SIVGA P2 PRO Review

 

 

 

SIVGA P2 PRO Review

 

Introduction:

SIVGA Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. is a Chinese brand based in Dongguan City, China. The company specializes in designing and manufacturing high-end audio products, including wooden earphones, multi-driver In-Ear Monitors, and planar magnetic headphones. All of SIVGA’s products are designed and produced internally.

The SIVGA P2 Pro is a pair of open-back over-ear headphones and the  successor to the original P2 model. The P2 PRO builds upon its predecessor’s strengths while incorporating new features and improvements. Featuring a 97mm x 76mm large planar magnetic driver with “Advanced Sapphire Conductivity Technology”, the P2 PRO it also offers a premium build quality, with solid-stabilized Red Oak wood earcups and CNC-machined metallic components. The P2 PRO’s unique features include a sapphire vibration circuit, which utilizes a deep ultraviolet lithography mechanism for precise acoustics.

 

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank SIVGA for providing me the P2 PRO Open-Back Planar headphone for review purposes. I am not affiliated with SIVGA beyond this review and these words reflect my true and unaltered opinions about the product.

 

Price & Availability:

The actual price of the SIVGA P2 PRO open back planar headphone is 449,00 US$. More information’s can be found under the link below;

 

Package & Accessories:

The SIVGA P2 PRO arrived inside a relatively large cardboard box with some brandings and the illustration of the headphone on the top.

Inside the box are the following items;

  • 1 x SIVGA P2 PRO Headphone
  • 1 x detachable cable with 4.4mm Headphone Plug
  • 1 x 4.4 Female to 3.5mm Male Adapter
  • 1 x Storage Case
  • 1 x Carry Pouch

 

Design & Built Quality:

The SIVGA P2 PRO is a full-sized, open-back headphone that showcases a captivating blend of aesthetics and functionality. Crafted with premium materials like hand-polished red oak wood and CNC-machined earcups, the P2 PRO exudes a luxurious aesthetic.

The P2 PRO features a large 97mm x 76mm planar magnetic driver. Its acoustic performance is driven by advanced sapphire conductivity technology, which is the result of over 3,000 experiments. This technology, combined with plasma glow discharge, ion bombardment, ultra-low temperature deposition, and PLASM cleaning processes, results in a diaphragm that delivers cleaner and more consistent sound.

The earcups are crafted through a time-consuming CNC machining process, involving multiple painting, polishing, and drying stages. This labor-intensive process results in unique and visually stunning earcups. Each pair of P2 PRO headphones is truly one-of-a-kind.

One of the design highlights is the stylish front design, featuring a protective silver metal mesh beneath a black cloud-shaped metal grill that adds a premium look and feel.

The earpads are made of soft, skin-friendly velvet material, providing a comfortable wearing experience even during extended listening sessions. The ear pads are designed to fit a wide range of head shapes and provide minimal pressure on the ears.

The inner surface of the earpads features L (Left) / R (Right) markings.

Each earcup has a 3.5mm female connector that offers a tight and secure connection.

The earcups can be swiveled 180° in all directions for added flexibility and comfort.

The headband is constructed from a combination of stainless steel and aluminum, providing a sturdy and durable framework.

The crown is made of black stainless steel spring metal, attached to headband holders that display the SIVGA logo and left (L) and right (R) indicators.

The headband cover is made of high-end kidskin, offering a soft and comfortable feel.

On the top of the headband padding is the SIVGA branding.

The SIVGA P2 PRO weighs approximately 435 grams, which is quite acceptable for a full-sized headphone with a planar magnetic driver. I was able to wear it for several hours without experiencing any comfort issues.

 

Detachable Cable:

The SIVGA P2 PRO comes with a detachable cable featuring a braided design. The cable is constructed of high-purity 4-core 6N purity “Single Crystalline Copper” wire material and has a soft plastic insulation with a minimal amount of microphonic effect.

The cable has two 3.5mm male connectors, one for the left earcup and one for the right earcup. Each connector features a metal housing with left and right markings, while the plugs have additional ring indicators (red for the right and green for the left channel).

The cable features a 4.4mm Balanced headphone jack with a straight-profiled metal housing in black color that displays the SIVGA logo in white color. The headphone plug also features a flexible strain relief in the form of a spring for added protection.

A highlight of the detachable cable is the 4.4mm Balanced female to 3.5mm Single Ended adapter, which is made of the same cable material and offers the same high-quality appearance and feel.

 

Isolation:

The SIVGA P2 PRO, being an open-back planar magnetic driver headphone, inherently offers below-average isolation. This is a characteristic common to all open-back headphone designs. Due to the open nature of the earcups, there is a significant degree of noise and sound leakage both into and out of the headphones. As a result, the P-II may not be the ideal choice for environments with high ambient noise levels.

