1 Dynamic Driver 4 Balanced Armature 8 Electrostatic Driver Flagship IEMs, FIIO FX17

Apr 18, 2025 at 6:56 AM Post #136 of 184
Memory foam isn't really an alternative, as I already noticed with the FA19. In my ears, it doesn't just dampen the high frequency range, but all ranges. To my ears, it sounds rather "musty" and distant.

So, now for some criticism of the included accessories, and specifically the included tips.
There are some models that are almost impossible to fit onto the earphones, while with others, it's relatively easy. I was frustrated with the "Vocal" in the standard box – no chance of fitting them, so I gave up after a few minutes. Then there are these strange, clear tips in the Speedfire box – why are they so sticky? They sometimes cause an unpleasant crackling in the ear when you move your head, so take them off immediately.
On the one hand, it's nice to have so much choice, but I think you should choose a little more carefully here. The nozzles on the FX may have a slightly different diameter than those on other models.
 
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Apr 18, 2025 at 7:50 AM Post #137 of 184
Memory foam isn't really an alternative, as I already noticed with the FA19. In my ears, it doesn't just dampen the high frequency range, but all ranges. To my ears, it sounds rather "musty" and distant.

So, now for some criticism of the included accessories, and specifically the included tips.
There are some models that are almost impossible to fit onto the earphones, while with others, it's relatively easy. I was frustrated with the "Vocal" in the standard box – no chance of fitting them, so I gave up after a few minutes. Then there are these strange, clear tips in the Speedfire box – why are they so sticky? They sometimes cause an unpleasant crackling in the ear when you move your head, so take them off immediately.
On the one hand, it's nice to have so much choice, but I think you should choose a little more carefully here. The nozzles on the FX may have a slightly different diameter than those on other models.
I've never been able to get used to the HS18/20. Normally, they're supposed to adapt to your shape based on body heat, but that's never worked for me. The balanced and bass tips are very easy to put on. I don't understand the problem. I don't use them, though, because they cut the treble a bit, which might actually be fine for you. The bass tips also had too much bass for me.
 
Apr 18, 2025 at 8:05 AM Post #138 of 184
I've never been able to get used to the HS18/20. Normally, they're supposed to adapt to your shape based on body heat, but that's never worked for me. The balanced and bass tips are very easy to put on. I don't understand the problem. I don't use them, though, because they cut the treble a bit, which might actually be fine for you. The bass tips also had too much bass for me.
The bass tips are fine; I had no problems with them, but I didn't have a chance to attach the vocal tips; they were too tight to be able to fit properly or at all. The Bi-Flance and Speedfire also had no problems.
 
Apr 18, 2025 at 8:07 AM Post #139 of 184
The bass tips are fine; I had no problems with them, but I didn't have a chance to attach the vocal tips; they were too tight to be able to fit properly or at all. The Bi-Flance and Speedfire also had no problems.
But that's strange since they all have the same inner diameter.
 
Apr 18, 2025 at 5:05 PM Post #140 of 184
A brief direct comparison of the FX17 and FA19

In short, to my ears, the FX17 clearly wins the comparison.

In my opinion, and although they have tonal similarities, compared to the FX17, the FA19 is audibly more prominent, especially in the midrange. The FX, on the other hand, is significantly more differentiated, more natural, more organic, and with more depth.

This brief test was conducted with a Questyle M15i connected to a MacBook and Roon as the software.

A little more about the isolation of ambient noise: to my surprise, I discovered that there are actually hardly any differences between the two IEMs. The FA19, for example, is officially listed as a closed-back IEM, yet both reduce noise only moderately, so at best I would classify them as semi-open or semi-closed.
 
Apr 18, 2025 at 6:29 PM Post #141 of 184
Can the M15i push enough?

That's good first comparaison but the DD/EST surely weight at any level of comparaison vs BA only.
THIEAUDIO Valhalla would another full BA to compare with but Prestige LTD one of the direct contender also being 3 types drivers.
 
Apr 19, 2025 at 9:54 AM Post #144 of 184
1 DD 4 BA 8 EST Flagship IEMs FX17 Is Officially Released!
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* The FX17 is available at our AliExpress Official Store. Click the link to take it home right away:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256808485839562.html

