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Kefine QUATIO: PRECISION IN POLITENESS
DISCLAIMER: The KEFINE Audio team sent us the QUATIO free of charge for review purposes. We are truly honoured and excited, as this is our first collaboration with KEFINE Audio. We would like to humbly thank the KEFINE Audio team for their generous support of Aural Cafe.
Introduction: -
Today at Aural Cafe, we’re thrilled to present an in-depth review of the Kefine QUATIO, the maiden hybrid in-ear monitor offering from China-based HiFi brand KEFINE Audio. The QUATIO features a quad-driver hybrid configuration, combining dual dynamic drivers with dual balanced armature drivers to exude a warm, lush, and musical sound signature.
Kefine Audio is a Dongguan, China-based young HiFi brand, founded by a team of music enthusiasts with the mission to provide refined and high-fidelity audio products at an affordable price. Established on 15th November 2022 under the parenthood of Dongguan Kefine Electronics Technology Co., Ltd, “Kefine” derive its name from the combination of its founder's name Ke (Kə) and the word “refine”. From the very beginning, the Kefine DNA is rooted with a strong focus on sound quality over flashy presentation. This minimalist philosophy not only helps the Kefine team to reduce costs for audiophiles but also aligns with their responsibility towards the environment. Every HiFi offering at Kefine Audio is crafted with precision, using quality materials and minimalist design to maximise performance without unnecessary extras. Intending to make high-quality audio accessible to everyone, Kefine Audio launched its debut product, the Klanar, on October 16, 2023, at $119. Featuring a 14.5 mm planar magnetic driver, the Klanar offered a transparent and spacious soundstage, setting the tone for the brand’s future. Building on Klanar's success, Kefine introduced the Delci in March 2024, a warm and musical single dynamic driver-based IEM at just $49, targeting budget-conscious audiophiles. In August 2024, Kefine released the Delci AE, a collaborative effort with Angel Ears, priced at $75. In comparison to Delci, Delci AE featured an improved upper-mid clarity, and this time comes with a swappable tuning nozzle system and a high-purity SPC cable. Continuing its journey, Kefine launched a new single Dynamic Driver IEM, the Klean, in November 2024, at $49. The Klean delivered an immersive sound signature without sacrificing clarity, further reinforcing Kefine’s dedication to quality at an honest price. Every item from Kefine Audio, from the debut Klanar to the budget-friendly Klean, features durable CNC-machined metal housing, reflecting the brand’s commitment to long-lasting build quality regardless of price point. To achieve such high standards at competitive prices, Kefine employs in-house CNC precision technology for component manufacturing, which is further integrated with skilled manual assembly for meticulous craftsmanship. Rooted in a philosophy of simplicity, functionality, and sonic purity, Kefine continues to evolve its lineup and strengthen its presence in the audiophile community, emerging as a brand well worth watching.
After coming up with many successful single driver-based IEMs such as the Klanar, Delci and the Klean, Kefine QUATIO marks Kefine’s maiden entry into the world of hybrid IEMs. The Quatio is a quad-driver hybrid IEM featuring a 2DD+2BA driver setup where each side of the IEM consists of two dynamic drivers along with 2 balanced armature drivers. The Kefine team have taken the help of a custom full-range 10 mm DLC Diaphragm dynamic driver along with an 8mm PU+LCP diaphragm dynamic driver to tune the lows. While the full-range 10 mm DLC Diaphragm dynamic driver is tuned with the aim of achieving top-notch clarity, the 8mm PU+LCP diaphragm dynamic driver is implemented with the aim of enhancing the bass with richer texture and fuller impact, ensuring a well-balanced and immersive listening experience. Complementing the dynamic drivers are two balanced armature drivers, specifically tuned for high frequencies above 5kHz to deliver refined treble extension, an expansive soundstage, and effortless retrieval of micro-details, rounding out the Quatio’s highly coherent and engaging sound signature. As a hybrid in-ear monitor, the crossover design plays a crucial role in the performance of the Kefine Quatio. It’s impressive to see that the Kefine team has implemented a precise three-way hybrid crossover system within the Quatio. This hybrid design combines both physical acoustic tuning and electronic signal management for optimal driver integration. The configuration includes three dedicated acoustic tubes, each directly channelling sound from the 10 mm driver, 8 mm driver, and dual balanced armature setup to the ear nozzle. Complementing this is a carefully engineered electronic crossover board, ensuring a smooth and coherent transition across the frequency range. Adding to its versatility, the Quatio features three pairs of interchangeable stainless steel tuning nozzles, allowing an audiophile to tailor the sound as per their preference and different music genres. The Gold Nozzle delivers a transparent, neutral, and highly accurate sound. The Silver Nozzle offers a well-balanced tonal profile while the Black Nozzle provides a warm and smooth listening experience. This flexible tuning system makes the Quatio a highly adaptable IEM, capable of satisfying a wide range of sonic preferences.
Kefine QUATIO retails for 130 USD in the global market.
