Short answer: the Sivga Nightingale, though neither ranks well in its class. Both are rated 1.0/5 for sound quality (#1267 and #1266 of 1291 in-ear headphones), and the Sivga Nightingale costs $229 against $289.99 for the EarSonics ES2, with sound quality a draw, the lower price decides it. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 1291 in-ear headphones; for better sound, the Truthear Nova ranks #2 at $169.99.
Why pick the EarSonics ES2: Two balanced armature drivers and a very high 119 dB/mW sensitivity mean it reaches loud levels from any phone or dongle with little effort. The catch: Crinacle’s measurement gives it a preference score of only 29, one of the furthest from the Harman target among in-ears, so its tonal balance will sound off to most listeners without EQ.
Why pick the Sivga Nightingale: Upper treble lifts about 3.3 dB for extra air and sparkle. The tradeoff: Presence sits about 12.6 dB low with a 13.1 dB dip near 3.5 kHz, so vocals and instruments lose some bite.
Buy the Sivga Nightingale. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $60.99 less than the EarSonics ES2.
Want more options? Browse the full Headphones rankings.
Two balanced armature drivers and a very high 119 dB/mW sensitivity mean it reaches loud levels from any phone or dongle with little effort.
Amazon $289.99 eBay
Upper treble lifts about 3.3 dB for extra air and sparkle.
Amazon $229.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| EarSonics ES2 | Sivga Nightingale | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $289.99 | $229.00 |
| Ranked | #1266 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones | #1267 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 29 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ) | 29 (median of 13 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 6.14 dB standard deviation | 5.73 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.01 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | +0.72 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Balanced armature | Planar |
| Drivers | 2 x balanced armature | 1 x 14.5mm planar magnetic |
| Impedance | 26.5 ohms | 16 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 119 dB/mW | - |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 20Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Sub-bass Extension | - | Falls 6 dB below target at 80 Hz (-13.9 dB at 30 Hz) |
Related Headphone Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for EarSonics ES2: