Skip to content
HearWiki

Aful Cantor 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.

Aful Cantor leads on 3 of 4 measures.

  • Aful Cantor
  • FiiO FX17
HearWiki score
78
83
Sound
9.1
9.0
Value
8.0
6.0
Price (USD)
$800
$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 2 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.

  • Cantor2024
  • FX1720262 yr newer

Specifications

CantorFX17
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$800
$1,500
HearWiki score
78
83
Released
2024
2026
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
14BA
1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid
Driver type
balanced-armature
tribrid
Driver configuration
14BA
1DD + 4BA + 8EST
Driver size
-
10 mm
Drivers per side
14
13
Impedance
-
16 Ω
Sensitivity
-
99 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Weight
-
12.2 g
Detachable cable
-
Yes
Connector
-
4.4 mm balanced

What reviewers said

Aful Cantor

The AFUL Cantor is a wired, purely balanced-armature in-ear monitor that prioritizes resolution, clarity, and a spacious, natural presentation over a thick or bass-heavy signature. Its tuning is highly balanced and technically adept, but it demands a deep insertion and a secure fit to unlock its full potential, making it a pick for detail-focused listeners rather than those seeking a warm, relaxed sound.

  • Pro:Exceptional detail retrieval and revealing nature
  • Pro:Balanced, natural tonality with convincing timbre
  • Pro:Wide and spacious soundstage
  • Con:Requires a deep, precise fit to perform optimally
  • Con:Large shell may be uncomfortable for some ears
  • Con:Bass quantity can feel light on certain tracks

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 comparisonAful CantorFiiO FX17