The Sivga Oriole represents the latest innovation in dynamic closed-back headphones by SIVGA Audio. These headphones boast several notable features: 50mm in-house developed drivers, a detachable cable, and wooden ear cups. The Oriole comes elegantly packaged in a sturdy cardboard box that showcases the headphones on the front and lists technical specifications on the back.
Disclaimer: I would like to thank Sivga for providing a sample for this review. I am not paid to make this review or offer any specific opinions about this product, and all thoughts expressed in this review are my own.
In the box
- SIVGA Oriole headphones
- Detachable cable
- 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter
- A convenient storage pouch
Technical specifications
- Impedance: 32 Ω
- Sensitivity: 108dB
- Weight: 280 g (without cable)
Design & Build
The Oriole’s design is a visual delight. With its leather headband, gunmetal gray yokes, and wooden ear cups, it exudes an elegant and harmonious aesthetic. The construction predominantly comprises metal and wood, which not only enhances durability but also contributes to its overall visual appeal. SIVGA offers the Oriole in two color schemes: dark brown (the variant in my review) and light brown.
The outer portion of the headband features a steel spring coated in high-quality protein leather, accentuated by stylish white stitching. The inner part of the headband is padded, offering good comfort. However, a touch more padding might be preferred by some users. The ergonomic design of the headband effectively distributes the headphones’ weight, ensuring prolonged listening sessions remain comfortable.
The headband’s clamping force is average, allowing for a relaxed fit that’s perfect for extended listening sessions. The yokes connecting the headband to the ear cups are made of a single piece of metal, providing both durability and visual appeal, thanks to the gunmetal gray finish.
Adjusting the headband size is straightforward, simply requiring you to move each ear cup up or down. This mechanism functions smoothly and efficiently. Compared to SIVGA Robin, the Oriole has undergone design changes. The ear cups now feature a 180-degree horizontal swivel and a 45-degree vertical rotation, making them more compact for storage.
The ear cups themselves are crafted from high-density rosewood, which undergoes a long manufacturing process involving CNC machining, sanding, polishing, painting, and natural air drying. Their unique shape and the engraved SIVGA logo add to their visual appeal.
On the bottom of each ear cup, you’ll find a 2.5mm connector socket, while the top sports three vents. The headphones come with plush pleather memory foam ear pads with an oval shape. These pads, measuring 100mm in height and 80mm across, provide exceptional comfort. The 20mm depth ensures a snug fit. Inside the cups reside the star of the show: 50mm dynamic drivers developed in-house by SIVGA.
Overall, the build quality of the Sivga Oriole is impressive. It’s safe to say that this headphone is one of the most aesthetically pleasing options in its price range, especially considering its combination of metal and wood materials.
Fit and comfort
Despite the rosewood ear cups, the Oriole remains surprisingly lightweight at 280 grams (without the cable). This lightweight build ensures that the headphones feel comfortable even during long listening sessions.
The headband design caters to a variety of head sizes. Whether you have a smaller or larger head, the Oriole’s headband size and shape will accommodate you comfortably. The clamping force of the headband is gentle yet sufficient to maintain a secure seal without causing discomfort or slipping.
These headphones offer a fit that falls somewhat between over-ear and on-ear, a unique characteristic that might be appealing to some users. For those with larger ears, it’s worth noting that while the ears almost completely fit inside the ear pads, a slightly wider opening could be more accommodating.
In summary, the Oriole provides an exceptional level of comfort, making it a joy to wear for extended periods.
Cable
The Oriole comes with a 2-meter detachable cable. One end features a straight 3.5mm connector with a spring, while the other end sports two 2.5mm TRS connectors. The cable is encased in fabric but does exhibit some microphonics.
However, the connectors fit snugly into the ear cups, emitting a reassuring click when connected. The 2-meter cable might be slightly cumbersome for portable use, especially given the headphone’s 32-ohm impedance. Thankfully, the Oriole uses standard 2.5mm sockets, allowing for easy replacement with an aftermarket cable.
Sivga Oriole sound overview
Please note that all the sound impressions I’m sharing on this channel are completely subjective, so please take them with a grain of salt.
Before delving into the sound quality, it’s important to note that sound impressions are inherently subjective. Therefore, take these observations with a grain of salt.
With an impedance of 32 ohms, the Oriole is remarkably versatile, capable of being powered by a smartphone without issue. Extensive testing indicated that this headphone doesn’t necessarily benefit from additional amplification when used with a more powerful source.
Sound-wise, the Sivga Oriole stands out when compared to the SV021 Robin, which I’ve also reviewed on this channel. The Oriole offers a balanced and well-controlled bass, clear and detailed mids, and a refined and laid-back treble that complements its overall tuning. This, combined with excellent imaging and a relaxed sound presentation, makes the Oriole’s tuning particularly appealing.
