Skip to content
HearWiki

FiiO FX17 vs Noble Audio Kaiser Encore: which should you buy?

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

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
  • Noble Audio Kaiser Encore
HearWiki score
83
-
Sound
9.0
-
Value
6.0
-
Price (USD)
$1,500
$2,100

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 7 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 7 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • FX1720267 yr newer
  • Kaiser Encore2019

Specifications

FX17Kaiser Encore
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$1,500
$2,100
HearWiki score
83
Not scored
Released
2026
2019
Availability
Sold new
Discontinued
Driver
1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid
10× balanced armature
Driver type
tribrid
balanced-armature
Driver configuration
1DD + 4BA + 8EST
-
Driver size
10 mm
-
Drivers per side
13
10
Impedance
16 Ω
35 Ω
Sensitivity
99 dB/mW
-
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Weight
12.2 g
-
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

Noble Audio Kaiser Encore

The Kaiser Encore is a premium flagship in-ear monitor that packs ten balanced armature drivers per side, delivering a detailed and refined sound with a specially tuned midrange for enhanced clarity and balance. Its detachable 2-pin cable and acrylic shell make it a versatile, wired choice for audiophiles seeking high-end performance.

  • Pro:Ten balanced armature drivers per side for detailed sound
  • Pro:Retooled midrange improves clarity and tonal balance
  • Pro:Detachable 2-pin cable for easy replacement or upgrade
  • Con:High price point limits accessibility
  • Con:No active noise cancellation, requiring isolation from tips
  • Con:Wired-only design may not suit wireless users

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 FX17Noble Audio Kaiser Encore