The Article
ROBIN SV021 PRO FROM SIVGA
4th March 2026
A refined version of the original Robin SV021 headphones, Paul Rigby checks out the Pro versions of the same
The original, closed-backed, over-the-ear SV021 Robins were released way back in 2021 but the company, SIVGA continued to muse upon that original configuration. You can see design similarities between the two but the overall result is the tweaked and modified Pro model you see here with the original rosewood chassis transforming, in a more svelte and slender form, as either beechwood or zebrawood.
Both models utilise 50mm dynamic drivers although the Pro models use a multi-layered aluminium diaphragm. This changes the impedance from the original 32 Ohms to 45 Ohm, although sensitivity is basically the same from 105db to 106db.
According to the company, the newer Pro models offer a better weight distribution across its metal support structure to enhance comfort, the included velour ear pads are wider too.
All of this has added a touch more weight from 275g to 289g. The cable for the Pro offers a 3.5mm termination with a 6.35mm convertor plug hanging off a 1.6m cable while, on the other end, you get easily connectable 3.5mm connections to the chassis itself.
So how do they sound?
SOUND QUALITY
In software terms, I grabbed a CD copy of Bing Crosby’s Through The Years Volume Three from Sepia and the track In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening along with Jane Wyman plus the vinyl version of Stereolab’s Peng!
I never got to test the original Robin headphones although colleagues did comment on their warming presentation, forceful bass and nimble treble. With that in mind, I hooked up the Pro models to my Icon Audio HP8 Mk.II valve headphone amplifier and first listened to the classic Sennheiser HD650 headphones. Mostly because the 650s excel at lower frequencies but I also wondered how the overall balance of the music would be affected.
VS SENNHEISER HD650
Despite the Robin Pros being closed backed, there was more air around these headphones than the more expensive (£300+?) open-backed 650s. I would suggest that there was just as much bass presence from the Pros too, so nothing is lost in terms of low frequency output. But how about the higher frequency output?
I grabbed a pair of Meze 99s, like the Robin Pro headphones closed backed, to find out.
VS MEZE 99
The Meze 99s are more expensive than the Robin Pros at £229 but I would suggest that the 99s offered a better balanced upper midrange while treble-based secondary percussion was more fragile and delicate in its delivery.
The Robin Pros were by no means poor but the latter could be slightly forward in comparison with a more spacious soundstage.
SENNHEISER HD 569
Possibly a more relevant comparison, especially in price terms, are the HD569 headphones priced around £150 or so. I found the HD569s to be a top quality pair of balanced headphones but, in comparison to the Robin Pros, perhaps a little restrained and well mannered? Maybe just a touch shy in terms of upper midrange and treble detail with evidence of bass roll off?
The Robin Pros were far more adventurous in terms of midrange detail, offering far more space around the soundstage which, in itself, was broader while brass and symbol work was more revealing and backing vocals provided more information and tonal realism.
MOBILE PLAY
I connected the SV021 Robin Pro headphones to my Astell&Kern Kann Alpha Digital Audio Player (DAP) which would, by definition, provide a lower-powered amplification when compared to my HP8. And yes, bass doesn’t have the same level of depth or mass or power although there is still plenty to like from the lower frequencies via Broken Eyes, a rock outing via The Doves.
Miles Davis In A Silent Way, on the other hand, provided plenty of fine detail from guitar while brass had a delicately breathy delivery and shy organ sounds at the rear of the mix were easy to track.
CONCLUSION
The SIVGA headphones look great, compact, neat and stylish while I have no complaints in comfort terms either in terms of the ear pads or the headband. In sound terms, the Robin SV021 Pro headphones are no giant killers but they performed well in terms of their own price point and the expectations derived from that.
As such, despite a lively midrange that could push the boundaries on occasion, they provided an entertaining output for the price with solid bass and a wide soundstage.
ROBIN SV021 PRO FROM SIVGA
Price: £179
Website: www.amazon.co.uk
GOOD: bass power, wide soundstage, comfort, styling,
BAD: mids can be a tad forward
