Wired IEMs
FiiO FX17
83Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataFiiO FX17 vs Symphonium Audio Helios: 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.
Score 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
- Symphonium Audio Helios
HearWiki score
83
72
Sound
9.0
8.9
Value
6.0
6.7
Price (USD)
$1,500
$1,100
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
- Helios2021
Specifications
FX17Helios
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $1,500
- $1,100
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 72
- Released
- 2026
- 2021
- 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
- 8.5 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 99 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Weight
- 12.2 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 Helios
The Symphonium Audio Helios is a premium all-balanced-armature wired IEM that delivers a forceful, detailed, and technically impressive sound, with a notable emphasis on bass impact and holographic imaging. It presents a demanding load requiring substantial amplifier power, and its angular, large shell may pose fit challenges for some users. Overall, it is a standout choice for critical listeners who favor an energetic, incisive presentation over a relaxed or warm tuning.
- Pro:Exceptional bass and treble extension for an all-BA design
- Pro:Holographic and precise soundstage with strong imaging
- Pro:Highly competitive sound quality in its price bracket
- Con:Requires significant power to perform optimally
- Con:Large, angular shell can be difficult to fit comfortably
- Con:Aggressive, gritty tuning may not suit listeners seeking warmth
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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