I’m always on the lookout for products that offer exceptional value for money. When I heard about the new Sivga Que IEMs, retailing at just $69.90, I was intrigued to see how they would perform. After spending considerable time with these earphones, I can confidently say that Sivga has created something special with the Que. In this review, I’ll share my in-depth experience with these Sivga IEMs and explore whether they live up to the hype.
Design and Build Quality
Right out of the box, I was impressed by the complete packaging of the Sivga Que. The package includes a hard leather-like case, a cable, two sets of different tips, and the usual manual and quality check cards. This level of accessories is not always a given at this price point, so Sivga has already scored some points in my book.
The Que features 10mm beryllium drivers, which is an impressive choice of material for IEMs in this price range. Beryllium is known for its rigidity and low mass, potentially contributing to better sound quality. The 0.78mm 2-pin connection is another welcome feature, allowing for easy cable upgrades if desired.
I found the build quality of the Sivga Que to be remarkably high for the price. The maple wood face covers add a touch of elegance, while the high-precision zinc alloy ear shells give these IEMs a premium feel. I noticed no burrs or sharp edges, and all components fit flush. My only minor complaint is that the finish is a bit thick, with some visible imperfections on the inside paint. However, this is purely an aesthetic issue and doesn’t affect comfort or performance.
The cable that comes with the Sivga Que is a high-purity oxygen-free copper silver-plated affair with 0.78mm 2-pin connectors. I was genuinely impressed by the quality of this cable – if sold separately, I’d expect it to cost around $40. The fact that it’s included with these budget-friendly IEMs significantly enhances their value proposition.
Comfort and Fit
When it comes to comfort, the Sivga Que offers a mixed bag. On one hand, I found them easy to fit, thanks to the six different eartip options provided. On the other hand, the zinc shell is definitely on the heavier side for IEMs. However, once I found the right tips, I had no issues with the Que falling out of my ears.
The cable, while somewhat stiff, actually works in favor of these IEMs. Given the weight of the earpieces, the slightly rigid cable helps to keep them in place. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I could listen to the Que for hours without experiencing fatigue.
Overall, I found the Sivga Que to be very comfortable, with an easy fit that also looks good when worn. The combination of the right tips and the supportive cable makes for a secure and comfortable listening experience.
Sound Quality
Now, let’s dive into the most crucial aspect of any IEM – its sound quality. The Sivga Que offers a unique sound signature that I found engaging and enjoyable across a wide range of music genres.
Soundstage
The standout feature of the Sivga Que, in my experience, is undoubtedly its soundstage. These IEMs offer a decently wide soundstage that’s on par with many of their competitors, but what truly sets them apart is their holographic quality. I found that sounds aren’t confined to a flat plane – instead, they can seem to creep up behind you or pan out diagonally on the right tracks.
This level of directionality is rare in IEMs, especially at this price point. Typically, you’d need to spend upwards of $1,000 to get this kind of performance, and even then, it’s not guaranteed. The fact that Sivga has achieved this in a sub-$100 IEM is truly impressive.
To test the soundstage, I listened to “Into The Void” by Buzz Kull. The automated reverb that grows as the track progresses expands beautifully with the music, showcasing the Que’s impressive imaging accuracy and expansive soundstage. This performance alone makes the Sivga Que a hidden gem in the budget IEM world.
Bass Response
The bass response of the Sivga Que is a bit of a mixed bag. On bass-heavy tracks, I found it could sometimes feel a little bloated. However, the added highs help to balance this out, resulting in an overall pleasant listening experience.
I noticed that the bass isn’t particularly focused in the sub-bass region, instead favoring a mid-bass character. This means that while you won’t get earth-shaking, visceral bass, you do get a nice warmth on tracks that aren’t overly bassy to begin with.
To put the bass performance to the test, I listened to “Epoch of Barbarity” by Internal Bleeding. The punchy bass on this track cut through the mix nicely, thanks to the well-tuned mids. However, I did find the bass a bit too boomy for my taste due to the elevated mid/high bass tuning.
I experimented with some EQ to reign in the higher bass and bring up the sub-bass. While it was a bit challenging to get a completely natural sound, I managed to achieve more punch and less bloat in the low frequencies.