Specifications: -
Driver: 10mm Custom DLC Diaphragm DD + 8mm PU+LCP Diaphragm DD + Two Balanced Armature Drivers
Impedance: 32 Ω 1kHz ± 10%
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 40kHz
Sensitivity: 107dB@1kHz ± 3dB
Connector: 0.78mm 2-Pin
Wire: High-purity Silver-plated Oxygen-free Copper cable featuring 4-strand braiding along with 392 wire cores
Plug Type: Modular 3.5mm Single-Ended, 4.4mm Balanced
Unboxing Experience, Design & Build: -
Unboxing the Kefine Quatio is a clean and calm experience that reflects the brand’s philosophy of “refined quality without excess”. As you can see from our unboxing video (https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VkmAZ2K_B_o), the Kefine Quatio arrived in a compact jet-black cardboard box wrapped in a matching black paper sleeve. The front centre of the sleeve displays a crisp image of the Quatio IEM, offering a subtle preview of its CNC-machined metallic shell. The “KEFINE” branding is positioned at the top-left corner, while the model name “Quatio”, along with its driver configuration, is printed at the bottom front in clean white English text. The back side of the sleeve features the technical specifications of the Quatio, both in English and Chinese dialects, along with the name and address of the parent company. Sliding off the sleeve reveals a jet-black cardboard box with KEFINE branding right at the centre in silver colour shining elegantly. On opening the box, we are directly greeted by the Quatio IEM shells neatly nestled in the top quarter of the box with the help of a custom foam insert, showcasing their beautifully machined CNC metal housings, immediately giving off a sense of durability and elegance. The remaining three-fourths of the box consisted of two black paper boxes. On opening the black paper box, which was placed at the we come across the stock ear tips of Kefine Quatio neatly assembled within the two storage cases. It was quite satisfying to see that Kefine Quatio arrived with four different types of silicone ear tips in standard S, M, and L sizes. On opening the black paper box, which was placed at the bottom of the box, we were pleasantly surprised to come across the black premium faux leather carry case, compact yet spacious enough to carry the IEMs and accessories safely. On opening the carry case, we finally come across the modular cable of Kefine Quatio along with modular plugs and two sets of tuning nozzles - Gold and Black, as Kefine Quatio comes fitted with a silver tuning nozzle out of the box. We also came across the usual instruction manuals of the Quatio being placed at the bottom layer of the box. Overall, everything inside is laid out with precision and practicality, no flashy gimmicks, just functional design and high-quality inclusions. Overall, the unboxing of the Kefine Quatio is an understated yet satisfying experience that aligns perfectly with the brand’s mission “to deliver uncompromising quality at an honest price”.
When it comes to design, the Quatio’s metallic shells showcase the Kefine Audio team’s strong focus on meticulous craftsmanship. Each shell is meticulously crafted from lightweight aviation-grade aluminium alloy using high-precision 5-axis CNC machining. Remarkably, the processing time for each pair exceeds 30 minutes, with an incredibly tight dimension tolerance of just 0.01 mm, ensuring a perfectly matched cavity structure for optimal acoustic performance. The CNC-machined housings are then treated with a matte black textured finish, achieved through an advanced anodising and polishing process, giving them a refined yet understated aesthetic. Despite being made of metal, the shells remain exceptionally lightweight, thanks to their ultra-thin wall thickness of just 0.06 mm, a testament to Kefine’s commitment to both form and function. The shells and faceplates share a unified matte black finish, with a clean white colour “Kefine” logo centred on the faceplate, accented by a thin white border adding a touch of minimalism. The precisely angled nozzles strike the right balance, not too long, not too short, offering a comfortable and secure fit without any noticeable ergonomic issues. Additionally, a small circular vent can be seen near the two-pin sockets to optimise airflow within the acoustic chamber, contributing to improved pressure relief and overall performance. When it comes to the tuning nozzle, the Quatio comes with a three-set of stainless-steel tuning nozzles. Each pair of nozzles featured a different tuning fabric system along with clean threading, making replacement effortless.
The Quatio comes bundled with a mousy brown high-purity silver-plated oxygen-free copper (OFC) cable, designed to complement both its sonic and aesthetic character. The stock modular cable features a 4-strand braided structure, with each strand consisting of 98 individual wires, totalling 392 strands engineered to ensure lossless signal transmission while imparting a subtle warmth to the overall sound signature. Included in the package are two gold-plated interchangeable plugs: a 3.5 mm single-ended and a 4.4 mm balanced connector, offering convenient compatibility with various audio sources. In terms of ergonomics, the cable strikes an excellent balance between flexibility and weight, making it ideal for on-the-go listening. It's also worth noting that no microphonics were detected during our testing, further enhancing the overall listening experience. The Kefine Quatio comes equipped with a generous 13 pairs of silicone ear tips, thoughtfully organised in two storage cases, plus one pre-installed set. Each case houses two different ear tip styles in S, M, and L sizes, offering a range of fits and tonal variations. The first case features white narrow-bore tips, one set with white stems for an airier sound, and another with black stems for a balanced response. The second case contains grey tips, one set with a firmer stem and fl**ge for a secure fit and balanced tone, and another with a wider bore and softer fl**ge for a shallow fit and airier presentation.
When it comes to fit, we were pleasantly surprised by the Quatio’s metallic shells, which strike an ideal balance in weight and size. The well-angled, optimally sized nozzles played a key role in ensuring a secure fit and delivering decent passive noise isolation. At Aural Cafe, we’re genuinely impressed and totally aligned with Kefine Audio’s minimalist and value-focused approach. The inclusion of a premium modular cable, stainless steel tuning nozzle with Kefine carry case, and generous pairs of silicone ear tips is a rare offering at this price point.
