Wired IEMs
FiiO FX17
83Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataFiiO FX17 vs Sennheiser IE 900: 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
Sennheiser IE 900
73Great
$1,580
Full review dataScore 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
- Sennheiser IE 900
HearWiki score
83
73
Sound
9.0
8.7
Value
6.0
4.7
Price (USD)
$1,500
$1,580
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 5 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 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- FX1720265 yr newer
- IE 9002021
Specifications
FX17IE 900
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $1,500
- $1,580
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 73
- Released
- 2026
- 2021
- Availability
- Sold new
- Still sold new
- 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 - 48 kHz
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 18 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 99 dB/mW
- 123 dB/mW
- Bluetooth
- -
- 5.x
- Multipoint pairing
- -
- No
- Wireless charging
- -
- No
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- ANC type
- -
- none
- Transparency mode
- -
- No
- Companion app
- -
- No
- Custom EQ
- -
- No
- Wear detection
- -
- No
- Controls
- -
- none
- Weight
- 12.2 g
- 4 g
- Water resistance
- -
- none
- Foldable
- -
- No
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- -
- No
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- MMCX
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 900
The Sennheiser IE 900 is a premium single-dynamic-driver IEM that delivers exceptional clarity, detail, and a coherent, natural soundstage for its size. Its lightweight, premium build and precise imaging make it a reference-grade choice, though its high price and lack of features like ANC or wireless support mean it's aimed squarely at wired audiophiles. Overall, it's an impressive technical performer that earns cautious praise rather than an unqualified recommendation at its cost.
- Pro:Outstanding detail retrieval and clarity
- Pro:Coherent, natural timbre from a single dynamic driver
- Pro:Lightweight and premium build quality
- Con:Very high price for a wired-only IEM
- Con:No noise cancellation or wireless features
- Con:Cable noise can be noticeable during use
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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