Meldrick opinions the SIVGA Peng, a brand new set of 50mm dynamic driver closed-back circumaural headphones completed with African Zebrawood cups. It’s presently priced at $449.00.
Disclaimer: This pattern was despatched to me in trade for my sincere opinion. Headfonics is an impartial web site with no affiliate hyperlinks or standing. I thank SIVGA for his or her assist.
Click on right here to study extra about SIVGA merchandise beforehand reviewed on Headfonics.
This text follows our newest scoring pointers, which you’ll be able to learn in additional element right here.
SIVGA Peng Assessment
Abstract
The SIVGA Peng is a high quality closed-back headphone that includes enticing picket earcups, a easy and relaxed tuning that leans heat, and a snug match with plush, contoured earpads. Its tuning will be mild on the sub bass, making it extra suited to listeners preferring a delicate low-end presence over heavy rumble.
Execs
Enticing wooden cup design.
Good Presentation of Male Vocals.
Comfy Pads.
Cons
Sub-bass is just too lean.
Energy Hungry.
Most listeners might know SIVGA for his or her high-value audiophile-grade headphones, such because the Robin SV021 and Anser, that sprinkle in a bit of little bit of picket aesthetics into in any other case normal but well-built headphones.
Their newest launch, the Peng, is a closed-back, high-impedance headphone that retails at roughly $495.
Coming in in direction of the highest of the model’s headphone lineup, it’s attention-grabbing to see if the Peng’s LCP dynamic driver and Zebrawood cups are well worth the worth premium over their extra inexpensive fashions.
On this evaluation, I’ll put the Peng by means of its paces by testing it with completely different sources and genres. When you’re curious whether or not the Peng can maintain its personal towards the same old heavy hitters within the sub-$500 class, learn on for the complete breakdown.
Options
On the coronary heart of the SIVGA Peng is a 50mm dynamic driver using a sapphire composite diaphragm bolstered with a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) encompass.
The motive force was developed in-house to supposedly mix rigidity with elasticity, which the producer claims results in sooner response and extra correct harmonic replica.
The unit’s headband and yokes are manufactured from CNC-machined aviation-grade aluminum. Complementing it is a supple lambskin leather-based consolation strap for higher longevity and luxury.
The African Zebrawood earcups present a definite visible aptitude, rounding out the Peng’s premium and well-executed materials decisions.
A couple of distinctive inclusions assist the Peng stand out. It comes outfitted with thick, plush earpads which might be aggressively angled greater than most headphones on this class.
It’s high quality inventory cable terminates to a 4.4mm balanced connector, but it surely additionally comes with equipment to adapt it to three.5mm and 6.35mm SE.
Design
SIVGA headphones persistently stability refined silhouettes with placing design decisions, and the Peng isn’t any exception. Its African Zebrawood cups are coated with a refined matte sheen, highlighting every with pure wooden grain variations that give every pair a singular identification.
The body is constructed from CNC-machined aviation-grade aluminum, with a steel-reinforced headband for long-term stability. Matte gray accents distinction fantastically with the wooden grain, and your entire chassis feels well-balanced and inflexible.
The yoke and pivot mechanism permit 180° cup rotation and vertical sliding for a safe match. The 180° cup rotation was a welcome addition.
Throughout my testing, this made it simple to retailer in its case, lay flat on a worktable, or simply have hanging round my neck when speaking to individuals round me. Hooked up to the metallic headband is the lambskin leather-based consolation strap.
The underside of the strap is lined with a comfortable material materials that feels much like velour and matches the feel used on the earpads.
The earpads themselves are among the many most original parts of Peng’s design. They’re giant, thick, and closely angled—an unusual alternative even amongst high-end headphones.
The outer ring is manufactured from artificial leather-based, whereas the face that touches the pores and skin is roofed in a comfortable material materials that feels much like velour
The opening on the middle of the pads is lined with a superb mesh materials with L and R subtly painted on. This ensures that the drivers are usually not overtly uncovered and gives a layer of safety.
Consolation & Isolation
At 341 grams, the SIVGA Peng is reasonably heavy on paper, however that weight is deceptively well-distributed. The lambskin consolation pads evenly unfold strain throughout the highest of the top, and the clamping pressure of the pads does a superb job of holding a few of the weight.
The clamping pressure is delicate, simply sufficient to maintain the headphones safe however by no means too extreme. Even in longer listening periods, I skilled no hotspots or ear fatigue.
The extensive and angled ear pads use thick foam with a delicate rebound and are wrapped in velvet on the contact floor. They do an awesome job of gently contouring to the facet of the face whereas holding a stable seal.
Nevertheless, throughout my testing, I discovered that the pads can nonetheless get fairly heat, particularly on humid afternoons. This solely happens after 2-3 hours of use, but it surely’s a disadvantage price mentioning, since this isn’t too frequent with different headphones with extra breathable pads
Isolation is stable for a closed-back design. Whereas to not the extent of ANC headphones such because the Noble Audio FoKus Apollo or IEMs, it’s adequate for indoor listening and reasonable ambient environments.
Even in comparison with lighter-weight headphones primarily constructed from plastic, such because the Sennheiser HD 660S, the Peng holds its floor remarkably nicely. The mix of high quality supplies, ergonomics, and plush pads makes it appropriate for prolonged indoor work or listening periods.
Inventory Cable
The inventory cable included with the SIVGA Peng is a high-purity 6N OCC copper braided unit with twin 3.5mm mono connectors on the headphone finish and a balanced 4.4mm plug on the supply finish.
