FiiO FX17 vs Sennheiser IE 800 S: 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.

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 3 of 4 measures.

FiiO FX17
Sennheiser IE 800 S

HearWiki score

Sound

9.0

7.5

Value

6.0

4.1

Price (USD)

$1,500

$1,080

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 9 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 9 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

FX1720269 yr newer
IE 800 S2017

Specifications

FX17IE 800 S

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $1,500; $1,080
HearWiki score: 83; 52
Released: 2026; 2017
Availability: Sold new; Discontinued
Driver: 1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid; 7 mm dynamic
Driver type: tribrid; dynamic
Driver configuration: 1DD + 4BA + 8EST; -
Driver size: 10 mm; 7 mm
Drivers per side: 13; 1
Frequency response: -; 5 Hz - 46.5 kHz
Impedance: 16 Ω; 16 Ω
Sensitivity: 99 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Weight: 12.2 g; 8 g
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
USB-C: -; No
Connector: 4.4 mm balanced; 4.4 mm balanced
Model code: -; 507360

Specification comparison of FiiO FX17 vs Sennheiser IE 800 S
Spec	FiiO FX17	Sennheiser IE 800 S
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$1,500	$1,080
HearWiki score	83 / 100 Outstanding	52 / 100 Average
Released	2026	2017
Audio
Driver	1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid	7 mm dynamic
Driver type	tribrid	dynamic
Driver configuration	1DD + 4BA + 8EST	-
Driver size	10 mm	7 mm
Drivers per side	13	1
Frequency response	-	5 Hz - 46.5 kHz
Impedance	16 Ω	16 Ω
Sensitivity	99 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Design
Weight	12.2 g	8 g
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
USB-C	-	No
Connector	4.4 mm balanced	4.4 mm balanced
Model code	-	507360

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

Sennheiser IE 800 S

The Sennheiser IE 800 S is a compact, wired single-dynamic-driver in-ear with a strong low-end and wide frequency response, delivering detailed and spacious sound. While its build and comfort are praised, the high price, cable noise, and finicky fit with certain tips are notable trade-offs.

Pro:Excellent sub-bass extension and detail
Pro:Spacious and natural soundstage
Pro:Very lightweight and comfortable for long sessions

Con:Cable is prone to microphonics (noise from movement)
Con:Carrying case is frustrating to use
Con:High price may not fully justify performance

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

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