Open Earbuds Matters

Sivga is one of the bigger names in the audio industry, with a wide catalog that spans from IEMs to full-sized headphones. However, the brand is also a strong believer in the rather niche segment of flathead earbuds. Earlier this year, they released a high-end earbud model, the M300, which was very well received by earbud enthusiasts. Now, Sivga has decided to launch another pair of earbuds at a lower price point, while retaining the solid build and sound pedigree of its predecessor, the M260.

Priced at just $40, the M260 is tuned with Sivga’s expertise in full-sized headphone design to deliver an open, airy sound that IEMs simply can’t mimic. So how will the Sivga M260 fare in this niche segment? And will it help bring back the glory days of earbuds? We shall find out here.

Gratitude to Lily from Sivga for providing the M260 for an honest review. We are not affiliated with the brand, nor have we received any monetary compensation. This review is based solely on our genuine opinions.

Functions & Specifications

Before we start the review, here are the specifications of the Sivga M260 taken from their site;

The Sivga M260 can be purchased directly at their website directly or any other platforms worldwide.

M260

P/S: this review is solely done from a flathead earbuds point of view.

Packaging & Accessories

The packaging here is simple yet feels premium with a small, leather textured paper box that is unique. Here’s a list of what’s inside the box.

• M260 Earphone
• Ear Tip (foams): 4 pairs (2 donut, 2 full size)
• Oxford Fabric Carrying Case
• User Manual
• MMCX cable (3.5mm or USB C)

Design

The design here is a minimalist, aluminum alloy metal based build that is really solid and they have a lightweight body with gold metal back caps with the L & R printed on them. The design here is original and not those run off the mill designs like the usual MX or PK style. The size here is small and the head width is on the smaller size with their 14.2mm dynamic driver that is similar to Yuin PK1 size, therefore the fit here is quite good and can be inserted deeper.

Driving the M260 is a 14.2mm composite bio diaphragm dynamic driver enhanced with copper ring for improving control and distortion. The voice coil is made from Copper-Clad Aluminum Wire (CCAW) for quick response and enhancing the overall clarity. The magnets used are N50 neodymium that is great for a powerful drive and control.

The M260 is fitted with MMCX interface which is my preferred connection especially for earbuds as they are solid and the swiveling doesn’t matter on earbuds. The MMCX stem is short and this enables the M260 to be worn straight down or over the ear.

The M260 is a well vented earbud and it doesn’t have major isolation which is usual for an earbud of this type. There are a total of 6 hole vents on the back of the housing for the dynamic driver breathing room.

The cables are rather basic with a thin 2 core silver plated oxygen free copper with a choice of 3.5mm or USB C DSP head. The thin, light and soft cable makes this cable a perfect cable for earbuds as they don’t pull down the earbuds when wearing straight down.

Gears Used for Comparisons

Songs list

Tone and Presentation

The tone of the M260 has a neutral overall sound with a mild boost the lower region giving a L shaped sound with a warmish tone that is lush and accurate. It has a balanced mix of being technical and musical, giving a unique open atmosphere with a near field sound that mimics IEMs in some ways. It has amazing details retrieval capabilities with a clean and clear sound across the whole frequencies. Dynamic range is not great but decent and they have a rich, full-bodied sound especially on the midrange. There is some mild coloration present here but still capable of being transparent in their overall presentation.

Soundstage

The soundstage here is as expected from open flathead earbuds, expansive but from an earbuds stand point, it is average as the M260 has a near field sound projection rather than being diffused, therefore giving a more focused, intimate sound. It does have an airy staging capability that has good width and height that is uniquely present only flathead earbuds. It possesses a holographic soundstage with great accuracy and it makes live performances shine. Being an open earbud, isolation isn’t their strength and there are some sound leaks but they are good for most usage scenarios including light gaming and movies.

Separation and Timbre

Separation is superb and they are one the main inducements of the M260. The drivers are matched well and they are well balanced from left to right without any crosstalk issues. Dynamic range here is decent with extended lows and high range without any gaps present typical of a well tuned single dynamic driver. Timbre here is punchy, organic and natural with an energetic sound that sounds lively without major offensiveness. The tonal balance here is fairly equivalent with it leaning slightly towards the brighter side with some warmth tones present.

Drivability

Rated at around 16 ohms at 118 dB sensitivity, the M260 is easily driven from any source and they are not as sensitive in picking up noise but they do sound better with bigger sources by improving their overall dynamics. In terms of loudness, a good dongle with a dedicated DAC chip provides ample loudness. I do find they have easy source matching for their neutral sound and works well even for tube amplifiers but preferentially I would prefer a brighter source to push some extra details out from them. As for file selection, they are not a really revealing type of earbuds but they do show some minor flaws that are present on bad recordings.

