SIVGA NIGHTINGALE PRO: Luscious Vocal Maestro

Nightingales are small brown avian species known for their powerful yet melodious song as they produce thrills, whistling and murmuring sounds to attract a mating partner for breeding during night time. These birds are also known as a main symbol of the poets as these creatures are known for their complexity, unconstrained and expressive delivery of songs that are synonymous with the nature of a talented poet or orator in delivering an emotional and imaginative expression of a poetry composition through written or speeches.

SIVGA also known as Dongguan Sivga Electronic Technology Co. Ltd.  is a premium audio company based in Dongguan Province, China that was established around 2016 by audio industry professionals and audio enthusiasts, and as we all know in the audio enthusiast scene know that their meticulous craftsmanship, quality excellence and expertise on acoustic engineering.  And if you are an avid reader of my review content, you are already aware that I publish a substantial number of review products from this company and its sister brands, SENDY AUDIO and KEFINE in which the latter became one of the latest audio brand darling in the audio community on how competitive each of their product line-ups with a good value for money aspect.

What I have here is their latest model in the initial-level midrange category, and it is my first time to review this kind of driver set-up in an IEM from this company. This is the SIVGA NIGHTINGALE PRO, a follow-up product  from the previous model, The NIGHTINGALE which was released in the last quarter of 2023, and it happens that this was also their first IEM model that sports such driver technology. According to SIVGA, this one has a newer planar driver technology that they are patented as it introduces some features for better sound quality performance and power efficiency for high sensitivity.

The NIGHTINGALE PRO’s transducer component is a proprietary 14.5mm planar magnetic driver which is composed of multi-array of magnetic structure made of high-grade neodymium magnets with a suspended thin composite diaphragm that was paired with a thin wafer of a circuitry-like ribbon conductive traces made of aluminium alloy allowing for a uniform and consistent piston-like motion that with this design it will deliver a rich, detailed and crystalline sound quality while having a high sensitivity. For a planar magnetic driver, this one is apparently a bit more power efficient that a medium gain output amplification will be enough on it power-up this set that it will convey a very dynamic sound with faster transient response for a textured low, rich and full presence on the midrange for vocals and instruments, and clear and detailed highs.

As it is sticking to SIVGA’s design philosophy, the driver was encased in a composite shell structure consisting of a metal alloy on its cavity base and wooden faceplate. The shell chassis takes an ovoid shape and it has a medium size that makes it more fitting-friendly to all ear sizes but the nozzles are a bit stubby that insertion on its outer ear canal might be a bit strenuous on having a proper fitting. The cavity base frame is made of aluminium-magnesium alloy that was processed with anodisation and sandblasting to achieve its burnish-look on its surface, while the wooden faceplate panel is a Zebrawood that underwent some treatment process like sanding, polishing and coating as it preserve its grain pattern while having a more durable and denser panel. These types of hardwoods are known for their rigidity, good density and excellent dampeners for excessive resonance and vibrations that somehow contributes the sound quality to have a rich and warmer tone. Unlike the SIVGA IEMs that I have reviewed, its uses a modified QDC-type bi-pin connector which is a bit better that the standard as I’m not a fan of these type of connector to be honest, let see on this new type of QDC connector as on how durable it is (I have some entry-level sets that uses these type of connectors and now they are now kaput).

The stock cable of this one is of high quality as it has an 8-core braided in a 26 AWG Litz construction made of a mix of monocrystalline copper and silver-plated copper as it delivers a seamless lossless audio signal transmission for a clear and pure sound output without interferences, microphonics or distortion at all. The cable itself has a robust build, flexible and has an entanglement-resistant, although I wish that it also features a modular termination that allows us to swap different type plug output as it has a fixed 4.4mm balanced output on its termination end.

As for its wearability, with an inverted egg-shaped design of its shell chassis, it somehow offers a comfortable fitting as it rests well into my lugs but as I mentioned a while ago that its stubby nozzle is more of a challenging to adjust on having a good insertion but it can be mitigated with third party eartips. In my own part, I was able to have a fairly decent passive noise isolation as it was able to block some unwanted external noise from the outside surroundings, although I can still hear some noises particularly from the vehicles.

The NIGHTINGALE PRO’s product package has a sufficient quantity of inclusions inside. The packaging box has a medium-size square shape and its overall content presentation is quite classy and well-organised.

