Wired IEMs
FiiO FD7
84Great
$445
Full review dataFiiO FD7 vs Shanling ME500 Shine: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the FiiO FD7 vs Shanling ME500 Shine, 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 Shine
No sub-scores yet - not enough rated reviews.
Specifications
| Spec | FiiO FD7 | Shanling ME500 Shine |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $445 | $299 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | Not scored |
| Released | 2023 | 2020 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 12mm pure beryllium diaphragm dynamic driver | Hybrid (1 dynamic + 2 balanced armature) |
| Driver size | 12 mm | 10 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 3 |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-40kHz | 20Hz-40kHz |
| Impedance | 50 Ω | 16 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 111 dB/mW | 112 dB/mW |
| Features | ||
| Controls | buttons | buttons |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 11 g | 12 g |
| 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 Shine
The Shanling ME500 Shine is a wired hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs a 10mm dynamic driver with two balanced armature drivers for detailed, high-fidelity sound. It offers a lightweight 12g build, a detachable cable, and a wide frequency response, making it a solid choice for audiophiles on a budget.
- Pro:Hybrid driver setup delivers balanced, detailed audio
- Pro:Lightweight design for comfortable long listening sessions
- Pro:Detachable cable adds durability and upgrade flexibility
- Con:No USB-C connectivity, limiting modern digital source compatibility
- Con:Buttons on cable may not suit all users' preferences
- Con:Impedance of 16 ohms could be less ideal for some high-output amplifiers
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.