Sivga P-II PRO

Sivga P2 Pro, red oak open-back planar headphones

Hand-polished wood, machined metal and a diaphragm manufactured using methods drawn from microelectronics: these open-back headphones combine handcrafted materials with an unusual driver technology. Their large planar driver aims to deliver detailed, consistent reproduction for home listening. They connect just as easily to a balanced headphone amplifier as to a standard headphone jack, thanks to the supplied cable and adapters.

A conductive circuit etched on sapphire

In conventional headphones, a cone is driven by a coil attached to its centre. A planar magnetic driver works differently: a very thin diaphragm, carrying a conductive circuit, is placed within a magnetic field, and its entire surface moves when the signal passes through it. This distributed driving force limits diaphragm distortion and gives planar headphones their reputation for precision and responsiveness. On the P2 Pro, this oval driver measures 97 × 76 mm, an area that amply covers the ear.

The distinctive feature lies in the circuit itself. Sivga pairs it with a sapphire substrate, with a metal inlay, and etches it using deep ultraviolet lithography in a 28 nm semiconductor process, the same one used to pattern circuits on electronic chips. Such fine etching reproduces the circuit pattern with great consistency, from one diaphragm to another and from one earpiece to another, an important factor in balancing the two channels. The diaphragm then undergoes several successive treatments (plasma discharge, ion bombardment, ultra-low-temperature deposition and plasma cleaning) intended to achieve more uniform conduction and clearer sound.

The operating specifications remain reasonable for planar headphones: 32 Ω impedance, 98 dB sensitivity and a frequency response of 20 Hz to 40 kHz.

Red oak, steel and kidskin leather

The earcups are carved from solid red oak, polished by hand. The grain varies from piece to piece, so no two units ever have exactly the same pattern. An acid-etched stainless steel grille covers each earcup, while the CNC-machined metal parts receive an anthracite grey anodised finish that complements the light oak and black trim. The earcups swivel through 180°.

At 435 g, the P2 Pro falls within the average range for planar headphones with large drivers, which are heavier than most dynamic headphones. This weight is distributed by a one-piece steel double headband: the upper section, wrapped in kidskin leather, provides rigidity, while a velour strap follows the top of the head and adjusts the height. The angled earpads position the driver along the ear’s natural axis. Their protein leather surround encloses cushioned foam, and the surface in contact with the skin is velour, a material that builds up less heat than leather during long listening sessions.

The sound Sivga aims for

The brand’s intended sound signature combines firm bass, a natural, smooth midrange and delicate, clear treble. In practical terms, this describes a balance that gives bass a solid foundation without letting it spill over into vocals, keeps the midrange free of harshness and delivers a precise rather than bright top end. The open-back earcup design allows air to circulate behind the diaphragm: the soundstage gains width and the sound feels less enclosed than with closed-back headphones.

This openness comes with a trade-off. The P2 Pro does not isolate outside noise and lets people nearby hear the music, restricting its use to quiet rooms and times when it will not disturb anyone.

Connecting the P2 Pro to a balanced or conventional source

Each earpiece has its own 3.5 mm jack socket, and the cable is detachable. The supplied cable is 2 m long, with braided 6N OCC copper conductors, and terminates at the source end in a balanced 4.4 mm jack plug, the most common format on recent high-end headphone amplifiers and portable music players. For devices with only a 3.5 mm headphone output, a female 4.4 mm to 3.5 mm adapter cable is included, along with a 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm adapter for hi-fi amplifiers and home headphone amplifiers.

With 32 Ω and 98 dB, the P2 Pro remains easier to drive than many planar headphones. A portable music player’s output or a small portable DAC is enough for comfortable listening levels, but a headphone amplifier capable of supplying current gives it greater control in the bass and during dynamic passages. For storage and travel, Sivga supplies a rigid leather carrying case and a hemp pouch.

Technical specifications

Acoustic design

• Type: open-back over-ear headphones
• Driver: planar magnetic
  • Dimensions: 97 × 76 mm
  • Diaphragm: conductive circuit on sapphire, etched using deep ultraviolet lithography, 28 nm semiconductor process according to SIVGA
  • Diaphragm treatments: plasma discharge, ion bombardment, ultra-low-temperature deposition, plasma cleaning
  • Magnet: not found
• Impedance: 32 Ω ± 15%
• Sensitivity: 98 dB ± 3 dB
• Frequency response: 20 Hz to 40 kHz
• Sound signature claimed by SIVGA: firm bass, natural and smooth midrange, delicate and crisp treble

Materials and comfort

• Earcups: hand-polished solid red oak according to SIVGA
  • Grille: acid-etched stainless steel
  • Rotation: 180°
• Metal parts: CNC-machined, anthracite grey anodized finish
• Headband: one-piece double steel headband
  • Comfort strap: velour
  • Top: kidskin leather
  • Height adjustment
• Earpads: angled, protein leather exterior, inert foam, velour face
• Colour: one finish, light oak, anthracite grey metal, black trim

Connections

• Headphone-side connections: two 3.5 mm sockets, one per earcup

Box contents

• Headphones
• Balanced cable:
  • Conductors: braided 6N OCC copper
  • Length: 2 m ± 0.2 m
  • Source end: 4.4 mm balanced jack plug
  • Headphone end: two 3.5 mm jack plugs
• Adapter cable: 4.4 mm female to 3.5 mm
• Adapter: 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm
• Rigid leather carrying case
• Hemp pouch

Warranty

• Manufacturer’s warranty: not found

Weight

• Weight: 435 g