Today, we’re reviewing the new Sivga SV021 Pro, a closed-back dynamic headphone priced at $179.
Disclaimer: The unit was sent to us for free, in exchange for our honest opinion.
Sivga Audio
Sivga Audio is a China-based brand founded in 2016 in Dongguan. The company operates as a fully integrated manufacturer, covering research and development, production, and customer service.
Sivga’s core philosophy is to combine traditional craftsmanship with modern headphone design. One of its defining characteristics is the consistent use of natural wood in its products, giving the brand a distinctive identity in an otherwise plastic-dominated market.
Over the years, Sivga has gained recognition across platforms such as Head-Fi, Reddit, and Amazon. Models like the Phoenix helped establish the brand’s reputation, followed by a broader lineup targeting both entry-level and mid-tier audiences.
Sivga SV023 Review
We previously reviewed the SV023 in 2022, when Sivga already demonstrated its ability to balance aesthetics with a musical, easygoing sound.
Sivga SV021 Pro
Sivga has built a solid reputation by offering visually distinctive, handcrafted headphones that prioritise musicality and accessibility. The original SV021, also known as the “Robin,” became a popular option in the entry-to-mid segment thanks to its engaging tuning and comfortable design.
With the SV021 Pro, Sivga takes a refinement-focused approach rather than introducing a completely new concept.
The updated model features a redesigned 50mm aluminium diaphragm dynamic driver, alongside revised acoustic tuning aimed at improving clarity, control, and overall balance. At the same time, Sivga retains the easy-going and musical character that made the original model appealing.
Visually and structurally, the SV021 Pro continues the brand’s signature approach, with handcrafted wooden earcups, a lightweight build, and a comfort-oriented design. The goal is clear: to create a versatile, everyday headphone rather than a purely analytical listening tool.
Packaging & Accessories
The SV021 Pro arrives in a simple and functional package, consistent with its price positioning.
Inside the box, you’ll find:
- The headphones
- A detachable 3.5mm cable
- A 6.35mm adapter
- A Sivga-branded carrying pouch
There are no premium extras or elaborate presentation elements, but everything included is practical and sufficient for everyday use. At this price point, Sivga clearly prioritises the product itself over the unboxing experience.
Design & Build Quality
The SV021 Pro closely follows the design language of the original SV021 — and that’s not a bad thing.
The standout feature remains the handcrafted wooden earcups, which give the headphones a distinctive, premium appearance compared to most competitors in this segment. The natural wood finish adds both visual warmth and a sense of traditional HiFi identity.
Each unit features a slightly unique wood grain pattern, reinforcing the product’s handcrafted nature.
From a design perspective, the SV021 Pro strikes an appealing balance between classic and modern. It has a slightly old-school aesthetic, yet still feels relevant and well-executed.
Build quality is solid for the price. The combination of metal components and reinforced structure provides a reassuring feel without making the headphone overly heavy. It doesn’t reach true “luxury-tier” construction, but it certainly feels more premium than many alternatives in this range.
The headband adjustment is smooth and stable, and the earcups offer slight rotation to improve fit and ergonomics. The detachable cable system also adds flexibility for upgrades or replacements.
Overall, the SV021 Pro delivers a well-rounded design that combines aesthetics, durability, and practicality.
Sound Quality
General
The Sivga SV021 Pro presents a relatively open and airy tuning for a closed-back headphone, leaning slightly towards the brighter side of neutral.
At first listen, the presentation feels spacious and breathable, with a noticeable sense of openness that is uncommon at this price or form factor. There is a certain “wonky” character to the tuning, particularly in the midrange, which gives the SV021 Pro a unique personality rather than a strictly accurate or reference-oriented sound.
The overall tonality does not feel perfectly linear or natural at all times. Instead, it prioritises a more expressive and slightly coloured presentation, with an emphasis on airiness and clarity over density and weight.
Despite this, the SV021 Pro remains an engaging and listenable headphone, especially for those who appreciate a more open, lively sound.
Bass
The bass response of the SV021 Pro is relatively balanced in terms of quantity, sitting neither overly boosted nor lacking.
There is enough presence to support the overall sound signature, but it does not dominate the presentation. The low end emphasises texture and control over sheer impact or physicality.
However, there is a slight lack of sub-bass rumble and mid-bass punch. Kick drums and deeper bass notes could benefit from a bit more authority and weight, especially for listeners who prefer a more impactful low-end.
That said, the bass remains clean and well-behaved. It integrates well with the rest of the frequency range and avoids bleeding into the midrange, helping maintain overall clarity.
Mids
The midrange is where the SV021 Pro becomes more distinctive — and also more polarising.
There is a noticeable lift in the upper-mid region, which introduces a slightly shouty character, particularly in certain vocal recordings. This can occasionally affect tonal accuracy, making the presentation feel less natural than expected.
However, the midrange offers a very open, breathable presentation. Vocals and instruments are delivered with a sense of space and air, creating a more “expansive” feel than typically expected from a closed-back headphone.
This results in an interesting contrast: while the tonality may not always be perfectly balanced, the openness and liveliness add a certain charm to the listening experience.
Instrument timbre leans slightly on the lighter side rather than being full-bodied, but the presentation remains engaging thanks to its airy character.
Treble
The treble performance is controlled and relatively smooth, avoiding excessive brightness or harshness.
Despite the overall slightly bright-leaning tonality, the treble itself does not become overly sharp or fatiguing. Instead, it provides a clean, well-defined top-end with moderate detail and extension.
There is enough presence to support the sense of air and openness in the sound, but it does not push into aggressive territory. This makes the SV021 Pro quite comfortable to listen to over longer sessions.
However, those looking for a highly energetic or sparkling treble may find it slightly restrained.
The review continues on the second page. Click here or use the jumps below.
creditSource link
