Wired IEMs
FiiO FX17
83Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataFiiO FX17 vs Sony IER-M9: 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
Sony IER-M9
67Good
$970
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Neither pulls ahead overall - they trade wins across the measures.
- FiiO FX17
- Sony IER-M9
HearWiki score
83
67
Sound
9.0
8.7
Value
6.0
7.4
Price (USD)
$1,500
$970
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 8 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 8 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- FX1720268 yr newer
- IER-M92018
Specifications
FX17IER-M9
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $1,500
- $970
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 67
- Released
- 2026
- 2018
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid
- 5BA
- Driver type
- tribrid
- balanced-armature
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 4BA + 8EST
- 5BA
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 13
- 5
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 20 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 99 dB/mW
- 103 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Weight
- 12.2 g
- 11 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- 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
Sony IER-M9
The Sony IER-M9 is a premium five-balanced-armature wired IEM that delivers a refined, reference-style sound with a warm and coherent character. It combines strong technical detail with a mature, balanced tuning that works well across genres, appealing to both monitoring professionals and casual listeners seeking a polished, realistic presentation. Its lightweight build and detachable cable add to its practical appeal at a high-end price point.
- Pro:Detailed and resolving five-driver balanced-armature design
- Pro:Warm, coherent, and well-balanced tuning with strong midrange
- Pro:Lightweight 11g build with detachable cable
- Con:High price around $973
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:Requires a capable source due to 20-ohm impedance
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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