Binary X Gizaudio - Chopin

General Information

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Setup​


Chopin adopts a low-frequency dynamic driver along with customized midrange and high-frequency balanced armature and customized composite high-frequency dual balanced armature driver unit. The pair has an independent three-channel RC filter frequency division line and adopts a high-precision 3D printed molding three-channel physical crossover system designed with accurate calculation. This ensures easy driveability while achieving highly consistent full-frequency phase response resulting in a smooth and balanced three-frequency response.

Cable​


High-purity LITZ oxygen-free copper silver-plated cable

The high-purity LITZ oxygen-free copper silver-plated cable guarantees lossless sound signal transmission. The wire has a soft outer sheathing that effectively reduces any microphonic stethoscopic effect. It features a high-quality 316L stainless steel carved Y splitter and chin slider that ensures stable and comfortable wearing.

Specification​


Sensitivity: 122dB/Vrms @ 1kHz
Impedance: 12Ω @ 1kHz
Effective frequency response: 5-20kHz (1/4" free-field microphone, -3Db)
THD:<1%@1kHz
Shell: resin 3D printing cavity + stainless steel panel
Driver: 8mm ceramic diaphragm dynamic driver + customized medium frequency balanced armature + customized composite high-frequency balanced armature(3 BA).

Latest reviews

Coralian

New Head-Fier
chopin: too cold and too sharp. like a KATANA
Pros: super clinical yet not particularly unnatural
very good imaging
great technicalities
Cons: too cold male vocals and instruments
might be too sharp for some listeners
provided tips dont seal that well
long and wide nozzle
Gizaudio&Binary Acustic's Chopin

Hi everyone, after a long time I finally decided to add my thoughts on Chopin.
I bought this one with my own money. But hifigo was kind enough to provide some discount.
Let me briefly introduce you to the experience of Chopin first;
It comes with a distinctively designed product box. With a set generic and a another set of premium soft ears UC eartips.
Cable is a relatively thin but nice looking SPC cable. I really like how light and soft it is.
Case is rather bulky but i like it. It's designed really well but I wish it had rubber lip support on its sides though. Water protection would have been nice.
On to the tuning.
On surface this is a harman iem, that's no surprise given how much Gizaudio loves harman tuning.
I have no problem with that nor with the harman curve. Yes it's lower mids are too lean, yes its upper mids are too sharp but even though I don't personally prefer it I cannot ignore that it's a great starting point for everyone who just got into the hobby.

But Chopin doesn't follow the harman curve one to one.
It has more presence in lower mids, particularly in start of male vocal region. But its upper mids are pretty close to harman. This results in a less anemic harman style tuning with most of the advantages of the harman target.
But altough I respect it even with this alteration Chopin fails at male vocals and instruments in general.
İts upper mids focuses too much on the leading edge of the instruments. This gives a clean and well seperated listening experience but it lacks the authority of them. İt almost feels like a mixing monitor with bass shelf.
But it definetly shines on what it supposed to do: Weeb sh.t
I dont know man but this thing performs in polar opposite if you put something from anime or kpop.
Altough male vocals lack body female vocals, especially those with higher notes shine bautifully.
This is definetly an IEM that assumes that you like jpop-kpop etc. This is the feeling that I'm getting from it.
And also I should add this its SUPER sensitive. You wont have any issue driving these from anything but you might want to plug a warmer source in order to give that cosiness that it lacks.
It might be very useful for mixing considering its fun yet clinical tuning.

Who I'd recommend: weebs :D yeah youre going to LOVE this.

