FiiO has introduced its latest flagship in-ear monitors (IEMs), the FX17, and they’re packed with tech. With a 13-driver setup per ear, a titanium shell, and swappable connections, these IEMs are designed for serious listeners who want high-resolution audio in a compact form. Priced at $1,499 (£1,399), the FiiO FX17 blends electrostatic, balanced armature, and dynamic drivers into a single unit, aiming to deliver a wide soundstage and natural tonality.

If you’re wondering what makes these IEMs stand out, here’s a closer look.

The FiiO FX17 doesn’t just throw multiple drivers into the mix for the sake of it—each type serves a specific role:

• One dynamic driver (for bass and lower frequencies)
• Four Knowles balanced armature drivers (for mids and mid-highs)
• Eight electrostatic drivers (for high and ultra-high frequencies)

The combination of these different drivers allows for a more refined tuning. The five-way crossover is engineered to ensure smooth transitions between each driver type, reducing any harshness or overlap in frequencies.

Electrostatic drivers are known for their ability to produce exceptionally high frequencies—in this case, extending up to 50kHz. The downside? They’re not as sensitive as balanced armature or dynamic drivers, meaning they need more power to really shine. To counter this, FiiO has included eight electrostatic drivers per ear, boosting the presence of high frequencies and improving detail retrieval.

FiiO has worked with Knowles to develop four custom balanced armature drivers for the FX17. These are divided into two groups:

• One set focuses on the midrange, which is crucial for vocals and instruments.
• The other handles mid-high frequencies, allowing a smoother transition into the electrostatic drivers.

Balanced armature drivers typically offer fast response times and a crisp, detailed sound, making them a key part of the FX17’s tuning.

For low frequencies, FiiO has chosen a lithium-magnesium alloy diaphragm in its dynamic driver. This material is both lightweight and rigid, reducing unwanted resonances and distortion. To further refine the bass response, FiiO has integrated its S.Turbo sound-tube system, which helps clean up low-end frequencies while keeping them powerful and controlled.

The FiiO FX17 features a titanium shell, which is milled from a single block and hand-polished. Titanium is known for being both lightweight and strong, making it a good choice for comfort and durability.

The design follows a minimalist aesthetic, with a smooth, curved finish that should fit snugly in the ear.

FiiO includes a 360-wire, 8-strand braided cable that blends gold, silver, and copper conductors. Each metal is chosen for its unique electrical properties, with the goal of improving signal clarity and reducing transmission loss.

The FX17 also comes with three swappable connectors, giving users flexibility in how they connect their IEMs:

• 3.5mm single-ended (standard headphone jack)
• 4.4mm balanced (for higher-end audio gear)
• USB-C with built-in DSP decoding (for direct connection to smartphones and computers)

The USB-C option includes a built-in DAC (digital-to-analog converter) that supports 32-bit/384kHz PCM playback, meaning you can enjoy high-resolution audio without needing an external DAC.

For those who like to tweak their sound, the FX17 supports an eight-band parametric EQ (PEQ), accessible through the FiiO Control app or web interface. This allows users to adjust specific frequency bands to their liking, making the FX17 a more customizable option compared to other IEMs.

FiiO isn’t cutting corners when it comes to accessories. Each FX17 package includes:

• 22 pairs of ear tips (including SpinFit, HS18, and HS20 silicone options)
• Swappable audio connectors
• A commemorative serial number plate for exclusivity

The FiiO FX17 will be available starting April 14, 2025, with a price tag of $1,499.