Introduction

Sivga Audio debuted on TechPowerUp with the Robin (SV201), a pair of closed-back headphones with good value for money, if you're in the market for a V-shaped tuning that isn't aggressive to the point of expense of detail. This was a follow-up to the open-back Phoenix that uses the same 50 mm dynamic driver but for a very different sound signature as we saw before. The Sivga Phoenix was more impressive in what it could offer, albeit it did cost more for that improvement. Soon after both those reviews were published, Sivga got in touch about its latest offering with a brand new driver and one that costs even more!


The Sivga SV023 is the subject of today's review, it is a set that lacks a relatable name, such as how the SV021 is known as the Robin. People may be confused by this, and I urge Sivga to reconsider its naming strategy as soon as possible. Regardless, a single look at the photo above confirms these are intended to be a better set of open-back, over-hear headphones, even compared to the Phoenix, given the more imposing design and a more premium-looking cable. Wooden ear cups continue to be Sivga's calling card, and there's a lot to talk about the driver too. So let's get started with the review, which begins with a look at the product specifications in the table below. I'd like to thank Sivga for providing a review sample to TechPowerUp!

Specifications

Packaging and Accessories

I mentioned how the SV023 name wasn't catchy or memorable, but even that is outdone by the relatively mundane packaging employed here. Given that the box design for the Sivga Phoenix made people look at it in a positive manner, I'm not sure what's happened here with the SV023. Regardless, this is a brown box that comes wrapped in plastic and uses thick cardboard for a two-piece assembly. On the front is the Sivga logo and product name, along with a large, basic render of the headphones on the side. More of this minimalist packaging continues on the back, with the marketing tagline printed in both English and Chinese characters, this is also the case with the product specifications.


Removing the lid reveals that perhaps the packaging design was an attempt to mimic the walnut wood used on the actual headphones, but really the main point here is the Sivga SV023 carry case, which comes snugly packed in a thick foam sheet, with a precise cutout. The carry/storage case here is similar to what we saw before with the Phoenix, except in a tan brown color rather than the black used there. It's formed from molded EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) hard case, with some give to help absorb bumps and falls. A suede leather texture has been applied to the exterior, and the Sivga logo is embossed into the front. The zipper is sturdy, and there is even a loop-hole for a carabiner should you wish to clip the case to your bag. Four plastic feet on the bottom allow for it to be stood upright; and this continues to be a highly functional case I am happy with. A soft velvet lining inside the case protects the headphones further, which are placed front and center, with the ear cups facing outward and towards the bottom, explaining the curved nature of the case.


The other thing inside is a soft white hemp pouch with the Sivga logo in black on the front. Drawstrings are used to close it with the headphone cable inside, and it is stitched neatly. The cable in turn comes inside a plastic pouch of its own, and there is a second shorter cable adapter included, which follows the same design. This adapter goes from female 4.4 mm TRRS balanced to male 3.5 mm TRS single-ended to allow the Sivga SV023 to be used with single-ended sources—portable or otherwise. It too, comes branded with the Sivga logo on the connector housings, although surprisingly we don't find a 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm (1/4") adapter here. Sivga probably assumes rightly that anyone in the market for the SV023 likely has a few of those lying around already!