the EST drivers. Although Bonneville uses BA drivers for the upper frequencies, it has a vibrant W-shaped sound signature that brings out much more air and texture highlights than Cerberus. Quite an impressive achievement from Campfire Audio.
Verdicts
Why should an IEM only either be musical or analytical? Bonneville is Campfire Audio’s new standard of a “fun sound”. Bonneville’s ability to bring out both smoothness and clarity proves Campfire Audio’s tuning skills have gone up once again. Deep and punch bass, lush mids, and crispy highs are not only fun to listen to but very mature in tuning. The smooth texture and refined resolution were a major surprise. The incredibly analytical sound topped with vibrant dynamics makes music listening so much fun, making Bonneville a suitable IEM for both musicians and demanding audiophiles.
Thanks for reading. Sharing and dropping a comment will encourage me greatly.
