Wired IEMs
FiiO FX17
83Outstanding
$1,500
Full review dataFiiO FX17 vs Westone MACH 70: 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
Westone MACH 70
67Good
$1,000
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
FiiO FX17 leads on 3 of 4 measures.
- FiiO FX17
- Westone MACH 70
HearWiki score
83
67
Sound
9.0
7.8
Value
6.0
5.4
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 4 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 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- FX1720264 yr newer
- MACH 702022
Specifications
FX17MACH 70
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $1,500
- $1,000
- HearWiki score
- 83
- 67
- Released
- 2026
- 2022
- Availability
- Sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 1DD + 4BA + 8EST tribrid
- 7× balanced armature
- Driver type
- tribrid
- balanced-armature
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 4BA + 8EST
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 13
- 7
- Frequency response
- -
- 5 Hz - 22 kHz
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 42 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 99 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Weight
- 12.2 g
- 15.6 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- -
- No
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- MMCX
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
Westone MACH 70
The Westone MACH 70 is a premium wired in-ear monitor that pairs seven balanced-armature drivers per side with a three-way passive crossover to deliver a warm, bass-forward sound signature while maintaining clarity and detail. Its compact, lightweight shell and detachable MMCX cable make it a comfortable, versatile all-rounder for a wide range of genres, though its high-end price tag positions it as a flagship-level investment.
- Pro:Rich, bass-forward tuning with clear detail
- Pro:Compact, lightweight and comfortable fit
- Pro:Detachable MMCX cable with quality accessories
- Con:Expensive for a wired-only IEM
- Con:Sensitivity may not match ease-of-driving in practice
- Con:No built-in noise cancellation or wireless option
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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