 

Synergy & Drivability:

The SIVGA P2 PRO has an impedance of 32 ohms and a sensitivity of 98 dB. This relatively low impedance and moderate sensitivity make it compatible with portable players like the HiBy R6 PRO II and FiiO M23. However, for a truly optimal listening experience, it is recommended to pair the P2 PRO with a more powerful source, such as a desktop amplifier (FiiO K19, HiFiMAN EF600) or at least a high-performance portable DAC/AMP (like the iBasso D16 Taipan).

 

Technical Specifications:

  • Driver                          : Planar Magnetic Driver
  • Transducer Size         : 97mm x 76mm
  • Frequency Response : 20Hz – 40 KHz
  • Sensitivity                   : 98 dB +/-3dB
  • Impedance                 : 32 Ohm +/-15%
  • Cable Length              : 200cm (+/- 2cm)
  • Headphone Plug        : 4.4mm Balanced
  • Weight                        : 435gr

 

Equipment’s used for this review:

  • Headphones              : SIVGA P2 PRO, FiiO FT5
  • DAP                            : HiBy R6 PRO II, FiiO M23
  • DAC/AMP                  : FiiO K19, iBasso D16 Taipan, HiBy FD5, HiFiMAN EF600

 

Albums & tracks used for this review:

  • Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Apple Music Lossless)
  • Adele – My Little Love (Apple Music Lossless)
  • Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
  • Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
  • Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
  • Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
  • George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
  • David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
  • Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
  • Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
  • Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
  • Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
  • Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
  • Radiohead – Live in Berlin “Album” (Apple Music Lossless)
  • Radiohead – Pyramid Song (Apple Music Lossless)
  • U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
  • Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
  • Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
  • Bear McCreary’s – Valkyries (Deezer HiFi)
  • Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
  • Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Daft Punk – Instant Crush (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
  • Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
  • Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
  • Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
  • Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
  • Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
  • Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
  • Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Apple Music Lossless)
  • Hans Zimmer – The Dark Knight OST (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
  • Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
  • Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
  • Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
  • Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Spotify)
  • Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Apple Music Lossless)
  • Pink Floyd – Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Apple Music Lossless)
  • Miles Davis – So What (Deezer HiFi)
  • Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
  • Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Metallica – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
  • Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
  • Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
  • Rush’s – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
  • Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
  • Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
  • Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)


 

The Sound:

The SIVGA P2 Pro offers a balanced and detailed sonic signature, characterized by a controlled bass response, a clear and articulate midrange, and a refined treble with a touch of brightness. The P2 PRO’s soundstage, while not as expansive as some higher-end models, offers a level of openness that enhances the listening experience.

This review has been written after a burn-in period of approximately 80 hours and is primarily based on my sound experiences using the 4.4mm balanced output of the FiiO K19, HiBy FD5, HiFiMAN EF600 (Desktop DAC/AMP),  iBasso D16 Taipan (Portable DAC/AMP), FiiO M23 (DAP).

 

Bass:

The SIVGA P2 PRO has a bass response that is both balanced and controlled. The 97mm x 76mm large planar magnetic driver with “Advanced Sapphire Conductivity Technology” shows a bass performance that provides a solid foundation for the overall sound. In tracks like Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” the P2 PRO’s midbass control shines through in the iconic bassline. The bass is powerful and impactful without overwhelming the other elements of the track. Lorde’s “Royals” puts the P2 PRO’s subbass extension to the test. The deep, rumbling bass adds a solid base for the song, providing a satisfying listening experience. Armin Van Buuren’s “Vini Vici” showcases the P2 PRO’s ability to handle complex bass passages. The bass is fast, precise, and well-controlled, even during the most intense moments of the music.

The bass extension is decent, reaching deep frequencies with authority, adding a touch of warmth and rumble to your music. However, some listeners may find the bass slightly too prominent for their taste. The midbass control is well-handled, ensuring that the bass remains well-defined and doesn’t bleed into the midrange. This contributes to a balanced and focused sound, preventing the bass from dominating the overall presentation. The subbass decay is also impressively controlled, preventing the bass from lingering too long and muddying the overall sound. This allows for a clear and defined presentation of low-frequency information, even during complex musical passages.

 

Midrange:

The SIVGA P2 PRO offers a clear and detailed midrange. In tracks like Aretha Franklin’s “I Say A Little Prayer,” the P2 PRO beautifully reproduces her powerful voice, showcasing its ability to capture the nuances and emotion of female vocals. The midrange avoids being overly forward or recessed, striking a good balance with the rest of the sound spectrum. Instruments are reproduced in a quite natural and organic manner, showing a rich sense of texture and timbre. The P2 PRO is capable of reproducing fine details and subtle variations in music with clarity. Diana Krall’s “So Wonderful” highlights the P2 PRO’s midrange clarity. Her smooth and expressive vocals are captured with great detail, making the listening experience truly enjoyable. Dave Gahan’s “Kingdom” demonstrates the P2 PRO’s ability to handle male vocals with clarity and detail. His voice is presented with precision, allowing you to appreciate the nuances of his performance.