We also appreciate that, instead of spending on flashy packaging, Kefine has focused on what truly matters, delivering outstanding value through thoughtful design and practical, high-quality accessories.
Sound Analysis: -
We would like to state here that the sound impressions are based on testing QUATIO with stock grey coloured ‘Balanced’ silicone ear tips, along with the stock cable and the factory-fitted tuning nozzle. The effect of the other supplied silicone ear tips and other given tuning nozzles on Kefine QUATIO’s sound impressions will be dealt with separately in the Synergy section, so we would request our fellow readers and audiophiles to go through that section for sure. We would also like to state here that we have kept the KEFINE QUATIO under a 50-hour burn-in period before listening to and analysing the sound quality.
• Tonality: - After listening to KEFINE QUATIO for weeks, we at Aural Cafe can conclude that QUATIO embraces a unique reference sound signature, which we have previously experienced while testing premium and top-of-the-line IEMs. The dual Dynamic Driver has been thoughtfully implemented by the team at KEFINE Audio to impart an ample amount of warmth and musicality to the overall neutral sound signature. The overall sound signature is musical, totally free flowing and yet stable at the same time, thanks to the 10mm custom DLC diaphragm full-range DD and clever implementation of another 8mm PU+LCP DD to manage the lower end warmth optimally. We at Aural café would also love to add here that the sound signature remains stable and buttery smooth across the sound frequency, which is very admirable when we take into account the fact that the transient response of the different types of Dynamic Drivers and the BA drivers used is quite different. We also think that the space inside the IEM shell is optimally used by the KEFINE Audio team to match the transient response of the different driver types. There is a boost in the mid-bass area, which also adds up, adding a subtle amount of musicality to the mids. The midrange is where the QUATIO shines brightly. The midrange on Quatio is open and spacious, along with top-notch clarity. The warmth of the lows does help by adding soul and texture to the vocals, which is a pleasant experience in itself. The Highs on Quatio is spacious, free-flowing flowing and smooth without any kind of shoutiness, all thanks to the dedicated custom Balanced Armature Driver. When it comes to timbre, the timbre of string-based musical instruments such as bass guitar and Kick Drums, especially, is very sublime and real. The custom Balanced Armature Drivers definitely add a unique energy and punch in the upper mids, which is very engaging and fun while listening to Hotel California by the Eagles. We feel this kind of reference tonality will go with all genres of soundtracks, but it will sound its best with Blues and Progressive Rock genres of soundtracks, such as Comfortably Numb by the legendary band Pink Floyd, which we thoroughly enjoyed while using Quatio with a neutral source, such as the iBasso DX320 in our case.
• Lows: - The lows on Kefine Quatio are tuned by keeping the reference tonality of the IEM. The lows on Quatio stay clean and tight with a solid amount of body, which is fun to enjoy. The role of the full-range 10mm Custom Dynamic Driver and the 8mm PU+LCP Dynamic Driver comes into the forefront as dynamic drivers are said to do a better job in this part of the frequency range in comparison to other types of drivers. Where the 8mm PU+LCP DD is used only for handling the lower frequencies. The electronic crossover that is handling the double DD implementation so well on the Quatio. The mid-bass speed is top of the line and very engaging, all thanks to the PU+LCP dynamic driver. Overall, the clarity and dynamics are very good in this part of the frequency on the Quatio. When it comes to Sub-bass, the Sub-bass on Quatio falls behind the Mid-Bass in terms of body and the rumble we used to enjoy. The layering in the bass is very good, which we felt while listening to ‘Jean du Voyage – Nakshatram’ on the Aune M1p. When it comes to mid-bass, the mid-bass on Kefine QUATIO is clean and tight. While the mid-bass speed is quite precise, the mid-bass punch is certainly superb and well textured, considering the price. We at Aural Cafe just enjoyed listening to ‘Angel’ by Massive Attack and ‘Mombasa’ by legendary composer Hans Zimmer from the movie Inception due to the precise speed and dynamics of Quatio’s mid-bass. The overall Bass in the Quatio is very controlled and supportive without being dominant to the overall sound tonality.
• Mids: - The mids on the Quatio are neither forward nor laid back. It sits on the central stage and is one of the strongest points of the same. The mids showcase top-notch clarity while staying effortlessly spacious. What makes the mids on the Quatio a bit special is its reference tonality as the vocals are very rich with decent texture and soul, but when it comes to Vocals’ note weight, it is just outstanding, all thanks to the 10mm full-range custom Dynamic Driver. The lower mids on Quatio are quite refined and stable, as a result of which, it is beautifully complemented while listening to the complex metal and rock numbers. When it comes to the upper mids, the upper mids on the Quatio are quite rich and well-rounded without any hint of shoutiness, which we usually see in budget IEMs. We at Aural Café love relaxed, soulful tuning as it really aids while listening to blues and Progressive Rock genre soundtracks. So, in this scenario, Kefine Quatio does a stellar job. When it comes to vocal texture, both the male and female vocals showcase top-notch texture, but we can say, it is the male vocals that edge out the female ones. Which we thoroughly enjoyed while listening to ‘You Know My Name’ by legendary grunge vocalist Chris Cornell. When it comes to instruments, the timbre of the instruments is just right at the point. The string/percussion-based instruments, such as Piano, do showcase decent texture on Quatio, which we enjoyed while listening to ‘In the Air Tonight-Remastered’ by Phil Collins.
