FiiO FX17 vs Noble Audio Sultan: which should you buy?

Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the FiiO FX17 vs Noble Audio Sultan, 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
Noble Audio Sultan

HearWiki score

Sound

9.0

Value

6.0

Price (USD)

$1,500

$2,900

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

The FiiO FX17 is 6 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 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

FX1720266 yr newer
Sultan2020

Specifications

FX17Sultan

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $1,500; $2,900
HearWiki score: 83; Not scored
Released: 2026; 2020
Availability: Sold new; Discontinued
Driver: 1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid; 7-driver tribrid
Driver type: tribrid; tribrid
Driver configuration: 1DD + 4BA + 8EST; -
Driver size: 10 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 13; 7
Frequency response: -; 10 Hz - 70 kHz
Impedance: 16 Ω; 16.5 Ω
Sensitivity: 99 dB/mW; 115 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Weight: 12.2 g; -
Detachable cable: Yes; -
Connector: 4.4 mm balanced; -

Specification comparison of FiiO FX17 vs Noble Audio Sultan
Spec	FiiO FX17	Noble Audio Sultan
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$1,500	$2,900
HearWiki score	83 / 100 Outstanding	Not scored
Released	2026	2020
Audio
Driver	1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid	7-driver tribrid
Driver type	tribrid	tribrid
Driver configuration	1DD + 4BA + 8EST	-
Driver size	10 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	13	7
Frequency response	-	10 Hz - 70 kHz
Impedance	16 Ω	16.5 Ω
Sensitivity	99 dB/mW	115 dB/mW
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	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

Noble Audio Sultan

The Sultan is a premium wired in-ear monitor from Noble Audio, housed in a durable aluminum shell. It uses a tribrid driver setup—a 10mm dynamic driver for bass, four balanced armatures for mids, and two electrostatic tweeters for extended highs—to deliver a detailed, reference-style sound. With a low 16.5-ohm impedance and high sensitivity, it's easy to drive from most sources, though it lacks any noise-canceling features.

Pro:Rich, deep bass from the dynamic driver
Pro:Crisp, extended treble from electrostatic tweeters
Pro:Solid all-aluminum build quality

Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:Very high price point
Con:Requires a good seal for optimal bass response

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

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