Wired IEMs
FiiO FX17
83Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataFiiO FX17 vs Symphonium Audio Crimson: 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
Symphonium Audio Crimson
76Great
$1,500
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Symphonium Audio Crimson leads on 2 of 4 measures.
- FiiO FX17
- Symphonium Audio Crimson
HearWiki score
83
76
Sound
9.0
9.2
Value
6.0
7.6
Price (USD)
$1,500
$1,500
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 3 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 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- FX1720263 yr newer
- Crimson2023
Specifications
FX17Crimson
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $1,500
- $1,500
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 76
- Released
- 2026
- 2023
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid
- balanced armature
- Driver type
- tribrid
- balanced-armature
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 4BA + 8EST
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 13
- -
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 6 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 99 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Weight
- 12.2 g
- 7 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
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
Symphonium Audio Crimson
The Symphonium Audio Crimson is a premium all-balanced-armature IEM delivering flagship-level dynamics, resolution, and a spacious soundstage with a lively, U-shaped tuning. It offers high-energy, technical performance with strong detail retrieval and precise separation, though its low 6-ohm impedance makes it sensitive to source pairing and eartip choices. This wired, non-ANC model suits listeners seeking an engaging, controlled sound that rewards careful setup.
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and separation
- Pro:Spacious, immersive soundstage
- Pro:Lively, energetic tuning with good control
- Con:Very low impedance requires quality source gear
- Con:Sound varies significantly with eartips
- Con:Upper treble can be sharp if fit is shallow
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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