SIVGA Peng Review

 

Introduction:

SIVGA has developed a reputation for headphones that blend handcrafted aesthetics with a particular sonic character. The Peng, a closed-back offering, incorporates a 50mm dynamic driver utilizing a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) suspension and a sapphire composite diaphragm. It is designed with an emphasis on user comfort during prolonged listening, striving to present a distinctive warm and engaging sound. My evaluation of this headphone included comprehensive testing with various high-fidelity components to assess its design, construction, and acoustic performance.

 

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank SIVGA for providing me the Peng Closed-Back 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 fort he SIVGA Peng is $495 USD. More information’s can be found under the links below;

• SIVGA Peng Closed-Back Headphones

 

Package & Accessories:

The SIVGA Peng was supplied in a cardboard box of considerable dimensions, adorned with brandings and a illusration of the enclosed audio device.

Inside the box are the following items;

• 1 x SIVGA Peng Headphone
• 1 x Cable with 4.4 mm balanced plug (about 1.8m)
• 1 x Adaptor plug (6.35 mm  3.5 mm to 6.35mm)
• 1 x Adaptor cable (4.4 mm Balanced to 3.5mm Single-Ended)
• 1 x Hemp carrying bag
• 1 x Carrying case

The SIVGA Peng comes with a compact, semi-rigid, hardshell leather case finished in brown. Its lid features sculpted contours and an embossed SIVGA logo, complemented by a matching leather strap and four brass-colored base studs. Secured by a zipper, the interior is custom-molded and soft-lined for headphone protection, also including a branded drawstring pouch for accessories. This robust carrying case provides comprehensive protection for travel or transport, while the inclusion of multiple cable options and an adapter enhances versatility for various audio setups.

 

 

Design, Build Quality, Comfort:

The SIVGA Peng combines aesthetic elegance with practical ergonomics, using high-quality materials to create a visually appealing and durable headphone. The ear cups, crafted from African zebrawood, feature a polished, deep brown finish that highlights the wood’s wavy grain patterns.

Each pair shows slight variations, lending a unique, handcrafted character. A laser-etched white SIVGA logo on each cup’s outer edge adds subtle branding without overpowering the wood’s natural beauty.

The Sivga Peng’s 50mm dynamic driver is a key component, engineered to produce a strong and powerful sound. It features a liquid-crystal polymer (LCP) surround and a sapphire composite diaphragm, a combination that minimizes distortion and ensures accurate sound reproduction. Integrated into the diaphragm is a copper-ring stabilization system, which further reduces distortion. This design, along with diamond-cut skeleton craftsmanship that creates micron-level acoustic channels, allows the driver to produce a clean, powerful sound with excellent clarity across a wide frequency band.

The SIVGA Peng headphones feature thoughtful design elements to enhance user experience, such as vents on top of the earcups. This design detail directly improves breathability and comfort during extended listening sessions by promoting airflow and preventing overheating.

The oval cups, approximately 110mm by 90mm, rotate 180 degrees, allowing the headphones to lie flat for storage or rest comfortably around the neck, enhancing portability and convenience.

The frame utilizes CNC-machined aviation-grade aluminum, finished in matte black to complement the wood elements. Lightweight and robust, it is engineered to minimize vibrations.

At 341 grams (including the cable), the Peng feels light for its class, ensuring comfort during long sessions. The headband, with a flexible steel core wrapped in soft, genuine lambskin leather, distributes weight evenly across the scalp for a secure, gentle fit.

I wore it for hours without discomfort. Stepless aluminum sliders adjust smoothly with a damped mechanism, enabling precise fit customization for various head sizes.

Angled ear pads, filled with inert memory foam and covered in breathable lambskin leather, conform to the ear’s shape for a secure seal without excessive pressure. Spacious enough for larger ears, the pads include top-facing vents to promote airflow, reducing heat buildup during extended use, especially in warm environments.

Replaceable pads with durable stitching suggest longevity, though careful handling during swaps is advisable. Clear L/R markings inside the cups simplify setup.

The dual 3.5mm connectors at the ear cup bases are sturdy.

The closed-back design provides enhanced isolation, making the Peng suitable for environments with ambient noise, such as home, office, or studio settings. The combination of zebrawood, aluminum, and lambskin leather contributes to the headphone’s structural integrity and distinct visual characteristics. Manufacturing processes include precise machining and consistent material joining.

 

Cable Design and Materials:

The included 1.8m 6N oxygen-free copper (OCC) cable with a 4.4mm balanced plug ensures high conductivity, compatible with balanced-output devices. Its braided, tangle-resistant sheath minimizes microphonic noise while remaining flexible and durable. Gold-plated connectors provide reliable signal transfer and corrosion resistance. The additional 3.5mm single-ended to 4.4mm balanced adaptor cable and 6.35mm to 3.5mm adaptor offer further versatility for different audio setups. The cables’ quality matches the headphone’s premium design.

