The Sivga Nightingale review sample was kindly provided free of charge. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. The price of the Sivga Nightingale is $345 and can be ordered from Sivga AliExpress or Amazon official store.
Sivga Nightingale Review
The Sivga Nightingale is a planar magnetic earphone with a single 14.5mm, dual magnetic, driver. The dual magnetic field rectangular array structure features exceptional transmission sensitivity and impressive transient response. It leverages magnetic mechanics to thoughtfully pair two sets of high-performance rare earth iron boron magnets, resulting in a significant boost in efficiency compared to standard configurations.
Crafted from aviation-grade aluminium – magnesium alloy using CNC machining, the precision of the sound hole and vent hole sizes is greatly enhanced. This optimization facilitates the diaphragm’s movement and additionally, it effectively minimizes sound chamber resonance, resulting in purer and more comfortable sound while it extends the driver’s lifespan.
The diaphragm is constructed from cutting-edge, self-developed ultra-thin composite material, complemented by an aluminum coil.
Design and comfort
Sivga shares that the inspiration behind the design of the Nightingale stems from water droplets. Crafted with an aluminium – magnesium alloy, the ear-shells boast a solid wooden faceplate that undergoes meticulous hand polishing, resulting in a distinct appearance where no two plates are alike. The Nightingale stands as a meticulously crafted earphone, exuding both luxury and uniqueness.
The ear-shells are not only compact and lightweight, but also ergonomically shaped to seamlessly fit the contours of the ear. Furthermore, the clever positioning of the cable sockets ensures that they do not cause any interference while wearing the earphones. The Nightingale offers exceptional comfort, securely fitting in place without exerting any uncomfortable pressure, even during extended periods of use. Once worn, it becomes easy to forget about it, with the only minor drawback being the average passive noise attenuation.
Cable
Sivga consistently provides top-notch cables, and the Nightingale is certainly no different. This model comes with a meticulously crafted cable that utilizes silver plated copper wires in a four strand configuration. The cable is detachable with recessed connectors and features a 4.4mm aluminum plug. However, it’s worth noting that the package does not include a 3.5mm adapter. Despite its lightweight and soft construction, the cable remains highly durable and resistant to tangling. Additionally, it boasts minimal microphonic noise.
Accessories
Enclosed within the package is a robust carrying case, equipped with a side zipper, and accompanied by two sets of ear-tips in three varying sizes. These ear-tips are neatly stored inside a slender plastic case.
The earphones’s sound tube outer perimeter is slightly larger than the inner circumference of the ear-tips, requiring additional force to fit them properly. While the gray silicone ear-tips are softer, they do not provide a tight seal, resulting in a slightly hollow and thinner bass sound compared to the black tips.
Efficiency and associated gear
The Sivga Nightingale has a rating of 16Ω / 100dB, making it relatively easy to drive. However, it requires a source that can deliver sufficient current to handle its low impedance without any distortion. It’s important to note that not all USB DAC dongles are capable of meeting this requirement. Therefore, it is advisable to begin with a reliable option like the iBasso DC04PRO or FiiO KA5 and gradually upgrade from there to something like the Questyle M15 . Additionally, Digital Audio Players (DAPs) are also well-suited for driving the Nightingale. In fact, the FiiO M11S with its low gain setting proved to be more than sufficient.
As per usual practice the Sivga Nightingale was left playing music for about 80 hours before listening evaluation.
Listening impressions
The Nightingale offers a pleasantly warm and balanced sound signature, with the standout performance being in the middle frequencies.
While it may not excel in reproducing synthesized electronic music with deep sub-bass, it is more than capable of handling acoustic music, where even the lowest notes are clearly audible. The lower bass is slightly rolled-off until the mid-bass, where it becomes more even and linear. The mid-bass is not emphasized, but rather crystal clear, tonally accurate, and does not bleed into the mid-range.
The overall low-end response is fast, tight, and controlled, with no audible distortion. However, it lacks a bit of crispness and definition. There is a subtle touch of echo and a slight lack of punch and dynamics. The bass attacks are on the softer side, indicating that the bass is intentionally tuned to play a supporting role to the magnificent mid-range.
The mid-range is present, crisp, and well-defined, with excellent articulation and a rich body. There is a wide range of harmonics, and the timbre sounds natural and realistic. Voices and instruments come alive, sounding fresh, exciting, and with a great sense of emotional depth.
The Nightingale’s mid-range is truly impressive, captivating, rich, and subtly warm, with a smooth and fluid quality and no harshness in the upper mid-range.
More listening impressions
To ensure that the mid-range takes center stage, the treble is slightly toned down and not overly extended, so as not to divert the listener’s attention from the mids.
While there may be a slight lack of sparkle and excitement, it is not enough to make the Nightingale sound dark or lacking in treble definition and clarity. Instead, it offers a polite and smooth tuning that avoids any harshness and provides a fatigue-free listening experience.
The timbre of the Nightingale is quite natural, without any noticeable artificiality, and it avoids any metallic sharpness. The texture of the sound is full-bodied, in line with the other frequencies.
In terms of soundstage, the Sivga Nightingale offers a fairly open and spacious sound, with sufficient width and depth. The separation and imaging capabilities are more than satisfactory for its category, and the overall presentation is natural and well-balanced.
Vs the Hidizs MP145 ($149)
The Hidizs MP145 employs a 14.5mm single planar magnetic driver. Its beautiful design draws inspiration from whales but it is noticeably bulkier and heavier compared to the Sivga Nightingale, resulting in a less comfortable and discreet fit.
One notable feature of the Hidizs MP145 is the inclusion of three interchangeable pneumatic filters, allowing users to finely adjust the sound according to their preferences.
Regardless of the filter used, the sound signature of the Hidizs MP145 differs significantly from that of the Sivga Nightingale. Its tuning leans towards a mildly V-shaped profile, characterized by an extended and impactful bass, a natural-sounding mid-range, and a treble that is remarkably smooth yet vibrant, surpassing the Nightingale in terms of luminosity and energy. On the other hand, the Sivga Nightingale exhibits a greater sense of fluidity and coherence in the mid-range, delivering a slightly darker and more mid-centric sound compared to the MP145.
In the end
The Sivga Nightingale possesses a bold tuning that fearlessly deviates from the prevailing trend of “V” shaped and Harman based sound profiles. This departure is commendable as it caters to individuals who do not resonate with these particular tunings and seek a distinctive audio experience.
Distinguished by its exceptional tonal equilibrium, the Nightingale captivates with its captivating mid-range that exudes musicality and captivation. Enthusiasts of vocals will undoubtedly cherish and value the Sivga Nightingale’s tuning, which aptly lives up to its name by resembling the melodious song of a bird.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ Superb mid-range + Smooth and polite + Musical and captivating + Spacious soundstage + Beautiful and unique + Very comfortable + Build quality + Good cable + Accessories - Average isolation - No single ended plug - Bass and treble extension - Unique tuning - Resolution and transparency - Tough competition
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