Binary Acoustics and Gizaudio deliver a unique style and substance that would impress Frédéric.
- Natural timbre and balanced, full-bodied, smooth sound
- Excellent tuning and coherence
- Distinctive design and shape
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Great cable
- Minimalist, slightly odd design won’t appeal to everyone
- Included accessories are lacking
- Not the most unique – no “standout” strength
- Though strong performers, they may struggle against competition
To be fair, Polish composer and virtuoso pianist Frédéric Chopin (1810–1849) would have been blown away by any headphones or IEMs, as they were not patented until approximately 50 years post-mortem. Regardless, I wager that Chopin would be overjoyed listening to his music played back through excellent IEMs with his namesake.
Chopin’s music conveys intense emotions expressed with depth, delicate nuances, and poetic qualities. His collection of compositions is passionate and dynamic. The Binary Acoustics Chopin, four-driver hybrid configuration IEMs, are the result of a collaboration with Timmy Vangtan of Gizaudio.
One Minute Review Video
Design and Build
The design of the Chopin is distinctive, though minimalist, and not necessarily attractive by present market definitions. The laser-etched, flat, tear-drop stainless steel faceplates are attached to a small, opaque, dark gray 3D-printed one-piece medical-grade resin material body. The recessed 2-pin receptacles on the IEM bodies ensure a secure connection for the cable.
There are two portholes, one on the main body and the other on the side toward the rear, with a more prominent metal filter screen inside the hole. The streamlined funnel-shaped nozzle facilitates a fairly deep fit and keeps the main cavity from exerting much pressure on the outer ear.
The nozzle is collared, holds ear tips securely, and has three sound tubes terminating in asymmetrical holes.
Cable
The Chopin are bundled with a 1.2m high-purity OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper) silver-plated litz cable. The twisted cable is attractive, flexible, and light-medium weight. The ear hooks are sleeved to maintain their shape.
The cable is tightly wound and feels good in my hand. Thankfully, there are no microphonics, nor is the cable prone to tangling.
The cable terminates in a 3.5mm or 4.4mm balanced gold-plated straight plug, securing to the IEM bodies with gold-plated 0.78mm 2-pin connectors.
I have previously griped about clear plastic connections, making the user unable to determine which side is right or left. I find searching for markings entirely frustrating. Perfect lighting and a magnifying glass or the eyesight of a hawk is required.
Comfort
They are small and lightweight, eschewing the often large shells and wild shapes made from resin.
The Chopin are far more ergonomic and comfortable than they appear.
With almost zero contact or pressure from the IEM bodies on the ear, the nozzle and tip seal do most of the work in passive noise isolation and hold the IEMs in place in my ears. The cable lays at an angle that keeps the IEMs from pulling or unseating and is entirely unobtrusive.
My Chopin set came with a paltry few unidentified ear tips, which thankfully work well for me, and a set of outstanding HiFiGo Divinus Velvet ear tips. Current orders will be bundled with Softears UC Liquid Silicone ear tips.
Under the Hood
Each Chopin houses four drivers:
- 1x 8mm untextured metal-ceramic dome dynamic for low-frequencies (bass)
- 1x customized mid-range balanced armature for mid-frequencies
- 2x customized composite balanced armature drivers for high frequencies
Binary Acoustics created the low-frequency driver unit, developed after many simulations and calculations, optimizing the structure with properly matched front and rear cavity volume.
How Do the Chopin IEMs Sound?
For evaluation, I listen to a great variety of music through numerous sources, including DAPs (FiiO M15S), phones (LG V20, LG V60), portable DAC/amps (HELM Audio Bolt, DB12 AAAMP, TempoTec Sonata E44, Khadas Tea, Qudelix-5K) and desktop DAC/amps (S.M.S.L SP200, HIFIMAN EF400).
For this review, I visited a fascinating collection of artists with diverse ethnic origins, musical styles, and explorations in audio.
- Poland: Chopin’s Scherzo No. 2 in B flat minor, op. 31 performed by Tomasz Zając
- Slovenia: Veronika by Raiven
- UK: Everything to Lose (Fred Falke Radio Mix) by Dido
- Italy: Peur sur la ville by Stefano Di Battista
The Chopin are so easy to listen to that I often get lost in the music. They do not demand my attention nor deliver jump scares. The smoothness is about coherency, not dulling the edges of sound.