1 DD 4 BA 8 EST design per side.
To get the best sound quality possible, the FX17 features a design of one dynamic driver, four balanced armature drivers, and eight electrostatic drivers per side. A five-way crossover has been precisely tuned to balance energy distribution among the driver and ensures each unit operates in its optimal state, resulting in a grander soundstage and more natural sound.
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Eight electrostatic drivers with a truly airy feeling.
Electrostatic drivers have exceptional high-frequency extension easily reaching 50kHz and sense of air that gives the listener a grander soundstage. Their downside is that their sensitivity is only 99dB/mW, which is low compared to the 110dB/mW sensitivity typically found in balanced armature and dynamic drivers - leading to the 'masking effect.' Thus, the FX17 uses 8 electrostatic units to increase sound pressure levels in order to make the electrostatic drivers more audibly perceptible as they handle the high and ultra-high frequencies above 6kHz, rather than just be for decoration.
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Four custom Knowles BA drivers.
The FIIO FX17 uses two Knowles balanced armature driver composite units that handle the mid and high-frequency sounds. Each of the composite balanced armature driver units is divided into two parts, one part responsible for mids and the other for mid-high frequency – leading to denser mids and a more transparent sound and allows them to transition seamlessly into the electrostatic drivers. To achieve higher flagship-level vocal performance, FIIO, in collaboration with Knowles, custom-developed a 'Midrange Enhanced Balanced Armature Unit.' Acoustic vents have been added to the rear cavity of the balanced armature, which provide more sound energy reserves for the mid-frequency balanced armature unit to further tap into the driver’s advantages. The overall result is lush, mellow vocals that make the singer’s alluring voice seem as if it's truly right next to you.
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Lithium-magnesium alloy diaphragm dynamic driver.
Lithium-magnesium alloy is lightweight, rigid, and has a density of 1.6g/cm³ - making it an ideal material second only to beryllium for a dynamic driver diaphragm. When reproducing high-frequency signals with rapid vibrations, the lithium-magnesium alloy diaphragm has excellent mechanical properties thanks to its high internal damping – leading to significantly reduced intrinsic frequency resonance and distortion. It allows distortion to not exceed 0.2%, for a truly clean sound.
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Pure titanium construction.
The FX17 features a minimalist aesthetic, with a classic and natural curved cavity. The FX17’s shell ear shell cavity is made of high-density, high-strength titanium that is precisely milled from a single block and meticulously hand-polished. It is treated with vapor deposition which hardens the surface and gives it a lustrous finish, making for a beautiful display of light and shadow intertwined.
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Mixed gold, silver, and copper cable.
The FX17’s cable utilizes three different transmission materials – gold, silver, and copper - in order to take advantage of the strengths offered by the different materials. The gold, silver and copper are forged at over 1000 degrees and undergo secondary refining to form crystalline monocrystals to remove impurities and reduce transmission loss. Each of the three elements has its own advantages, which together result in significantly improved sound quality.
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Three audio plugs included.
Included with the FX17 are three swappable audio plugs – 3.5mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced, and Type-C connector with built-in digital decoding and DSP, allowing you to enjoy high-quality audio no matter the device you are connected to. The Type-C swappable plug features a built-in DSP audio decoding chip that supports up to 32Bit/384kHz high-resolution PCM, and balanced output. It also supports 8-band high-precision PEQ. Through FIIO's proprietary algorithm and the FIIO Control app or web interface, the PEQ allows one to simulate or correct the headphones’ frequency response curve. Additionally, one can also export, import, share, and save EQ curves.
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Exclusive serialized nameplate.
Each FX17 comes with an exclusive serialized commemorative nameplate, engraved for a truly special auditory memory. Together we witness eighteen years of accumulated acoustic essence.
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For more impressive features, such as the Patented S.Turbo acoustic design, resonant back cavity, electronic and physical five-way crossover, 22 pairs of ear tips included, Hi-Res Audio certified, please visit the product page on our website.
I would love to buy this, but I can’t using your Aliexpress link. I’ve not seen this error message before. I’m in the UK.
 

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Apr 19, 2025 at 11:15 AM Post #145 of 184
I would love to buy this, but I can’t using your Aliexpress link. I’ve not seen this error message before. I’m in the UK.
The link is fine, but only works for select territories.

So, if, like those of us in the UK, you click the link at it errors, it means that FiiO can't sell that item directly to you.
You'll need to check your local distributors in your territory to order the IEM.

Screenshot_20250419_161315_Chrome.png


In the UK, you can (preorder) FX17 from these UK retailers:
- Advanced Players Ltd (aka Advanced MP3 Players or AMP3)
- Otic Audio
 
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Apr 19, 2025 at 11:23 AM Post #146 of 184
The link is fine, but only works for select territories.

So, if, like those of us in the UK, you click the link at it errors, it means that FiiO can't sell that item directly to you.
You'll need to check your local distributors in your territory to order the IEM.

Screenshot_20250419_161315_Chrome.png

In the UK, you can (preorder) FX17 from these UK retailers:
Advanced Players Ltd (aka Advanced MP3 Players or AMP3)
Otic Audio
That’s bizarre. I’ve bought many things from their store. Maybe it’s the price being over a certain amount?
 
Apr 19, 2025 at 1:09 PM Post #147 of 184
That’s bizarre. I’ve bought many things from their store. Maybe it’s the price being over a certain amount?
No, it's not that FiiO's official store does not sell to the UK, but that specific product.

I can't say why exactly, but I can speculate:
- to honour distribution rights with retailers for the product for a set time
- tax and HMRC issues selling this item direct (for now); probably too difficult to calculate taxes due to financial uncertainty?
- shipping issues for this item
- stock is set for certain territories
- genuine error by FiiO (doubtful)
- EU regulations; you can purchase the IEM directly from FiiO EU, an official redistributer
- etc

It may eventually be available for purchase directly from China via FiiO's Aliexpress store, but right now (for the UK), it's not.
 
Apr 19, 2025 at 1:13 PM Post #148 of 184
Maybe it’s the price being over a certain amount

Yes there is a price agreement upfront from @FiiO
Top products outside of Asia got a premium tariff, not all products.
MSRP + special higher price

For example FX15 and lower, even new products, are not affected but FX17 (+20%) and to be announced FT7 suffer from it.
It's the Fiio way to thanks its supportive customers.

Also in West in general its older customers, grey hair and deep pocket won't have the energy to complain,
they only found this premium right and can even justify it ^^

You may think I'm not respectful but truth is company are here to make money and as long as going up and EBITDA is getting better
while no one complain then the trend is on. Milked by demand.

Resellers out of juridiction still sell at MSRP around the world like Hifigo.
 
Apr 19, 2025 at 1:49 PM Post #150 of 184
I would love to buy this, but I can’t using your Aliexpress link. I’ve not seen this error message before. I’m in the UK.
I'm from Romania and same error. Thing is the page was available when they launched but now is not. Don't really care since FX17 will be available to my local store.
 

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