Things that I'd change: I wish it had less presence on 120hz region and a little bit more on 210hz. Overall bass profile is good but it doesnt support the male vocals.
And I think provided eartips are not the best choice: they ARE great but I couldnt get a proper seal with none of them. I wish it had a set of wide bores and a set of double flange tips. because this thing DEMANDS deep insertion or you'll be losing that big bass.


amanieux
amanieux
What other iem woul you recommend over chopin at a similar price point ? Thank you
Coralian
Coralian
Oh sh.t sorry dude I didn't get the notification.
I'm waiting for Kiwi ears quintet to arrive and on frequency response graph it looks similar to Chopin but quintet has a bass tilt rather than a shelf.
Tilted bass won't be as anemic as the bass shelf; it's kinda opposite of the Chopin.
You can look for that but I still don't want to fully recommend based on graph.
There's also Aful Acustics performer 5, it also has a tilted bass.
In lower prices you can check out the pula pa02 and myer audio ckvlx(wtfever its name :D change this coding sh.t guys)

Oh and there's also the new release from letshuoer: cadenza 4, it might be a good bet. But I'd wait for a review before deciding; its graph looks kinda like the softears studio 4 and that one is vocal forward

David Haworth

Previously known as J Weiner
Gizaudio and Binary Acoustics Chopin. It’s got musical chops.
Pros: Musical and energetic sound signature
Light and elegant well build body.
Smooth and airy treble.
Excellent bass signature
Very good detail retrieval and resolution
Dynamics and Transient response are first rate.
Cons: Unusual socket position can make plugging it in confusing and the cable right and left markings hard to see.
Tapered body and long nozzle may make for problematic fitting and/or stability for some ear shapes.
PXL_20240227_223641891.PORTRAIT~2.jpg

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 Face panels.
>3D Printed Resin Material Cavities. >Comfortable Design.
>High-Purity OFC Silver-Plated Litz Cable.
>Available in 3.5mm or 4.4mm Termination Options.

Technical Information

>Impedance: 12Ω@1kHz.
>Sensitivity: 122dB/Vrms.
>Effective Frequency Response Range: 5Hz-20kHz.
>THD+N: <1%@1kHz.
PXL_20240228_072926052.MP~2.jpg

Four-Driver Hybrid Setup

The media channel that is Gizaudio has combined with Binary Acoustics to tune the Chopin. This IEM houses a four-driver hybrid configuration featuring a low-frequency dynamic driver, midrange customized BA, and high-frequency customized composite dual BA driver setup on each side.

It has been crafted using top-quality components along with simulated tuning adjustments by Gizaudio. Binary Acoustics has designed the Chopin with a four-driver hybrid configuration. Using an 8mm ceramic diaphragm dynamic driver unit that complements the other frequencies with a strong bass presence. There is a one customized BA driver unit for delivering quality sound in the midrange section, and a composite dual-BA driver customised unit for clear and accurate high-frequency response. Its sells for $200 USD.
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Sources and listening

I used the excellent supplied oxygen free silver cable and my favoured TRT T tips which allow deep insertion, with my Hiby R3 Saber 2022 DAP and lossless audio files. The Chopin has a wide nozzle to accommodate three audio channel outlets and I found some larger tips caused a bit of discomfort with my ears. Individuals are recommended to experiment with tips to find the right depth and fit for their ear canals. My initial listing impressions were formed with this music source, but I later found there was a very good synergy between the IEM and the Hidizs S9 pro Martha DAC that has just been released. The S9 pro enhanced the high frequencies and gave the bass more weight while retaining excellent clarity and energy. This became my favoured combination.
Sound Breakdown

The Chopin is easy to drive but does thrive on a more powerful DAC. The sub bass and lower bass register dominate with a warm deep and well controlled response. It goes deep with great control and good speed. Bass guitars have good texture and snare drives good bite and punch. It’s a very enjoyable bass if you are that way inclined. The mid bass is fast and detailed but a little lacking in quantity. Having said that it allows the midrange room to move and breathe. I would say the Chopin’s portrayal of the bass frequencies will scale very nicely with a more powerful source.

The midrange is very natural in timbre and the vocals placed well, slightly forward with good air and space around them. Bass frequencies do not intrude. The placement of instruments around the vocals is pinpoint. The midrange is well balanced and neutral. The soundstage is average left to right with good height and depth. Instrument positioning is precise and its easy to locate the players. The imaging allows a spacious headspace and draws you into the musical performance.

