Sivga is getting exponentially extra common within the audiophile world. Nonetheless, their flourishing fame is due to the model’s over-ear headphones, which are likely to over-perform for the worth. However IEMs have by no means been Sivga’s factor. That’s till now. The Nightingale might be my favourite IEM for round 200 bucks. What makes this Sivga mannequin so alluring to some ears? And what are you able to count on by way of tuning and efficiency?
What’s within the Field?
- SIVGA Nightingale IEM
- Laborious carrying case
- Varied sizes silicone ear suggestions
- Laborious ear tip case
Look and Really feel
That is one stylish design that you simply don’t typically see from an IEM. An egg-shaped or “droplet” formed faceplate sports activities a shiny wood design, and total, it’s an grownup aesthetic that’s fairly completely different from the glitzy, vibrantly coloured bulbous shells we see from most main manufacturers. And personally, I respect the understated, but costly look. Though completely snug, the stem doesn’t attain that far into the ear canal. So, you may get much less efficient sound isolation than you’d from a extra typical IEM.
Design
The Nightingale showcases a 14.5mm planar magnetic driver. Although planar magnetic IEMs have change into more and more common, they’re nonetheless a minority. So, the planar design remains to be considerably recent within the IEM world. The motive force body is made with a magnesium alloy materials that’s meant to attenuate resonance. The diaphragm has been developed by Sivga’s personal folks, utilizing an ultra-thin composite materials designed to make treble frequencies extra clear, and the soundstage extra expansive. We’ll see if this all holds up in apply.
The Nightingale comes with a single cable that has a 4.4mm termination. So, until you have got a current participant or a DAC that takes balanced plugs, you’re &^*% out of luck. For this assessment, I paired the Nightingale with the Astell & Kern SR35, which supplied a little bit further energy to those barely tougher to drive planar driver IEMs. Nonetheless, if all you’ve bought is your telephone, it’s best to nonetheless have sufficient headroom to spare.
Sound Impressions
Soundstage
The stage on the Nightingale is so multidimensional and round, it is like using a hula-hoop of sound that you would be able to attain out and seize. Quite a lot of devices are in a position to sit a far distance behind the ear; on different IEMs, these devices are sometimes flattened. It’s one of many few IEMs I’ve heard on this value vary that may obtain true back-of-the head imaging. In reality, it virtually feels such as you’re listening to an over-ear headphone, it’s simply that open. The stereo subject is roomy as properly, however with out bordering on stadium-like vastness. The Nightingale’s high notch decision and minimal resonance additionally come into play right here, as there may be such management and vibrant coloration to every component of the combo that each instrument turns into an integral side of the general image. For sure, there’s nothing mundane or relaxed about this soundstage, and nothing is ever misplaced. In the end, that is how a mixer needs to listen to their monitor.
Lows
Whereas there may be some visceral (but uncolored) sub-bass presence within the low-end, as we creep up the frequency vary, the bass turns into extra reasonable and fewer a star of the present. The gradual taming of the bass because it approaches the low mids lends a clear break between the bass and midrange frequencies. Moreover, this low-end construction permits for acoustic devices to retain a pure coloration and weight. Decision on this vary is high notch, revealing a powerful transparency whereas sustaining a gentleness in resolve that’s heat and extremely musical.
Mids
The low-mids are in full-force right here, bringing tons of physique and lushness to the combo. If the upper-mids get any extra consideration, it’s solely minimally, on the very high of the midrange. This isn’t a very vocal ahead profile. That stated, you’ll hear some good snare impression within the higher mids, and there’s a pleasant steadiness between weightiness and snap. Nonetheless, this sound signature might not be dynamic sufficient for individuals who like sure features of the combo to essentially pop. Nonetheless, the Nightingale is on no account missing power. It simply delivers extra of a gradual energy and slap quite than a smack within the face. It must also be famous how immaculately clear the layering is, giving agency definition to each component within the combine. And total, the mids current a tasteful equilibrium, providing a mixture of softness and liveliness that turns into tougher to withstand the longer you hear.
Highs
There’s nothing offensive or shocking in regards to the highs both. They merely accompany the remainder of the combo avoiding extreme quantity or ostentatious sparkle. Nonetheless, there are components worthy of being proven off, like the graceful and ethereal really feel of vocals. And the Nightingale is ready to obtain a chic steadiness between lightness and richness. So, the treble is without delay buoyant and voluptuous, once more highlighting the delectability of this sound signature. Including to the convenience of the listening expertise are the graceful treble peaks, that whereas by no means rolled off, are mild on the track’s least forgiving moments. Lastly, the implausible transparency that we see within the decrease frequencies stay right here, revealing each breath and modulation of vocals and brass devices, whereas exposing the delicate timbral components of strings and pianos.
Abstract
The Nightingale’s sound profile is nothing in need of delicious. Whereas it is true that I’m a sucker for low-mids, I’d problem anybody to sincerely dislike this sound signature. Sufficiently full of life, but lush and tenderly restrained, this tuning and supply is excellent. And so far as planar driver IEMs go, the Nightingale must be my favourite, not solely as a result of it’s so satisfying, but additionally as a result of it’s fairly memorable. And that’s a tough feat to realize in a saturated sea of nice IEMs. Should you prefer it heat, straightforward and all-encompassing with only a contact of snap, it in all probability doesn’t get higher than this for the worth.
You should purchase the Sivga Nightingale at Audio 46.
