Short answer: the GoldPlanar GL-AMT16. It ranks #863 of 1369 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.4/5, at $1,499; the FiiO FX17 ranks #937, rated 3.3/5, and costs $1,499.99, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
Why pick the GoldPlanar GL-AMT16: A broadly balanced tuning with a preference score of 67 against the Harman target. Watch for: About 3 dB less bass than the Harman target below 150 Hz, which can sound thin on pop, hip hop and electronic music.
The case for 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. Watch for: 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.
Buy the GoldPlanar GL-AMT16. It is rated higher for sound quality than the FiiO FX17 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
A broadly balanced tuning with a preference score of 67 against the Harman target.
Linsoul $1,499.00 eBay
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 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 17, 2026 at 6:04 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| GoldPlanar GL-AMT16 | FiiO FX17 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499.00 | $1,499.99 |
| Ranked | #863 of 1369 in In-Ear Headphones | #937 of 1369 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 67 (median of 3 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) | 65 (median of 6 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.90 dB standard deviation | 2.63 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.00 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.43 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-4.0 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-2.3 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Driver Type | AMT | Hybrid (1 dynamic + 4 balanced armature + 8 electrostatic) |
| Drivers | 15.5mm folded diaphragm Air Motion Transformer (AMT) driver | 1 x 10mm dynamic + 4 x balanced armature + 8 x electrostatic |
| Impedance | 16 ohms | 16 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB | 104 dB/mW |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 50kHz | 8Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 0 lbs (14 g) | - |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
Frequency Response Compared
Both headphones’ measurements overlaid on the Harman target. Above the target sounds louder in that range, below it quieter. Each curve is the median of several independent measurements, shifted so its 500 Hz to 2 kHz average sits at 0 dB, so only the tuning is compared.
Measurement data: the GoldPlanar GL-AMT16 from hu-fi, silicagel and tonedeafmonk; the FiiO FX17 from aden, atechreviews, dl, jaytiss, practiphile and superreview, all via squig.link.
Related Headphone Comparisons
More top alternatives to GoldPlanar GL-AMT16: