Unboxing and First Impressions
When I first received the Sivga P2 Pro, I was impressed by the comprehensive package. Inside the box, I found:
– The Sivga P2 Pro headphones
– A leather carrying case
– A dual 3.5mm to 4.4mm cable
– A 4.4mm to 3.5mm adapter
– A 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter
– A hemp carrying bag
This complete set ensures you have everything you need to start listening right out of the box, which I always appreciate. The inclusion of both 4.4mm and 3.5mm options, along with the 6.35mm adapter, makes these Sivga headphones versatile for use with various audio sources.
Design and Build Quality
As soon as I picked up the Sivga P2 Pro, I noticed its robust build quality. These open-back planar magnetic headphones feature 97x76mm drivers, which are larger than what you’d typically find in this price range. The CNC milled metal grills look precise and intentional, giving the P2 Pro a premium appearance.
One of the standout design features is the suspended steel headband, which I found to distribute the weight of the headphones evenly across my head. The wooden Red Oak earcups not only look beautiful but if you ask some, contribute to the acoustic properties. How much they do in my opinion is negligable, but still a great stylistic feature. Sivga has incorporated a sapphire vibration circuit, which they claim reduces distortion and produces a cleaner overall sound.
At 435g, the P2 Pro isn’t the lightest pair of headphones I’ve tested, but the weight distribution is excellent. With an impedance of 32 ohms and a sensitivity of 98dB, these Sivga headphones aren’t the easiest to drive, but they’re far from the most demanding. In my testing, I found they performed best with a desktop amp or a powerful portable amplifier.
After spending considerable time with the Sivga P2 Pro, I can confidently say that these don’t feel cheap at all. The build quality feels durable and high-quality, rivaling headphones that cost significantly more.
Comfort
Comfort is an area where Sivga headphones have always excelled, and the P2 Pro is no exception. The suspended headband adjusts easily, and I found the fit to be close to expensive brands like Dan Clark Audio and Meze. The foam used on the earcups is soft and ergonomic, forming a comfortable seal around my ears.
While not as squishy as some other Sivga models like the Luan, I found the P2 Pro’s earpads to conform better to the shape of my head. It took me a few adjustments to get my ears in the right place, but once I found the sweet spot, the comfort was exceptional.
In fact, I’d go as far as to say that, price aside, the Sivga P2 Pro is one of the more comfortable headphones on the market (behind offerings from DCA and Meze). This level of comfort makes them ideal for long listening sessions, which is crucial for any audiophile-grade headphone.
Sound Quality
Now, let’s dive into the most crucial aspect of any headphone – its sound quality. The Sivga P2 Pro offers a unique sound signature that I found engaging and enjoyable across a wide range of music genres.
Soundstage
The first thing that struck me about the P2 Pro’s sound was its impressive soundstage width. These Sivga headphones create an immersive environment with excellent dynamics and nuanced spatial cues. While the soundstage height is decent, it didn’t blow me away as much as the width did.
I noticed that the imaging, while good, isn’t as precise as some other flat or reference-style headphones in this price range. However, the trade-off is an exciting bass character that’s often missing from more analytical headphones. This makes the P2 Pro more suited for enjoyable listening rather than critical mixing or mastering work.
To test the soundstage, I listened to the new single “Alone” by The Cure. The reverb-laden guitars drifted away beautifully at the beginning of the song, and the synth strings seemed to have endless trails that didn’t abruptly cut off. On drier mixes, the sound can feel more “in your head,” but on more reverberant tracks, the staging really shines.
Bass Performance
The Sivga P2 Pro delivers a good amount of bass – more than I’d typically expect from a “flat” style headphone in this price range. Compared to something like the Sennheiser HD600, the P2 Pro has punchier, more prominent bass. However, I did notice that the bass isn’t the cleanest when EQ’d up. While there’s no distortion when listening to well-mixed and mastered music, these headphones don’t respond as well to EQ as some competitors.
To put the bass performance to the test, I listened to “Dog Collar” by Nothin’ But Enemies. The bass came through punchy and clear, with a nice driving feeling that pushed the music forward. During the breakdown, the bass part cut clearly through the mix, with enough mid-bass and sub-bass to create a feeling of heavy lows.
I particularly appreciated how the P2 Pro handled brighter mixes. The added low end helped create a fullness in vocals that I found refreshing for a sub-$500 headphone. Pop vocals that are often mixed with a brittle edge tended to sound more rounded and pleasant through the P2 Pro.
Midrange Performance
The midrange is where I feel the Sivga P2 Pro truly shines. There’s enough warmth in the mids to give body to the bulk of recorded music, making these headphones a pleasure to listen to across various genres. Vocals, in particular, stand out with a full-bodied yet clear presentation.
I found the P2 Pro to be quite sensitive to dynamics. While testing with the Questyle CMA 18 Portable, I could clearly hear the nuances of delicate acoustic music. I’m confident that pairing these headphones with a high-end desktop amp would reveal even more clarity and dynamic range.
The midrange tuning of the P2 Pro makes it versatile not just for music, but also for podcasts and movies. While the pronounced lows might be a bit much for gaming without EQ, some reductive EQ could make these work well for that purpose too.
To really put the midrange through its paces, I listened to “Satin Dolls – Take 7” by the Wes Montgomery Trio. The P2 Pro provided a richness to the sound that beautifully accentuated Montgomery’s signature “thumb-style” playing. The organ and guitar sounded distinct yet enveloped in a pleasing warmth that elevated the entire track.