The Bass (Low)

The bass here for an earbud is actually quite strong while still sounding rather neutral and they do have some mid-bass lift with an extended sub-bass. The bass here has a tight, punchy impact with a good airy extension that sounds energetic and authoritative. They aren’t bass cannon earbuds but rather a brawny one and will not suit heavy bassheads that want a visceral amount but they are just adequate for a pure bass listening without sounding too dull. Details here are good with great clarity and they do not sound muddy nor have any bleed present in their overall presentation. The sub-bass amount does have a boost that blends well with the mid-bass to give a full, deep low end that fixes some complaints of earbuds’ bass being lackluster. The sub-bass goes deep and they do have a clean rumble that isn’t bloaty by any means.

The Mids

The midrange here is warm with a focus towards the lower mids and has a slightly forward sound with a luscious and lively presentation. The mids here have a mild thickness producing a full-bodied sound that projects sound inward into your ears that gives a more intimate type of listening but in return, the space here is just mediocre. Details here are excellent with macro and micro details well rendered with a clean and clear manner. The upper midrange here has a mild peak that is inoffensive with a healthy amount of brilliance that makes vocals livelier without any harshness or peaks. There is some coloration present here but they are minimal and don’t really mess with the naturalness of the music but not for those who seek a sterile, clinical style of sound. The overall mids here articulates well with a vivid resolution and decent transparency.

The Highs

The high range here has a neutral to flat signature with a good presence that gives a lively overall sound. The transition from the upper mids into the high region is smooth and they produce a full high range that has an energetic sound. The sparkle here is great and they are slightly crisp giving an engaging high range. Extension here is mediocre though and they do have a slightly fast roll off. Resolution here is vivid with nuances well portrayed and they have an accurate, transparent high range that has a natural timbre. Treble here is slightly intense that gives a good push in the overall clarity of the M260. The high range here is mildly strong and may not suit those who are treble sensitive or users that seek a laid-back sound signature but great for those who want an energetic sound without major sibilance or offensiveness.

Comparisons

VS Toneling TO600s

The classic 600 ohms from the relatively unknown Toneking and they are power hungry earbuds that have a similar price range with the M260. Built on the M260 is more solid and the accessories are more complete.

• High range amount is on the M260 and they have better details but similar clarity
  
• High range extension is better on the TO600s
  
• Treble is more intense on the M260
  
• Midrange of the M260 is more forward but not as spacious
  
• Clarity us better on M260 with bigger brilliance
  
• Vocals are more intimate on M260 while the TO600s is more organic
  
• Bass on the M260 is tighter, punchier and faster while the TO600s is more neutral
  
• Sub-bass on both are similar
  
• Soundstage on TO600s is wider and airier marginally
  

VS VE Monk Ristretto

One of the latest legendary Monk earbuds, the Ristretto. With their Coffee cable, they are priced slightly cheaper than the M260 but the build is plastic and non removable cable. The Monk Ristretto has a more organic and neutral approach and response better with amplification.

• High range of the Ristretto is smoother and extends better while the M260 is livelier and more energetic
  
• Treble on the Ristretto is more balanced and inoffensive
  
• Midrange of the Ristretto is thicker and more resolving while the M260 is clearer and slightly more detailed
  
• Female vocals perform better on M260
  
• High range on the Ristretto is smoother and rolls off slower with more air
  
• Treble on the M260 is higher in volume while the Ristretto is smoother
  
• Soundstage on the Ristretto is wider and taller

Synergy

Good matching with neutral to warm sources that aren’t too bright nor too bassy.

Examples;

Questyle M15, Qudelix T71, EPZ TP35 Pro, IFI Diablo, VE Devastator Pro & Max

Not so good matching with bright, clinical, dry sources

Examples;

EPZ TP30, FiiO Q7, FiiO KA5, Surfans X10

Who Is It For?

Suitable genres: All rounder, plays well with most genres

Suitable usage: Audiophiles to casual users, gaming, movies

Not suitable genres: Jpop, ACG, metal

Not so suitable usage: Bassheads, treble sensitive users, monitoring, on stage

Final words

At just $40, the Sivga M260 is a compelling gateway into the world of flathead earbuds, successfully blending a solid, minimalist aluminum build with a slightly warm, intimate, and surprisingly emergency sound. Its 14.2mm driver delivers tight, punchy bass with genuine sub-bass extension which is a rarity for open earbuds, while the midrange remains full-bodied, detailed, and lively, making vocals and live recordings shine. However, the highs are slightly intense, which may alienate treble sensitive listeners, and the near-field type of soundstage trades airiness for focus. While not for bassheads, metalheads, or those seeking clinical neutrality, the M260 offers exceptional value for audiophiles and casual listeners alike, proving that the flathead format still has a relevant, enjoyable place in today’s market.

4 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pros

• Solid all metal build with a minimalist design
• Ergonomic fit for a small earbuds
• Well tuned neutral to warm sound
• Great clarity and details
• Good imaging and separation 
• Accurate, punchy, high quality bass
• Natural, punchy timbre 
• Neutral forward midrange 
• Good overall resolution and transparency 
• Great sparkly, lively high range
• Good treble extension with good intensity 
• Good musicality 
• Good value

Cons

• Not suitable for basshead and treble sensitive users (nit-pick)
• Soundstage is good but not great in earbuds realm
• High range rolls off rather quick
• Midrange lacks space