FiiO FX17 vs Letshuoer Cadenza 12: 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 data

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

FiiO FX17 leads on 4 of 4 measures.

FiiO FX17
Letshuoer Cadenza 12

HearWiki score

Sound

9.0

8.8

Value

6.0

5.1

Price (USD)

$1,500

$2,300

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.

FX1720263 yr newer
Cadenza 122023

Specifications

FX17Cadenza 12

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $1,500; $2,300
HearWiki score: 83; 71
Released: 2026; 2023
Availability: Sold new; Discontinued
Driver: 1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid; 1DD + 11BA hybrid
Driver type: tribrid; hybrid
Driver configuration: 1DD + 4BA + 8EST; 1DD + 11BA
Driver size: 10 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 13; 12
Impedance: 16 Ω; 16 Ω
Sensitivity: 99 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Weight: 12.2 g; -
Detachable cable: Yes; -
Connector: 4.4 mm balanced; -

Specification comparison of FiiO FX17 vs Letshuoer Cadenza 12
Spec	FiiO FX17	Letshuoer Cadenza 12
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$1,500	$2,300
HearWiki score	83 / 100 Outstanding	71 / 100 Good
Released	2026	2023
Audio
Driver	1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid	1DD + 11BA hybrid
Driver type	tribrid	hybrid
Driver configuration	1DD + 4BA + 8EST	1DD + 11BA
Driver size	10 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	13	12
Impedance	16 Ω	16 Ω
Sensitivity	99 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Design
Weight	12.2 g	-
Detachable cable	Yes	-
Connector	4.4 mm balanced	-

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

Letshuoer Cadenza 12

The Letshuoer Cadenza 12 is a flagship hybrid in-ear monitor that delivers a balanced, versatile sound profile suitable for a wide range of listeners. With a 12-driver setup combining one dynamic and eleven balanced armature drivers, it offers strong technical performance and premium presentation. Its comfortable fit, rich accessory package, and refined tuning make it a compelling choice in the high-end IEM market.

Pro:Excellent overall sound quality and detail retrieval
Pro:Comfortable fit with premium build
Pro:Generous accessory package

Con:High price point
Con:Requires a capable source to perform at its best
Con:Large shell may not suit smaller ears

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 comparison FiiO FX17 Letshuoer Cadenza 12