The treble is smooth, airy, and non-fatiguing, facilitating very good detail retrieval, if not class leading.
PXL_20240228_072756628.MP~2.jpg

Conclusion

With the right source and eartips the Gizaudio and Binary Acoustics Chopin is a competent and energetic IEM. Well recorded albums from Supertramp, Tom Petty and Fleetwood Mac really shine with the Chopin showcasing its great resolution and balanced clean acoustic soundstage. Chopin handles every genre I threw at it with aplomb, from DEM to rock to indie and Taylor Swift! It’s a very enjoyable listen and recommended.
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kaavik47
Best IEM at that price point today IMO.

William Apollo

New Head-Fier
Sometimes beauty is inside.
Pros: +Excellent bass range
+Pretty accurate soundstage
+Warm, U-shape tonality
+Imagine
Cons: -Tips are not enough
-Female vocals are sometimes a bit much
-Ugly desing
***Chopin is available on the market for 200 dollars. I bought the product myself to write an independent review. 70+ hours listened before writing the review.

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Specs

-->Impedance: 12Ω@1kHz.
-->Sensitivity: 122dB/Vrms.
-->Effective Frequency Response Range: 5Hz-20kHz.
-->THD+N: <1%@1kHz.
-->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.
-->High-Purity OFC SIlver-Plated Litz Cable.
-->Available in 3.5mm or 4.4mm Termination Options.

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Foreword

A device with good techniques and almost well toned. I say almost because unfortunately some "personal" choices have made this iem good instead of great. For those who like flat sound this headphone is just a fun tool but for those who already like/listen to V-shape it is a very good choice. (its U-shape btw)

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Build

It's a horizontal box design and I like that. I prefer that rather than always seeing the same box shape.

Honestly, I don't like the design at all. The fit is not bad, the durability is okay. but the shape is a complete fail. The cable is very average but there's nothing bad about it, in fact I'm glad they're not thick and bulky. The hard case that comes in the box is ordinary plastic but I think it's nice (it's not like you're going to run over it with a tank). The two little bags for the shells are very cute and the quality is excellent but I would have preferred them to be in one piece. The tips? Don't even ask, they're a disaster. Both not enough and wrong. The brush is fine. We'll use it :)

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Sound

Chopin is not a difficult iem to drive. In addition, it does not distort at high power. It gives a clean soundstage with a clean background.

I've always liked V/U-shapes that are not extreme. Somehow iems with this type of sound appeal to everyone and find a place in every inventory. Chopin is a good example. But it has some mistakes, we will talk about them.

Female vocals and treble are a bit bright in general. But for a fish swimming in a sea of chi-fi, there's nothing to annoy. Although I had have to turn the volume down seriously at 04:31-04:42 in the track "Bülent Ersoy - Bir ben bir Allah biliyor". Based on the performance in the same song, we can say that there is good imaging.

Except for those who like flat sound, this iem is versatile. Mid gives a very good technical performance and brings enough instruments to your ears. These instruments give you all the detail behind the female vocal. Despite the tuning, the micro detail reproduction in the mids is admirable.

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Bass

The lower frequencies are the best part of this headphone. I really enjoyed all the EDM, hip-hop and pop music I listened to during the test phase. The controlled, textured and deep bass response comes with a good technical skill considering the volume. With very good extension, the sub is a real showstopper. The only point open to critique is the lack of midbass when listening to an orchestra. It's forgivable given the overall low frequency performance.

Mid

Despite the warmth of the overall sound, the mids themselves have a cold timbre, which you can easily hear in songs you've listened to before in genres like rock/jazz/blues. This results in a transparent feel and instruments that sound more resolved than they actually are. There are two reasons for this general impression: Missing low mids and prominent vocals. The lack of low mids gives the sound a little bit of thickness but at the same time some depth. The loudness of the vocals, especially the female vocals, causes some loss of texture in all the instruments, but also a "cold" resolution increase. The other effect of the setting that amplifies the vocals on the instruments is, as expected, the upper violin/guitar tones that become sharper and closer. This resulted in a loss of separation around the vocals. Other than that, the instrument separation is quite enough and successful for the price.