Bass
The bass of the Oriole is impressively extended without being overwhelming. Sub-bass possesses a satisfying extension, while mid-bass carries a commendable impact and note weight. There’s a harmonious balance between sub-bass and mid-bass, rendering the Oriole suitable for various musical genres. It’s essential to note that this headphone is not intended for bass enthusiasts, but rather for those seeking a balanced and moderate bass response.
The bass exhibits above-average detail and maintains moderate speed. Even fast-paced and bass-heavy recordings retain clarity, avoiding any muddiness. Importantly, the bass adds warmth and body to the overall sound presentation, preventing the Oriole from sounding overly dry or analytical. When compared to the SV021 Robin, the Oriole demonstrates more authority and less grain in the low end.
In summary, the Oriole’s bass is characterized by its linearity, definition, and gentle impact, catering to listeners in search of a moderate bass presence with a pleasing and subtle punch.
Midrange
The midrange of the Oriole is energetic and forward, striking a balance between the recessed mids of the Robin and overly forward midranges.
Lower mids are well-balanced, offering substantial note weight and an accurate representation of lower midtones with a robust body. Vocals, both male and female, sound vibrant, thick, and highly resolved. Guitars, particularly electric ones, exude energy and seamlessly integrate within the mix, making heavy genres particularly enjoyable on the Oriole.
For those accustomed to headphones with even more forward midranges, the Oriole’s midrange might seem slightly lacking in presence. However, it maintains a favorable equilibrium for a pair of closed-back headphones.
Upper mids possess increased energy and brightness, but they never become harsh or sibilant in my experience. This results in well-defined instruments in the upper register. The instruments exhibit natural timbre, and overall, the Oriole’s midrange is characterized by control and musicality.
This versatility makes the Oriole well-suited for a wide range of music genres, particularly instrumental compositions.
Treble
The treble of the Oriole stands out as a pleasant surprise. It boasts impressive extension and definition while maintaining a smooth and refined character. Compared to the SVGA Robin, this is a significant step forward.
The treble offers a delicate sparkle and airy quality, delivering precision without sacrificing enjoyment. It is transparent and clean, contributing to an engaging listening experience. The lively and airy presentation enhances the overall appeal of the headphone.
The treble provides a satisfying level of extension and detail without venturing into sibilance or sharpness, even during complex and busy passages. This aspect of the Oriole is particularly impressive.
The Oriole excels in detail retrieval, capturing both macro and micro details effectively. This quality is exceptional in its price range and significantly contributes to the overall listening experience.
In essence, SIVGA has managed to strike a delicate balance in the treble region, avoiding excessive emphasis while delivering ample details and clarity within the mix.
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Soundstage, imaging, details
Sivga Oriole presents a soundstage that boasts moderate width and depth. The music primarily resides within your head but effectively conveys a sense of distance, given its size.
Imaging on the Oriole is precise, and instrument separation, while not class-leading, is quite commendable. Instruments are correctly positioned within the soundstage, contributing to a coherent and realistic sound presentation. While the Oriole may not compete with some open-back headphones in its price range in terms of soundstage size, it excels in maintaining clarity and preventing tracks from feeling cluttered.
SIVGA SV021 Robin vs. Oriole
When comparing the Oriole to the SV021 Robin, several significant differences emerge. The Oriole offers superior comfort and build quality. Soundwise, it provides a cleaner and more refined listening experience, with better-controlled low frequencies, increased detail and clarity in the midrange, a more polished and detailed treble, and a transparent yet less dry overall sound presentation.
Considering the minimal $50 price difference at the time of this review, the Oriole stands out as a worthy investment.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the Sivga Oriole is a captivating and enjoyable pair of headphones. I’m genuinely impressed with both its build quality and sound performance. Let’s recap the pros and cons:
Pros
- Excellent design and build quality
- Detachable cable for convenience
- Outstanding comfort for extended listening
- Natural and well-defined bass response
- Energetic and engaging midrange
- Refined and relaxing treble
- Exceptional clarity and detail retrieval
- Easy to power
Cons
- Average soundstage width and depth
- Slightly improved bass control and texture would be welcomed
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Oriole is an impressive offering from SIVGA. It combines excellent design, premium mterials, and remarkable comfort, making it a standout choice in the closed-back headphone market.
The Sivga Oriole delivers a technically proficient performance while maintaining a natural, balanced sound signature, making it suitable for a wide range of musical genres. I wholeheartedly recommend the SIVGA Oriole to anyone in search of well-built closed-back headphones for pure musical enjoyment.
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