SIVGA Anser Review

SIVGA Anser review featured

In this article, I review the SIVGA Anser headphones. The Anser is an open-back model with wooden earcups and a 50mm dynamic driver. It costs 220 USD.

Disclaimer: This sample was provided by SIVGA for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.

SIVGA Anser Review
Verdict
The SIVGA Anser matches its premium walnut earcups with a warm organic tonality and great comfort.
How would you rate this product?0 Votes
Pros
Warm and Smooth Sound Signature
Silky, emotive vocals
Comfortable Fit
Easy to Drive
Premium Build Quality
Cons
Mediocre detail retrieval
4.5
Our Score
WHERE TO BUY

SIVGA Anser

Specifications

Transducer Type:50mm Dynamic Driver
Impedance:38±15%Ω
Sensitivity:105db±3dB
Frequency Response:20Hz-20kHz
Weight:342g

Design

The SIVGA Anser has a kind of neo-retro look. SIVGA is no stranger to making wooden earcups—in fact, if I remember correctly, all of their headphones have wooden materials. The Anser is one of the most attractive ones the brand has made. It looks striking and sophisticated with a mix of dark walnut and polished metal grill.

The headband is topped with vegan leather, while its underside features a breathable fabric. The earpads combine vegan leather with breathable material, a trendy mix that provides both superior noise isolation and comfort. This combination ensures you get the best of both worlds. The plush earpads feel like a gentle hug for your ears, and together with the cushioned headband and light clamping force, these headphones offer exceptional comfort.

Stock cable

The stock cable has a braided fabric sheath that is supple and handles well. It has a 3.5mm termination and 3.5mm TRS connectors so there is an abundance of aftermarket options available if, for example, you want to switch to a 4.4mm balanced termination.

Sound

Gear used for testing includes the xDuoo Link2 Bal, iBasso DX180 and SMSL RAW-MDA1. The Anser is easy to drive and doesn’t have any special power requirements.

Anser combines clarity and warmth in a way that feels both inviting and refined. The overall sound is natural and cohesive, with no particular frequency range grabbing undue attention—just an organic tonality that feels effortless and true to the music.

Bass

The Anser has good bass extension with a fairly satisfying sub-bass presence. While the mid-bass is adequate, it lacks the tight definition or punch you’d find in more premium or planar driver headphones. The slightly softened attack on notes contributes to its natural sound, though it trades some snap and responsiveness in the process.

Midrange

The midrange of the Anser is smooth and well-rounded, offering a natural presentation that leans slightly toward warmth. Vocals and instruments come through with good body and texture but without any excessive forwardness. This results in a midrange that’s engaging without becoming too intimate or congested.

SIVGA Anser flat lay

There’s a slight emphasis on the lower mids, giving male vocals a touch of extra weight, while female vocals retain their clarity without sounding sharp. It’s a balanced, non-fatiguing midrange that’s versatile across various music genres.

Treble

The Anser’s treble presentation is, to put it plainly, relaxed. It’s not rolled off to the point of sounding muffled, but it takes a backseat to the midrange and bass. You won’t find any harshness or sibilance here, which makes for a fatigue-free listening experience, even during longer sessions.

However, this also means that some sparkle and airiness are missing. Detail retrieval in the higher frequencies is decent, but it doesn’t quite reach the level of some more analytical headphones. I found myself wanting a bit more energy up top to give a greater sense of clarity and separation, especially in complex musical passages. It’s a trade-off: what you gain in smoothness, you lose in ultimate detail and excitement.

Soundstage & Technicalities

When it comes to soundstage, the SIVGA Anser presents a fairly intimate experience. It’s not exactly claustrophobic, but it doesn’t throw a wide, expansive soundscape either. You won’t feel like the music is playing in a concert hall, but rather in a smaller, more personal venue. Instrument separation is decent, allowing you to pick out individual elements within the mix, but things can get a little congested in busier tracks. Layering is adequate, but not exceptional, meaning that the different layers of instruments don’t always have a distinct sense of space between them.

Technically, the Anser performs reasonably well for its price point. Detail retrieval is good, though as mentioned before, the subdued treble can mask some of the finer details. Dynamics are also decent, with enough punch to keep things engaging, but it’s not the most dynamic headphone out there. Overall, the Anser prioritizes a smooth and cohesive presentation over outright technical prowess. It’s a headphone that’s more about enjoying the overall musical experience than dissecting every single detail.

Open-back earcups

Comparisons

FiiO FT1 Pro (199 USD)

There are some key differences between these two headphones. The Anser has a slightly warmer sound signature, with a more pronounced bass response. This makes them a good choice for those who like a bit of extra thump in their music. The FT1 Pro, on the other hand, has a more neutral sound signature with a more extended treble response. This makes them a good choice for those who prefer a more detailed and analytical sound.

One key difference is the inclusion of accessories. While both offer detachable cables, the FT1 Pro sweetens the deal with an included carrying case.

So, which headphones should you choose? If you’re looking for a richer sound and don’t mind sourcing your own case, the SIVGA Anser is a great option. However, if you prefer a more neutral sound signature with a more extended treble response and faster transients, the FiiO FT1 Pro might be the better choice.

SIVGA Anser on headphone stand

Verdict

In the end, the SIVGA Anser presents a compelling package for those seeking a smooth, natural, and fatigue-free listening experience. It’s a headphone that prioritizes musicality over outright technical prowess, offering a cohesive and inviting sound that works well across a variety of genres.

While the relaxed treble and intimate soundstage might not satisfy detail-oriented listeners or those craving a more expansive presentation, the Anser’s strengths lie in its warm, engaging midrange and ability to deliver a genuinely enjoyable listening session. For those prioritizing a smooth and cohesive sound, and who value comfort and an inoffensive presentation, the Anser offers excellent value and is well worth considering.

Stay in the Loop with the Latest News and Updates!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Founder of Prime Audio
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

0 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Stay in the Loop with the Latest News and Updates!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.