FiiO FX17 vs THIEAUDIO MONARCH MKII: 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.

THIEAUDIO MONARCH MKII leads on 2 of 4 measures.

FiiO FX17
THIEAUDIO MONARCH MKII

HearWiki score

Sound

9.0

Value

6.0

6.4

Price (USD)

$1,500

$1,000

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
MONARCH MKII2021

Specifications

FX17MONARCH MKII

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $1,500; $1,000
HearWiki score: 83; 73
Released: 2026; 2021
Availability: Sold new; Discontinued
Driver: 1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid; tribrid
Driver type: tribrid; tribrid
Driver configuration: 1DD + 4BA + 8EST; -
Driver size: 10 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 13; -
Impedance: 16 Ω; 36 Ω
Sensitivity: 99 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Weight: 12.2 g; -
Detachable cable: Yes; -
Connector: 4.4 mm balanced; 2-pin 0.78 mm

Specification comparison of FiiO FX17 vs THIEAUDIO MONARCH MKII
Spec	FiiO FX17	THIEAUDIO MONARCH MKII
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$1,500	$1,000
HearWiki score	83 / 100 Outstanding	73 / 100 Great
Released	2026	2021
Audio
Driver	1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid	tribrid
Driver type	tribrid	tribrid
Driver configuration	1DD + 4BA + 8EST	-
Driver size	10 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	13	-
Impedance	16 Ω	36 Ω
Sensitivity	99 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Design
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

THIEAUDIO MONARCH MKII

The THIEAUDIO MONARCH MKII is a high-end wired in-ear monitor that uses a tribrid driver setup, blending a 10 mm dynamic driver with balanced-armature and electrostatic drivers for detailed, layered sound. It's aimed at audiophiles and professionals seeking a refined, high-resolution listening experience without active noise cancellation.

Pro:Tribrid driver design delivers rich, detailed audio
Pro:High-resolution tuning suited for critical listening
Pro:Comfortable fit with a standard 0.78 mm 2-pin connector

Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:Requires a wired source, limiting portability
Con:Higher price point may not suit casual listeners

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

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