FiiO E17From real comments

Verdict distilled from 34 mentions across 13 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment68%
PROS 68%
CONS 32%

Rank based on 34 mentions across 13 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a portable DAC and amp bundle at a budget-friendly price
  • You listen mainly from a PC or USB/OTG-capable Android device
  • You want independent bass/treble EQ and optical/coaxial input options

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You only have an Apple device and don't want to buy the extra L9/L3 cable
  • You need reliable long-term warranty support outside China
  • You want a dedicated mid-frequency EQ control

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
SMSL VMV D2
Natural, non-fatiguing soundMQA and AK4499 chip appealClear upgrade over harsher rivalsUncertain heat outputHigh priceNo sharper sound signature option
SMSL VMV D2
Natural, non-fatiguing sound
MQA and AK4499 chip appeal
Clear upgrade over harsher rivals
Uncertain heat output
High price
No sharper sound signature option
2Premium
SMSL H400
Strong power deliveryReliable alternative to competitorsSound-tuning flexibilityCosts more than cheaper alternativesHigh price
SMSL H400
Strong power delivery
Reliable alternative to competitors
Sound-tuning flexibility
Costs more than cheaper alternatives
High price
3
HiFiMan Goldenwave GA10
Fully Balanced ArchitecturePremium, Understated BuildRich Tube Sound
HiFiMan Goldenwave GA10
Fully Balanced Architecture
Premium, Understated Build
Rich Tube Sound
4Premium
iFi iCAN
Drives almost any headphoneUnique xBass and 3D tuning controlsMusical, layered, engaging soundHigh price questionedOverdamped decay / odd dynamics reportedCannot switch preamp and headphone outputs independently
iFi iCAN
Drives almost any headphone
Unique xBass and 3D tuning controls
Musical, layered, engaging sound
High price questioned
Overdamped decay / odd dynamics reported
Cannot switch preamp and headphone outputs independently
5Budget
SMSL VMV SAP1
Excellent value for moneyDrives demanding headphones with easeExceeds initial expectationsInconsistent regional pricingCheap-feeling volume knobLimited availability at some retailers
SMSL VMV SAP1
Excellent value for money
Drives demanding headphones with ease
Exceeds initial expectations
Inconsistent regional pricing
Cheap-feeling volume knob
Limited availability at some retailers
6Premium
iFi Pro iCAN
Extremely versatile tuning options
iFi Pro iCAN
Extremely versatile tuning options
7Mid
Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 887
Balanced XLR ConnectivitySought for Driving Hard-to-Drive HeadphonesSolid Metal Volume Knob
Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 887
Balanced XLR Connectivity
Sought for Driving Hard-to-Drive Headphones
Solid Metal Volume Knob
8Mid
Creative Sound Blaster E3
Strong Value on SaleGaming Software FeaturesImproved Dynamic RangeFull Price Feels HighUncertain Value vs E5
Creative Sound Blaster E3
Strong Value on Sale
Gaming Software Features
Improved Dynamic Range
Full Price Feels High
Uncertain Value vs E5
9Budget
SMSL RAW-HA1
Strong speaker amp performance
SMSL RAW-HA1
Strong speaker amp performance
10Mid
iFi Hip-DAC
Detailed, engaging sound
iFi Hip-DAC
Detailed, engaging sound
Best valueYou are here
31Mid
FiiO E17
Improved sound qualityGood value for priceVersatile connectivityRequires extra cable for Apple DAC useBattery and display issuesSetup and driver confusion
FiiO E17
Improved sound quality
Good value for price
Versatile connectivity
Requires extra cable for Apple DAC use
Battery and display issues
Setup and driver confusion

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

Sound quality gets a real boost from the E17's Wolfson DAC and amp combo. Multiple users describe a wider soundstage, more natural mids, punchier bass, and reduced sibilance compared to laptop or phone audio alone. Listeners praise how it drives headphones like the ATH-M50, HD650 and HD598 with extra clarity and volume headroom, some noting the improvement is 'night and day,' especially when paired with quality cans and lossless files.

Getting true DAC performance requires the right cable and setup. Several commenters stress that with Apple devices, only the Fiio L9 or L3 cable engages the DAC; otherwise the E17 works solely as an amplifier fed by the phone's own DAC. USB/OTG connections to PCs and Android phones, plus optical SPDIF for TVs and consoles, unlock full DAC functionality, though some users report Windows 10 driver confusion getting it recognized properly.

Build quality is solid but reliability concerns exist long-term. The brushed metal casing is described as durable and scratch-resistant even after drops, feeling substantial like an iPod. However, some longtime owners report battery drain requiring frequent recharging and units failing after several months of used purchase, with warranty service only available by shipping back to China at real cost, souring their opinion of the brand.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?