Wired IEMs
FiiO FX17
83Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataFiiO FX17 vs Noble Audio Wizard Katana 1.3: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the FiiO FX17 vs Noble Audio Wizard Katana 1.3, 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 Wizard Katana 1.3
HearWiki score
83
-
Sound
9.0
-
Value
6.0
-
Price (USD)
$1,500
$1,950
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
- Wizard Katana 1.32019
Specifications
FX17Wizard Katana 1.3
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $1,500
- $1,950
- HearWiki score
- 83
- Not scored
- Released
- 2026
- 2019
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid
- -
- Driver type
- tribrid
- -
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 4BA + 8EST
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 13
- -
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- -
- Sensitivity
- 99 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- 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 Wizard Katana 1.3
The Noble Audio Wizard Katana is a premium wired in-ear monitor with a striking, artisan-crafted faceplate design. It focuses on delivering a high-fidelity listening experience without any active noise cancellation, catering to audiophiles who prioritize pure sound reproduction. Its upper-tier pricing reflects the brand's reputation for meticulous tuning and exclusive aesthetics.
- Pro:Award-winning pedigree and reputation
- Pro:Unique, handcrafted Wizard design faceplate
- Pro:High-end audio performance for critical listening
- Con:Very expensive for most buyers
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Wired-only connection limits portability
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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