Skip to content
HearWiki

Campfire Audio Fathom 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.

  • Campfire Audio Fathom
  • FiiO FX17
HearWiki score
72
83
Sound
8.3
9.0
Value
7.7
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 3 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 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Fathom2023
  • FX1720263 yr newer

Specifications

FathomFX17
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$800
$1,500
HearWiki score
72
83
Released
2023
2026
Availability
Discontinued
Sold new
Driver
6× balanced armature
1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid
Driver type
balanced-armature
tribrid
Driver configuration
-
1DD + 4BA + 8EST
Driver size
-
10 mm
Drivers per side
6
13
Frequency response
5 Hz - 20 kHz
-
Impedance
11.7 Ω
16 Ω
Sensitivity
94 dB/mW
99 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Controls
none
-
Weight
-
12.2 g
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
-
Connector
4.4 mm balanced
4.4 mm balanced

What reviewers said

Campfire Audio Fathom

The Campfire Audio Fathom is a wired, all-balanced-armature IEM that delivers a refined, balanced sound with a strong focus on vocal clarity and precise imaging. Its low impedance makes it easy to drive from a wide range of sources, while the smooth, detailed tuning reveals its strengths over longer listening sessions. This model offers a mature, engaging take on the brand's signature sound, wrapped in a sturdy, audiophile-focused design.

  • Pro:Very balanced and refined sound signature
  • Pro:Strong vocal presence and precise imaging
  • Pro:Easy to drive thanks to low impedance
  • Con:Requires a balanced source for optimal use
  • Con:No included controls or wireless features
  • Con:Sound may not impress immediately without extended listening

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 comparisonCampfire Audio FathomFiiO FX17