SIVGA Robin SV021 Review (Page 2 of 4)

Page 2 - Physical Look - Hardware

The first thing that I realized when I pulled the SIVGA Robin SV021 out of the box was how attractive they were. Their dark aesthetic combines black protein leather earcups and headband, dark brown wooden enclosures, and dark gray metal arms. These premium materials elevate the Robin SV021, offering a noticeably higher-end feel compared to my all-plastic Philips SHP9600, although the two headphones fall into different price categories. The wooden exterior may appear black in certain lighting, but its matte finish blends the entire design into a cohesive look. The dark grey metal arms and headband attachments share the same finish for a seamless appearance. Additionally, none of the surfaces retain fingerprints, keeping the SIVGA Robin SV021 looking clean after use. The only visible accents are the embroidered threads that go up the headband, as well as the engraved SIVGA logos on each side of the ears. All in all, I really like the look of these headphones. For those who prefer a lighter color, a rosewood brown version is also available.

Thankfully, the premium materials of the SIVGA Robin SV021 contribute to its sturdy and well-built structure. Everything fits together seamlessly, which is evident when handling the headphones. There are no creaks or odd noises when flexing or stretching them, and all of the components feel strong and secure together. The Robin SV021 follow a traditional form of headphones with zero folding elements. It measures 23.5cm in length, 16.8cm in width, and 9.3cm in depth when fully extended.

Looking at the ears, the SIVGA Robin SV021 feature large earcups on both sides. They are covered with vegan leather and filled with plush, thick, and supportive memory foam. These over-ear headphones are made to sit around your ears. The earcups have an elliptical shape with a wider top that tapers down, which matches the general form of human ears. A thin layer of porous fabric lines the inner portion to prevent any direct contact with any hard surface. I found the cups to be sufficiently thick so my ears do not touch the inner portion, but this will depend on how much your ears protrude.

Inside the earcups, the SIVGA Robin SV021 houses 50mm dynamic drivers with a thin and flexible diaphragm. The drivers have a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz, matching the standard human hearing range. The rated sensitivity is 105dB. Its impedance of 32Ω makes the SIVGA Robin SV021 easy to drive whether connected to a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

At the top of the SIVGA Robin SV021, embroidered lines accent the protein leather headband. This vegan leather wraps around both sides, with a sufficient layer of memory foam underneath for added comfort. The headbands extends down to the metal enclosure, which connects to the adjustable arms. Each side is marked with L and R on the exterior for easy orientation. The extending arms are notched and produce a loud click when adjusted. While the clicking noise feels slightly cheap, it provides audible and tactile feedback, ensuring users know how far the arms are extended. I would have liked to see some printed measurement lines on the other side, but at least the detents are visible on the inside.

In terms of comfort, the SIVGA Robin SV021 offers both positive and negative aspects. On the plus side, the headband and thick earcups provide an excellent feel. Combined with a light 275g weight without the cable, the Robin SV021 is designed for comfortable extended wear without causing fatigue. The clamping pressure is just right, as it is not too tight to feel uncomfortable, but enough to keep the headphones securely in place during daily use. Even during vigorous headbanging or shaking, the Robin SV021 stayed firmly on my head, which is impressive.

A primary design downside with the SIVGA Robin SV021 is the lack of rotating earcups. Given that humans generally have round heads, a bit of pivoting would have been beneficial to better align the earcups with the ears, regardless of head shape. Unfortunately, I found myself adjusting them periodically to achieve the proper fit, which could affect the listening experience if the cups do not sit flush against your head. In this regard, SIVGA should have made the design more flexible.


Page Index
1. Introduction, Packaging, Specifications
2. Physical Look - Hardware
3. Subjective Audio Analysis
4. Conclusion