The Chopin are genre-agnostic, smooth, balanced, and inoffensive in the best way.
Depth and details are delivered clearly. The soundstage is natural and creates a medium-large illusion. Channel separation and imaging are above average, while transitions and speed are quick enough to feel clean, even with complex sound passages.
With an impedance of 12 ohms and a very high sensitivity of 103 dB/mW, the Chopin are easy to drive from any source.
Bass
The dynamic driver sounds high-quality. Bass is full-bodied, well-controlled, deep, and smooth. An adequate amount of sub-bass fills the bottom end. The midbass’s presence delivers a tight punch and a gentle glide into the upper frequencies that do not smear the midrange.
They tolerate some significant EQ adjustments and boosted bass (not that they need it) without noticeable distortion.
Midrange
The midrange frequencies are as smooth as the bass, with the bonus addition of sweetness. Voices and acoustic instruments are beautifully presented in a gentle and caressing way. There is no shouting, yelling, whining, or grittiness.
More flow, less jagged edges.
Treble
The Chopin favor smoothness, accuracy, and resolution over artificial sizzle. Continuing in the same “smoothness” vein, treble delivers detail with precision and crispness without being too hot and spicy. If you are treble-sensitive, the Chopin deliver clarity and separation without a dark sound signature or excessive high frequency dampening.
Comparisons
Two IEMs of a similar configuration are the beautiful Fearless Audio Provence (1DD + 2BA) and Shangri-La (1DD + 4BA). The Chopin are right in the middle in terms of drivers and price. The Shangri-La have the highest resolution, detail, and sizzle; the Provence are the most relaxed and my preferred IEMs of the two.
While the Provence are the better value, and as much as I love them, the Chopin are a level above in sonic performance, especially in the low frequencies and overall dynamics.
The Chopin are the better choice if you value smaller and sleeker IEMs and prioritize sound quality.
Where to Buy
Who Should Buy This?
The Chopin are an excellent upgrade and easy transition from mass-market consumer sound signatures to smooth, higher-quality, high-definition sound. As they are flexible across genres, anyone interested in high-quality IEMs will do well to bypass the multitude of “budget” models flooding the market.
These all-around excellent IEMs are sure to satisfy – even critical audiophiles.
Final Thoughts
Listening to the Chopin, I do not find myself wanting ‘more’ or ‘different.’ Although they are not a gripping thriller, they are not meant to be. The Chopin IEMs are warm, smooth, and musical, with enough detail to help music shine. They’re satisfying and perfect for daily, fatigue-free, and undemanding listening.
Despite myriad solid options in and under this price category, the Chopin are my easy, enthusiastic recommendation as a highly competent, all-around, everyday way to get lost in your music.
Listening sessions with the Chopin can be graceful and relaxing; imagine drinking a hot cup of chamomile tea while sitting comfortably outside with a sweater on a brisk day. And they can also be a fun and exciting Saturday night date to the carnival!
Company Overview
Founded in 2017, Binary Acoustics is a Chinese audio company. They develop products with the guiding concept, “let your ears convey sound and emotion.” Sound, minimalism, and comfort are top priorities.
What’s in the Box?
- Binary Acoustics x Gizaudio Chopin hybrid in-ear monitors
- 1.2m high purity OFC silver-plated litz cable
- Plastic protective case
- Individual IEM velvet pouches
- Three pairs of silicone ear tips (S, M, L)
- Cleaning tool
- User manual
Technical Specifications
- Form: IEM (In-ear monitor)
- Driver: 4 drivers per side:
- One 8mm untextured metal-ceramic dome dynamic for low frequencies
- One customized balanced armature for mid-range frequencies
- Two customized composite balanced armature drivers for high frequencies
- Shell Material: Steel and resin
- Impedance (Ohm): 12 ohms
- Sensitivity (dB): 103 dB/mW (122dB/Vrms@1kHz)
- Frequency Response (Hz): 5 Hz – 20 KHz
- THD+N: <1%@1kHz
- Removable Cable: Y
- Cable Type: 1.2m (4 ft) OFC silver-plated litz cable
- Cup/Shell Jack: 0.78mm 2-pin
- Source Jack: (3.5mm or 4.4mm gold-plated straight plug
- Weight (g): 7 grams/IEM (including ear tip)