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FiiO FX17 vs Thieaudio Valhalla: 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
  • Thieaudio Valhalla
HearWiki score
83
81
Sound
9.0
9.4
Value
6.0
6.5
Price (USD)
$1,500
$2,000

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

FiiO FX17 (2026) against Thieaudio Valhalla (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
  • Valhalla2025

Specifications

FX17Valhalla
Type
Wired IEMs
Wired IEMs
Price (USD)
$1,500
$2,000
HearWiki score
83
81
Released
2026
2025
Availability
Sold new
Sold new
Driver
1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid
19× balanced armature
Driver type
tribrid
balanced-armature
Driver configuration
1DD + 4BA + 8EST
-
Driver size
10 mm
-
Drivers per side
13
19
Impedance
16 Ω
9 Ω
Sensitivity
99 dB/mW
-
Active noise cancelling
No
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 Valhalla

The Thieaudio Valhalla is a premium wired IEM equipped with 19 balanced armature drivers per side, delivering a highly detailed and precisely separated soundstage. Its clean, organized tuning offers strong bass definition with clear mids and non-fatiguing treble, making it a top-tier choice for critical listening. The build quality is exceptional, matching its flagship status and technical performance.

  • Pro:Excellent build quality and premium presentation
  • Pro:Highly resolved sound with careful separation
  • Pro:Strong bass definition without muddying mids
  • Con:Very high price point
  • Con:Low 9-ohm impedance may require a capable source
  • Con:No wireless or ANC features for portable convenience

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

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonFiiO FX17Thieaudio Valhalla