This article first appeared in HIFI Trends,”the journal of accessible hi-fi!”.
Prices listed in US$.
SIVGA P2 PRO Review: Overview
The P2 PRO is a new set of planar magnetic headphones from SIVGA designed to cater to a wide range of music styles, excelling in both classical music’s profound complexity and pop music’s energetic vitality. They feature a newly developed sapphire vibration circuit and a classic SIVGA design that deftly combines wood and stainless steel for a unique aesthetic. The open-back design creates a spacious soundstage, and the detachable Hi-Fi cable allows customization to suit your preferences.
What’s In The Box:
- P2 Pro
- Leather Carrying Case
- Hemp Cable Bag
- 4.4.mm Balanced Audio Cable
- 3.5mm to 6.35mm Adapter
- 4.4mm Balanced to 3.5mm SE Adapter Cable
SIVGA P2 PRO Review: Build & Design
As usual, SIVGA showcases exquisite craftsmanship in the P2 PRO, with red oak wood housings inlaid with etched stainless steel mesh. The headphone’s metal parts are treated with a unique gunmetal oxidation process, giving them a high-quality and textured appearance.
The headphones are well-built and feel durable, ensuring a long lifespan with proper care. They are also relatively comfortable to wear, with plush earpads and a well-distributed weight due to the sliding leather sling on the inside of the headband. The soft velvet lining on the headband and the plush memory foam earpads provide additional comfort. The only issue I had was a tendency for the sling to slowly slide up over time, making me re-adjust the headphones on my head every hour or so.
The detachable braided cable looks and feels nice, and the terminations’ quality is also good. The cable has a 4.4mm connector on one end and dual 3.5mm connectors on the headphone side, which sit snugly into the earcup housings.
SIVGA P2 PRO Review: Features
The SIVGA P2 PRO boasts several features that set it apart from the competition. Its most notable feature is SIVGA’s new sapphire vibration circuit, a so-called first in the industry designed to enhance audio performance with exceptional clarity. According to the company, the combination of diaphragm vibrations is said to be more precise due to the conductivity of the sapphire and metal inlay.
The headphones utilize large 97mm planar magnetic drivers, known for their accuracy and detail retrieval. In addition, the open-back design provides a broader and more immersive soundstage, making it perfect for genres that benefit from a spacious feel.
The P2 Pro is also paired with an imported 6N OCC cable, which is said to provide “a pure and stable audio transmission” and a more “transparent sound performance.” With a frequency response of 20Hz to 40kHz, an impedance of 32 ohms, and a sensitivity of 105dB, the P2 PRO offers a balanced and dynamic sound signature, plus it’s easy to drive, even from portable devices.
SIVGA P2 PRO Review: Sound Performance
Regarding sound, the P2 PRO delivers a relatively detailed, transparent, and natural presentation, especially considering its price. The sapphire vibration circuit and planar magnetic drivers contribute to a spacious soundstage with outstanding imaging, even though I did find myself looking for just a bit more openness and separation in the midrange. That said, the headphones still excel at reproducing acoustic music and vocals in a lively and organic manner without being too forward.
In addition, the treble and bass are pretty refined and well-controlled, making this headphone sound good with just about every genre I threw at it. The P2 PRO rendered the thumping bass line of Beyonce’s “Virgo’s Groove” taut and articulate while conversely presenting the Snare and Piano on Bill Evans’ “My Foolish Heart” in a sweet, delicate manner.
When I compared them to my reference Arya Stealth headphones (which currently sell for around $750), they compared favorably in terms of resolution and depth. However, they couldn’t beat them in either category. The Arya is a quieter, more open, and more detailed headphone overall, allowing it to “get out of the way” a little bit better than the P2 PRO. Still, if you like a slightly more robust presentation with a deeper bass, you may enjoy the P2 PRO better, especially for more modern genres like Hip-Hop and R&B.
SIVGA P2 PRO Review: Value
The SIVGA P2 PRO offers really good value for its price. It competes with other planar magnetic headphones in the same price range and beyond and offers a unique combination of innovative technology, elegant design, and excellent sound quality. In addition, its sensitivity means you don’t need to spend a ton on accompanying gear, but they do scale up with better stuff.
Conclusion:
The SIVGA P2 PRO is a fantastic choice for audiophiles looking for a well-crafted, open-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers a natural and detailed sound signature. The comfortable design also makes them a pleasure to use over extended periods. If you’re seeking a remarkably capable headphone for less than $500, the P2 PRO is undoubtedly worth considering.
RATING: 8/10
What We Dig
- Exquisite craftsmanship and design
- Comfortable fit for long listening sessions
- Balanced, Natural Sound Signature
What to Think About
- It may not suit those who prefer a bass-heavy sound signature
Check out the rest of Hifitrends’ website for more in-depth reviews and comparisons of affordable products. You can find helpful articles on audiophile topics and discover new music recommendations.
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