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FiiO FX17 vs Moondrop ILLUMINATION: 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.

Score 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
  • Moondrop ILLUMINATION
HearWiki score
83
40
Sound
9.0
6.1
Value
6.0
2.6
Price (USD)
$1,500
$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

The FiiO FX17 is 5 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 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • FX1720265 yr newer
  • ILLUMINATION2021

Specifications

FX17ILLUMINATION
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$1,500
$800
HearWiki score
83
40
Released
2026
2021
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid
11 mm dynamic
Driver type
tribrid
dynamic
Driver configuration
1DD + 4BA + 8EST
-
Driver size
10 mm
11 mm
Drivers per side
13
1
Frequency response
-
20 Hz - 20 kHz
Sound signature
-
neutral-warm
Impedance
16 Ω
25 Ω
Sensitivity
99 dB/mW
124 dB/mW
Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
-
124
Active noise cancelling
No
No
ANC type
-
none
Transparency mode
-
No
Companion app
-
No
Custom EQ
-
No
Wear detection
-
No
Controls
-
buttons
Weight
12.2 g
-
Water resistance
-
none
Foldable
-
No
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
-
No
Connector
4.4 mm balanced
2-pin 0.78 mm

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

Moondrop ILLUMINATION

The Moondrop ILLUMINATION is a single 11mm dynamic-driver wired IEM from 2021, priced around $800. It offers a tuned, musical sound with comfortable fit and solid build, but its technical performance and value are debated, with some finding it bright at high volumes and expensive for what it delivers. It lacks ANC, app support, and wireless features, relying on a simple 2-pin connection and button controls.

  • Pro:Comfortable fit and good soundstage
  • Pro:Above-average build quality and timbre
  • Pro:Musical midrange with punchy bass
  • Con:Expensive relative to sonic performance
  • Con:Can sound bright or aggressive at higher volumes
  • Con:Weak accessory package and no tuning filters

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 comparisonFiiO FX17Moondrop ILLUMINATION