FiiO FX17chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Users consistently praise the FX17's timbre as natural and authentic, with resolving detail rivaling headphones like the Focal Clear MG and ZMF Caldera. It's frequently called among the most natural-sounding IEMs commenters have heard.

@Hakkase

I have to agree with your review on FX17—it has fantastic timbre and a really neutral sound. I was also impressed by its immersiveness and sense of air, almost like you can hear the room itself. \nIMO though the midbass makes it a little too warm and thick. That's why I also lean towards the FA19, which is a great all-rounder with a uniquely engaging sound and is definitely more comfortable for longer sessions.launch

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September 21, 2025

@han_xeo

Yeah fx17 is legit. The sub bass ruins it for me to some degree, but the mids and highs are some of the most natural sounds I’ve heard from an IEM.\n\nAnd I own/have owned end game IEM’s. \n\nThe thing is giant tho. Protrudes far out from your IEM. Def not a can lay down and listen piece.launch

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September 6, 2025

@han_xeo

This is a great iem to gift. the box opening experience is top notch, but reasonably priced compared to other \"flagships\" but definitely punches at that range.\n\nIf people are okay with somewhat of a muddy bass, these have some of the most natural mids and highs I've heard in an IEM. The casing is massive tho.launch

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September 2, 2025

@han_xeo

I just got these. Surprisingly great for their price point.\n\nBuild quality is great. Unboxing probably one of the best I’ve seen.\n\nBass is muddy, but the rest of it the EST driver setup was very surprising. Very natural.launch

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September 1, 2025

The 8 electrostatic drivers deliver bright, highly detailed treble without harshness or fatigue, something even treble-sensitive listeners appreciated. The unusual 1:4:8 driver ratio was specifically engineered to prevent the ESTs from being masked by other drivers.

@vivaansethi

Why does nobody talk about why they put 8 ESTs, apparently ESTs have a very low sensitivity and FIIO says if you aren't using the correct DD to BA to EST ratio the ESTs get drowned out by the BAs and the DD due to something called the masking effect. So to get them on the same sensitivity (loudness) as the other drivers they had to keep the ratio 1:4:8. Previously, they even had a physical ON-OFF switch for the ESTs in the FA19 to show that they actually work and that they're not a marketing gimmick. FIIO even called out everyone in the game with the launch of the FX17 and said \"the ESTs are not just decoration unlike the competition\".launch

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August 23, 2025

@vivaansethi

Yes finally another review!!!!!! \n\nI had the Apostle and the Odyssey before the FX17, the FX17 is miles better in almost every regard. Now this is truly endgame material. Also its the the next best thing after the Subtonic Storm. But even the Storm doesn't have 8 ESTs. Some would say this is better but depends who you ask. Btw this thing even has a 5-way crossover compared to a 4-way on the Apostle. Not to mention all the other tech inside - a real work of art IMO.\n\nPeople cannot miss out on these, they are supposedly the best of both worlds Harman and Meta. The bass response and the midrange is in between Harman and Meta and the treble matches Meta. Its got 1DD + 4BA + 8EST. \n\nThe sound is warm and silky with plenty of mid-bass and a good amount of sub-bass and a lot of details with smooth yet sparkly treble. That is not to suggest this yet another V-shaped IEM, its not. Its a slight-U but overall balanced. The tonal balance is very well done. The midrange too has a lot of detail (it hits the sweetspot; between neutral and forward) and overall the timbre is very natural all across the FR and the noteweight is just right. Trust me man this is unlike any other IEM at the moment. I'm sure everyone who gets a chance to try these will agree with me. Who thought Fiio could ever pull this off?!!\n\n​They have seriously hit a homerun with this one! I mean truly outdone themselves with the 8 ESTs and no one's talking about it. It has some psychacoustic shit going on wherein it sounds like sounds are coming from everywhere, 3D imaging coupled with spatial realism and a holographic soundstage that is also very wide makes it sound like the artist is inside you performing unlike any other set out there. Crazy crazy shit believe me, who knew Fiio would and could redeem themselves like this. Ik they've been clowned upon for their IEMs for years but this is some wild shit and so far only Zeos from In-Ear Fetish has talked about it. And I'm glad now you're part of it too.\n\nApparently ESTs have a very low sensitivity and you need at least 8 to get them as loud as the BAs and the DDs and Fiio says that if you don't use at least 8 ESTs then they're just for decoration.\n\nIt is one hell of an IEM people, check out Head-Fi, In-Ear Fetish's Review, and Fiio's website to know what I'm talking about. \n\nAlso its more resolving and better at almost everything than the Annihilator but not a detail monster like the RS10 which can get intense. Its more detailed and resolving than the Focal Clear MG headphones and the ZMF Caldera. Its simply terrific, also it doesn't follow the typical Harman bass tuck. The bass has that heft in the attack and doesn't bleed into the mids at the slightest, the decay is also so natural and adds to the depth. Happy listening 😅!!!\n\nSome things I missed out adding: \n\nAlso it doesn't sound like you're wearing IEMs the soundstage and realism is unlike anything on any IEM. It sounds like you're wearing a VR headset and the realism is between imagination and realism like its cohesively one thing now. Also the 8 ESTs are doing their magic by accomplishing a bright treble without any peakiness or harshness whatsoever which is unbelievable, and I'm a treble sensitive listener. And the bass is unlike anything I've heard before in an IEM, it is so satisfying the rumble and the decay. The noteweight is also perfect. If anything ever came close to perfect I'd say its this tuning, even though nothing is perfect, this is still near-perfect the closest to perfect we might've ever gotten and I say that humbly 😊. Also the tech used inside this thing is a work of art. With my all-to-DSD DAC this is pretty much endgame sound, doesn't get any better than when coupled with DSD64 on my DAC via PCM tracks on Apple Music.\n\nThis thing is a value monster when it comes to kilobuck IEMs. Hell even the build quality, accessories, and cable material etc. are top notch, check out their website for more info.launch

