Wired IEMs
FiiO FX17
83Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataFiiO FX17 vs Thieaudio Prestige LTD: 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
Thieaudio Prestige LTD
75Great
$1,300
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
- Thieaudio Prestige LTD
HearWiki score
83
75
Sound
9.0
8.7
Value
6.0
6.3
Price (USD)
$1,500
$1,300
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
- Prestige LTD2023
Specifications
FX17Prestige LTD
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $1,500
- $1,300
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 75
- Released
- 2026
- 2023
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid
- 1DD + 4BA + 4EST tribrid
- Driver type
- tribrid
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 4BA + 8EST
- 1DD + 4BA + 4EST
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 13
- 9
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 22 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
Thieaudio Prestige LTD
The Thieaudio Prestige LTD is a premium tribrid IEM that prioritizes refinement, control, and technical excellence over aggressive tuning. It delivers a polished, easygoing yet highly resolving sound with improved low-end energy, making it a strong high-end choice for everyday listening. Its build quality is standout, though it may not suit those seeking heavy bass or treble sensitivity.
- Pro:Exceptional technical performance and resolution
- Pro:Refined, controlled tuning with polished sound
- Pro:Improved low-end energy for a tribrid
- Con:Bass quantity may be insufficient for some
- Con:Upper treble can be intense for sensitive listeners
- Con:High price point limits accessibility
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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