High-Frequency Performance
The high frequencies on the Sivga P2 Pro are slightly subdued compared to some other headphones in this price range. However, I found that there’s still enough definition to give shape to sounds without them becoming ambiguous.
Returning to the Wes Montgomery track, I could hear enough definition in the cymbals and guitar to appreciate the nuances of the performance. The organ occasionally felt a bit opaque, but I can confirm this is largely due to the recording itself – only headphones with elevated highs tend to bring out more percussiveness in that particular track.
If you’re a fan of bright headphones, you might not be immediately impressed by the P2 Pro’s high-frequency response. However, if you’re looking to add a warmer, flatter headphone to your collection, these Sivga headphones could be an excellent choice.
One benefit of the slightly recessed highs is that the P2 Pro never exhibits sibilance. This makes them an excellent option for listeners who are particularly sensitive to high frequencies.
To test how the P2 Pro handles more aggressive treble content, I listened to “Permanent Dissonance” by Concrete Winds. On sharper-sounding headphones, this track can be difficult to listen to due to its screamingly brittle guitars. However, the P2 Pro managed to retain the dissonant character of the guitar sounds while keeping the overall presentation more palatable. There was still enough detail to discern the attack of all instruments, but without the fatigue that often comes with more treble-forward headphones.
Comparisons and Context
To put the Sivga P2 Pro into context, it’s worth comparing it to some of its competitors in the sub-$500 price range. Compared to the Sennheiser HD600, a long-standing reference in this price category, the P2 Pro offers a warmer, more bass-forward presentation. While it may not match the HD600’s legendary midrange neutrality, I found the P2 Pro to be more engaging for general listening.
The P2 Pro’s sound signature reminds me somewhat of the Audeze LCD-2, albeit at a much lower price point. While it doesn’t reach the same level of resolution and refinement as the LCD-2, it offers a taste of that warm, immersive planar magnetic sound at a fraction of the cost.
In terms of comfort and build quality, I’d say the Sivga P2 Pro punches above its weight class. The comfort level rivals headphones costing significantly more, which is a major plus for those who enjoy long listening sessions.
Who Should Consider the Sivga P2 Pro?
After spending considerable time with the Sivga P2 Pro, I believe these headphones will appeal to several types of listeners:
1. Audiophiles on a budget: If you’re looking to step into the world of planar magnetic headphones without breaking the bank, the P2 Pro offers an accessible entry point.
2. Comfort-focused listeners: For those who prioritize comfort for long listening sessions, the P2 Pro’s excellent ergonomics make it a strong contender.
3. Fans of warm, full-bodied sound: If you enjoy a slightly bass-forward, warm sound signature but still want good overall balance, the P2 Pro delivers.
4. Treble-sensitive listeners: The slightly subdued high frequencies make these headphones a good choice for those who find brighter headphones fatiguing.
5. Music enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience: The wide soundstage and engaging sound signature make the P2 Pro great for losing yourself in your music.
However, the P2 Pro might not be the best choice for:
1. Critical listeners seeking absolute neutrality: While the P2 Pro is relatively balanced, it’s not as neutral as some other options in this price range.
2. Those needing closed-back isolation: As an open-back design, the P2 Pro isn’t suitable for noisy environments or where sound leakage is a concern.
3. Listeners who prefer a bright, analytical sound: If you like emphasized treble and a more “energetic” top-end, you might find the P2 Pro a bit too warm.
Conclusion
The Sivga P2 Pro represents an impressive achievement in the sub-$500 headphone market. These headphones offer a compelling combination of comfort, build quality, and engaging sound that I believe will satisfy many listeners.
What impresses me most about the P2 Pro is how it manages to deliver an enjoyable, immersive listening experience without sacrificing too much in terms of accuracy. While it may not be the last word in neutrality, its warm, full-bodied sound makes it a pleasure to listen to across a wide range of genres.
The comfort level of these headphones cannot be overstated. In a world where many high-end headphones sacrifice comfort for performance, it’s refreshing to see Sivga prioritize both. The P2 Pro is a headphone you can wear for hours without fatigue, which is a significant selling point for many users.
Build quality is another area where the P2 Pro punches above its weight class. The use of premium materials like Red Oak for the earcups and the overall solid construction give these headphones a feel that belies their relatively modest price point.
In terms of sound, the P2 Pro offers a wide, immersive soundstage with engaging bass response and a rich, full-bodied midrange. While the highs are slightly recessed, they still provide enough detail for most listening scenarios. This tuning makes the P2 Pro versatile across various genres and forgiving of less-than-perfect recordings.
However, it’s important to note that these headphones do require a decent amplifier to shine. While not the most power-hungry headphones I’ve tested, they definitely benefit from a good desktop or portable amp.
In conclusion, I believe the Sivga P2 Pro offers excellent value for money. It brings some of the qualities typically associated with much more expensive headphones – like planar magnetic drivers and premium build materials – to a more accessible price point. While they may not be the perfect choice for everyone, especially those seeking a strictly neutral sound, the P2 Pro offers a compelling package for listeners who prioritize comfort and an engaging, immersive sound signature.
For anyone in the market for a sub-$500 headphone that offers a taste of high-end audio without the high-end price tag, I highly recommend giving the Sivga P2 Pro a listen. It’s a testament to Sivga’s commitment to delivering high-quality audio experiences at reasonable prices, and I’m excited to see how they continue to innovate in the future.