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August 5, 2025

@energiam880

I have an FX17. They sell for 9999 rmb here in China (I'm a foreigner who lives/works here), and about £1600 in my home country (UK) and the EU.\n\nTo my ear, the tuning is absoloutly spot on. Best execution of trebble I've ever experienced. Coming from someone who owns an Arya Stealth, Caldera open, both of which (esp the Caldera) I find slightly piercing in the mid and high treble. \n\nI think the 8 electrostats work wonders. They're impeccably detailed without ever being fatiguing. \n\nI also have an IE900, which sounds muddy, bloated, congested, and veiled by comparison. Cannot match the sense of detail and clarity of the FX17s. They're not in the same league. \n\nThese are amongst the very few Kilobucks IEMs that are worth the money, and lunches well above their weight.launch

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August 4, 2025

@paulosilva8200

Just think this way . when you record a voice. You place 8 tracks f of voices. Some a mil seconds behing so can thicken the voice. 8 est is 4 in each example comes in pairs 1 pair 1 mm closer to nozzle.2nd pair 2mm closer to nozzle.3rd pair 3 mm close to nozzle. You will have an effect of image that comes like a delay, reverb room, and thickens the tone. That's called hi fidelity. Like home speakers should sound. Well done fiiolaunch

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May 28, 2025

Multiple owners describe an immersive, 3D, room-like soundstage that makes them feel like the performer is present, comparing it to wearing a VR headset for sound. This spatial realism is repeatedly cited as a standout trait.

@Hakkase

I have to agree with your review on FX17—it has fantastic timbre and a really neutral sound. I was also impressed by its immersiveness and sense of air, almost like you can hear the room itself. \nIMO though the midbass makes it a little too warm and thick. That's why I also lean towards the FA19, which is a great all-rounder with a uniquely engaging sound and is definitely more comfortable for longer sessions.launch

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September 21, 2025

@PatrickBarnaby

I had mine early and the last time I listened to them via FiiO M17 in normal mode the sound was wide and all around me. They sound better ofcourse in DC Mode and I use iFi iPower Elite Low Noise Power Supply Adapter (12v) instead of the standard they came with. The FiiO FX17 sound better via KANN ULTRA and better again via iBasso DX340 and I also use iFi Power Elite which I think you don't need to as I haven't detected any interference or noise with the normal Power Supply via DX340. You definitely need iFi iPower via FiiO M17. The USB adapter for FX17 works with FiiO M17 and the PEQ works well and when I boosted the Base there's no distortion. The FiiO FX17 via iBasso DX340 is ENDGAME SOUND.launch

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August 9, 2025

@Amanideo-p4r

When I put them on, I just feel that I am the performer. This IEM is just so good!!launch