 

Technical Specifications:

•  Model                          : Peng
• Headphone Design    : Closed Back
• Driver Type                 : 50mm Dynamic Driver
• Impedance                 : 340Ω±15%
• Sensitivity                   : 102dB±3dB
• Frequency Range       : 20Hz~40kHz
• Weight                        : 341 grams (including cable)
• Cable Material            : 6N OCC with Gold-Plated Connectors

 

Drivability & Pairing:

With an impedance of approximately 340Ω±15% and a sensitivity of 102dB±3dB, the SIVGA Peng can powered relative effectively with portable devices like the iBasso DX340 and FiiO M23, delivering a full and engaging sound. However, a desktop DAC/amplifier like the FiiO K17, particularly via balanced output, can further enhance its dynamics and clarity, potentially offering a more refined listening experience. The Peng’s tuning remains forgiving across various sources, and its accessible impedance ensures a broad range of devices can adequately drive its warm, musical character

 

Key Features:

• 50mm Dynamic Driver with LCP Suspension
• African Zebrawood Ear Cups with 180-Degree Rotation
• CNC-Machined Aluminum Frame
• Detachable 6N OCC Cable with 4.4mm Balanced Plug
• Angled Lambskin Ear Pads with Inert Foam
• Top Vents for Enhanced Airflow

 

Equipment’s used for this review:

• Headphones              : SIVGA Peng, HiFiMAN Sundara CB
• Sources                     : iBasso DX340, FiiO M23, FiiO K17

 

 

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 Peng offers a warm, organic sound that emphasizes musicality and comfort over analytical precision. Its 50mm dynamic driver, with an LCP suspension and sapphire composite diaphragm, produces a smooth, cohesive performance with minimal distortion. After roughly 100 hours of burn-in, the Peng reveals a refined, laid-back character ideal for jazz, acoustic, folk, and vocal-driven genres. The closed-back design provides strong isolation, making it suitable for environments with background noise, such as offices or studios. The tuning centers on a full, smooth midrange, paired with restrained bass and pretty soft treble.

 

Bass:

The Peng’s bass is restrained yet present, delivering a balanced low-end that provides body without overpowering other frequencies. It prioritizes refinement over heavy impact, distinct from headphones designed for intense bass. In Daft Punk’s “Doin’ it Right,” the electronic kick drums and synth basslines form a rhythmic foundation with warm, controlled presence. The mid-bass offers punch and fullness, particularly with the iBasso DX340, which delivers tight, articulate lows, keeping the pulsing beat clear without overwhelming the vocals. The FiiO K17 enhances texture, revealing subtle vibrations in the bass guitar that add depth to the track’s groove while maintaining clarity at higher volumes.

In Gogo Penguin’s “Raven,” the Peng handles the double bass with natural decay, remaining clear in the track’s dynamic jazz passages. The sub-bass, though present, stays subtle, providing a gentle rumble that supports lower frequencies without drawing focus. This clean, controlled delivery avoids muddiness, ideal for jazz or acoustic genres where clarity matters. In the deepest sub-bass regions, it can feel slightly loose, potentially underwhelming for electronic tracks demanding powerful low-end. If you’d like more sub-bass intensity, you can use EQ adjustments to enhance it, though I don’t use EQ myself. At 90dB, the bass gains energy while staying composed, offering versatility for most genres, though it may not satisfy listeners seeking deep, visceral impact.

 

Midrange:

The midrange is the Peng’s standout feature, delivering a smooth, full, and natural sound that excels with vocals and acoustic instruments. In Diana Krall’s “So Wonderful,” her voice emerges with soulful warmth, feeling intimate and uncolored, as if she’s performing nearby. The mids are slightly forward, providing natural presence without being aggressive. The piano’s warm, resonant tones are rendered authentically, with subtle overtones adding depth. The FiiO K17 adds richness, enhancing vocal texture, while the FiiO M23 emphasizes smoothness, creating an effortless, immersive experience for long sessions. No harshness or sibilance disrupts comfort.

In Aretha Franklin’s “I Say A Little Prayer,” the Peng captures the emotional depth of her vocals with lush, resonant quality, balancing low and high notes for a cohesive, musical tone. The backing vocals and organ notes sound authentic, with a warm, relaxed character that avoids artificiality. The closed-back design slightly compresses instrument separation, but the Peng prioritizes cohesion, blending vocals and instruments harmoniously without feeling overly merged. The warm mids soften micro-details in complex tracks, favoring a unified, pleasing sound over sharp clarity. This tuning suits jazz, soul, and vocal-driven genres, where emotional connection trumps analytical detail, making the music feel alive and engaging.

