Short answer: the qdc Anole V6. Both are rated 3.3/5 for sound quality (#899 and #921 of 1291 in-ear headphones), and the qdc Anole V6 costs $1,298 against $1,499.99 for the FiiO FX17, so with nothing between them on sound quality, price settles it.
Why pick the FiiO FX17: A hybrid of one dynamic driver, four balanced armatures and eight electrostatic drivers, it extends to 20 Hz within 6 dB of target and adds about 2.5 dB of mid-bass for a warm, full sound that suits bassy tastes. The catch: Hobbyist measurements give it a Harman preference score of only 65.3 despite its flagship price, largely because the 3 to 6 kHz presence band sits about 4 dB low with a 5.4 dB dip near 4 kHz that recesses vocals and instrument attack.
The case for the qdc Anole V6: Six balanced armature drivers per side earn a preference score of 65 in crinacle’s measurement with a warm leaning balance. The catch: An average deviation of about 2.9 dB from target makes the tuning uneven, with some bands noticeably louder or quieter than others.
Buy the qdc Anole V6. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $201.99 less than the FiiO FX17.
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A hybrid of one dynamic driver, four balanced armatures and eight electrostatic drivers, it extends to 20 Hz within 6 dB of target and adds about 2.5 dB of mid-bass for a warm, full sound that suits bassy tastes.
HiFiGo $1,499.99 eBay
Six balanced armature drivers per side earn a preference score of 65 in crinacle’s measurement with a warm leaning balance.
Shenzhenaudio $1,298.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| FiiO FX17 | qdc Anole V6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499.99 | $1,298.00 |
| Ranked | #921 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones | #899 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 65 (median of 6 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 65 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.63 dB standard deviation | 2.85 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.43 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.62 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-2.3 dB at 30 Hz) | - |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Hybrid (1 dynamic + 4 balanced armature + 8 electrostatic) | Balanced armature |
| Drivers | 1 x 10mm dynamic + 4 x balanced armature + 8 x electrostatic | 6 x balanced armature |
| Impedance | 16 ohms | - |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB/mW | 106 - 109 dB SPL/mW |
| Frequency Response | 8Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 10Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
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