• Highs: - The highs on the Quatio align with their tonality and are totally smooth and airy without any kind of harshness. The micro details are not on the face but come in a much smoother way while listening to different genres of music. It is very much ideal for extended and relaxing listening sessions. The highs have decent transparency and definition to highlight notional attacks on instruments and vocal articulation without being fatigued, thanks to its Custom Balanced Armature Driver. The lower treble showcases a good amount of details on the Quatio while listening to well-mastered rock soundtracks such as ‘Whole Lotta Love’ by Led Zeppelin. The highs have an average amount of energy and sparkle at best. It may sound a bit underwhelming for the treble-lovers and detail chasers out of the box. Which can be altered by using the different nozzles supplied that we are discussing in the ‘Synergy’ section.
• Soundstage & Imaging: - The Soundstage on Quatio is decently wide and immersive, with a better depth in comparison to soundstage width. While there are a bunch of audiophiles who are into wide and holographic soundstage, at the same time, there are also a group of audiophiles, including us, who are more into intimate and immersive soundstage. Kefine Quatio will be preferred by the bunch of audiophiles who are into a layered soundstage like us. The technical performance of Quatio is solid considering the price. It does a decent job when it comes to retrieving micro details, which are refined but not analytical. The instrument separation quotient of Quatio is decent and stable, while the imaging is just pinpoint accurate. All in all, we at Aural Cafe are looking for a bit more in the technical ability of the Quatio, but with consideration of its pricing, we think it can be just right. We also enjoyed listening to ‘Hotel California’ by the legendary Rock Band, the Eagles, while assessing the technical proficiency of the KEFINE QUATIO.
• Synergy: - We at Aural Cafe like to state that we do believe in burn-in and would suggest at least 50 hours of burn-in period to get the best out of the QUATIO. After the burn, the overall dynamics of the lows became more fun and engaging. When it comes to driving ability, thanks to its Balanced Armature drivers, we are happy to communicate that Kefine Quatio is moderately easy to drive considering that it consisting two Dynamic Drivers and can be driven with the help of a solid dongle but would suggest using it with a hi-fi source to get the best out of Quatio as it has two DDs and two BAs and scales really well with powerful hi-fi portable or desktop sources.
Although it is a 130 USD IEM, we tried it with several sources. We tested Quatio with a number of hi-fi DAPs and desktop sources such as iBasso DX320, Astell and Kern SP1000M, Aune M1p, iFi Hip DAC 3, Dethonray DTR1+ LE, Listening M1, and Clarinet and felt that it matches really well with the neutral sources such as Aune M1p and iBasso DX320 as it complements the warm reference tonality of the of the Quatio and also adds a bit of sparkle to the highs, whereas layering, soundstage and overall sound transparency improved a lot making us feel that we are listening to more expensive IEMs when Quatio is driven by hi-end desktop sources such as Dethonray Listening M1 and Aune S17 Pro. Entry-level Desktop sources such as iFi Audio Zen DAC 3 also improve the overall tonality of the Quatio as the DDs are getting enough power. When it comes to the portable sources, which are so much in trend, we tested Quatio with a line of dongles such as iFi Audio GO Link Max, Aune Yuki, Celest CD20 and Dethonray Clarinet and felt that Quatio sounded best with Dethonray Clarinet. We also tested Quatio with several budget and expensive cables across different brands from Rhapsodio, Kinera, to Linksmith and Lavricables and felt that Quatio performs at its optimum level with Pure Silver cables, which was Lavricables Master Silver in our case. The Silver makes the overall sound a bit more exciting and adds a solid amount of air and sparkles to the upper mids and highs. We at Aural Cafe do know that it doesn't make sense to match a 1000 US$ cable with 150 US$ IEM, but we at Aural Cafe are always curious to test the optimum capability of the transducer in hand, and it is due to this curiosity we tested the Quatio with most of the cables we had in our cable bank. When it comes to ear tips, we would like to add here that ear tips play a big role in overall sound quality and sound isolation. The Quatio fits at its best with stock narrow-bore ear tips. The sound tonality remains reference, and the note weight, especially in the upper mid area, becomes a bit more stable. But when it comes to us at Aural Cafe, we prefer the stock wide-bore grey ear tips over the other pairs of silicone ear tips given. The wide bore tips make a sound a bit more fun and engaging, without being too punchy, and the mids became a bit more transparent. While the white narrow-bore tips help get more mid-bass punch and wider soundstage, the vocals sound a bit underwhelming in comparison to the wide-bore silicone ear tips. When it comes to aftermarket ear tips, we felt that Quatio performed at its best with Spinfit CP145.
When it comes to the nozzle filters, we at Aural Café used the stock Silver-Nozzle for the review. But the Kefine Audio team has supplied two more nozzles, Gold and Black. While the Gold nozzle, in our case, increased the overall transparency and forwarded the mids a bit. Also, the amount of mid-bass punches has been reduced. The Black nozzle, on the other hand, increased the overall warmth of the sound signature, making it even smoother than what we reviewed with the Stock Silver nozzle. Every nozzle offers a unique shade of the same tuning, but here at Aural Café, we suggest going with the Silver Nozzle for the best performance of the IEM.