Here are the following contents inside of its packaging box:

• Pair of SIVGA NIGHTINGALE PRO IEM transducer earpieces with medium-size black eartips,
• Stock cable with 4.4mm balanced plug
• Hard-bound leather storage case
• Eartips case
• Three (3) pairs of black-coloured wide bore eartips in different standard sizes
• Three (3) pairs of white-coloured wide bore eartips in different standard sizes
• User manual

When it comes to amplification requirement, even that I mentioned a while ago that this set is probably one of the most sensitive IEM on this transducer class, but remember that this is still a planar magnetic driver IEM and these drivers are still power-hungry as it still needs more energy output notably from a current just to deliver a sufficient power on those magnetic arrays to modulate those diaphragm to respond. If amplified correctly, it will deliver a dynamic sound, with no distortion that encompasses the whole frequency range spectrum.

The NIGHTINGALE PRO has a balanced-neutral sound profile with more emphasis on the midrange that makes more of a midcentric type of tonality. This is a variant of midcentric tuning that is quite a bit energetic rather than the usual smoother ones due to its more accentuated upper-mids section up to presence section on the high frequency.

LOWS/BASS:

As to how it defines its balanced-neutral tuning, it appears that its bass tuning is more focused on the mid bass texture rather than the sub bass presence as on how it delivers a punchy, impactful yet well-segregated bass response. That makes its overall bass quality relatively clean, lucid and precise although we find its sub bass depth and presence are somewhat lacking and subdued which aren't suitable to some certain genres like Synth-pop, Hip-hop and R&B.

The sub bass section with its rumbling and reverberation generated from few selected instruments like drum machines, synthesisers, bass guitars and double-basses were just barely felt in terms of its depth and physicality. Meanwhile on its mid bass, it has a rich, warmth and well-bodied texture that gives an almost realistic timbre on bass-clef instruments and low-octave male vocal types. In the matter of the bass-noted instruments, bass guitars sound raspy and sombre, while the double-basses sound more weighty and dark, and then the bass kick drums deliver that full and sonorous sound on every stroke. On the male vocals, both bass and bass-baritones, due to its rich and dark timbre, it gives a more wool-y, gravelly and dense sound quality on their singing voices given that this planar magnetic driver makes it even more impressive in my opinion, although it doesn't have that deep resonance from them.

MIDRANGE:

This is probably its main strength in terms of overall tonal rendering as to how it presents this certain part of the frequency response. The midrange is relatively neutral yet balanced as how it has an ample warmth and at the same, it is also quite energetic that gives more vivid, pure and expressive on some vocals and instruments that makes the set tuned for mid-centrics in which with your yours truly’s one of the favourite sound signature tunings out there. In general, the midrange quality of this one is evidently rich, plush and lively while maintaining a clean presentation.

On the vocals, with its adequate warm and rich tone on its overall tuning, it gives more of a life-like presentation on male vocals as on baritones, from noble baritones up to the light baritones, they sound smooth, steely, mellow and mild, while the tenors with their brassy, thrilling and insistent vocalisation delivers a clear, spicy and  dazzling sound, and then on countertenors, they have this agile, smooth and tender vocal bearing from their falsettos although there are some instances of having a  copper-y sound. Meanwhile, in regards to the female vocals, contraltos with their distinctive low register and dark tone voices, they have smok-ey, rich and weighty sound from their chesty vocals, a coppery, velvety and musky sound coming from mezzo-sopranos known for their melodic and dulcet quality, and then, on the sopranos, with their bright timbre and sparkly pure vocals, they sound satiny, crystalline and silvery as on the spinto and dramatic types have some plushiness and richness on the singing vocals.

As for instruments, on the strings ones, guitars have a bit of buttery yet crisp and lingering sound, the violins with bowing on their strings produces a vibrant, sensuous and sweet sound, and then cellos deliver a stately, cantabile and powerful sound. For a meantime, on the woodwind instruments; the concert flutes sound rich, clear and brilliant, piccolos sound delicate and graceful, clarinets seems to have a lustrous and rich and the saxophones have mild, sonorous and lively sound with hint of velvety tone, while on the brasses like the trumpets, trombones and horns, they sound with metallic brilliance, full and tense, and warm respectively. Then on percussives, each instrument offers different sound characteristics and tonal colours on every stroke on their specific drum heads as the snares sound bright and penetrating, tom-toms have that staccato, warm resonant sound, field drums have sonorous and majestic sound, and the kettledrum sound sound velvety and resonant sound. Lastly, on the pianos, with their wide range of their harmonic overtones, they sound rich, full and lively on their overall tonal register.

