FiiO Unveils FX17 Flagship In-Ear Monitor Headphones.
Following the launch of the FT7 flagship over-ear headphones, FiiO introduces its latest innovation: the FX17 in-ear monitors, a culmination of 18 years of development. Featuring three distinct driver technologies, the FX17 represents a generational leap in IEM design.
Advanced Hybrid Driver Configuration
The FX17 incorporates a meticulously engineered combination of one dynamic driver, four balanced armature (BA) drivers, and eight electrostatic drivers per side. A precisely tuned five-way crossover ensures optimal energy distribution across the drivers, delivering a wider soundstage and a more natural listening experience.
Electrostatic Drivers for Exceptional High Frequencies
Equipped with eight electrostatic drivers per earbud, the FX17 achieves outstanding high-frequency extension, reaching up to 50kHz. Electrostatic drivers are known for their spacious and detailed treble response but typically suffer from lower sensitivity (99dB/mW) compared to BA and dynamic drivers (which often exceed 110dB/mW). To counteract the “masking effect,” FiiO employs multiple electrostatic units to enhance sound pressure levels, ensuring the high and ultra-high frequencies above 6kHz are more perceptible.
Four Custom Knowles Balanced Armature Drivers
FiiO has collaborated with Knowles to develop custom BA driver composite units, dedicated to mid and high frequencies. Each composite unit is divided into two parts—one handling the mids and the other managing mid-high frequencies—resulting in richer mids and a seamless transition into the electrostatic drivers. To further refine midrange performance, FiiO and Knowles have co-developed a proprietary “Midrange Enhanced Balanced Armature Unit.” This custom BA driver features rear acoustic vents, designed to optimize sound energy reserves for superior vocal reproduction.
Lithium-Magnesium Alloy Dynamic Driver
The FX17’s dynamic driver utilizes a lithium-magnesium alloy diaphragm, chosen for its combination of low weight, high rigidity, and a density of 1.6g/cm³. This material provides excellent mechanical properties, reducing intrinsic resonance and distortion, ensuring superior clarity in high-frequency reproduction.
Precision-Milled Titanium Construction
Aesthetically, the FX17 maintains a minimalist yet sophisticated design. The ear shell is precision-milled from a single block of high-density, high-strength titanium and meticulously hand-polished for a premium finish.
High-Purity Multi-Material Cable
FiiO has engineered the FX17’s cable using a blend of gold, silver, and copper conductors to leverage the unique properties of each material. These elements are forged at over 1000 degrees and undergo secondary refining to form monocrystalline structures, eliminating impurities and minimizing transmission loss. The result is a cable that enhances overall sound quality.
Three Swappable Audio Connectors, Including USB-C
The FX17 comes with three interchangeable audio plugs: 3.5mm single-ended, 4.4mm balanced, and a USB-C connector with built-in digital decoding and DSP. The USB-C plug features an integrated DSP audio decoding chip supporting up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM resolution. Additionally, it includes an 8-band high-precision PEQ system, adjustable via FiiO’s proprietary algorithm through the FiiO Control app or web interface—an advanced feature first introduced with the FiiO K19 headphone amplifier.
Exclusive Serialized Nameplate
Each FX17 unit includes a unique serialized commemorative nameplate, emphasizing its exclusivity.
Availability and Pricing
The FiiO FX17 will be available from April 14th, priced at £1,399 / $1,499.