Conclusion: -
The moment we put on KEFINE QUATIO and turned on the music, we knew it was something special. The Dual Dynamic Drivers and Dual Balanced Armature drivers have been thoughtfully chosen and implemented by the Kefine team with the three-way crossover, as a result of which an audiophile will feel that he or she is listening to a single DD-based IEM instead of hybrid IEMs. The KEFINE team, while tuning, seems to have made sure that the dynamic and balanced armature drivers play a complementary role, because of which the sound experience is buttery smooth across the frequency range. The unique reference tonality and the solid ‘no-nonsense’ build quality of Kefine QUATIO make it stand ahead of the other IEMs in this price range. The custom 10mm Dynamic Driver, as well as the crossovers, make sure that the sound quality stays musical and free-flowing, which is really an enjoyable experience for us at Aural Cafe. The reference tonality makes Quatio go with every genre of soundtrack, but we personally loved listening to blues and progressive rock through it. The Kefine Quatio stands out as a master of subtlety. It doesn’t court extremes; instead, it delivers an engaging, harmoniously balanced experience across the board. If your priority is comfort, tonal neutrality, and the freedom to switch between genres without re-adjusting your expectations, the Quatio is an excellent choice. If anyone is willing to purchase, it is available for purchase locally as well as globally through the following links (Non-Affiliated link is given below).
- https://www.headphonezone.in/products/kefine-quatio?srsltid=AfmBOooxJJTmQTEF8ByjcEOuMbVfndqlqkfcg08WmKh9G7s5qvm4VbPQ
- https://hifigo.com/products/kefine-quatio?srsltid=AfmBOop7pk4k2XNn6UMtnlbKGEiPCrx9D8ZWQIv00TxXiT3uEeCoWjGu
Read our full reviews for SIVGA Que UTG on Facebook and Head-Fi as well. Also, follow our Instagram page for more exclusive content.
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SIVGA Que UTG – Neutral Done Right
DISCLAIMER: The Sivga Que UTG was kindly provided to us free of charge by Sivga Audio for review purposes. We’re genuinely honoured and excited, as this marks our first time reviewing an in-ear monitor from Sivga Audio. Our heartfelt thanks to the Sivga Audio team for this opportunity and their generous support to Aural Cafe.
Introduction: -
Today at Aural Cafe, we are reviewing the Sivga Que UTG, a single dynamic driver-based in-ear monitor from the Dongguan, China-based Hi-Fi brand, Sivga Audio. At the heart of the Que UTG lies a distinctive 10mm flat glass diaphragm dynamic driver, engineered to deliver clean and detailed sound.
Sivga Audio is a hi-fi audio brand under the umbrella of Dongguan, China based Dongguan Sivga Electronic Technology Co. Ltd. Founded in 2016 by two childhood friends and audio industry veterans, Jian Zhou and Rongchun Pan, the company operates as a vertically integrated enterprise, managing the entire production cycle from research and development to design, manufacturing, and after-sales support all from its facility in Dongguan’s Hi-Tech Industrial Park. The company is led by Jian Zhou, who has brought over 20 years of R&D experience, having previously served in the Research & Development team of renowned hi-fi audio brands such as Sennheiser, Bose, and Sony. Together with his co-founder, Rongchun Pan, who is a dedicated audiophile himself, they lead a team of engineers with deep expertise in electronic and acoustic engineering, laying a strong foundation for Sivga’s pursuit of high-fidelity sound and artisanal craftsmanship. From its inception, Sivga has embraced a unique philosophy of blending modern acoustic engineering with traditional craftsmanship. The brand is especially known for its signature use of solid wood earcups and CNC-machined metal components, creating headphones that not only sound musical but also exude a handcrafted, premium feel. Their consistent use of wood and metal rather than plastic, combined with clean aesthetics and no flinching on quality control, even in budget models, has earned them a strong reputation among audiophiles.
Dongguan Sivga Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. manages two distinct hi-fi audio brands under its umbrella: Sivga Audio and Sendy Audio. Sivga Audio targets the affordable segment of the audiophile market, offering outstanding value with its range of wooden dynamic-driver headphones, including popular models such as the SV007, SV021 (Robin), Oriole (SV023), and newer planar options like the P2 PRO. In recent years, Sivga has also expanded into the in-ear monitor category. Offerings like the Nightingale and the original Que, predecessor to the Que UTG currently under review, have been well received by the audiophile community for their sound quality and craftsmanship. Renowned for their refined wood-and-metal designs, Sivga products are engineered to deliver high-fidelity audio with premium aesthetics, all at accessible price points. In contrast, Sendy Audio serves as the company’s high-end premium brand, tailored for the upper echelon of the hi-fi market. Sendy is celebrated by models like the AIVA, which incorporate high-performance planar magnetic drivers, exotic hardwood housing, and luxurious finishes, delivering a top-tier listening experience for discerning audiophiles.
