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Campfire Audio Relay DAC/AMP - Portable HiFi Solution
Description
Campfire's premium, portable DAC/AMP provides incredible sonic performance in a lightweight, durable, and convenient style.
- AKM SEQ 4493 DAC chip
- Two ultra-low-noise, high-output drivers
- High/Low gain modes
- Six selectable filter modes
- Media playback controls
- 60-step built-in volume controls
- 3.5mm single ended & 4.4mm balanced outputs
- DSD and PCM playback
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Campfire Audio Relay DAC/AMP - Portable HiFi Solution
The Relay distills Campfire Audio's musical philosophy into a pocketable interface: a technically capable yet warm-sounding USB-C dongle built around the AKM SEQ4493 DAC. As noted by Ian White, it handles high-resolution PCM to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD, and offers both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs with low/high gain, six digital filters and a 60-step volume—culminating in strong headroom (up to 4 Vrms) and lively dynamics. The compact 57 x 23 x 10mm chassis and included USB-C cable, ripstop accessory bag and cleaning cloth underline thoughtful build and finishing. Ideal for listeners who want tonal warmth without sacrificing technical fidelity, the Relay represents a feature-rich, portable upgrade for smartphones and laptops at a competitive $229.
Pros
- High-resolution performance and musical tone enabled by the AKM SEQ4493 DAC, supporting up to 32-bit/768kHz and DSD playback.
- Flexible outputs and power: 3.5mm single-ended plus 4.4mm balanced, low/high gain modes and up to 4 Vrms for driving a wide range of headphones.
- Robust feature set for a dongle—six digital filters, 60-step volume, broad OS compatibility—giving detailed control over tone and level.
- Compact, well-finished design with useful accessories (USB-C cable, ripstop bag, microfiber cloth) that make it travel-ready.
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Cons
- Positioned as a justified premium rather than a bargain — $229 is competitive but not inexpensive in a crowded dongle market.
- Enters a dense field of well-established rivals, so prospective buyers should compare features and voicing against alternatives before deciding.
Sound Quality
90/100
The review explicitly states the Relay is built to 'handle a wide range' of headphones including 'stubborn, hard-to-drive ones' and lists up to 4 Vrms on balanced output and low/high gain modes. Those specs and the reviewer's hands-on claims indicate strong headroom, punch and transient control for a portable unit. Expect lively, engaging dynamics that translate well across efficient IEMs to most full-size cans.
Noise Floor
85/100
The reviews do not call out audible hiss or a "black background" explicitly, so the score reflects a very quiet, IEM-friendly expectation for a modern solid-state portable DAC/amp. Given the AKM DAC and typical solid-state advantages (and no reported noise issues), the Relay is rated as 'very quiet' and suitable for most sensitive headphones. Lack of explicit "dead quiet" phrasing keeps this from scoring in the 87+ band.
Headphone Compatibility
90/100
Review details include both a 3.5mm single-ended and a 4.4mm balanced output, low/high gain settings, and output ranging from 1.35 Vrms (SE low) to 4 Vrms (balanced high), which supports everything from sensitive IEMs to power-hungry headphones. The reviewer specifically states it can drive 'hard-to-drive' headphones, and the balanced high-voltage output is consistent with that claim. Absence of explicit output-impedance spec prevents an ideal/reference score but practical capability is strong.
Build Quality
88/100
The unit is described as compact (roughly 57 x 23 x 10 mm) yet 'packs serious audio muscle,' implying solid construction and good engineering for a pocketable device. Included accessories (USB-C cable, ripstop bag, microfiber cloth) and a well-specified DAC chip suggest attention to detail and finish. No durability concerns are mentioned in the review.
Features Connectivity
90/100
Starts from the baseline and adds a high-quality AKM SEQ4493 DAC, USB-C connectivity, both 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced outputs, plus low/high gain modes, six selectable digital filters and a 60-step volume—features that exceed a basic dongle. These extras (balanced output, hi-res DAC, USB input, multiple gains/filters, multi-output) justify a strong features score within the well-featured category. Works across Windows, Mac, Android and USB-C iOS devices per the review.
Value for Money
89/100
At $229 the reviewer calls the Relay 'competitive but not exactly a steal,' explicitly positioning it as a justified premium in the portable DAC/amp space. Given the feature set (AKM4493, balanced output, up to 4 Vrms, selectable filters) the price is well-aligned with what the review describes as a high-spec compact solution. The language supports a 'justified premium' rating rather than bargain-level praise.
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