This balanced and articulate midrange performance is a true treat for audiophiles who value a faithful reproduction of the source material. The P2 PRO’s midrange offers a crystal-clear window into the heart of the music, allowing you to appreciate the subtle nuances and intricacies of each performance.

 

Treble:

The P2 PRO’s treble is a standout feature, delivering a refined and extended performance that brings high-frequency information to life. It offers a significant amount of detail and sparkle, breathing new life into high-frequency instruments without ever becoming harsh or sibilant. The well-controlled nature of the treble ensures that it never becomes overly bright or piercing, maintaining a pleasant and enjoyable listening experience.

As showcased in classic tracks like David Bowie’s “Heroes” and Dream Theater’s “Fall into the Light,” the P2 PRO’s treble performance is exceptional. The shimmering cymbals and guitar solos of “Heroes” are presented with a detailed and sparkling quality, while the complex treble passages of “Fall into the Light” are handled with clarity and detail, even during the most intense moments of the music.

While some listeners might find the treble slightly on the bright side, it generally provides a detailed and engaging presentation. This refined treble performance is ideal for those who appreciate a balanced and nuanced sonic experience, while the upper treble extension is a bit short for same genres like rock and metal music.

 

Soundstage:

The SIVGA P2 PRO demonstrates a notably expansive soundstage. It creates a relative wide and deep listening environment, accurately positioning instruments and vocals within the auditory space. This spaciousness allows for clear separation and layering of elements, making it easy to distinguish individual components within the music. While the P2 PRO’s soundstage may not rival higher end models, considering its open-back design, it offers a level of openness and immersion that enhances the overall listening experience.

 

Comparison:

SIVGA P2 PRO versus FiiO FT5:

Both the FiiO FT5 and the SIVGA P2 PRO offer substantial bass response, but with distinct characteristics. The FT5 delivers a well-balanced bass, providing a solid foundation without overwhelming the midrange. It offers good extension and impact, making it suitable for various genres. On the other hand, the P2 PRO boasts a more pronounced and powerful bass, delivering a punchy and satisfying low-end experience. It excels in genres that emphasize bass, such as hip-hop and electronic music.

The FiiO FT5 presents a smooth and detailed midrange, allowing vocals and instruments to shine through without being overshadowed by the bass or treble. The P2 PRO also offers a detailed midrange, but with a slightly warmer and richer tone. This warmer character can add a touch of warmth and fullness to vocals and instruments, making it particularly appealing for those who prefer a more intimate sound.

The FT5 delivers a well-balanced treble, with a smooth and refined presentation. It avoids harshness or sibilance, providing a comfortable listening experience. The P2 PRO also offers a smooth treble, but with a slightly more forward and energetic character. This can add a touch of brightness and sparkle to cymbals and high-frequency details, making it suitable for those who prefer a more lively and dynamic sound.

The FiiO FT5 offers a reasonably spacious soundstage, providing a decent sense of depth and width. It allows instruments and vocals to be positioned within the soundfield, creating a more immersive listening experience. The SIVGA P2 PRO also delivers a good soundstage, with a slightly more intimate and focused presentation.

 

Conclusion:

The SIVGA P2 Pro is a captivating pair of open-back planar magnetic headphones that deliver a balanced and detailed sound. Its large planar magnetic drivers, combined with advanced sapphire conductivity technology, offer a powerful and controlled bass response, a clear and articulate midrange, and a refined and extended treble. The P2 Pro’s expansive soundstage and comfortable design make it a suitable choice for audiophiles seeking a premium listening experience. While its open-back design may not be ideal for noisy environments, the P2 Pro’s overall performance and aesthetic appeal make it a compelling option for those who prioritize sound quality and comfort.

 

Pros & Cons: 

  • + Overall technical performance
  • + Powerful and controlled bass
  • + Clear and articulate midrange
  • + Refined and extended treble
  • + Excellent Built Quality and Aesthetic Design
  • + Comfort (both headband and earpads)
  • + High Quality Cable with 4.4mm Balanced Plug and 3.5mm Converter Adaptor
  • + Premium Protective Case

 

  • – Some listeners may find the upper midrange & treble to be slightly on the bright side
  • – As an open-back headphone, the P2 Pro offers limited isolation from ambient noise
  • – Upper treble extension slightly short for certain genres (rock, metal, etc.)

 

Thank you for the Read!

 

 

 

 

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