Elegant design, precise sound and high wearing comfort – the Sivga Anser offers a versatile and enjoyable listening experience. The workmanship and sound quality are every bit as good as the manufacturer’s previously tested headphones.
- Accurate bass and clear mids
- Detailed treble and decent soundstage
- High quality build and material mix
- Detachable and well-made cable
- Sub-bass could be more pronounced
- Slightly limited dynamic range
- No padded carrying case or cover included
I have already had the opportunity to review two of the Chinese manufacturer’s headphones. As the results were consistently positive, I was all the more excited about this candidate – the Sivga Anser. I was particularly interested in the sonic signature and the build quality. First of all, for those who want a quick answer to these questions – yes, the Anser has a high quality finish and offers a clear sound signature.
What you get
The Sivga Anser comes with a detachable 3.5mm cable, an adapter and a simple fabric pouch that provides some protection during transport. However, I would have liked to have seen a sturdy hard case or padded pouch as an accessory.
Sivga Anser – the technology used by the manufacturer
With these headphones, the manufacturer has used the same tried and tested technology as with its other models. The body of the Sivga Anser is made of fine rosewood, precisely machined using CNC milling technology and traditional craftsmanship. Inside is a 50mm driver with a titanium coated cone. The cone material, tuned neodymium magnets with voice coil and the open design mean that the drive system responds quickly and accurately, ensuring a clear, airy sound signature and an accurate soundstage. With an impedance of 38 ohms and a sensitivity of 105 dB, the Anser is also well suited to mobile use.
Comfortable to wear
The Anser’s ergonomic design and relatively light weight of 342 grams should make them comfortable to wear for long periods. And indeed, soft ear pads and a flexible spring headband ensure even pressure distribution and a comfortable fit. There was no sign of fatigue or discomfort after long hours of listening.
Finish
The Anser’s cabinet has a fine and elegant aesthetic. The polished wooden surface is not only visually appealing, but is also designed to minimise unwanted resonance. The metal headband provides stability and durability. The velvet ear pads and rotating ear cups provide an ergonomic fit. The detachable cable is fitted with 3.5mm plugs on both ends for compatibility. It is not prone to tangling, and movement sounds are not transmitted too strongly through the cable. The materials used seem to be of very high quality and have been perfectly combined. This gives a trustworthy impression and suggests longevity.
How does the Sivga Anser sound?
I tested the Sivga Anser in all possible listening situations and with many different devices. Obviously, the higher the quality of the device feeding the Anser, the better the listening experience. However, I found that the sound was always consistent. The only slight differences I noticed were in the dynamics, which were probably more down to the players than the headphones. In general, the Sivga Anser delivers a balanced and compact sound with a clearly defined spatial image. Instruments are easy to locate and the overall sound is well balanced.
The bass is precise and controlled, with a subtle sub-bass. The midrange adds punch and texture without overpowering. The Anser provides a harmonious foundation for genres such as jazz, rock and classical music. Electronic music with a strong low bass will push the tuning to its limits. This is not to say that these genres are not enjoyable to listen to.
The midrange is clear and warm. Vocals and acoustic instruments are present and very natural. The upper midrange gives the sound an extra dose of energy. For my personal taste, this should be a little less pronounced. When listening to predominantly vocal material, I had the impression that the mids were a little separated.
The treble is airy and rich in detail, without being sharp or tiring. Fine nuances are cleanly reproduced. To put it simply. The way the treble is reproduced is not annoying.
The dynamic range is solid, but could be a little more pronounced for some musical styles. The transitions between quiet and loud passages are good. There is a slight, constant compression effect. This seems to be an inherent part of the sound signature of all Sivga headphones. For acoustic music, with the exception of orchestral works, this effect is actually an advantage, as it ensures that there are no outliers in the dynamics. The Anser’s open design and sound characteristics offer a not too large but decent soundstage with good depth and spaciousness. The reproduction is generally natural. Instruments and vocals are easy to locate and distinguish. Thanks to the immersive sound experience, I particularly enjoyed live recordings and films.
Judging sound is always a subjective matter. If you compare clear parameters such as depth, localisation, spatial and dynamic resolution, intelligibility and response with the subjective listening impression, the Sivga Anser offers a high-quality signature sound that is simply fun to listen to.
Conclusion
The Sivga Anser offers a successful combination of high quality sound, comfortable wear and good workmanship. With its ergonomic design, materials that feel good to the touch and a sturdy frame, it gives no cause for complaint even during long listening sessions. The ability to connect different cables is a great feature.
The Sivga Anser also reflects the manufacturer’s philosophy and desire to offer handcrafted headphones with an unmistakable sound signature. Personally, I would have liked to hear a little more dynamics and a little less upper midrange, but otherwise these headphones are a pleasure to listen to for a long time. To sum up, the Sivga Anser is a convincing all-rounder that impresses with its elegant finish, sound and comfort. Minor flaws, such as the moderate sub-bass or the lack of a padded carrying case, do not detract from the overall impression.
Editor’s note: In a few weeks’ time, we will provide measured data such as frequency response and contact pressure, as well as detailed photos.
Technical specifications
- Ear couplingOver-ear
- Typeopen
- Transducer principledynamic
- Frequency response (headphones)20 - 20,000 Hz
- Impedance38 ohms
- Sound pressure level (SPL)±3db: 105 dB
- Weight without cable342 g
- Cable length200 cm
What's in the box
- 3.5mm cable
- Adapter to 6.35 mm
- Fabric pouch