Happy New Year, mates! I am back with my first review for this year, 2024. This time, we’re testing out the Binary X Gizaudio Chopin IEM, priced at $199.99. This set is a collaboration between Binary Acoustics and Timmy from Gizaudio. Is it worth it, considering this price point is flooded by good sets? Let’s find out!
Just want to thank HiFiGo and Neil of Practiphile for letting me experience this set!
Disclaimer: Reviewing audio gear is highly subjective. There are many factors that influence the sound characteristics of a product, such as ear tips, fit, music choice, prior experience, and more. What I experience may not reflect what you experience, and vice versa. So please take everything I say here with a grain of salt, and always cross-reference reviews. So now, let’s proceed.
Summary
Pros:
- Non-offensive & fatigue-free tuning
- Resembles Moondrop Variation’s tuning
- Great bass quantity & quality
- Good resolution
- Matte IEM shell (a plus for me)
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Lacking accessory inclusions
- Annoying implementation of the sliding box
- Vocals could use a bit more weight
About the Binary X Gizaudio Chopin
Company Overview
Not gonna lie, this is the first time I have heard of this company. I found little information on their website about their experience as a company, though I saw they also have other IEM sets, namely: EP1D, D2 Outro, and D1 Intro. I am not sure about the availability of these, as they were marked ‘sold out’ on their website.
However, I have learned from HiFiGo’s website that they have been around since 2017. They aim to achieve the smallest possible size and streamlined design and develop the products on the concept of “Let your ears convey sound and emotion”.
Technical Specifications
- Impedance: 12Ω@1kHz.
- Sensitivity: 122dB/Vrms.
- Frequency Response: 5Hz-20kHz.
- THD+N: <1%@1kHz.
Features
- Designed in Collaboration With Gizaudio.
- Four-Driver Hybrid Setup.
- 8mm Ceramic Diaphragm Dynamic Driver.
- Customized Mid-Range Balanced Armature Driver.
- Customized Composite Dual Balanced Armature Driver for High-Frequency (2BA).
- Stunning Design With Stainless Steel Facepanels.
- 3D Printed Resin Material Cavities. >Comfortable Design.
- High-Purity OFC SIlver-Plated Litz Cable.
- Available in 3.5mm or 4.4mm Termination Options.
What’s Inside the Box
- Carrying hard case
- 3 sets of eartips (S, M, L)
- 4.4mm balanced cable
- 2x IEM protective pouch
- Nozzle cleaner
- Cable organizer
- Chopin IEMs
- Manuals
Review
Initially, I didn’t like how the Chopin sounded as it was thin and lacked weight. Though part of the blame goes to the Hiby Zeta, as I was accustomed to its sound and had gotten used to its weighty response. So, I had to take a week’s break just to make sure I would be as fair as possible to what the Chopin has to offer.
I’m glad I did!
In this review, I used my Cayin N6ii and Venture Electronics Abigail Pro amplifier with Qobuz and Tidal as music sources.
Frequency Graph
Frequency response of the Binary Acoustics X Gizaudio Chopin courtesy of Practiphile.
Experience
I’m happy to report that the Chopin doesn’t have any hum or ground noise when connected to my desktop amp, all thanks to its matte medical-grade resin material shell, which I also appreciate as it won’t attract fingerprints.
For the fit, at first, I thought it was going to be a painful fitting on my ears as the shape is odd, but after wearing it, the fit is just good! There’s no fatigue when listening for a prolonged time.
About its cable, I can’t find fault with it; it’s a non-resisting cable and just good quality overall. Though some may find it thin considering its price range, I have no issue with it.
My main complaint is the lack of tip choices. I never used the stock one for this review as I think the Chopin doesn’t shine when used with its stock eartips, so I opted for my Tri Clarion.
Music
After my cleansing period with the Zeta, I was finally able to appreciate the overall sound signature of the Chopin. It has a good quantity and quality of subbass. I’d say it’s fast and well-controlled, though there’s a bit of recession in its mid-bass. The vocals are forward but lack a bit of weight, yet they don’t sound thin by any means. Vocals still sound lush but are not as engaging, especially with male vocals.
Regarding the treble, the Chopin has a smooth delivery that doesn’t completely negate the sparkle and detail. You can listen to these for an extended amount of time without fatigue, as there’s no treble spike regardless of the track you throw at it!
Gaming
I used the Binary X Gizaudio Chopin during my gaming session. I played Apex Legends, a game notorious for its inconsistent sound engine and annoyingly sharp treble. I had no pressing issues with the Chopin; the imaging is accurate, but the soundstage could use a bit more wideness for a more competitive advantage. Nonetheless, it was a pleasant experience.
Conclusion
Wrapping up, I think the Chopin has a place in this crowded $200 segment of the IEM market. It will mostly appeal to those who want a forgiving and non-fatiguing set. Stay away if you want sparkly, airy, and energetic treble as this IEM will only give you the bare minimum.
Binary Acoustic truly lived up to HiFiGo’s statement in their brand description. They produce equipment that will disappear on your ears.
If you are interested, you can purchase the Binary X Gizaudio Chopin in the non-affiliated links below:
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