For planar magnetic headphones, brands like Hifiman and Audeze swoop in with some of the most well-known models. However, Sivga is a lesser-known Chinese company that flies under the radar, and it delivers some top quality sound. They’ve recently released the P2 Pro, an open-back planar magnetic headphone that is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the ears. At $449, it’s a worthy competitor to some of the high quality items on the shelf. Today, we take a look at all the details from overall aesthetic to sound quality.
What Comes In The Box
- P2 PRO Headphone
- Hemp Carrying Bag
- Leather Carrying Case
- 3.5mm to 6.35mm Adaptor
- 3.5mm to 4.4mm Adaptor Cable
- 4.4mm Balanced Audio Cable
Aesthetics and Functionality
The look of these headphones is something to marvel at. The red oak wood finish paired with the silver metallic lining makes these a stylish and luxurious headphone. Just by looking at these, you can tell they are going to be comfortable to wear. The suspended headband is lightweight on the ear, and the velvet earpads are uniquely shaped to the curve of your head for optimal ear seal. While they may be weighted in the hands, the feel of them on your head is light and makes it easy for long listening sessions.
Getting these up and running is also quite easy. The headphones come with a 4.4mm balanced termination, but also a 4.4mm to 3.5 mm adapter. A small push-in 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter is also included, making it accessible in nearly any audio setup. I used a few different amps when listening to these, including the iFi HiP DAC 2 and the Eversolo DAC-Z6.
Something you’ll see in nearly all Sivga headphones or earbuds is a carrying case. It’s a nice touch that you don’t see with every pair of headphones. Everything fits comfortably without being squished or at the risk of bending oddly, which is a great feature. The leather carrying case is durable and helps keep the headphones safe for people who like to travel.
Tech Specs
- Impedance: 32 Ω +/- 15%
- Transducer Type: Planar Diaphragm Driver
- Cable Length: 2m +/- 0.2m
- Transducer Size: 97mm x 76mm
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 40 kHz
- Sensitivity: 98 dB +/- 3dB
- Weight: 435
Listening Review
Soundstage
As is the case with a lot of open-back headphones, the Sivga P2 Pros are incredibly wide. The sound wraps around your head in a pleasing way that isn’t overwhelming but still immerses you fully into your listening. While there isn’t any noise canceling technology in these, you are still fairly isolated from your outside environment with volume alone. The imaging accuracy and detail in the signature is quite good, as well as giving you great dynamics across the entire range. The overall signature is on the brighter side, which is a common trend for planar magnetic headphones.
Low Frequencies
I’ve heard it said that planar magnetic headphones have something called the “planar bass”. What is that exactly? It’s the specific way the bass sounds in a planar magnetic headphone, usually a more synthetic or treble leaning bass response coming from this type of driver. It’s not everyone’s favorite sound, and maybe it takes them out of the moment, but it varies across different headphones.
When it comes to the P2 Pro, I heard that planar bass. That being said: it wasn’t as synthetic as you think. The low end hits hard and drives tracks forward with deep tones you can feel as well as hear. It does lean on the bright side, but that brightness contributes to its clarity and definition. There is no muddiness or washed out sound in the bass, which makes kick drums hit hard and 808s another melodic element in a track. I appreciated the twang that came from bass guitars in rock bands, where the low thrum and pitch could still be heard.
Mid-Range Frequencies
A common theme in these headphones is exceptional detail: the mid-range follows this to a tee. With the amount of instruments that normally live in this range, it’s easy for it to feel overcrowded or washed out because there is so much going on. Instead, the depth and width in the soundstage allows for all the frequencies to live in harmony and get the attention they deserve. Vocals are placed at the forefront of the sound, making it the star of any track and letting everything else follow close behind. Each instrument’s timbre was clearly heard, and all the layers made me pick out new elements of my favorite tracks I hadn’t heard before.
High Frequencies
The high end is certainly a thing of triumph. I would have thought the high end was going to be too overwhelming or shrill in my ear, but instead it was in just the right balance with the low end to make the sound signature very rounded out. Frequencies dissipated naturally in the field, as well as being light and airy in timbre. In pop tracks, the higher synth pads and keys were clear and punchy, and they didn’t ring unnaturally in the space. Even big ensembles with large reverbs felt natural and like I was in the room with the orchestra.
Summary
In conclusion, the Sivga P2 Pro is a fantastic sounding headphone. With bright and open characteristics, it still drives hard in the low end and delivers stunning clarity across the board. People will be impressed by these not only for the sound, but also for the style and physical quality of the product itself. The planar magnetic headphones might not be for everyone, but this pair is certainly something to put on your radar.
The Sivga P2 Pro is available at Audio46 today.
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