Wired IEMs
Campfire Audio Ponderosa
73Great
$970
Full review dataCampfire Audio Ponderosa 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.
Wired IEMs
FiiO FX17
83Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataScore 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 Ponderosa
- FiiO FX17
HearWiki score
73
83
Sound
7.9
9.0
Value
6.9
6.0
Price (USD)
$970
$1,500
Specifications
PonderosaFX17
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $970
- $1,500
- HearWiki score
- 73
- 83
- Released
- 2024
- 2026
- Availability
- Still sold new
- 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 Ω
- 16 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 99 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Weight
- -
- 12.2 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- 4.4 mm balanced
What reviewers said
Campfire Audio Ponderosa
The Campfire Audio Ponderosa is a five-driver balanced-armature in-ear monitor that delivers a warm, refined sound signature with a robust low end, clear vocals, and polished highs. It combines good ergonomics and versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of genres while maintaining a non-fatiguing character, though its soundstage is somewhat limited and the lower treble can occasionally be sharp.
- Pro:Warm, robust bass foundation
- Pro:Clear and lively mids and treble
- Pro:Comfortable fit with good isolation
- Con:Soundstage feels somewhat constrained
- Con:Lower treble can be harsh at times
- Con:High impedance of 6 ohms may require a powerful source
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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