Treble

Treble is average. It's a bit bright and has a standard resolution. Air frequencies are bullied by the lower treble. Cymbals are nice when there are no instruments and vocals, but they damage when the soundstage gets crowded. I would have preferred them to be more quiet but that's purely personal, objectively there's nothing bad about the treble, it's just value for money. The amount of extension is quite well tuned, the placement is a bit poor compared to the rest of the sound. The cymbals may be the most natural part of the whole sound (despite the tone). Female vocals have too much boost at the points where they become high-pitched, which is actually the whole problem. If we solve this (hypothesis) the overall rating of the sound will go up.

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Final Words

With its technical skill, with its capabilities at some points and shortcomings at others, the chopin is a device that is worth its price, we can say that it is overall positive,
and the low frequencies are fantastic. If you don't mind a bit of brightness and U-shape sound, you can safely choose it.
Last edited:
amanieux
amanieux
You dont seem to like chopin that much, would your recommend another iem under$200 ?
William Apollo
William Apollo
Aful magic one is amazing

Comments

jeromeoflaherty

New Head-Fier
Initial Thoughts on Binary Acoustics (Gizaudio) Chopin

OK I just got this early this morning (shout out to HifiGo for expediting delivery). I have been very much enjoying it while working today.

I will post a full review by the weekend.

But for now these are my initial thoughts:

Pros:
  1. Nice unique packaging - love the ‘Box’
    IMG_8986.jpeg
  2. Really nice design of the shell - possible the nicest in my collection
    IMG_8988.jpeg
  3. Great ‘deep’ fit (at least for me) - stayed well sealed during a very long walk without needing adjustments
  4. Warm signature with very nice midrange, treble well controlled no chance of sibilance
  5. Sounded great on a wide variety of tracks
Cons:
  1. Only providing a 4.4mm balanced connector is brave and will annoy some people
  2. Lack of tips option in the box - only comes with a bare minimum - surprising as we know Timmy likes his tips :stuck_out_tongue_closed_eyes:
  3. Mid bass a bit too boosted for me but some people will love that extra bass
  4. Treble lacked a little bit of detail in some tracks
  5. Cable is just OK

The Frequency response is actually printed on the box (and its pretty accurate - this isn't a "marketing FR graph" as I can see that mid bass boost):
IMG_8984.jpeg

But before doing a full review, I want to experiment with different tips as I think with the right tip / fit can bring a more balanced sound for me without any EQ.

Overall I love the fit, build quality and general feel of this IEM - I could wear it for hours
 
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The Sword

New Head-Fier
I received the Chopin yesterday (Canadian tour unit) and put it through its paces on my normal test tracks and overall It did impressively well and surprised me considering its price point. I will be working on the video and written review in the next few days as well as give it some more testing with different tips. For reference my initial listening has all been done with Clarion tips.

Chopin for me is comfortable, has nice rumble with big note weight but has a great level of clarity along with it, these are incredibly resolving and coherent.

It has great quality AND quantity on the bass, I don't find it bleeds into the mids and they are nice and full and well defined, the treble is honestly near the peak for sibilance on a couple of my test tracks but ends up just slightly under. I didn't find it fatiguing at all.

These drivers keep up surprisingly well considering the amount of bass they are putting out, imaging and staging maintain their separation and don't seem to get congested on even some of my most chaotic tracks. Speaking of imaging I think Chopin does quite well in this area. In regards to stage Chopin is good but doesn't stand out so far in my initial testing.

Honestly I have yet to find a song that I didn't like on Chopin, this tuning is done extremely well and seem to compliment almost any genre and song I throw at it.

Regardless of it being a well done tuning that should be fun I did find myself thinking it was slightly boring at times, but that could have just been because of my emotional state, I will continue testing this. Other than that the accessories are sort of lackluster. I wish it had some more tips or more flair to it once you open that beautifully designed case.

Overall I am excited to listen to it more and continue testing today.
Thank you for reading and I wish you all the best!

>Sword<
 
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