 

Treble:

The Peng’s treble is smooth and soft-edged, tuned for comfort rather than sharp detail, aligning with its laid-back character. In Metallica’s “Sad but True,” the cymbal crashes and hi-hats carry a gentle, controlled quality, avoiding harshness or sibilance. The treble remains pleasant during extended listening, with the electric guitar’s high notes rendered clearly without piercing the ears. The FiiO K17 adds slight liveliness, enhancing clarity, while the iBasso DX340 maintains a warm, controlled presentation, ideal for relaxed sessions.

In Radiohead’s “Pyramid Song,” the treble handles the delicate cymbal taps and piano high notes with a rounded, cohesive presence. A roll-off above 8-9 kHz reduces airiness and crispness, prioritizing a fatigue-free experience over sparkling highs. This suits listeners sensitive to bright treble but may feel tame for those seeking lively, detailed highs. At higher volumes, the treble becomes more vibrant, complementing the warm mids and restrained bass without sharpness. While not ideal for analytical listening, the treble integrates seamlessly with the overall sound, excelling in genres like rock and alternative where smoothness enhances musicality.

 

Soundstage & Imaging:

The Peng’s closed-back design produces a modest soundstage, emphasizing coherence over expansive width. It offers decent height, width, and depth, creating an inviting, immersive feel for vocal-centric and acoustic tracks. The FiiO K17 slightly expands spatial cues, improving instrument distinction. While not matching the openness of open-back headphones, the Peng’s soundstage is effective for its class, complementing its musical tuning.

 

 

Comparison:

SIVGA Peng versus HiFiMAN Sundara CB:

When comparing the SIVGA Peng and the HiFiMAN Sundara Closed-Back, both offer compelling sonic experiences within the closed-back headphone category, yet they present distinct tonal philosophies. While the Sundara CB excels in technical precision, the SIVGA Peng often distinguishes itself with a more inherently musical and engaging presentation.

The SIVGA Peng, with its dynamic driver, delivers a remarkably warm and inviting sound signature that prioritizes organic musicality. Its bass is characterized by a natural body and satisfying presence, offering a rich foundation without ever becoming boomy or losing control. The midrange is a particular strength, presenting vocals and instruments with a lush smoothness and a lifelike, engaging quality that draws the listener in. The treble is extended but gently rolled off, ensuring a non-fatiguing experience free from harshness or sibilance, making it ideal for extended listening sessions. The soundstage, while typically intimate as expected from a closed-back, is well-defined with natural imaging, creating a cohesive and immersive sonic picture.

Conversely, the HiFiMAN Sundara Closed-Back, leveraging planar magnetic drivers, offers a sound profile that leans towards neutrality and technical prowess. Its bass is notably tight, articulate, and fast, delivering impactful low frequencies with precision and excellent texture. The midrange is clear and highly detailed, excelling in resolving intricate layers of music, though it can sometimes sound less warm or overtly rich compared to the Peng’s more analog presentation. The treble is detailed and extended, contributing significantly to clarity and micro-detail retrieval, yet its energy can, at times, approach brightness depending on the recording. The Sundara CB often provides a relatively spacious soundstage for a closed-back, with commendable imaging and instrument separation.

In summary, while the HiFiMAN Sundara Closed-Back impresses with its analytical clarity and technical articulation, the SIVGA Peng often holds a subtle advantage in its ability to deliver a consistently musical and effortlessly enjoyable listening experience. Its warm, natural tonality and smooth delivery across the frequency spectrum, particularly its engaging midrange and non-fatiguing treble, make it a preferred choice for those who prioritize immersive musicality and comfort over extended listening periods.

 

Conclusion:

The SIVGA Peng is a thoughtfully crafted closedback headphone that prioritizes musicality and comfort over analytical sharpness. Its warm, laidback tuningcentered around a rich midrangemakes it especially suitable for genres like jazz, folk, soul, and vocaldriven tracks. While it doesnt deliver hardhitting bass or sparkling treble, its cohesive sound signature and refined presentation cater well to listeners who value emotional engagement and fatiguefree sessions.

Build quality, design aesthetics, and accessory package are all premium, and the headphone proves easy to drive across a range of portable and desktop setups. Though its closedback nature limits soundstage spaciousness, the Peng delivers a unified, engaging listening experience that balances craftsmanship with audio finesse.

 

Pros & Cons: 

• + Warm, smooth, and engaging midrange
• + Controlled treble for fatigue-free listening
• + Elegant zebrawood design with premium materials
• + Comfortable for long listening sessions
• + Excellent build quality and accessory bundle
• + Easy to drive with portable or desktop sources
• + Balanced cable and multiple adaptors included

 

• – Sub-bass lacks intensity for electronic or bass-heavy genres
• – Treble roll-off reduces airiness and detail, less suited for analytical listening
• – Modest soundstage due to closed-back design, limiting spatial openness

 

Thank you for the Read!