Binary Acoustics

Overall Rating
1.8
Scientific Validity
0.5
Technology Level
0.5
Cost-Performance
0.2
Reliability & Support
0.3
Design Rationality
0.3

Chinese IEM manufacturer founded in 2017, focusing on multi-driver designs with emphasis on musicality over measured performance

Overview

Binary Acoustics is a Chinese audio company founded in 2017 that specializes in In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) [1][2]. Operating under the philosophy “Let your ears convey sound and emotion,” the company focuses on creating compact, minimalistic designs with premium build quality [1]. Their current product lineup includes the Dynaquattro (259.99 USD), Chopin (199.99 USD), and several premium models priced at 999 USD including the D1 INTRO, D2 OUTRO, and EP1D [1]. The company is active on social media platforms and operates an online store powered by Shopify, with distribution through various audio retailers including HiFiGo [2].

Scientific Validity

\[\Large \text{0.5}\]

Binary Acoustics products show limited scientific validity based on available measured performance data. The Dynaquattro specifies THD+N <1% at 1kHz, which falls in the problematic range according to headphone evaluation criteria (0.5% or above is problematic) [3]. The Chopin shows identical THD+N specifications at <1% at 1kHz [3]. Critical measurement data is missing for both products, including S/N ratio, frequency response deviation (±dB), IMD, crosstalk, and dynamic range [3][4]. Since these are manufacturer specifications rather than third-party measurements, conservative evaluation applies. When credible third-party measurements are unavailable and manufacturer specifications lack comprehensive audio-quality-relevant information, Scientific Validity cannot be properly evaluated and is set to 0.5. For comparison, products like the Moondrop Aria 2 at 89.99 USD achieve THD ≤0.05% at 1kHz (excellent level) with measured performance data, demonstrating significantly better measured performance is available at lower cost.

Technology Level

\[\Large \text{0.5}\]

Binary Acoustics demonstrates average technology level with focus on multi-driver implementations. The Dynaquattro features 4 dynamic drivers using different diaphragm materials: 10mm titanium dome-coated silicone, 8mm cermet textureless, 6.8mm high-rigidity aluminum, and 6mm wool paper cone passive diaphragm, implemented with three-way frequency crossover and independent acoustic tubes [3]. The Chopin employs hybrid configuration with 1x 8mm ceramic dynamic driver, 1x customized mid-range balanced armature, and 2x customized composite balanced armature drivers for high frequencies [3]. Both products feature premium materials including aluminum alloy CNC machined face panels and 3D printed resin shells [1][3]. However, the technology approach remains conventional analog/mechanical without advanced digital integration, AI, or cutting-edge signal processing. While the company demonstrates in-house design capabilities and some technical expertise in driver integration, the multi-driver designs are easily replicable by competitors, limiting competitive advantage duration.

Cost-Performance

\[\Large \text{0.2}\]

Cost-performance evaluation reveals poor value proposition. The Dynaquattro at 259.99 USD offers 4 dynamic drivers with three-way crossover, interchangeable cable system, and 2-pin 0.78mm connector compatibility [1][3]. However, equivalent-or-better functionality and measured performance can be obtained from products like the Truthear x Crinacle Zero at 54.99 USD [6]. The Truthear Zero provides superior sensitivity (117.5dB/Vrms vs 111dB/Vrms), wider frequency response (20Hz-39.5kHz vs 20Hz-20kHz), equivalent THD performance (<1% @1kHz), and 2-pin 0.78mm connector compatibility [7]. This site evaluates based solely on functionality and measured performance values, without considering driver types or configurations. CP = 54.99 USD ÷ 259.99 USD = 0.211, rounded to 0.2. The comparison demonstrates that equivalent-or-better measured performance and functionality are available at substantially lower cost, resulting in poor cost-performance score.

Reliability & Support

\[\Large \text{0.3}\]

Binary Acoustics provides limited reliability and support infrastructure. The company offers 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects with 10-day replacement policy for manufacturing defects, which is shorter than the typical 2-year industry standard [5]. Support appears to be primarily dealer-based rather than direct manufacturer support, with limited global support infrastructure information available [2]. As a company founded in 2017, Binary Acoustics has a relatively limited track record compared to established manufacturers [1]. The multi-driver IEM construction presents average complexity with potential points of failure in crossover networks and multiple driver units. No specific information is available regarding firmware update support, though this is not applicable to passive IEM designs. The combination of shorter warranty period, limited global support infrastructure, and newer company status results in below-average reliability and support evaluation.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

\[\Large \text{0.3}\]

Binary Acoustics design philosophy shows limited scientific rationality. The company emphasizes “Durable and Musical Sound tuning” with explicit focus on warmth and musicality over technical measurements, stating that “technical aspects are often secondary to their focus on warmth and musicality” [1][2]. This subjective approach contradicts measurement-focused scientific sound quality improvement principles. The design philosophy centers on achieving “the smallest possible size and streamlined design” while pursuing “pure, original sound,” but lacks scientific verification of claimed improvements [1]. The company employs traditional materials approach including brass acoustic tubes and aluminum CNC construction without demonstrating objective measured improvements [3]. While the multi-driver implementations show some technical sophistication, the emphasis on subjective qualities like “musicality” and “warmth” without scientific backing, combined with conservative analog-only approach lacking advanced digital integration, AI, or cutting-edge technologies, results in low rationality evaluation. The design direction does not clearly contribute to achieving transparent level measurements or meaningful audible improvements.

Advice

Binary Acoustics may appeal to users seeking multi-driver IEMs with emphasis on build quality and traditional tuning approaches. However, potential purchasers should be aware that equivalent-or-better measured performance and functionality are available at substantially lower cost from established manufacturers. The company’s focus on subjective “musicality” over measured performance may not align with users seeking scientifically validated audio quality improvements [1][2]. The 1-year warranty and limited global support infrastructure should be considered for long-term ownership [5]. For users prioritizing cost-effectiveness and measured performance, alternatives like the Truthear x Crinacle Zero provide superior specifications at less than one-quarter the cost [6][7]. The premium-priced models at 999 USD require careful consideration given the availability of equivalent-or-better measured performance from competitors at much lower prices [1].

References

[1] Binary Acoustics Official Website, Product Collections, https://binary.audio/collections/all, accessed 2025-10-15

[2] HiFiGo Binary Collection, Company Overview and Product Information, https://hifigo.com/collections/binary, accessed 2025-10-15

[3] Binary Acoustics Dynaquattro Technical Specifications, https://binary.audio/products/binary-dynaquattro-4-dynamic-driver-iems, accessed 2025-10-15

[4] Headfonics Binary Acoustics Dynaquattro Review, https://headfonics.com/binary-acoustics-dynaquattro-review/, accessed 2025-10-15

[5] Concept Kart Binary Acoustics Warranty Information, https://conceptkart.com/products/binary-acoustics-dynaquattro-4-dynamic-driver-iem, accessed 2025-10-15

[6] Amazon.com, Fanmusic TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zero Earphone Dual Dynamic Drivers in-Ear Earphone with 0.78 2Pin Cable Earbuds (Zero), https://www.amazon.com/Fanmusic-TRUTHEAR-Crinacle-Earphone-Dynamic/dp/B0B7DS1QHZ, accessed 2025-10-15

[7] Audiophonics, TRUTHEAR x Crinacle Zero Technical Specifications, https://www.audiophonics.fr/en/in-ear-earphones/truthear-x-crinacle-zero-p-20431.html, accessed 2025-10-15

(2025.10.16)