The outer sleeve is completed in a versatile, clear wrap. It avoids microphonics nicely, stays comparatively kink-free, and drapes comfortably.
At 1.6 meters in size, it’s lengthy sufficient for desktop use however might really feel barely cumbersome for moveable setups.
Fortunately, SIVGA consists of each a 4.4mm to three.5mm adapter and a 3.5mm to six.35mm adapter, making it simple to plug into DAPs, amps, or professional gear.
Connector housings are manufactured from light-weight brushed aluminum, and whereas the cable doesn’t scream boutique aftermarket construct, it’s undoubtedly on the extra premium facet of inventory cables.
Packaging & Equipment
The Peng arrives in a regular brown field, with an embossed line drawing of the headphone on the highest. Inside, the headphones relaxation securely within the high-quality laborious shell case.
Other than the headphones themselves, the Peng comes with the next:
- Removable inventory cable (4.4mm)
- 4mm to three.5mm adapter
- 35mm to three.5mm adapter
- Hemp-textile drawstring pouch
- Exhausting-shell journey case
The case is lined with a comfortable felt inside and has room for the headphones and a few cables. Whereas not ultra-rugged, its artificial leather-lined exterior is miles forward of cloth pouches included with equally priced headphones.
Taking out the case in public brought about individuals to suppose I used to be bringing out a designer purse. Whereas I doubt that was the intention of SIVGA, it’s a testomony to the standard and presentation of the case.
Sound Impressions
Check Setup: The SIVGA Peng was examined utilizing a spread of sources, together with the Shanling EH2, iFi audio’s ZEN DAC V1, the FiiO K11 R2R, and the 7Hz Artemis39. The inventory 4.4mm balanced cable was used for all listening impressions.
Abstract
The SIVGA Peng presents a easy, warm-leaning tonality with out including unnatural emphasis on the bass or treble areas.
It has a lush midrange, refined but textured bass, and a non-fatiguing treble that doesn’t sacrifice decision. Not like the extra energetic and vibrant tuning of extra V-shaped or treble-heavy headphones, the Peng has a extra mellow and natural presentation.
Bass
The SIVGA Peng affords a managed but detailed low finish, with an emphasis on mid-bass heat moderately than sub-bass extension.
The sub-bass rumble is current however not dominant. The sub-bass is a bit too lean for my liking, even in mainstream pop tracks. I discovered myself on the lookout for a bit extra kick and slam, however this tuning alternative does forestall bloat and contributes to the natural-sounding mid-bass
The mid-bass has a soft-edged punch that provides physique to bass guitars. Every strum comes by means of with thick affect and authority, whereas having sufficient decision and harmonics to stop it from sounding like a bloated mess
Layering and separation in advanced bass passages are enough, although not class-leading. In busier EDM tracks, the Peng generally blends low-frequency textures. Nonetheless, for extra acoustic or analog-driven tracks, its musical bass tuning matches very nicely.
Mids
The mid-bass heat carries over into the midrange, giving it a wealthy, natural coloration that brings vocals and acoustic devices ahead, putting them proper entrance and middle.
The decrease mids are full-bodied and barely heat, lending weight to male vocals and bigger stringed devices.
In basic jazz and blues tracks, male vocal performances are offered with nice affect and weight that they routinely seize one’s consideration. Acoustic guitars resonate with pleasing roundness, and cello passages have depth with out sounding muddy.
The higher mids are reasonably elevated however to not the identical extent. Feminine vocals sound intimate and expressive, although by no means sibilant or sharp, however they don’t have the identical element or decision as extra neutrally tune headphones.
Treble
The treble on the Peng is clear and articulate, formed by the headphone’s total heat tuning that lightly carries over into the higher frequencies. It steers away from sharpness or harsh peaks, delivering element in a easy and managed method.
Cymbals, hi-hats, and chimes come by means of with crisp assaults and a pure decay, by no means sounding splashy or overly brilliant. The Peng avoids the form of higher treble carry that may result in fatigue, favoring a extra relaxed however nonetheless clear presentation.
Its forgiving nature extends to less-than-perfect recordings, the place it rounds off any sibilance or sharp edges as an alternative of emphasizing them. This makes poorly mastered tracks simpler to get pleasure from.
The treble blends in naturally with the mids, sitting simply excessive sufficient to deliver out a way of air and shimmer with out pulling consideration away from the core of the combination.
Harmonics in strings, synths, and acoustic devices are nonetheless current, providing texture and refined power with out tipping the sound signature into brightness.
Staging & Dynamics
When adequately powered, the SIVGA Peng delivers spectacular dynamics throughout the frequency vary. Regardless of the comparatively subdued sub-bass, devices come by means of with wealthy affect and harmonic weight.
Percussive hits, plucks of bass guitar strings, and string part swells retain a way of physicality and depth.
Imaging efficiency is one other standout function. Because of Peng’s readability and harmonic richness, particularly with stringed devices and bass guitars, positioning devices in a mixture feels pure and exact. Every ingredient occupies its personal area with out smearing into neighboring frequencies.
Left-to-right separation is robust, contributing to a coherent stereo picture. Nevertheless, one noticeable quirk is the Peng’s tendency to put vocals and a few devices barely off-center, skewing barely to the left or proper as an alternative of being firmly anchored within the middle.
As for staging, it affords a reasonable and intimate soundstage typical of well-executed closed-back headphones. Whereas it doesn’t push boundaries in width or holographic immersion, the extent of element and correct imaging retains it partaking and targeted.
Click on on web page 2 under for my beneficial pairings and chosen comparisons.
