Recently, I had the opportunity to test the SIVGA SV023 open-back headphones, and in this review, I will share my thoughts and opinions on this product.
Disclaimer: No one paid me to make this review or offer specific opinions about this product. All thoughts expressed in this review are solely my own.
The SIVGA SV023 is a dynamic open-back headphone that exemplifies the fusion of artistry and engineering. It features 50 mm LCP drivers with Beryllium coated diaphragm developed in-house by SIVGA, de-attachable high purity 6N OCC cable, walnut wood ear cups and specially shaped ear pads that provide an excellent fit & comfort.
The headphones arrive in a large stylish hard cardboard box which has the headphones illustration on the front and the list of technical specifications on the back.
In the box:
- SIVGA SV023 headphones
- 1.8m de-detachable balanced cable
- 4.4 mm to 3.5 mm adapter cable
- 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm adapter
- Fabric bag for accessories
- And a hard leather storage case
Impedance of SIVGA SV023 is 300 Ω, sensitivity is 105dB. The headphone weight 318 g without a cable.
Design & Build
The headphones look gorgeous. They are made out of metal, leather, and wood with a few plastic parts.
The outer part of the headband is made from steel spring and it’s split into two parts. The inner part of the headband is made from protein leather, it’s padded and you can slide it along the outer steel headband to adjust the fit. The SIVGA logo is embossed on top. The padding on the inner headband is good and it comfortably sits on your head. Overall the headband is very ergonomic and it distributes the weight of the headphones well.
The clamping force of the headband is average, providing a good fit and seal and it’s great for long listening sessions. The yokes that attach the headband to the cups are metal too and complement the overall design. To adjust the headband, you simply move each side of the inner headband up or down along the steel rails and this mechanism works well. The ear cups have 30 degrees horizontal swivel on both sides. Vertically the earcups can rotate 30 degrees inwards, but almost with no rotation outwards.
Ear cups
The ear cups are made out of high-density rosewood, they are CNC machined. The wood goes through sanding, polishing, painting, and natural air drying. There is also a vented mesh installed in both ear cups. It makes the headphone design open back or semi-open back if you will. On the bottom part of each ear cup there is a 2.5 mm connector socket
The SIVGA SV023 come with hybrid memory foam ear pads and they have an oval shape. The ear pads are 105 mm in height and 95 mm across. The opening of the ear pad is 65 mm in height and 50 mm across. The depth of the ear pads is almost 20mm. The ear pads are soft and comfortable. The outer ear pad ring is made from perforated protein leather. The part touching your head is made from velvet.
Inside the cups we have 50 mm Beryllium plated LCP composite diaphragm drivers which are developed by SIVGA in-house. Overall I’m pleased with the build quality, and I think the headphones look gorgeous.
Fit and comfort
The headphones weigh 318 grams without the cable and despite having rosewood ear cups and metal build, they still feel light on the head. I have an average size head, I wear motorcycle helmet size L and the headphones fit me well. In addition I have large ears and in my case they completely fit inside the ear pads.
Even if you have a big head, the size and shape of the headband should not be a problem. The headband clamping force is average, and it provides a comfortable fit and a good seal. Considering the fact, this pair of headphones is intended for a laid-back listening, the headband clamping force combined with excellent earpads makes this pair very comfortable for long listening sessions.
Overall headphones provide a fantastic level of comfort and it’s a pleasure to wear them for hours.
Cable
SIVGA has thoughtfully included a 1.8-meter de-attachable 6N OCC balanced cable, featuring a straight 4.4mm connector with a spring on one end and two 2.5mm TS connectors on the other. The connectors snugly nestle within the ear cups, accompanied by a satisfying click upon connection. SIVGA also provided a 4.4mm to 3.5mm adapter cable.
The included cable is in my opinion one of the best stock cables I’ve seen so far in this price range. It’s well built, soft and has almost no microphonics.
SIVGA SV023 sound overview
Moving on to the sound quality of the SIVGA SV023, it’s essential to understand that all sound impressions are subjective and should be taken with a grain of salt.
The impedance of headphones is 300 ohms so you will need a powerful source to make them shine. Sound-wise the headphones are wonderful. They are a rare combination of smooth character, laid-back tuning, and studio-grade details which results in a fantastic sound presentation.
I heard several headphones in this price bracket, and I need to say that this pair definitely stands out with its tuning, tonal balance, precision and accuracy. The headphones have a moderate amount of bass, with gentle punch and good control, detailed and clean mid range and relaxed treble. This sound signature paired with spacious presentation makes long listening sessions with this pair a pure joy.
Bass
The bass response of the SIVGA SV023 is tastefully balanced, providing a nuanced blend of detail, refreshment, and punch. Bass is neither overpowering nor lacking. And it offers a controlled and precise low-end representation. The sub-bass extension and mid-bass impact contribute to a satisfying auditory foundation. Remarkably, the driver’s capability becomes evident when equalization is applied, revealing an absence of distortion and maintaining clarity within the bass frequencies.
Midrange
The midrange is a standout feature of the SIVGA SV023, characterized by its natural and energetic presentation. Vocals and instruments are rendered with exquisite accuracy, capturing the essence of musical performances. Lower mids possess solidity and body, enhancing the richness of tonal textures. In comparison, upper mids emanate energy and fullness, contributing to the overall engaging presentation. Guitars, vocals, and piano passages are notably well-represented, showcasing the headphones’ prowess across genres.
Treble
Treble on the SV023 is a refined realm of detailed elegance. Offering an impressive level of extension and detail without veering into sharpness or sibilance, the treble region contributes to the headphones’ overall smooth and lush sound signature. While some may desire a touch more sparkle and airiness, the treble presentation remains detailed and coherent. The incorporation of EQ offers additional versatility, accommodating personal preferences without compromising the headphone’s clarity and detail retrieval.
Sound stage, imaging, and details
The SIVGA SV023’s soundstage envelops the listener in a spacious and immersive auditory environment. Music extends beyond the boundaries of the head, creating a captivating sense of depth and dimensionality. Instrument placement is precise, contributing to a lifelike auditory image. The headphones excel in detail and micro-detail retrieval, enabling listeners to appreciate the intricacies within their favorite tracks. The headphone’s ability to maintain a natural and coherent sound presentation further distinguishes it within its price range.
Conclusions
The SIVGA SV023 open-back headphones epitomize the art of audio engineering. With a lot of attention to design, craftsmanship, and sound quality, SIVGA has created great headphones that match elegance with sonic brilliance. The SV023’s build quality, comfort, and exceptional audio performance make it a truly enjoyable pair of headphones.
Pros
- Superb build quality and choice of materials
- High-quality detachable cable
- Exceptional comfort for extended listening sessions
- Organic and natural midrange
- Refined and relaxed treble
- Excellent clarity & detail retrieval
Cons
- The upper treble is a bit recessed
- And bass quantity can be a deal breaker for some people, although it can be easily fixed with EQ
Overall, I need to say that I’m impressed. It’s a fantastic pair of headphones with excellent design, good build with a great choice of materials and it has a very comfortable fit.
The headphones are capable of providing a great technical performance, along with detailed, yet relaxed, sound signature. There is a good amount of bass, fantastic midrange and smooth treble and long listening sessions with these headphones have been a truly immersive experience. If you can afford it – I strongly recommend SIVGA SV023 to anyone looking for a pair of great looking and well built open back headphones with a fantastic sound signature.
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