Recently, we were lucky enough to test the successor to the Phoenix model: the Sivga Luan hi-fi headphones. In addition to their elegant design with solid wood ear cups, they promise an immersive musical experience thanks to their large 2” transducers and open-back structure. Will the Sivga Luan become the new reference hi-fi headphones at under €400?
Sivga Luan: accessories
The Sivga Luan headphones come with a brown carrying case, a fabric pouch for the accessories, a 3.5mm stereo to 3.5mm mono cable (160cm) and a 6.35mm adapter.
Sivga Luan: presentation
The Sivga brand was created in China in 2016 by Jian Zhou and Rongchun Pan. Driven by the desire to provide high-quality audiophile solutions at affordable prices, Sivga Audio develops and manufactures all its headphones in its own factories. Each model uses wood selected for its acoustic properties and features handcrafted shells.
Positioned between the Sivga SV023 and the Sivga Phoenix, the Sivga Luan headphones feature the brand’s distinctive design elements, such as the varnished wooden shells, aluminum chassis, double steel frame and leather and velvet headband.
Comfort
The Sivga Luan hi-fi headphones have wide, tapered ear pads that are funnel-shaped. While they look a little unusual, the design is actually very comfortable. The hybrid ear pads are made of memory foam, partially covered with velvet, offering a pleasant feel without exerting too much pressure on the temples or jaw. The stainless steel headband, both elegant and robust, completes the design.
Weighing a reasonable 354g, the headphones are very comfortable and can be worn for an entire afternoon. Moreover, the padded headband evenly distributes their weight.
Audio design
The Sivga Luan headphones have an open-back design. This structure ensures a spacious soundstage, with greater immersion and wider spatial imaging. However, it also means that the headphones provide less acoustic isolation and are best used in quiet environments.
Their low impedance of 38 ohms and high sensitivity of 100 dB ensure compatibility with a wide range of sources. Naturally, while they can be used with a smartphone, it is best to pair the headphones with a DAP, headphone amp or portable DAC to enjoy their full potential.
Dynamic transducers
The Sivga Luan hi-fi headphones feature 2” dynamic transducers that ensure precise, detailed sound reproduction across the entire frequency range, from 20Hz to 40kHz. The nickel-plated polymer diaphragm used in these transducers has been carefully selected for its lightness, high rigidity and high elasticity, enabling a fast, accurate transient response.
Furthermore, the organic carbon fiber dome absorbs, controls and eliminates unwanted vibration to offer clear, distortion-free sound. Lastly, the copper-plated aluminum voice coil ensures that the membrane is driven smoothly, resulting in a more delicate sound and more natural transmission. Meanwhile, the oversized NdFeB neodymium magnet guarantees optimum power and dynamics.
Audiophile cable
The Sivga Luan headphones are very versatile thanks to their detachable Y cable, which is equipped with 3.5mm mini-jack connectors. The included 6.35mm adapter offers even more connection possibilities.
Made of TPU polymer thermoplastic, the cable is robust and doesn’t get tangled, making it easier to tidy away. Moreover, this material reduces the noise caused by cable friction, ensuring a pure listening experience without any detrimental interference.
At 1.6m long, this cable gives users a lot of freedom of movement for comfortable, non-restrictive listening sessions at home. However, for greater convenience and ease of use, you can opt for an extension cord or a longer cable such as the Meze 109 PRO Standard Cable (3m) or Meze 99 Series Gold Original Cable (3m).
Sivga Luan: key specifications
- Open-back, over-ear headphones
- 2” dynamic transducers
- Frequency response: 20Hz – 40kHz
- Impedance: 38 ohms (measured at +/- 15%)
- Sensitivity: 100 dB (measured at +/- 3 dB)
- 3.5mm mini-jack cable / 6.35mm adapter
- Weight: 354g
Sivga Luan: listening conditions
To test the Sivga Luan headphones in the best possible conditions, we paired them with the FiiO R7 desktop headphone amplifier and the Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition amplifier.
Sivga Luan: listening impressions
Lauded by the international press, with awards from the likes of Major HiFi, ON-mag and Trusted Reviews, the Sivga Luan open-back headphones are highly musical. They provide a rich and balanced sound reproduction that is well suited to all music genres. With the track “Come Back to Earth” from Mac Miller’s album Swimming, the Sivga Luan highlighted the singer’s voice perfectly. The sound effects moved all around us. The soundstage was both wide and deep. The highest notes were smooth yet well-defined, but weren’t always perfect when the volume was turned up too high.
The Sivga Luan continued to impress us with the song “Otherside” from the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ album Californication. The percussion instruments were clear, and the guitar notes were rendered with great precision, while the vocals remained solidly anchored at the front of the stage. The Sivga Luan headphones delivered a detailed reproduction.
With the track “Won’t Stand Down” by Muse, the bass was deep and infused the music with energy. The Sivga Luan headphones had a warm signature. They reproduced a plethora of detail, truly enhancing the original recording. The soundstage was very spacious. The placement of the various vocals and instruments was also excellent.
Sivga Luan: compared to…
FiiO FT3: the FiiO FT3 headphones are more analytical and neutral when reproducing streamed tracks. The Sivga Luan open-back headphones, on the other hand, have more character, delivering more pronounced and slightly warmer bass and mids. The Sivga Luans score points when it comes to comfort, as their weight is more evenly distributed and their ear pads are more enveloping. However, they are bulkier than their rival.
HiFiMAN Sundara: the Sivga Luan headphones differ with their luxurious materials, solid wood shells and warm sound signature with deep bass. Their soundstage is spacious and balanced. The HiFiMAN Sundaras use Planar Magnetic transducers and micro-perforated technology to provide a neutral and analytical sound up to 75kHz. Both headphones share excellent aeration and natural instrument placement, but choosing between them will depend on individual preferences, with the Luans offering warm immersion while the Sundaras focus on neutrality and audio detail.
Sivga Luan: who are they for?
The Sivga Luan headphones are ideal for those who appreciate a warm, musical sound. They provide an immersive listening experience that will appeal to users who listen to a variety of genres, from jazz and classical music to rock and pop. Their excellent comfort, build quality and reasonable price make them a particularly attractive choice for listeners looking for a midrange model and who appreciate beautiful objects.
Sivga Luan: conclusion
The Sivga Luan hi-fi headphones stand out with their rich, warm musicality. They deliver a powerful and immersive sound for a reasonable price, making them an interesting option for those looking for the perfect combination of audio quality and value for money. While their sound signature may not appeal to all audiophiles, the Sivga Luan open-back headphones are a perfect new addition to the midrange headphone market. Last but not least, in addition to being comfortable, the warm and luxurious aspect of the materials (wood, leather, stainless steel, velvet) make them incredibly pleasant to use on a daily basis.
We liked
- Their value for money
- The width and depth of their soundstage
- The warm reproduction
- How comfortable they were
We would have liked
- A little more definition in the highs
