SIVGA Robin (SVO21) Headphones Review

Following on from my SIVGA Phoenix review, I have also been checking out the more affordable SIVGA Robin which also goes by the name of SVO21.

These are a bit more of a mainstream-friendly pair of cans, being closed back with a bass-forward V shape and cost less than £150.

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	SIVGA SV021 Robin Rosewood Classic Wooden Closed Back Wired...	No ratings yet	£149.00	Buy on Amazon

Specification

• Form: Closed-back headphones
• Drivers: 1 x 50mm dynamic driver with an ultra-thin diaphragm made of polycarbonate (PC) and fibre
• Impedance (Ohms): 32 Ohms
• Sensitivity (dB): 105 dB ± 3 dB
• Frequency Response (Hz): 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Removable Cable: Y
• Source Jack: 3.5mm
• Cup/Shell Jack: 2.5mm dual-mono jack
• Mic: N
• Weight (g): 275 g

Design and Fit

I was sent the black Zebrano model, which is not black but has a very dark stain to it. In some lights, it looks like a generic, boring dark colour, but in the right light, the wood grain is much more apparent.

From the photos, I think the Rosewood looks far more impressive, and I would say they are one of the most attractive headphones I have seen.

The earpads are thick and comfortable and are coated entirely in PU leather (unlike the cloth material the Phoenix used). The closed-back design and leather earpads made these a bit warm when worn for prolonged periods.

The headphones are comfortable to wear. They feel extremely lightweight and have a low clamping force on the side of my head. I have a moderately large head, but I have the headband retracted fully. Extending the headband out makes these far too loose. I think anyone with a small head may find these a bit large.

The cable for the headphones is detachable, as you’d expect. It appears to be good quality and uses a nylon braided cable rather than plastic, making them a bit more durable and attractive.

Sound Quality

Unlike the SIVGA Phoenix, these are closed-back headphones, and these have a much more bass-forward sound profile with an overall V shape.

Bass-heavy tracks, therefore, sound impressive with deep thumping bass but not overwhelmingly so. If you are a massive bass head, these may not please you, but I think it will appeal to most buyers.

Mid-range feels a little more recessed to me, but they sound good with accurate vocals and neutral tonality.

The Phoenix dropped off in the highs, whereas I think the treble on these is well extended.

I did find some highs a bit sharp, I seem to be overly sensitive to this frequency, so I prefer things to taper off a bit in the upper treble. This was particularly noticeable on some punk tracks where you already have a harsh, dirty sound. When screamy vocals and some of the harsher guitars riffs kicked in, the overall sound was quite fatiguing for me.

The soundstage is quite small, perhaps a little less than a normally closed-back headphone and certainly in comparison to the SIVGA Phoenix.

Price and Alternative Options

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	SIVGA SV021 Robin Rosewood Classic Wooden Closed Back Wired...	No ratings yet	£149.00	Buy on Amazon
	SIVGA Phoenix 50MM Polycarbonate Film Zebrano Hi-Fi...	No ratings yet	£235.00	Buy on Amazon
	Meze 99-Neo Over-Ear Headphones	No ratings yet	£179.52	Buy on Amazon
	Audio-Technica M50x Professional Monitor Headphones Black	31,323 Reviews	£124.00	Buy on Amazon

The SIVGA Robin are available from Amazon with an RRP of £149.99. There is currently a 10% voucher also available.

The SIVGA Phoenix I previously reviewed are £235, again with 10% off

These headphones remind me of the Meze 99 Neo, I prefer the Meze, but they are also quite a bit more expensive at £232. The Classics are currently around £269, and most people seem to prefer these over the Neo.

The Audio Technica ATH-M50X headphones are insanely popular and would be a good alternative. The build materials and aesthetics are less impressive, but they are a bit cheaper.

Overall

The SIVGA Robin are a good pair of headphones that look amazing, with a build quality and aesthetics that outclass other headphones at this price point.

Sound quality is good, and they are enjoyable to listen to with a V-shaped sound profile. The bass emphasis may not appeal to people wanting a neutral sound, and for me, the extended treble could sound quite piercing with some genres of music.

I think the pricing is good for these, at around £135, I think you’d struggle to find something significantly better.

Out of the Phoenix and Robin, I prefer the overall sound of the SIVGA Phoenix, but once you factor in the price, I think it is a tough call to say which is best.

James Smythe( Editor-in-chief )

I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.

As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.

In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.

I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.

Last update on 2024-09-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API