Today, we review the Binary Dynaquattro IEM. It is selling for $259 USD.
Disclaimer: Binary Acoustics Dynaquattro was provided by HiFiGo. As always, this review reflects my unbiased perspective.
Binary Acoustics
A relatively new player in the audiophile market since its launch in 2017, Binary Acoustics has quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to in-ear monitor design. The company has positioned itself with a clear focus on creating the smallest IEMs possible without compromising performance and aiming for a streamlined design. Their design philosophy emphasizes minimalism and precision, summarized in their motto, “Let your ears convey the emotion.”
Binary Acoustics first caught the attention of the audiophile community with the Chopin collaboration, released a few months ago. This model became quite popular in the budget IEM sphere with its competitive pricing. Building on this momentum, Binary has now introduced Dynaquattro, an IEM that pushes the boundaries of IEM sound design with a unique configuration.
Binary Acoustics Dynaquattro
The Binary Acoustics Dynaquattro features a complex array of three specialized dynamic drivers, each sized at 10mm, 8mm, and 6.8mm, complemented by a 6mm passive diaphragm, also known as a passive radiator, especially for its use in full-sized speakers. This combination results in a vast total diaphragm area of 193 square millimeters, promising a solid sound signature. We are here to determine if that is the case.
So, what exactly is a passive radiator? In simple terms, it works similarly to those found in full-sized speaker designs. A passive radiator doesn’t produce sound on its own; instead, it uses the sound pressure created by the active drivers inside the IEM to enhance the bass response. The movement of air inside the enclosure causes the passive radiator to vibrate, helping to produce deeper bass tones without requiring additional power or larger drivers. This design allows for better bass performance in a compact form factor, like the Dynaquattro. If you wish to purchase Dynaquattro, it’ll set you back $259 USD through HifiGo. It is also available on Aliexpress & Amazon US. Let’s look at further specifications and details of Dynaquattro below.
Specs & Highlights
x3 Custom Dynamic Drivers+ x1 Passive Diaphragm Configuration
Three-Way Electronic Crossover & Physical Acoustic Frequency Divider
CNC Milled Steampunk Design Faceplate
Printed-Resin Semi-Translucent Shell
Silver-Plated OFC Cable with Interchangeable Ends
Impedance: 23Ω@1kHz
Sensitivity: 111dB/Vrms
THD+N: <1%@1kHz
Packaging & Accessories
The Dynaquattro’s packaging immediately catches the eye with its steampunk-inspired design, featuring engraved copper cogs on a black background. This aesthetic extends to the faceplates of the IEMs themselves, creating a cohesive and visually striking presentation. As someone who has appreciated steampunk design from a young age, I found the overall design very appealing.
Upon opening the box, you’re greeted by well-protected foam compartments that house the earphones. The faceplate design, which mirrors the packaging, continues to make an impression. On the accessory side, the package includes six ear tips in two sets, neatly stored in a small plastic box. Beneath the foam compartment, you’ll find a Pelican-style carrying case, slightly smaller than Pelican’s own 1010. The carrying case has a semi-transparent top cover, a black colored base, and is lined with dense foam to protect the IEMs during transportation. Inside the case, you’ll also find a Dynaquattro’s quick start manual, 4.4mm and 3.5mm interchangeable plugs, and a cable tie.
The included cable is visually similar to a litz-structured cable, with silver-plated OFC wires, although the manufacturer doesn’t specify whether it’s actually litz. The quality of the cable is quite good, especially with the lack of chrome accents. I am tired of seeing the same chrome 2-pin housing to be honest. The black 2-pin housing, gunmetal plug, and gunmetal Y-splitter give the cable a stylish and cohesive look with the IEMs themselves. I believe manufacturers should care about color-matching the cables with their IEMs, and that’s exactly what Binary did here. The combo looks stellar. The interchangeable plug system is user-friendly, with a screw-in mechanism and a notch guide to ensure proper orientation.
Overall, I’m pleased with the accessories, especially the aesthetics of the cable and the quality of the carrying case. It would have been nice to have a wider selection of ear tips, or perhaps some additional options with wider nozzle mouths.
Design, Build & Fit
The Binary Dynaquattro features CNC-milled & anodized steampunk faceplates made of aluminum along with a semi-transparent 3D-printed shell. The faceplate design cleverly represents the 3DD+1PR system by matching the wheel sizes to the dynamic driver dimensions. I love these kinds of design details; we all need a touch of creativity once in a while in this crowded market. In addition, the center of the bottom wheel, which appears as part of the faceplate design is actually a hole that serves as a vent for the dynamic drivers, another aesthetically pleasing detail!
The shell is semi-transparent, allowing a glance of the sound bores connected to the dynamic drivers when viewed under a strong light source. The nozzle size is approximately 6mm, allowing it to accommodate various aftermarket ear tips. Lately, I prefer to use Divinus tips with nearly all the IEMs in my inventory. I use Divinus “Wide” for wide nozzles and Divinus “Velvet” for narrow ones. I find that the Divinus tips offer both excellent fit and sound quality for my ear anatomy. On the other hand, the stock ear tips tend to produce a bassier and overall warmer sound, while the Divinus Wide tips enhance the treble resolution.
As for the fit, the earphones have a size that can be labeled ML with three dynamic drivers and a passive radiator. For you to compare, the shell size is similar to Hype 4 and Hype 10, which can also be labeled as “ML.” As for you to compare better, the “L” would mean something like the Oriolus Monachaa, and the “M” would be something like the Mega5EST.
The Dynaquattro feels comfortable in my ears, providing a good fit and adequate passive isolation. My ITX PC fans are about 40 decibels, and it effectively reduces them by around 50%, I’d say. Not too bad, not too great.
The review continues on the next page. Click here or use the jump below.
Page 1: Binary Acoustics, Dynaquattro IEMs, Packaging & Accessories, Build, Design & Fit
Page 2: Sound Impressions, Low, Mid, High, Technical Capability, Comparison, Last Words
