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7th Acoustics Supernova vs FiiO FX17: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the FiiO FX17 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: FiiO FX17 - Outstanding overall at around $1499.

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Neither pulls ahead overall - they trade wins across the measures.

  • 7th Acoustics Supernova
  • FiiO FX17
HearWiki score
74
83
Sound
8.8
9.0
Value
7.1
6.0
Price (USD)
$750
$1,500

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

The FiiO FX17 is 4 years newer, but it is the same generation of hardware: nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price. For 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Supernova2022
  • FX1720264 yr newer

Specifications

SupernovaFX17
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$750
$1,500
HearWiki score
74
83
Released
2022
2026
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
6BA
1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid
Driver type
balanced-armature
tribrid
Driver configuration
6BA
1DD + 4BA + 8EST
Driver size
-
10 mm
Drivers per side
6
13
Impedance
15 Ω
16 Ω
Sensitivity
-
99 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
-
No
Weight
-
12.2 g
Detachable cable
-
Yes
Connector
2-pin 0.78 mm
4.4 mm balanced

What reviewers said

7th Acoustics Supernova

The 7th Acoustics Supernova is a wired, six-driver balanced-armature IEM tuned for a smooth, natural, and highly musical listen. It excels with cohesive tonality, engaging vocals, and a well-defined stage, though its ultimate resolution falls just short of the very top tier in its price range.

  • Pro:Natural, cohesive tuning with excellent timbre
  • Pro:Outstanding midrange and vocal reproduction
  • Pro:Impressive soundstage and imaging for an all-BA design
  • Con:Detail retrieval is not class-leading for the price
  • Con:No noise cancellation or wireless functionality
  • Con:Availability may be limited for some buyers

FiiO FX17

The FiiO FX17 is a premium wired tribrid IEM that combines a 10mm dynamic driver, four balanced armatures, and eight electrostatic drivers per side for a detailed, multi-layered sound. Its titanium shell and five-way crossover aim to deliver a refined, high-resolution listening experience, while the included 4.4mm balanced cable offers versatility for audiophile setups.

  • Pro:Precision-milled titanium shell for durability and resonance control
  • Pro:Hybrid driver array (1DD + 4BA + 8EST) offers expansive treble and dynamic bass
  • Pro:Swappable plugs on the cable provide flexible connectivity
  • Con:No active noise cancellation, requiring a quiet environment or isolation tips
  • Con:High price point may limit accessibility
  • Con:16-ohm impedance may need a powerful source for optimal performance

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparison7th Acoustics SupernovaFiiO FX17