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Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020 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.

FiiO FX17 leads on 3 of 4 measures.

  • Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020
  • FiiO FX17
HearWiki score
65
83
Sound
8.4
9.0
Value
-
6.0
Price (USD)
$830
$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 6 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 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Andromeda 20202020
  • FX1720266 yr newer

Specifications

Andromeda 2020FX17
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$830
$1,500
HearWiki score
65
83
Released
2020
2026
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
5× balanced armature
1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid
Driver type
balanced-armature
tribrid
Driver configuration
-
1DD + 4BA + 8EST
Driver size
-
10 mm
Drivers per side
5
13
Frequency response
5 Hz - 20 kHz
-
Impedance
6.4 Ω
16 Ω
Sensitivity
123 dB/mW
99 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
94
-
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Controls
none
-
Weight
-
12.2 g
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
-
Connector
MMCX
4.4 mm balanced
Model code
Andromeda Emerald Sea
-

What reviewers said

Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020

The Campfire Audio Andromeda 2020 is a premium five-driver balanced-armature IEM that refines its predecessor with smoother, more coherent mids and a lively treble. It delivers a spacious soundstage with excellent imaging and layering, though its low impedance and high sensitivity mean it benefits from a quality source to shine. Built with a detachable MMCX cable and no onboard controls, it's a wired, purely analog listening tool for audiophiles.

  • Pro:Cohesive, well-tuned sound signature
  • Pro:Excellent soundstage, imaging, and layering
  • Pro:Smoother and stronger mids than the original
  • Con:Limited bass texture and impact
  • Con:Requires a good source to avoid hiss or distortion
  • Con:No inline controls or microphone

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.

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