Midrange Performance
Aside from the impressive soundstage, I found the midrange to be the star of the show with the Sivga Que. Unlike some bass-heavy IEMs that can suffer from low-mid bloating and boxiness, the Que manages to avoid this pitfall.
Voices come through clearly with enough distinction to make listening supremely enjoyable. To really put the midrange through its paces, I listened to “Confirmation” performed by Jim Hall, Sonny Stitt, Richard Davis, John Lewis, and Connie Kay. Stitt’s typically razor-sharp alto sax tone was pleasantly balanced by the Que, with a fullness to the sound that I found very appealing.
I have no complaints about the mid-tuning of these Sivga IEMs. They handle vocal-heavy music beautifully and would be an excellent choice for podcast listening or movie watching. The mids also exhibit excellent dynamics, which adds a lot to the overall listening experience.
High-Frequency Performance
The high frequencies on the Sivga Que are pleasant and work well in conjunction with the elevated bass, creating what I’d describe as a “warm-V” sound signature. The highs bring detail to the sound without dominating the overall presentation.
Throughout my testing, I never encountered any issues with sibilance, even when raising the EQ between 4-5kHz. The drivers remained clean-sounding when I boosted the highs, performing better in this regard than when I tried to boost the sub-bass.
While the highs aren’t the focus of the Que’s sound signature, I found nothing to complain about either. There’s a bit more airiness than some other IEMs in this price range, but it never becomes shouty or brittle.
Comparisons and Context
To put the Sivga Que into context, it’s worth comparing them to some other popular budget IEMs. Compared to something like the KZ ZSN Pro X, I found the Que to offer a more refined, less V-shaped sound. The Que’s impressive soundstage also sets it apart from many competitors in this price range.
When compared to slightly more expensive options like the Moondrop Aria, the Que holds its own surprisingly well. While it may not match the Aria’s technical performance, I found the Que’s engaging sound signature and holographic soundstage to make it a compelling alternative, especially given the price difference.
Who Should Consider the Sivga Que?
After spending considerable time with the Sivga Que, I believe these IEMs will appeal to several types of listeners:
- Budget-conscious audiophiles: If you’re looking to get the most bang for your buck, the Que offers performance that punches well above its price point.
- Soundstage enthusiasts: For those who prioritize a wide, immersive soundstage, the Que delivers in spades, especially considering its price.
- Bass lovers who still want clarity: While the bass can be a bit much on some tracks, the overall balance and clear mids make these great for those who enjoy a warmer sound without sacrificing too much detail.
- Podcast and movie watchers: The clear midrange makes these excellent for vocal content.
However, the Que might not be the best choice for:
- Those seeking a neutral, reference sound: While enjoyable, the Que’s sound signature is colored and won’t be ideal for critical listening.
- Listeners who prefer a brighter, more analytical sound: If you like emphasized treble, you might find the Que a bit too warm.
Conclusion
The Sivga Que represents an impressive achievement in the budget IEM market. These earphones offer a compelling combination of build quality, comfort, and engaging sound that I believe will satisfy many listeners.
What impresses me most about the Que is how it manages to deliver an enjoyable, immersive listening experience at such a low price point. The holographic soundstage, in particular, is a standout feature that you typically wouldn’t expect to find in IEMs at this price.
The build quality and included accessories also punch above their weight class. The use of beryllium drivers and the high-quality cable add significant value to an already affordable package.
In terms of sound, the Que offers a warm, engaging signature with impressive midrange performance and a uniquely immersive soundstage. While the bass can sometimes be a bit much, and audiophiles seeking a neutral sound might want to look elsewhere, I believe many listeners will enjoy the Que’s fun, musical presentation.
In conclusion, I believe the Sivga Que offers excellent value for money. It brings some qualities typically associated with much more expensive IEMs – like an expansive, holographic soundstage – to a very accessible price point. While they may not be the perfect choice for everyone, the Que offers a compelling package for listeners who want an engaging, immersive sound signature without breaking the bank.
For anyone in the market for a sub-$100 IEM that offers a taste of higher-end audio, I highly recommend giving the Sivga Que a listen. It’s a testament to Sivga’s commitment to delivering high-quality audio experiences at reasonable prices, and I’m excited to see how they continue to innovate in the future.