HIGHS/TREBLE:

The treble of this one is somewhat on a bit brighter side of tuning but it still retains its balanced and smooth presentation that I would rather classify it as lustrous with a bit of vibrancy on it along with a moderate airy extension for a planar magnetic driver set. Its energetic tuning was due to accentuated upper-mids then some gradual slope between presence and brilliance section as on how it highlights further the clarity and definition on the attack on instruments and a well-defined articulation on vocals. While it doesn't have those harsh and sibilance, it presents a bit too forward that some treble-sensitive folk might find it a bit tinny and piercing on their listening threshold.

The brilliance section has a moderate airy extension which is enough albeit not the airiest one that I've heard, and it has a sufficient sparkle with some harmonic presence. The cymbals sound lustrous and bell-like on every stroke while the hi-hats produces a shortened crisp and soughing sound, glockenspiel sound lustrous and shimmering and then, celestas has a sweet and velvety sound which an exact heaven-like vibe that these instruments are known for.

SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING & OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

The overall technical aspects of this set has a satisfactory performance that it can project a perceivable above-average sound/speaker stage which is moderately roomy as it has a fairly decent width on its lateral span from left to right, excellent height ceiling and a solid depth distance from front to rear within my auditory field. The stereo imaging presents a holographic acoustic landscape with a distinctive layering and separation on its sonicscape that I was able to panned out the placements of musical elements on it with good accuracy, and it makes playing some of the complex multi-instrument genres like jazz and philharmonic orchestra recordings smoothly without any congestion issues.

Given that it has a planar magnetic driver, the driver coherency of this one is absolutely superior on how capable these types of transducers are as it delivers a fast transient response for bass definition and then a clear crisp and detailed sound on its midrange and treble region. The resolution capability of this set is relatively resolving as on how it shows a solid macrodynamics texture that makes some prominence on the presenting a volume dynamics with its quietest section up its loudest level from  chorale lines and instrumental sections, which is in contrast with its microdynamics with a fairly sharp definition on retrieving fine details, grains and other nuances from a played back audio track like notational attacks, vocal delays and instrumental reverb tails.

PEER COMPARISONS:

LETSHUOER S12 2024

• A limited edition variant of the S12 priced at around US$199/147 when it was released.
• It features a heavily tweaked 14.8mm planar magnetic driver that was implemented with the first S12 model and it was encased in a metal alloy chassis.
• This one is well-packed with accessories and it includes a high quality stock cable with modular termination.
• It has a mild U-shaped sound signature as it has more rumbly and a bit tighter bass response, a balanced midrange presentation with a bit of energy for some vocals and instruments, and then, a lustrous and a moderately airy extension.
• On its overall technical performance, it also has a moderately spacious soundstage size, a well-layered soundscape with good separation of musical elements and fairly detailed resolution capabilities.

LETSHUOER S15

• The previous planar magnetic flagship of the LETSHUOER model, and it was priced around US$300/222 on its initial introduction in the audio market.
• It has a 3rd generation 14.8mm planar magnetic driver in tandem with its passive radiator that were encased in a composite shell chassis consisting of resin cavity base that was 3D-moulded by HEYGEARS and metal alloy faceplate.
• Its product packaging is loaded with quality accessories including a stock cable with modular termination.
• This one has a mild U-shaped sound signature with a warmish-balanced tonality as it has a deep, impactful and rumbly bass, a well-balanced midrange with warmth and energy for vocals and instruments, and then a smooth and even treble response with very airy presentation which has better extension than the NIGHTINGALE PRO.
• When it comes to technicalities, this one has a more spacious soundstage size, excellent layering and separation, and it has a tad sharper definition on its micro-dynamics compared to NIGHTINGALE PRO.

