Wired IEMs
FiiO FX17
83Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataFiiO FX17 vs Kinera Thorking: 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
Kinera Thorking
81Outstanding
$2,500
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
FiiO FX17 leads on 2 of 4 measures.
- FiiO FX17
- Kinera Thorking
HearWiki score
83
81
Sound
9.0
9.2
Value
6.0
6.0
Price (USD)
$1,500
$2,500
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
FiiO FX17 (2026) against Kinera Thorking (2025). These are 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.
- FX1720261 yr newer
- Thorking2025
Specifications
FX17Thorking
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $1,500
- $2,500
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 81
- Released
- 2026
- 2025
- Availability
- Sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid
- 1DD + 6BA + 4EST tribrid
- Driver type
- tribrid
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 4BA + 8EST
- 1DD + 6BA + 4EST
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 13
- 11
- Frequency response
- -
- 5 Hz - 50 kHz
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 10 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 99 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Weight
- 12.2 g
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
- Balanced connection
- -
- Yes
What reviewers said
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
Kinera Thorking
The Kinera Thorking is a premium tribrid flagship IEM with a treble-forward, reference-style tuning that prioritizes air, detail, and transparency. Its 11-driver setup delivers strong technical performance with excellent separation and imaging, though the lean bass and lower midrange may not appeal to those seeking warmth or heavy impact. Best suited for treble enthusiasts and classical music fans, it pairs well with warmer sources to balance its bright character.
- Pro:Excellent treble extension and airiness
- Pro:Strong technicalities with precise imaging and layering
- Pro:Natural, coherent midrange
- Con:Lean bass and lower midrange may lack warmth
- Con:Not for bassheads or those seeking impactful low-end
- Con:Can sound dry at times
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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