The Sivga Que UTG is the latest in-ear monitor release from Sivga Audio, featuring a single dynamic driver unit. Powered by a newly developed 10mm flat glass diaphragm with a flexible PU suspension surround dynamic driver, Sivga Que UTG marks the world’s first implementation of ultra-thin glass as a diaphragm material in an in-ear monitor. According to Sivga’s team, the ultra-thin flat glass diaphragm developed by Japan-based NEG offers a unique dual advantage of lightweight construction and exceptionally high rigidity. The inherently high elasticity of glass helps suppress vibrations and distortion, which in turn enhances micro-detail retrieval and improves transient response. Meanwhile, the lightweight nature of the ultra-thin glass diaphragm contributes to high sensitivity, delivering improved dynamics and sharper transient performance. The flexible PU suspension surround of the driver also plays a crucial role in the overall performance of Sivga Que UTG. The flexible PU suspension aims at enhancing transient response along with optimum control in the low frequencies; its damping effect on the glass diaphragm helps temper the natural coldness of glass, adding a subtle warmth and emotional depth to the vocals.
The Que UTG IEM is priced at US$89.
Specifications: -
• Driver Configuration: 10mm Flat Glass Diaphragm with a Flexible PU Suspension Surround Dynamic Driver
• Impedance: 32Ω ± 5%
• Freq Response: 20Hz-20Khz
• Connector Type: 4.4mm + 3.5mm Modular Termination / 0.78mm 2-Pin Connectors
• Sensitivity: 103 dB/mW
• Cable: Silver Plated OFC Modular Cable Featuring 49 wire Litz Woven Structure
Unboxing Experience, Design & Build: -
As you can see from our unboxing video (https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QgViya0iocg), the Sivga Que UTG arrived in a compact black colour cardboard box, encased in a two-tone black and grey paper sleeve. The greyish front part of the sleeve prominently features a pic of the Sivga Que UTG IEM, offering a glimpse of its elegant design language and the distinctive wooden faceplate that defines its aesthetic. The brand name SIVGA is printed on the black top front part of the sleeve using bold golden colour dialects, while the model’s name Que UTG is printed on the black front bottom part of the sleeve again using golden colour dialects. The back of the sleeve displays the technical specifications of the Sivga Que UTG, being presented in both English and Chinese dialects. On removing and keeping aside the sleeve, we come across a pitch black colour cardboard box with the brand name SIVGA printed boldly right at the centre front of the box using golden colour dialects. On opening the box, we are pleasantly greeted by the Sivga Que UTG IEM showcasing its elegant South American green sandalwood faceplate. The Sivga Que UTG IEM is placed neatly at the top side of the box with the help of the sponge cutout, while the rest of the box is occupied by a black paper box. On opening the paper box, we are surprisingly welcomed by a wooden brown leather case. On opening the carry case, we are greeted by the stock silver-plated OFC modular Cable of Sivga Que UTG with a 3.5 mm plug right out of the box. The spacious carry case also includes a selection of narrow and wide bore silicone ear tips in S/M/L sizes, a 4.4mm balanced plug, and the usual instruction manuals and documentation, everything one needs to get started right out of the box. All in all, the unboxing experience is minimalist and functional at the same time. At Aural Cafe, we were genuinely impressed to see that, despite its $89 price point, the Sivga team has thoughtfully included a high-quality modular cable and a premium carrying case with the Que UTG. It's a well-rounded package that reflects Sivga’s commitment to providing a complete and satisfying experience for audiophiles.
The Que UTG IEM features ergonomically designed shells crafted from lightweight yet durable zinc alloy, finished in a sleek, glossy grey. Drawing inspiration from its predecessor, the original ‘QUE’, the Que UTG incorporates a natural green sandalwood faceplate, meticulously hand-polished after three months of oxidation. Beyond its visual appeal, as each faceplate boasts a distinct wood grain for a truly unique aesthetic, the wooden element also serves a functional purpose as it helps in reducing resonance, which in turn aids in improving the overall sound clarity of the Que UTG. The Zinc alloy housing of Que UTG also features two small round-shaped vents on the front part of each shell to optimise the airflow and reduce resonance. The Que UTG comes equipped with a high-quality modular stock cable, made from high-purity silver-plated OFC. This 49-wire Litz braided cable follows a 3-in-1 structure, consisting of 7 strands, each with 7 cores of 0.06mm silver-plated OFC conductors. It connects via 0.78mm two-pin connectors and includes interchangeable 3.5mm and 4.4mm termination plugs, offering both versatility and performance right out of the box. The cable was both flexible and lightweight, which would surely help while listening to music on the go. When it comes to ear tips, the Que UTG comes with two sets of silicone ear tips in standard S/M/L sizes. The grey colour set of silicone ear tips featured a wide bore, while the white colour set of silicone ear tips featured a narrow bore. When it comes to the quality of the ear tips, there is nothing much to say as it is the standard silicone ear tips which generally come bundled with this range of IEMs, but it is nice to see that Que UTG arrived with both narrow and wide bore silicone ear tips right out of the box. Allowing an audiophile to experiment with fit and sound tuning from the start.
In terms of fit, the Que UTG IEM features ergonomically shaped shells made from lightweight yet robust zinc alloy. Despite being metal, the shells feel remarkably light, offering a comfortable and secure fit along with respectable passive noise isolation.
Overall, we're pleased to see that Sivga Audio chose to prioritise function over flash, opting for minimalist packaging to help reduce costs. Instead of spending money on an elaborate presentation, we at Aural Cafe are pleased by Sivga’s team decision to include a high-quality modular cable, a spacious carrying case, and a generous selection of silicone ear tips, an impressive offering for an IEM priced at just $89.
