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FiiO FX17 vs Moondrop Illustrious: 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 Illustrious
HearWiki score
83
58
Sound
9.0
6.7
Value
6.0
4.1
Price (USD)
$1,500
$900

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 Moondrop Illustrious (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
  • Illustrious2025

Specifications

FX17Illustrious
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$1,500
$900
HearWiki score
83
58
Released
2026
2025
Availability
Sold new
Sold new
Driver
1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid
1DD
Driver type
tribrid
dynamic
Driver configuration
1DD + 4BA + 8EST
1DD
Driver size
10 mm
11 mm
Drivers per side
13
1
Impedance
16 Ω
25 Ω
Sensitivity
99 dB/mW
-
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Weight
12.2 g
-
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
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 Illustrious

The Moondrop Illustrious is a high-end, single-dynamic-driver IEM designed for listeners who value a natural, relaxed, and neutral tuning over aggressive coloration. Built with premium materials and a full accessory kit, it delivers a refined, monitor-style presentation that suits critical listening. Its main compromise is a softer low-end kick, making it less ideal for bass-heavy genres.

  • Pro:Excellent build quality and premium accessories
  • Pro:Natural, relaxed, and neutral tuning
  • Pro:Refined presentation with a single dynamic driver
  • Con:Bass lacks impact and punch
  • Con:Not a dynamic or punchy-sounding earphone
  • Con:High price may not suit bass lovers

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 Illustrious