Wired IEMs
FiiO FD7
84Great
$445
Full review dataFiiO FD7 vs Shanling ME500: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the FiiO FD7 vs Shanling ME500, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
FiiO FD7
Sound8.5
Value7.0
Shanling ME500
No sub-scores yet - not enough rated reviews.
Specifications
| Spec | FiiO FD7 | Shanling ME500 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $445 | $269 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | Not scored |
| Released | 2023 | 2019 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 12mm pure beryllium diaphragm dynamic driver | hybrid |
| Driver size | 12 mm | 10 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 3 |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-40kHz | 20Hz-40kHz |
| Impedance | 50 Ω | 18 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 111 dB/mW | 111 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | - | No |
| Features | ||
| ANC type | - | none |
| Transparency mode | - | No |
| Companion app | - | No |
| Custom EQ | - | No |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Controls | buttons | none |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 11 g | - |
| Water resistance | - | none |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | - | No |
What reviewers said
FiiO FD7
The FiiO FD7 is a wired, flagship-grade in-ear monitor built around a single 12mm pure beryllium dynamic driver, housed in a semi-open design. It offers a spacious, refined sound with clean tonality, strong dynamics, and impressive detail retrieval, supported by a modular cable and tuning accessories. While easy to drive from most sources, its premium price and semi-open nature mean it targets enthusiasts seeking a high-end, natural presentation rather than casual listeners.
- Pro:Excellent clarity and natural tonal balance
- Pro:Wide, well-defined soundstage with strong imaging
- Pro:Highly resolving with good dynamics and detail
- Con:Lacks noise isolation due to semi-open design
- Con:Premium price may not suit budget-focused buyers
- Con:Requires burn-in or source matching for best results
Shanling ME500
The Shanling ME500 is a universal in-ear monitor that combines three drivers in a hybrid setup to deliver a balanced, warm audio profile. It features a sturdy brass construction, comfortable fit, and detachable MMCX cables, making it a solid choice for listeners seeking a natural yet engaging sound at a mid-range price point. Its 18-ohm impedance and 111 dB sensitivity ensure easy driving from most sources.
- Pro:Warm, balanced sound with good detail
- Pro:Solid brass build offers durability
- Pro:Detachable MMCX cables for easy replacement
- Con:No inline controls or microphone
- Con:Lacks app support or EQ adjustments
- Con:No water resistance rating
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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