Fiio FX17 VS AFUL Dawn-X
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Fiio FX17 and AFUL Dawn-X use 1DD+4BA+8EST and 1DD+8BA+4EST+1BC driver setups respectively. Fiio FX17 costs $1,500 while AFUL Dawn-X costs $1,299. Fiio FX17 is $201 more expensive. AFUL Dawn-X holds a decisive 1.2-point edge in reviewer scores (8.4 vs 9.6). Fiio FX17 carries a user score of 9.1. AFUL Dawn-X has significantly better mids with a 3-point edge, AFUL Dawn-X has significantly better treble with a 2-point edge, Fiio FX17 has significantly better dynamics with a 1-point edge and AFUL Dawn-X has better soundstage with a 0.5-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Fiio FX17 | AFUL Dawn-X |
|---|---|---|
| Mids | 6 | 9 |
| Treble | 7 | 9 |
| Soundstage | 8.5 | 9 |
| Dynamics | 8 | 7 |
| Tonality | 7.4 | 8.6 |
| Technicalities | 7 | 9 |
Jaytiss Reviews Comparison
Fiio FX17 reviewed by
2025-09-21
8.4
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Fiio FX17 packs a wild driver stack—8x EST plus 1x dynamic and 4x BA—and a price that hovers around $1,500–$1,700. The shells are large and a little heavy, yet comfortable with solid isolation; the matte-steel finish looks slick but is a fingerprint magnet. MMCX sockets sit in a blue-ringed collar, and the included cable is genuinely nice: chin-slider equipped with swappable 4.4 / 3.5 / USB-C ends. Packaging is classic Fiio with a generous spread of ear tips (including SpinFits). Overall fit and finish scream audio-jewelry, in both the good and the pricey senses.
Sonically, this is a very wide, “open” presentation with impactful bass and noticeable warmth—sometimes veering toward mud rather than cleanliness. Upper-mids energy is restrained, while the 8 kHz region pops, and treble air extends well; the net effect leans neutral / deadpan-neutral with a slightly warm tilt and not a ton of bass heft. The tonality mirrors Truthear Pure more than many top-end sets, which will delight listeners who crave that profile but leaves others wanting more sub-bass punch and less incisive 8k. Technicals—detail, slam, and stage—are strong, yet the value is debatable when alternatives like Fiio FA19 / FX19 (more bass, less 8k bite), Dunu Glacier (more sub-bass and fun without losing correctness), Softears RSV / RSV MK2 (similar upper-mids with calmer 8k), Aful Dawn X (less warmth, better air for the price), or NiceHCK Rockies (cleaner treble) exist for less. Recommended for those chasing Fiio’s neutral house with a grand soundstage; everyone else may want EQ (a gentle clean-up of warmth/8k) or to shop the cheaper powerhouses.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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AFUL Dawn-X reviewed by
2025-09-18
9.6
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Large, sculpted shells with a bulbous rear (housing the bone conductor) make the Aful Dawn-X a substantial fit—comfortable for some, but risky for small ears. The stock cable feels quality but is 4.4 mm-only, and the case/accessories are tidy; importantly, the nozzle grips tips securely (unlike some past AFUL sets). Overall build is handsome and premium, with fit being the main variable.
Sonically, the tuning favors sub-bass over mid-bass, pairs rich mids with smooth, natural treble that avoids harsh spikes yet has mild 4–6 kHz energy, and presents a cohesive, almost speaker-like soundstage. It wakes up with a bit of volume/power, prioritizing clarity, micro-detail and air over outright slam; the bone conductor subtly supports the midrange more than the lows. At $1,300 it’s competitive for listeners chasing technical refinement and a natural tonality, while value seekers or mid-bass lovers may prefer cheaper AFUL options or sets with more punch.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Fiio FX17 Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+4BA+8EST
Tuning Type: Neutral, Warm, U-Shaped
Brand: FiiO Top FiiO IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,499.99
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AFUL Dawn-X Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+8BA+4EST+1BC
Tuning Type: U-Shaped
Brand: AFUL Top AFUL IEMs
Price (Msrp): $1,299
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Fiio FX17 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A-- Expect an inviting tonal blend that adapts well to genres while staying largely composed. It strikes a nice blend of warmth and clarity.
Average Technical Grade
A-- The presentation feels orderly, balancing workable detail retrieval with acceptable imaging cues. It keeps momentum without smearing transients.
AFUL Dawn-X Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
S-- Tonal balance reaches a highly refined state, sounding seamless from lows to highs. Everything locks together with satisfying coherence.
Average Technical Grade
S- Expect an effortlessly clean presentation that keeps complex mixes perfectly organized. There is zero sense of congestion even at high volume.
Fiio FX17 User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewA technical marvel offering flagship-tier sound with lifelike realism and effortless musicality, justifying its premium status despite minor fit quirks.
Pros
Exceptional detail retrieval with natural yet engaging tonality, premium titanium build, and versatile accessories including hybrid cable and USB-C DAC.Cons
Large shells may challenge small ears; mid-bass warmth occasionally masks midrange clarity for analytical listeners.AFUL Dawn-X User Reviews
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Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
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