The SV023 has what I consider a Beryllium driver type sonic presentation more than an LCP tone. The main characteristics come through with a neutral tonality that gives off a very close to a true tonality presentation. My last review of the SV021 Robin from exactly a year ago in 2021 ended up being a fun experience. Over the holidays, I had recommended it often because it deserved it. The wood housing is processed by five axis CNC machining, and then made by many manual processes such as sanding, polishing, painting and natural air drying. Make no mistake though, the headline-grabber is still the sound. And what a sound it is! Think open, detailed, expansive, neutral and crisp. Never is it overly warm, or congested, or muddied through the bass. The Momentum 4s are by far the most premium choice for top quality headphones. Whether you like the new lighter design (which can no longer be folded up, although the ear cups do lie flat in the case) or not, they really are comfortable and the user-friendly perks are impossible to ignore, including automated audio control settings thanks to smart sensors. The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones can anticipate exactly what you want them to do without you needing to touch a button yourself.

I received the lighter finish of two options, but both color choices use Rosewood (more commonly found on guitar fretboards) and they're stunning, with rounded ear cups and an angular, squared motif framing the logo that's set off beautifully by the high-gloss finish. Disclaimer: The Sivga Oriole is sent to me by Sivga Audio. Many thanks for the opportunity. This review reflects my honest opinion as always. Sivga Audio It reproduces the treble in a crispy way, but there’s no harshness whatsoever. Highs have a very good definition and they sound articulated. If you like your treble crisp and dynamic, the Oriole would give you that. The treble has very good transparency as well.

Select Comparisons

The Velcro cable tie will come in handy to bundle up excess if using the Oriole with a portable source. Two meters is too long for a mobile cable, but I appreciate the length to make the Oriole more suitable for desktop or home use. Sivga Oriole is a 199 USD headphone with a superb design, 50mm dynamic driver, and detachable cable. They will be compared with other entry-level headphones including HIFIMAN Sundara (350 USD), Verum One MKII (350 USD), Dekoni blue T50RP Mod (250 USD), and Sivga Phoenix (250 USD). My Oriole sample comes with a hemp travel bag, color-matched 1.8m braided cables, 6.3mm adapter and an optional balanced cable for connecting them up to headphone amps, DACs and high-end personal media players – my Astell & Kern A&norma SR25 MKII liked them very much, as did my new Helm DAC (which I need to praise fully, but in a separate piece). But, of course, there are limitations and the sound can feel constrained at times compared to pricier options. They also don’t support hi-res LDAC or have automated control settings. The buttons are easy to find though and the extremely lightweight design makes them one of the most comfortable to wear for long periods. And all this for one of the most affordable prices on the market? These are a steal. When buying over-ear headphones, sound quality is the most important feature to look out for – the more expensive they are, the better your cans tend to sound, although there are quite a few impressive exceptions to this rule.

The surface of the wood housing is high glossy piano paint. The brand logo made by laser engraving is elegant and unique.Gear used for testing includes the SMSL DO200 MKII > Ampapa A1, Hidizs AP80 Pro X and xDuoo XD05 Bal. Oriole is designed to be a combination of classic and modern, and they are designed to be compact. They have a large 50mm dynamic driver, and they’re made to be light, comfortable, having the housing made by hand. The company insists that Oriole is comfortable to wear, and in my experience it is one of the most comfortable entry-level headphones I’ve had in years. The headband is soft once you adjust the size according to your head, and the earpads are also fairly soft and comfy. Today we finally have a beautiful headphone that actually looks good and is fun to hold in hand. With a combination of red wood, brown leather and silver metal in the build, Sivga Oriole finally looks like it can take on the likes of Bowers & Wilkins, Master & Dynamic or Bang & Olufsen. The design and aesthetic of the Oriole is actually better than most models existent on the market today, so it instantly gained some big points from both me and my photographer girlfriend. The tonal spectrum comes through somewhat bass light since the bass tilts down below 30Hz, is barely audible at 23Hz, continues its downward slope, and drops off completely right above 20Hz so there is a low amount of ultra-sub bass. Mid-bass has no emphasis whatsoever and I would consider the bass to be ruler flat excepting the early downslope.

The Luan is more comfortable, more forward, and has a more balanced feeling. The FiiO FTS is darker, and weightier on the bottom end. Both headphones are excellent, but the Luan is more vibrant and fun, less sterile and refined.I would consider the SIVGA SV023 to be closer to a studio monitor in character and relaxed more than anything although it tilts to the musical side a notch. It tries to portray a flat frequency response although I personally detected a few peaks, particularly in the upper midrange and lower treble areas. I think the instruments and vocals are a bit shouty at times. This was also the case with the SV023 model, although this combines that slight issue with diffused mid-bass and forward mids. The tonal accuracy, although just a bit off, is good enough for most music, but you might feel something wrong with vocals and instruments, depending on the source. The SIVGA Luan has a generalist headphone tuning but a good one at that. It offers a nice, spacious feel to the sound and also is very easy to power. However, some of your decision making process needs to come down to what you feel more comfortable with. Earbuds are easier to store away, but not everyone likes the feeling of them in their ears. Alternatively, headphones can feel more secure over your head but are heavier and require more thought when storing them. What are the benefits of over-ear headphones? As I mentioned in the previous words, the Oriols sound much more even, less sharp in the treble and less aggressive, but the Robins have more depth and a more entertaining and light character. Both models are great dynamic earmuffs at a great price, but it’s all about our individual preferences.