
Campfire Audio Andromeda S 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.
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 S
- FiiO FX17
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?
The FiiO FX17 is 7 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 7 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Andromeda S2019
- FX1720267 yr newer
Specifications
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $1,100
- $1,500
- HearWiki score
- 61
- 83
- Released
- 2019
- 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
- 10 Hz - 28 kHz
- -
- Impedance
- 6.4 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 112.8 dB/mW
- 99 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Weight
- 5.9 g
- 12.2 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- No
- -
- Connector
- -
- 4.4 mm balanced
- Model code
- Andromeda Emerald Sea
- -
What reviewers said
Campfire Audio Andromeda S
The Campfire Audio Andromeda S is a wired, multi-driver in-ear monitor built around five balanced armature drivers, delivering a highly detailed and analytical sound signature. With a low 6.4-ohm impedance and high sensitivity, it pairs well with quality sources, though it lacks wireless or noise-canceling features. Its compact, lightweight build and detachable cable make it a portable reference option for critical listening.
- Pro:Extremely detailed and resolving sound
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable fit
- Pro:Detachable cable for easy replacement or upgrade
- Con:Sensitive to source impedance and may hiss with noisy gear
- Con:Lacks wireless connectivity and noise cancellation
- Con:Upper mids can sound harsh or aggressive to some ears
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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