In the relentless pursuit of sonic perfection on the move, Portland’s own Campfire Audio – the wizards behind some of the most intoxicating in-ear monitors on the planet has just unveiled two accessories that feel like they’ve been ripped from our collective daydreams. Hot off the heels of their stunning Andromeda refresh and the Relay DAC drop earlier this summer, the Portable DAC Wallet and Time Link cable aren’t just add-ons; they’re thoughtful solutions to the everyday chaos of portable audio. Announced yesterday from their Oregon headquarters, these gems promise to tidy up your pocket hi-fi rig while delivering the kind of refined sound that makes Campfire a perennial favorite among discerning listeners.
If you’ve ever wrestled with a dangling dongle DAC snagging on your jeans or cursed the cable spaghetti in your bag, you’re not alone. Campfire gets it and they’ve responded with ingenuity that’s as practical as it is premium. Let’s dive into these must-haves, shall we?
The DAC Backpack Your Phone Deserves
Imagine slipping your smartphone into your pocket, only to realize your external DAC is now a seamless extension of it, not some precarious afterthought. Enter the Campfire Audio Portable DAC Wallet: a buttery leather pouch that magnetically clings to your phone (MagSafe-compatible for iPhones, with an optional adhesive ring for Androids or older models), cradling your DAC like a high-end wallet guards your cash. It’s not just about looks though that rich, full-grain leather in a understated brown hue screams “quiet luxury” it’s engineered for the long haul.
At the heart of its appeal is a custom short USB-C cable that aligns the DAC flush against your device, slashing tension on ports and eliminating those infuriating overlong leads that wear out USB sockets over time. No more port fatigue, no more accidental yanks mid-commute. This wallet is tailor-made for Campfire’s own Relay DAC that compact powerhouse packing the AKM AK4493SEQ chip for its warm, analog-esque tonality and effortless handling of high-res files up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256 but it’s versatile enough to snugly house rivals from the likes of iFi or AudioQuest. The result? A lower-profile setup that’s as pocket-friendly as it is port-protecting, turning your phone into a true hi-fi hub without the bulk.
Priced at a refreshingly accessible $59, this isn’t some frivolous accessory; it’s a smart investment in sanity and longevity. As one reviewer aptly put it, it’s “an easy upgrade that feels like money well spent”. For the Campfire faithful pairing it with sensitive IEMs like the new Clara or the evergreen Andromeda, it’s the missing link between convenience and crystalline sound.
One Cable to Bind Them All
If the DAC Wallet is the tidy organizer of your dreams, the Time Link cable is the Swiss Army knife every audiophile wishes they’d invented. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill IEM lead; it’s a modular marvel designed to future-proof your setup across devices from your daily-driver smartphone to a laptop, DAP, or even that dusty old studio rig in the corner. At $299, it’s an indulgence, but one that whispers “buy it for life” with every high-purity conductor.
Crafted with six strands of premium copper and silver-plated copper three of each for that perfect blend of warmth and detail Time Link lets you swap terminations on the fly: 3.5mm single-ended for legacy gear, 4.4mm balanced for those craving uncolored power, or… wait for it… a built-in Cirrus Logic USB-C DAC termination for when you need an inline audio boost. That’s right – this cable doubles as a portable DAC, pumping out 2Vrms with 30mW into 32Ω loads (enough for most IEMs, though over-ears might crave more grunt). It handles the full spectrum of hi-res audio, from PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz to DSD256, ensuring your Tidal Masters or Qobuz streams shine without compromise.
The magic lies in its adaptability: Plug into your phone for balanced bliss, flip to USB-C DAC mode for a laptop sans headphone jack, or go single-ended for that vintage Walkman revival. The silver-plated sections enhance highs with crystalline sparkle, while the pure copper keeps the mids lush and bass grounded a sonic signature that pairs divinely with Campfire’s hybrid-driver IEMs. It’s not just a cable; it’s a streamlined ecosystem that evolves with your listening habits, minimizing clutter and maximizing fidelity.
Elevating Portable Audio in a Wireless World
In an era dominated by AirPods and Bluetooth compromises, Campfire Audio reminds us why wired still reigns supreme for the purists. The Portable DAC Wallet and Time Link aren’t flashy disruptors; they’re refined enablers, tackling real pain points with Campfire’s signature blend of innovation, durability, and that elusive “fun” factor Ken Ball has baked into the brand since day one. Whether you’re dodging subway crowds with Andromedas in tow or zoning out on a flight with the Relay tucked away, these accessories make high-end portable listening feel effortless and indulgent.
For wired warriors tired of compromises, this duo from Campfire is a breath of fresh Oregon air. We’re already plotting a full review suite stay tuned for hands-on impressions. In the meantime, what’s your go-to portable DAC setup? Spill in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more high-end scoops. Your next upgrade is calling.
