The SIVGA Qin in-ear monitors (IEMs) are making waves in the budget audiophile market, promising exceptional sound quality without breaking the bank. This in-depth review dives into every aspect of these surprisingly premium IEMs, from their unboxing experience and build quality to their impressive audio performance and convenient features. We'll examine the comfort and fit, analyze the sound signature in detail, and explore their suitability for various applications, including gaming.Priced under $70, the SIVGA Qin boast a compelling combination of high-quality materials, thoughtful design choices, and surprisingly rich sound. This review will determine if they truly live up to the hype and whether they deserve the title of "best IEM under $70." We'll uncover the strengths and weaknesses, leaving you with a clear understanding of whether these budget-friendly IEMs are the right choice for your listening needs.
Pros And Cons
- High-quality audio with a natural sound signature
- Uses 10mm beryllium diaphragm drivers for excellent audio quality
- Wide sound stage
- Good sound separation and overall sound performance
- Includes multiple pairs of ear tips in different colors
- Comes with a gold-plated 3.5mm jack and Type-C cable
- Good microphone quality
- Detachable cable design for flexibility
- May feel a bit loose in the ear due to being made of zinc alloy
- Loop-around-ear design may be uncomfortable for some
- Packaging is mostly in Chinese
- No button controls on the earphones; all controls must be done via the phone
- Can be too loud at 100% volume, potentially damaging hearing; recommended to keep volume below 60%
Read more: EPZ P50 In-Ear Monitor Review: A Breakout Performer?
Unboxing and First Impressions
The SIVGA Qin IEMs arrived in a surprisingly simple, China-made package. The packaging is primarily in Chinese, but the contents are clear enough. Inside, you’ll find the detached IEMs themselves, a surprisingly high-quality leather carrying pouch with SIVGA branding, and a generous selection of ear tips in various sizes and colors.
A gold-plated 3.5mm cable and a Type-C to 3.5mm adapter cable are also included, along with a cable organizer. The build quality of the included cable is surprisingly good for the price point.
The IEMs themselves feature a maple wood exterior with a zinc alloy body, giving them a solid and premium feel, despite the budget-friendly price.
Build Quality and Comfort
The IEMs’ maple wood and zinc alloy construction feels robust and premium. However, the zinc alloy body might make them feel slightly loose in the ear for some users.
The design incorporates a loop around the ear, which, while contributing to a secure fit, might be uncomfortable for some. The reviewer personally found them comfortable, despite wearing glasses.
The build quality is exceptional considering the price, though the slightly loose fit in the ear canal is a potential minor drawback.
Sound Quality and Performance
The SIVGA Qin features a 10mm beryllium diaphragm driver, delivering surprisingly impressive sound quality. The soundstage is wide and natural, offering excellent separation and overall performance.
The bass is well-balanced and not overpowering, making it suitable for various genres. The clarity is remarkable, particularly for the price.
Compared to significantly more expensive IEMs, the reviewer found the sound quality to be exceptionally good, exceeding expectations for its price range. The high volume capabilities necessitate careful management to avoid ear damage.
Microphone and Additional Features
Unlike some IEMs in this price bracket, the SIVGA Qin includes a microphone. The microphone quality is decent, located conveniently at the top of the IEMs.
Unfortunately, there are no inline controls on the cable; volume and music control must be managed via the connected device.
The detachable design allows for easy cable replacement and use with different cables, including the provided Type-C option.
Gaming Performance and Conclusion
The SIVGA Qin's excellent sound separation and clarity make it a great option for gaming, offering a competitive advantage by enhancing positional audio cues.
Overall, the SIVGA Qin provides exceptional value for its price. Its sound quality, build quality (with the minor exception of the slightly loose fit), and inclusion of a microphone make it a strong contender in its budget segment.
While a few minor drawbacks exist, the overall performance significantly outweighs them, making the SIVGA Qin a highly recommended IEM, especially for gamers and audio enthusiasts on a budget.