FiiO has once again pushed the boundaries of audio technology with the launch of its latest innovation, the FX17 flagship in-ear monitor (IEM) headphones. Following closely on the heels of the FT7 flagship over-ear headphones, the FX17 represents 18 years of dedicated research and development, marking a significant generational leap in IEM design.
Revolutionary Driver Configuration
The FX17 boasts an impressive driver configuration that includes one dynamic driver, four balanced armature drivers, and eight electrostatic drivers per side. This sophisticated setup is complemented by a five-way crossover that has been meticulously tuned to ensure optimal energy distribution among the various drivers. The result is a bigger soundstage and a more natural sound, elevating the listening experience to new heights.
Eight Electrostatic Drivers
At the heart of the FX17’s innovative design are the eight electrostatic drivers, which excel in delivering exceptional high-frequency extension, easily reaching 50 kHz. These drivers provide a sense of airiness that contributes to a grander soundstage. However, electrostatic drivers typically have a lower sensitivity of 99dB/mW compared to the 110dB/mW sensitivity found in dynamic and balanced armature drivers. To mitigate the ‘masking effect’ often associated with lower sensitivity, the FX17 employs eight electrostatic units to enhance sound pressure levels, making high and ultra-high frequencies above 6 kHz more perceptible.
Custom Knowles Balanced Armature Drivers
FiiO has collaborated with Knowles to incorporate four custom balanced armature (BA) drivers into the FX17 design. These composite units are specifically engineered to handle mid and high-frequency sounds, with each unit divided into two parts—one for mids and the other for mid-high frequencies. This configuration not only produces denser mids and a more transparent sound but also allows for seamless transitions into the electrostatic drivers. Additionally, acoustic vents have been added to the rear cavity of the balanced armature to provide extra sound energy reserves, further enhancing vocal performance.
Dynamic Driver with Lithium-Magnesium Alloy Diaphragm
The FX17 features a dynamic driver with a diaphragm made from lightweight yet rigid lithium-magnesium alloy. This material has a density of 1.6g/cm³, making it ideal for dynamic driver applications. Its excellent mechanical properties, combined with high internal damping, significantly reduce frequency resonance and distortion, ensuring accurate reproduction of high-frequency signals.
Premium Build Quality
The aesthetic of the FX17 is minimalist and elegant, characterized by a classic, naturally curved ear shell cavity constructed from high-density, high-strength titanium. This cavity is precisely milled from a single block and meticulously hand-polished to achieve a flawless finish.
Advanced Cable Design
The FX17’s cable is engineered using three different transmission materials—gold, silver, and copper—to harness the unique strengths of each. The materials are forged at over 1000 degrees and undergo secondary refining to create crystalline monocrystals, effectively removing impurities and minimizing transmission loss. This meticulous process results in significantly improved sound quality.
Versatile Connectivity Options
Included with the FX17 are three swappable audio plugs: a 3.5mm single-ended, a 4.4mm balanced, and a Type-C connector featuring built-in digital decoding and DSP capabilities. This versatility allows users to enjoy high-quality audio across various devices. The Type-C plug supports up to 32-bit/384kHz high-resolution PCM and features an 8-band high-precision parametric equalizer (PEQ), adjustable through FiiO’s proprietary algorithm and the FiiO Control app or web interface.
Exclusive Serialized Nameplate
Each FX17 IEM comes with a unique serialized commemorative nameplate, adding a touch of exclusivity to the product. The FiiO FX17 is priced at $1499, with availability starting from April 14th.