Sound Analysis: -
The sound impressions are based on our usage of Sivga Que UTG with stock narrow-bore ear tips and stock cable, along with a neutral DAP, after a 50-hour burn-in period as suggested by Sivga’s team. The effect of aftermarket ear tips, cables and sources on sound impressions has been dealt with in the Synergy, so we would request our readers and fellow audiophiles to go through that section for sure.
• Tonality: - After testing the Que UTG with various high-fidelity DAPs, desktop DAC/Amps, and dongles across multiple music genres, we at Aural Cafe like to state that its tonality leans towards a neutral sound signature with a touch of emotion. This results in a rich and well-balanced sound signature, versatile enough to handle a wide spectrum of music genres. When driven by a powerful source, the 10mm Flat Glass Diaphragm Dynamic Driver with a flexible PU Suspension ends up with just a hint of more bass without compromising the neutral sound signature. The mid-bass takes the lead over the sub-bass both in quantity and quality. The sub-bass has a subtle boost, whereas the mid-bass remains tight and in tempo, which becomes quite handy while listening to popular Rock tracks such as ‘Coming Back to Life’ by legendary progressive rock band Pink Floyd. The already class-leading transient response of the Que UTG reaches new heights with high-end amplification, clearly indicating that its dynamic driver scales well with better sources. The mids take the centre stage and are the star of the show as Que UTG ends up delivering a natural mid with superb timbre, soul and emotion. The mid-section of Que UTG showcases top-notch clarity, due to which the Vocals are crystal clear with a life-like tone and texture. High frequencies are airy and delicately sparkly, without ever becoming harsh or shouty. When it comes to timbre, the timbre of the musical instruments from the mid region, such as electronic and acoustic guitar, piano, saxophone and percussion instruments, showcases life like timbre and texture, also the timbre of the musical instruments from the low section, such as snare and kick drums and bass guitar, is very tight and clean. When it comes to the detail retrieval ability of Que UTG, the micro details come out smoothly and delicately sparkling. Although Sivga Que UTG showcases a unique neutral sound signature that can go with any genre of soundtracks but when it comes to us, we at Aural Cafe enjoyed listening to blues, progressive rock and metal with Que UTG at the helm, such as ‘Kashmir’ by Led Zeppelin.
• Lows: - The lows of Que UTG are tuned in a very precise manner using the very reliable and capable 10mm Flat-Glass diaphragm dynamic driver. The Que UTG delivers solid low-end performance, offering a well-balanced mix of deep sub-bass rumble and tight clean mid-bass. The UTG’s bass is controlled, textured, along with a decent punch. The boosted sub-bass exudes powerful rumble and resonance along with immersive depth, which we thoroughly enjoyed while listening to ‘Heartless’ by The Weeknd. When it comes to Mid-bass, the Que UTG showcases a tight and clean mid-bass with top-notch dynamics and agility. Thanks to the 10mm dynamic driver setup, the mid-bass exhibits absolutely superb agility and elasticity, which ends up making the overall sound presentation out of Que UTG a lot more fun and engaging, which we thoroughly enjoyed while listening to ‘All the Stars’ by Kendrick Lamar and SZA. Keeping in mind the overall neutral tuning, we at Aural Cafe were decently satisfied by the articulated groove and natural body of the bass of UTG, but a bass-head might crave more out of it. The transient response is top notch, all thanks to the very capable flat-glass diaphragm dynamic driver. As for the timbre of instruments in this frequency range, elements like bass guitars and kick drums had a lifelike and realistic tone, clearly evident while listening to ‘To Bid You Farewell’ by Opeth.
• Mids: - Sivga Audio has skillfully tuned the mids using the same 10mm dynamic driver with the flexible PU Suspension, achieving an expressive and emotionally engaging presentation. The tight and clean mid-bass doesn’t end up bleeding into mids, as a result of which the Que UTG delivers a clean midrange. At Aural Cafe, we also believe that the PU suspension system plays a crucial role in helping the Que UTG maintain ultra-low distortion and excellent clarity across the frequency range, particularly enhancing its midrange transparency. When it comes to the positioning of the mids, the mids are neither recessed nor forward, maintaining a perfectly balanced presence. The lower mids stay stable and with a hint of warmth, while the upper mids of Que UTG are a bit forward and end up being one of the strongest points of the IEM. The upper mids of Que UTG add a soulful energy and excitement to the overall sound frequency, which we thoroughly enjoyed while listening to ‘Sultans of Swing’ by the Dire Straits. When it comes to vocals the Que UTG evince a very textured and clean vocals with lots of soul and feel both in case of male and female vocalist but we at Aural Cafe feels that the female vocals take a comfortable lead against male vocals when it comes to vocal texture which we thoroughly enjoyed while listening to ‘Zombie’ by the Cranberries. That said, while the vocals exude soulful texture, the note weight stays average at best. When it comes to the timbre of musical instruments in this part of the frequency, the timbre of the musical instruments, such as electronic and acoustic guitar, piano, saxophone and percussion instruments, showcases a life-like timbre and rich detail.
