Campfire Relay DAC/AMP Puts Hi-Fi in Your Pocket

Fresh off its launch of the extraterrestrial-themed in-ear monitor, Alien Brain, Campfire Audio has unveiled another bid to capture audiophile imaginations — this time with a compact device designed to transform how your smartphone, tablet, or laptop sounds, whether you’re driving headphones or even a desktop audio setup.

At its core, the Relay is a small digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) and headphone amplifier that slots neatly between your device — like a smartphone, tablet, or computer — and your headphones. In doing so, it takes over the delicate job of converting digital music into the analogue signals your ears hear. For most, that means replacing the often lacklustre audio circuitry inside everyday gadgets with a dedicated, purpose-built hi-fi solution.

Ken Ball, Campfire Audio’s Founder and Lead Acoustic Designer, summed up the motivation behind the Relay’s creation by saying it was: 

The culmination of an exhaustive and expansive search for the best sonic qualities, form factor, and functionality possible to meet the demands of modern, portable hi-fi. Our hope is that it gives users the high level of performance they expect from bulkier devices, with the flexibility of variable parameters and the convenience of a compact, robust form factor.

Housed in a precision-machined aluminium shell that’s both lightweight and tough, Relay employs the highly regarded AKM 4493 SEQ DAC chip. Campfire says this was chosen from a long list of contenders for its blend of technical prowess and subtle analogue-style warmth that keeps music sounding engaging rather than sterile.

It’s a flexible little unit, too, designed to work seamlessly with Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android devices via USB-C. It provides both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs, so you can pair it with a broad range of high-end headphones and IEMs. Under the hood, you’ll find selectable high and low gain settings, six digital filter modes, support for PCM and DSD files up to 32-bit/768kHz, plus a 60-step volume control and onboard playback buttons, making it easy to fine-tune your listening without constantly reaching for your phone.

Campfire also bundles a short USB-C to USB-C cable, microfibre cloth, and black cushioned Ripstop carry bag, reinforcing its portable-friendly credentials.

The Relay DAC/AMP is available now through specialist audio retailers, priced at £229 | US$229 and will make its public debut at CanJam London this weekend.

For More Information Visit Campfire Audio