Wired IEMs
FiiO FX17
83Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataFiiO FX17 vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV - Outstanding overall at around $1149.
Wired IEMs
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
84Outstanding
$1,150
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV leads on 4 of 4 measures.
- FiiO FX17
- THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
HearWiki score
83
84
Sound
9.0
9.4
Value
6.0
7.6
Price (USD)
$1,500
$1,150
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
FiiO FX17 (2026) against THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV (2025). These are 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.
- FX1720261 yr newer
- Monarch MKIV2025
Specifications
FX17Monarch MKIV
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $1,500
- $1,150
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 84
- Released
- 2026
- 2025
- Availability
- Sold new
- Sold new
- Driver
- 1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
- Driver type
- tribrid
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 4BA + 8EST
- 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 8 mm
- Drivers per side
- 13
- 10
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- -
- Sensitivity
- 99 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- -
- Weight
- 12.2 g
- -
- Detachable cable
- 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
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
The Monarch MKIV is a flagship in-ear monitor built around a ten-driver tribrid configuration, blending dual 8mm dynamic drivers, six balanced armatures, and two electrostatic tweeters. It offers a studio-neutral sound signature with an additional switchable bass-boost mode for listeners who prefer a more impactful low end.
- Pro:Reference-grade neutral tuning with excellent clarity
- Pro:Versatile bass boost mode adds flexibility
- Pro:Detailed and extended treble from electrostatic tweeters
- Con:High price point limits accessibility
- Con:Requires a capable source to perform at its best
- Con:Large shell may not suit smaller ears
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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