• Highs: - The Sivga Que UTG offers sparky, refined, and airy highs without any trace of harshness. While the lower frequencies to midrange frequencies are smooth and calm, Que UTG takes a step up in the treble and provides a very crisp and detailed listening experience. The micro details are excellently retrieved with Que UTG at the helm. The overall highs are quite resolved and refined with a good amount of air, which we thoroughly enjoyed while listening to ‘Echoes’ by Pink Floyd. The upper treble exudes delicate, soulful sparkle with lovely texture and body, all thanks to the discerningly tuned full-range dynamic driver. As for the timbre of instruments in this frequency range, instruments like Piano and Cymbal, especially Cymbal hits, showcase sweet, precise shimmer, which we thoroughly enjoyed while listening to ‘Hotel California’ by the Eagles and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by the Queen. The flat glass driver minimises distortion, helping to maintain brightness, although those with very sensitive ears might prefer a warmer source for extended listening sessions.
• Soundstage & Imaging: - The Soundstage on Que UTG is holographic and immersive, with a Soundstage width taking the lead in comparison to the Soundstage depth and height. At Aural Cafe, we thoroughly enjoyed listening to ‘The National Anthem’ by Radiohead. The UTG’s immersive presentation pairs exceptionally well with genres like progressive rock and blues, as we experienced while enjoying ‘Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)’ by Pink Floyd. When it comes to instrument separation, it is distinct and precise. We found the instrument separation on the Que UTG to be extraordinary, considering the price, particularly when listening to complex metal rock tracks where the separation between instruments is excellent. When it comes to imaging, the Sivga Que UTG is quite accurate. Its precise imaging made for a thoroughly enjoyable experience, particularly while listening to ‘Mausam and Escape’, composed by AR Rahman for the movie Slumdog Millionaire.
• Synergy: - Being a single dynamic driver IEM, we would strongly suggest at least 50 hours of burn-in period to truly unlock the UTG’s full potential. After proper burn-in, the overall tonality becomes noticeably richer and immersive, the lows gain greater dynamism, and there’s a clear improvement in midrange transparency. When it comes to driving ability, we are happy to communicate that Que UTG is easy to drive and can be driven easily with the help of a dongle, but we would suggest using it with a hi-fi source to get the best out of Que UTG, as the UTG scales really well with hi-fi portable or desktop sources.
Although Que UTG is an 89 USD IEM, we tried it with several DAP cables and ear tips to test the true potential of the IEM. We tried Que UTG with number hi-fi portable DAPs and desktop sources such as iBasso DX320, Astell and Kern SP1000M, Dethonray DTR1+, DTR1+ LE, Listening M1, Clarinet DAC/Amp, and Aune M1p, and S17 Pro. We felt that it matches really well with warm musical sources such as Dethonray Pegasus SG1 Gold, Dethonray DTR1+, as these hi-fi warm sources end up adding a bit of warmth and thump to the lows of Que UTG. In contrast, layering and soundstage improved a lot, making us feel that we are listening to more expensive IEMs when Que UTG is driven by a hi-end desktop Amp such as Aune S17 Pro. Entry-level Desktop source, such as the iFi Audio Zen 3 DAC/Amp stack, adds a touch of organic tonality to the sound tonality of the Que UTG. Sive Que UTG didn’t match well with neutral sources such as Dethonray DTR1+ Limited Edition. When it comes to dongles, we tested Que UTG with a line of dongles such as iFi Audio GO Link Max, Celest CD-20, Aune Yuki, Tanchjim Space and felt that Que UTG matched at its best with Aune Yuki and iFi Audio GO Link Max.
We paired the Que UTG with a variety of cables from brands like Hansound, Linum, PW Audio, Rhapsodio, Modular Workshop (copper cable), and Linksmith. Among them, the Que UTG synergised at its best with the Hansound Kula, which features OCC and SPC Litz wires in a coaxial structure. This pairing significantly enhanced the UTG’s overall tonality, making it more musical and smoothing the micro-details, making it suitable for longer listening sessions for treble-sensitives.
We found that both of the stock tips have a slight issue in insertion depth. Hence tested the Que UTG with a variety of aftermarket ear tips apart from the supplied sets from brands like SpinFit, Divinus, Symbio, Linksmith, and E-Pro. We found the best synergy with the Divinus Velvet and E-Pro Propeller ear tips. These ear tips notably enhanced the NA20’s low-end as well as the overall soundstage width and depth.
Conclusion: -
The Sivga Que UTG exemplifies the brand’s renewed commitment to delivering high-quality sound tailored for audiophiles. The Sivga Que UTG is an impressively balanced and adaptable IEM, combining a neutral-leaning sound profile with just the right amount of detail to keep every genre interesting. It's a 10 mm flat-glass diaphragm driver that works wonderfully with higher-end sources, providing a controlled yet punchy low end, clear mid-bass, and deep sub-bass that never intrudes on the mids. Vocals and instruments in the midrange come alive with realistic timbre and clarity, thanks to the flexible PU suspension that reduces distortion. The treble shines with a light, refined quality, detailed but never harsh, making the Que UTG perfect for everything from gentle blues to expansive progressive rock and even intricate metal sections. Its strength lies in the immersive soundstage width, excellent imaging, and textured vocals with natural instrument timbre. Sivga Que UTG’s ease of drivability and excellent synergy with warm sources, select cables, and ear tips make it adaptable for both casual listeners and technicality seekers seeking a reliable IEM within its price range. Overall, Que UTG offers a compelling blend of technical proficiency, clarity, and versatility, making it a standout choice in its segment. It is available for purchase globally through the following links (Non-Affiliated links are given below).
- https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009041087357.html
- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0F6JHKLSQ
Kolkata
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