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August 6, 2025

@vivaansethi

Yes finally another review!!!!!! \n\nI had the Apostle and the Odyssey before the FX17, the FX17 is miles better in almost every regard. Now this is truly endgame material. Also its the the next best thing after the Subtonic Storm. But even the Storm doesn't have 8 ESTs. Some would say this is better but depends who you ask. Btw this thing even has a 5-way crossover compared to a 4-way on the Apostle. Not to mention all the other tech inside - a real work of art IMO.\n\nPeople cannot miss out on these, they are supposedly the best of both worlds Harman and Meta. The bass response and the midrange is in between Harman and Meta and the treble matches Meta. Its got 1DD + 4BA + 8EST. \n\nThe sound is warm and silky with plenty of mid-bass and a good amount of sub-bass and a lot of details with smooth yet sparkly treble. That is not to suggest this yet another V-shaped IEM, its not. Its a slight-U but overall balanced. The tonal balance is very well done. The midrange too has a lot of detail (it hits the sweetspot; between neutral and forward) and overall the timbre is very natural all across the FR and the noteweight is just right. Trust me man this is unlike any other IEM at the moment. I'm sure everyone who gets a chance to try these will agree with me. Who thought Fiio could ever pull this off?!!\n\n​They have seriously hit a homerun with this one! I mean truly outdone themselves with the 8 ESTs and no one's talking about it. It has some psychacoustic shit going on wherein it sounds like sounds are coming from everywhere, 3D imaging coupled with spatial realism and a holographic soundstage that is also very wide makes it sound like the artist is inside you performing unlike any other set out there. Crazy crazy shit believe me, who knew Fiio would and could redeem themselves like this. Ik they've been clowned upon for their IEMs for years but this is some wild shit and so far only Zeos from In-Ear Fetish has talked about it. And I'm glad now you're part of it too.\n\nApparently ESTs have a very low sensitivity and you need at least 8 to get them as loud as the BAs and the DDs and Fiio says that if you don't use at least 8 ESTs then they're just for decoration.\n\nIt is one hell of an IEM people, check out Head-Fi, In-Ear Fetish's Review, and Fiio's website to know what I'm talking about. \n\nAlso its more resolving and better at almost everything than the Annihilator but not a detail monster like the RS10 which can get intense. Its more detailed and resolving than the Focal Clear MG headphones and the ZMF Caldera. Its simply terrific, also it doesn't follow the typical Harman bass tuck. The bass has that heft in the attack and doesn't bleed into the mids at the slightest, the decay is also so natural and adds to the depth. Happy listening 😅!!!\n\nSome things I missed out adding: \n\nAlso it doesn't sound like you're wearing IEMs the soundstage and realism is unlike anything on any IEM. It sounds like you're wearing a VR headset and the realism is between imagination and realism like its cohesively one thing now. Also the 8 ESTs are doing their magic by accomplishing a bright treble without any peakiness or harshness whatsoever which is unbelievable, and I'm a treble sensitive listener. And the bass is unlike anything I've heard before in an IEM, it is so satisfying the rumble and the decay. The noteweight is also perfect. If anything ever came close to perfect I'd say its this tuning, even though nothing is perfect, this is still near-perfect the closest to perfect we might've ever gotten and I say that humbly 😊. Also the tech used inside this thing is a work of art. With my all-to-DSD DAC this is pretty much endgame sound, doesn't get any better than when coupled with DSD64 on my DAC via PCM tracks on Apple Music.\n\nThis thing is a value monster when it comes to kilobuck IEMs. Hell even the build quality, accessories, and cable material etc. are top notch, check out their website for more info.launch

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August 5, 2025

Several commenters feel the FX17 punches above its price, noting it would cost 2-3x more from other manufacturers and represents strong bang-for-buck versus boutique brands.

@acvisanu

Love the FX17. It’s in a tough spot. It’s uber expensive compared to the mainstream big box brands but to the boutique brands it probably represents the best bang for the buck something to say about that 8 ESTs, it gives the sense of levitation. I agree the FA19 is a great all around set as well as the FH19. I wish the FX17 doesn’t look like the Glacier simply for the uniqueness 😆 \nThanks for the review and your expertise view of this set.launch

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September 21, 2025

@han_xeo

This is a great iem to gift. the box opening experience is top notch, but reasonably priced compared to other \"flagships\" but definitely punches at that range.\n\nIf people are okay with somewhat of a muddy bass, these have some of the most natural mids and highs I've heard in an IEM. The casing is massive tho.launch