KIWI EARS AETHER

• This is KIWI EARS’ latest planar magnetic IEM and this one is quite more affordable as it was priced at under US$200.
• It sports a larger 15mm planar magnetic driver encapsulated with a specially- designed acoustic chamber on its composite shell structure.
• The product packaging of this one is sufficiently packed with accessories, with a decent quality cable but it doesn't have modular termination.
• This set a balanced-neutral sound profile, and it has proportional bass response that it has rumbly and punchiness, a balanced yet neutral midrange presentation as it has an enough warmth and energy with transparency for vocals and instruments, and a hint of bright treble response with more airy presentation.
• This one has excellent technical capabilities as it also has roomy soundstage size with a holographic stereo imaging presentation and very resolving resolution capabilities.

To conclude this product review, the SIVGA NIGHTINGALE PRO is one of the IEMs that truly impresses me a lot, especially that its tuning aligns with one of my preferred tuning profile targets out there which is midcentric sound signature as I enjoyed on more pronounced vocals and instruments presentation in my listening session especially on classical and operatic tracks. Undeniably that is not all about rainbows and sunshine as this set have noticeably drawbacks, like it can be a bit too intense and too energetic sound for some treble-sensitive folks, less bass presence to ardent bassheads and a lacking of treble air and shimmer for audio enthusiasts who loves more accentuated treble presentation.

Certainly that it has a good build quality as it is a mark of SIVGA’s excellence on craftsmanship and choices of materials, although I wish that the stock cable, while it has a premium quality, should have at least a termination option. Again if you are a type of audio enthusiast looking for a balanced-neutral sound with a natural and a tad lively tonality if you are seeking for different neutral tuning flavour, and also competent on technical capabilities, this IEM fits perfectly on that profile.

SIVGA NIGHTINGALE PRO is now available and I will put some non-affiliated links below.

More SIVGA product reviews? check out my other products links down.

• SIVGA ANSER
• SIVGA PENG
• SIVGA QUE UTG
• SIVGA QUE

SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: SIVGA NIGHTINGALE PRO 

IMPEDANCE: 16Ω

SENSITIVITY: 107dB

FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz – 40KHz

CABLE LENGTH: 1.2m

PIN TYPE: 0.78mm 2-PIN CONNECTOR

PLUG TYPE:  4.4mm

DRIVER UNIT(S):  (1) PLANAR MAGNETIC DRIVER

PROS:

● Excellent build quality as it is made of high quality materials like aerospace-grade aluminium alloy and imported zebrawood.

● Its ovular-shaped shell chassis fits well to almost all ear sizes (but with some caveats).

● Probably the cheapest flagship planar IEM in the market right now.

● Well-packed with quality accessories.

● Excellent quality stock cable.

● One of the most sensitive planar IEMs around that makes this set quite power efficient.

● Balanced-neutral sound profile with strong midcentric tuning that still retains some of its musicality.

● Deep, punchy and rumbly bass response.

● Full, warm and rich bass-clef instruments and low octave male vocals.

● The midrange has a well-balanced presentation with sufficient warmth and energy for a natural and accurate timbre from vocals and instruments.

● Full, smooth and lush baritones, juicy and dazzling sound on tenors, and then, a glowing and tender sound from countertenors.

● Rich and deep sound from contraltos, golden sound from mezzo-sopranos and creamy and gleaming sound on contraltos.

● Lustre treble response with not a hint of sibilance or stridency.

● Competent technical capabilities.

CONS:

● Lack of sub bass presence.

● Modest amount of treble air on its brilliance section.

● Might sound a bit tinny and piercing to some treble-sensitive folk.

● While the stock cable is of high quality, it does not have a modular termination feature. 

● Definitely not for bassheads

TRACKS TESTED: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)

Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *

Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**

Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **

Mountain - Mississippi Queen *

Queen - Killer Queen **

Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*

Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'

Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'

Pearl Jam - Daughter **

Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *

Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*

Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *

New Order - Blue Monday *

The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *

Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *

The Madness- Buggy Trousers *

Metallica - Motorbreath **

Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *

Destiny's Child - Say My Name *

Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *

Mozart - Lacrimosa *

New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *

Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*

Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *

Exciter - Violence and Force *

Diana Krall - Stop This World **

Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*

The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**

Suzanne Vega – Luka **

Lauren Christy – Steep *

Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *

Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*

Type O Negative - Black No.1 *

Felix Ayo - Vivaldi: Presto **

Three Tenors - Nessum Dorma *

Mercyful Fate - Witches' Dance *

P.S.

I am not affiliated to SIVGA nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.

Once again, I would like to send my gratitude to the SIVGA Rep for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate their generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.