FiiO FX17 vs Lime Ears Maris: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the FiiO FX17 vs Lime Ears Maris, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.

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
Lime Ears Maris

HearWiki score

Sound

9.0

Value

6.0

Price (USD)

$1,500

$2,800

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 Lime Ears Maris (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
Maris2025

Specifications

FX17Maris

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $1,500; $2,800
HearWiki score: 83; Not scored
Released: 2026; 2025
Availability: Sold new; Sold new
Driver: 1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type: tribrid; tribrid
Driver configuration: 1DD + 4BA + 8EST; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size: 10 mm; 8 mm
Drivers per side: 13; 10
Impedance: 16 Ω; -
Sensitivity: 99 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Weight: 12.2 g; -
Detachable cable: Yes; -
Connector: 4.4 mm balanced; -

Specification comparison of FiiO FX17 vs Lime Ears Maris
Spec	FiiO FX17	Lime Ears Maris
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$1,500	$2,800
HearWiki score	83 / 100 Outstanding	Not scored
Released	2026	2025
Audio
Driver	1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid	2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type	tribrid	tribrid
Driver configuration	1DD + 4BA + 8EST	2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size	10 mm	8 mm
Drivers per side	13	10
Impedance	16 Ω	-
Sensitivity	99 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	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

Lime Ears Maris

The Maris is a premium universal in-ear monitor that blends four different driver types—dual dynamics, six balanced armatures, two electrostats, and a bone conductor—to deliver a rich, layered sound. It's built for serious audiophiles who want a reference-grade listening experience with impressive technical performance, though it requires a quality source and careful tip selection to shine. This wired, passive design focuses purely on sonic fidelity rather than convenience features.

Pro:Complex, detailed sound signature from multi-driver setup
Pro:Bone conduction adds unique tactile bass and immersion
Pro:High build quality befitting a flagship price point

Con:Very expensive for most buyers
Con:Needs a powerful amp to drive full potential
Con:No noise cancellation or wireless options

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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