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September 2, 2025

@energiam880

I have an FX17. They sell for 9999 rmb here in China (I'm a foreigner who lives/works here), and about £1600 in my home country (UK) and the EU.\n\nTo my ear, the tuning is absoloutly spot on. Best execution of trebble I've ever experienced. Coming from someone who owns an Arya Stealth, Caldera open, both of which (esp the Caldera) I find slightly piercing in the mid and high treble. \n\nI think the 8 electrostats work wonders. They're impeccably detailed without ever being fatiguing. \n\nI also have an IE900, which sounds muddy, bloated, congested, and veiled by comparison. Cannot match the sense of detail and clarity of the FX17s. They're not in the same league. \n\nThese are amongst the very few Kilobucks IEMs that are worth the money, and lunches well above their weight.launch

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August 4, 2025

@Tobitech1

Had it for 3 weeks. Best IEM I've ever had and at a great price. From other manufacturers, this would cost 2-3 times as much. However, the comparison with the IE900 is a bit off because the FX17 is in a completely different league.launch

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April 19, 2025

The cable, included accessories, and unboxing experience are called top notch and among the best commenters have seen, showing FiiO's attention to customer value in the package.

@han_xeo

I just got these. Surprisingly great for their price point.\n\nBuild quality is great. Unboxing probably one of the best I’ve seen.\n\nBass is muddy, but the rest of it the EST driver setup was very surprising. Very natural.launch

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September 1, 2025

@publicpersona6517

Adding so many electrostats to solve that problem is a stupidly briljant solution. It's like the audiophile equivalent of Jeremy Clarkson yelling 'more power'. Had to laugh out loud when you discussed the box and its contents.launch

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May 9, 2025

@Flavius7

I heard the FA19 and I really appreciated that clean interpretation of sound, the neutral and authentic timbre of instruments. Detailed, transparent and punchy enough (less than FH19). IF FX17 ARE BETTER...OH BOY!😃 Can't wait to get my hands on these! I hope that big shell won't be uncomfortable and troublesome for my ears, don't like adjusting iems every 5 minutes or so. Heavier than usual or not, the cable is AMAZING and the plethora of connectors show FIIO's respect for the customer. What other company offers EVERYTHING YOU NEED in the box? Only very few of them! And that's not just for the high-end stuff. The only thing missing is a planar driver and we had EVERYTHING AVAILABLE 😅 What a company, WHAT AN IEM!launch

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April 16, 2025

Owners who compared FX17 to the FA19/FH19 found it clearly better, describing it as a return to FiiO's clean, contrasty sound signature after a warmer detour with the FA19/FH19.

@PatrickBarnaby

My very first IEMs was the FiiO FA19 and then FH19 then FX17 and I was suprised that the FX17 is better than the FA19. My first DAP/DAC was FiiO M17 then Astell&Kern KANN ULTRA then the iBasso DX340. The best DAP/DAC is the iBasso DX340 and paired with FX17 is the best I personally have heard. Next possible DAP/DAC will be iBasso DX340 MAX. Every persons ears are different. The FX17 fit my ears perfect and they don't move where the FA19 will move a bit. My best FiiO fit are the FH19 then the FX17.launch

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September 4, 2026

@andreij.2645

FiiO does know how to make great iems. Their previous hybrid generation : FH9 and FH7 are still fantastic IEM's in my opinion. They are masters of clean ,contrasty ,tight bass sound signatures. They tried to veer off that course with the warm ant thick sounding FA19 and FH19 and it was a poor decision. Welcome back to the right path FiiO!launch

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August 24, 2025

@tanjacky5780

I have brought the FA19 last year and it completely blew my mind and it was the best all BA set I have ever heard. (I owned the Thieaudio V16, Elysian Acoustic Diva BTW). So this year, when they announced FT7 and FX17, I immediately bought those, they both met my expectations! Good job! FIIO❤❤❤launch

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May 20, 2025

At least one commenter found the FX17 notably more comfortable than the Monarch MK3, including under a motorbike helmet for long rides, and praised its bass and fuller body.

@V4zz33

My 2 cents on it compared to Monarch MK3, through my ears after yesterday's demo: \n\nFX17 is:\n\n- more comfortable to wear\n\n- much more comfortable under a motorbike helmet\n\n- the bass is just better in every aspect \n\n- everything just sounds fuller, meatier, has more body\n\n\nTry it if you can; I've ordered mine, because I need the comfort and the good bass for long motorbike rides.launch

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June 19, 2025