Sivga Nightingale Planar IEM Review – A Lonesome Walk Down A Dark Tunnel
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SIVGA Nightingale launched at the same time as the Kefine Klanar a planar based IEM from another mother. SIVGA has been around in the circles for quite some time with my experience seeing them mentioned as great options for over-ears “budget” busters.
Their signature wood ear cups carry through a vast majority of their lineup. The Sivga Nightingale is no exception with wood representation on the faceplate. A unique tuning that dares to be a different creation highlighting a bullish tight midbass, a dark and chesty midrange, finished with a pointed exacting treble.
Given that Sigva sent me both the Nightingale and the Kefine Klanar, and the diameter of the diaphragm has the same dimension it is easy to hypothesize they are most likely sourcing the same planar driver.
How they tuned them is entirely different and it is abundantly clear these are two separate earphones for sure. The premium price tag of $229 plants them firmly in the upper level of what I classify mid-level IEMs, it is a direct competitor the 7Hz Timeless at that price.
SOUND
Sigva Nightingale makes the upper bass lower midrange the focus of the show, with at times exuding a tunnel or highly reverberant spacious representation. I would not call it bass bleed because the whole lower end is lifted and thunderous, a combo of mildly boomy and boxy that just doesn’t stop.
Subass is available, but it slowly fades out while the snappier 60-100Hz band exudes more confidence and sets the pace. Transients are speedy and clean when you dig through the muddle. Vocals sound chesty, colored, opaque at times. Since the pinna gain is fairly flat, it is absent the usual forwardness and has a natural laidback posture.
Shimmering treble dominates the treble region, but it is clear and articulated with plenty of air. Its a bit magnified as it comes really forward in the mix. While it might be unnatural to have it brought so prominently focused in the mix, it does not sound sibilant or tizzy at all. If you like super clean and articulate cymbals this will not disappoint. It bests the Timeless in treble production even with the Timeless over highlighting it.
Technically, the saturated low to mid region weighs down the highly articulate nature of the treble. The Sivga Nightingale is an odd bird in that respect because everything feels quick and nimble except the low to mids. The Sivga Nightingale sounds wide and closed in, but depth in staging is good. Timbre is ruined only through the low-mid. I am having flashbacks to Brainwavz B400 tuning? I also think it might close to Pioneer CH3 turning, or perhaps something from Final Audio.
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES
Shell design of the Sigva Nightingale shares similar curves and shapes as the 7hz X Crinacle Salnotes planar. It fits smoothly and isolates well. The cable has an outer gummy texture and remains flexible, with an easy to use chin slider. The only connection option is 4.4mm balanced, 3.5mm users find yourself a dongle, consider a replacement cable, or look elsewhere.
The Sivga Nightingale ear-tip selection has a basic set of medium bore style, and then a more sticky smaller bore that resembles what comes with the Final Audio earphones. The smaller bore are of thicker material and harder to get on the nozzles of the Sigva Nightingale. The diameter might be slightly too small for the nozzle size, challenging me to change them out.
The attractive hard case is rather large , but fits the ear-tip carrying case with the earphones inside. The carbon fiber appearance cloth stitching sets it apart from generic cases with their brand name molded to it.
FINAL REMARKS
The Sigva Nightingale has all the ingredients to be great and it is in certain ways. I am happy to hear a different tuning because not everyone likes Harman, or diffuse, or neutral. Not everything needs to be the same. I like the Nightingale with caveats not worth repeating, but it’s not going to be for everyone. It only comes in 4.4mm balanced as well.
Disclaimer: Many thanks to Sigva for providing these free of charge for a no-nonsense review and without whispering in my ear.
Get it from these Stores:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805845717815.html
SPECIFICATIONS Sigva Nightingale
Style: In-ear
Driver type: 14.5mm Planar diaphragm
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 40K Hz
Sensitivity: 100 dB +/- 3 dB
Impedance: 16Ω+/-15%
Cable length: 1.2 M +/-0.2 M
Plug size: 4.4 mm
Weight: 15g
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