Well this is a rather special behind the box. This is my very first proper “headphone” review on this channel despite owning a couple of headphones myself. But yes, Sivga SV021 aka the “Robin” is one of the headphones that put Sivga in people’s mouths back in the day for providing a uniquely premium closed back headphone, initially priced at $200 but has now gone down to $149 in 2024. With all these years behind Sivga’s star headphone, how would it fare from someone who will be listening to them for the first time in 2024?
Starting with the unboxing, I quite liked how the SV021 was presented. A very simple black box with a lineart of the SV021 up front and a very interesting texture overall.
Inclusions wise, however, there’s really not a lot to talk about. Besides the headphones, you get a rather large cloth protective pouch, a 3.5mm to 6.35mm adaptor and the 3.5mm to 2.5mm cable.
Arguably the stand out feature of the Sivga Robin is the build quality. I have not seen a pair of headphones under $200 with the level of craftsmanship of the Sivga Robin with the high protein leather headband, rosewood shell that was made with five axis CNC carving (which I didn’t know they also had for wood) and a smooth and matte finish on the wood makes this arguably one of the most premium feeling headphones I’ve ever owned. Where I find the Robin slightly problematic is the fit. I didn’t find it uncomfortable, but the lack of the swivel made the overall fit a little loose that turning your head can completely change the sound of the headphones itself. It could be attributed to the pads which, in all fairness, feels very comfortable. But the overall shape of the pads paired with the lack of swivel made the Robin a little odd in terms of fitting.
But obviously, the most important aspect of the headphones is the sound. First, I need to point out that the Sivga Robin is VERY easy to drive. I found that this is just as hard to drive as planar in-ears which, while seemingly unfair to compare, goes to show who the Robin was made for. And talking about the sound itself, his has got to be one of the most fun but also most interesting headphones I’ve heard as it combines having a thick and musical low end with a very energetic and sharp top end. You could call it v-shape, but I’d argue it’s much more than just a simple v-shape. This is has a midbass centric bass with a very thick bass presentation that makes it sound rich, punchy and woofy, but arguably muddy on some tracks that already have a lot of bass. The midrange is recessed and a little hollow sounding, but not open due to the warmer low end that goes into the midrange. The upper mids to treble is pushed up with a lot of energy, bringing clarity up but also affecting the timbre and can get quite sharp on some tracks. Listening to a more instrumental tracks proved this is not made for elegant music as much as its appearance may show, but a hardcore fun set for your big bass and big treble needs. This is a fundamentally fun-sounding headphone you can throw on and not really think about much.
As my first pair of headphones to review on the channel, I would say this is a perfectly appropriate set and a benchmark for more headphones to come when it comes to build quality, comfort and sound. Stay tuned for my full review!
Thank you for reading my impressions on the Sivga Robin SV021. If you would like to order one, consider using the non-affiliated link below:
AliExpress link: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802683707306.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt
Amazon link：https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097DKVDZC?maas=maas_adg_2403AEC7E91F31B7B5E1A18D6D42162D_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&th=1
Sivga official web:https://www.sivgaaudio.com/product_d?id=11
