Wired IEMs
FiiO FX17
83Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataFiiO FX17 vs Meze Rai Penta: 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
Meze Rai Penta
56Average
$1,100
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
FiiO FX17 leads on 3 of 4 measures.
- FiiO FX17
- Meze Rai Penta
HearWiki score
83
56
Sound
9.0
7.6
Value
6.0
4.0
Price (USD)
$1,500
$1,100
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 8 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 8 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- FX1720268 yr newer
- Rai Penta2018
Specifications
FX17Rai Penta
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $1,500
- $1,100
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 56
- Released
- 2026
- 2018
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid
- 1DD + 1BA hybrid
- Driver type
- tribrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 4BA + 8EST
- 1DD + 1BA
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 13
- 2
- Frequency response
- -
- 4 Hz - 45 kHz
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 20 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 99 dB/mW
- 110 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Controls
- -
- none
- Weight
- 12.2 g
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- USB-C
- -
- No
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- MMCX
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
Meze Rai Penta
The Meze Rai Penta is a wired hybrid IEM combining a single 10mm dynamic driver with a balanced armature for a warm, smooth, and non-fatiguing listen. Its comfortable build and easy-to-drive nature make it a solid choice for analog sources, though its bass depth and treble sparkle are less pronounced than some rivals at this price. It delivers a natural, resolving midrange with wide staging, but isolation is limited and performance can vary with the source.
- Pro:Excellent build quality and comfort
- Pro:Natural, non-fatiguing midrange
- Pro:Easy to drive with high sensitivity
- Con:Bass impact and extension are modest
- Con:Treble may be too relaxed for some
- Con:Limited passive isolation
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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