Short answer: the Fostex T40RP Mk3. Both are rated 3.2/5 for sound quality (#319 and #314 of 483 over-ear headphones), and the Fostex T40RP Mk3 costs $189.99 against $199 for the Sivga Anser, with sound quality a draw, the lower price decides it.
Why pick the Fostex T40RP Mk3: This closed back planar magnetic model measures smoothly in oratory1990’s test, with only 2.57 dB of deviation around the target and sub-bass within 6 dB down to 20 Hz. The tradeoff: Sensitivity of 91 dB/mW is low for an over-ear, so a dedicated headphone amp helps it reach full volume.
Why pick the Sivga Anser: A published AutoEQ preset corrects its response toward the Harman target, so a few minutes of EQ setup closes most of the gap. Watch for: The rating reflects sound quality only; comfort, build and noise isolation are not part of the score.
Buy the Fostex T40RP Mk3. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $9.01 less than the Sivga Anser.
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This closed back planar magnetic model measures smoothly in oratory1990’s test, with only 2.57 dB of deviation around the target and sub-bass within 6 dB down to 20 Hz.
B&H Photo Video $189.99 eBay
A published AutoEQ preset corrects its response toward the Harman target, so a few minutes of EQ setup closes most of the gap.
Amazon $199.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 17, 2026 at 6:04 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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Fostex T40RP Mk3 | Sivga Anser | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $189.99 | $199.00 |
| Ranked | #319 of 483 in Over-Ear Headphones | #314 of 483 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 63 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 64 (median of 3 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.57 dB standard deviation | 2.69 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -1.26 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -1.02 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-2.4 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+1.0 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Open |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic | Dynamic |
| Impedance | 50 ohms | 38 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 91 dB/mW | 105 dB |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (315 g) | 0.8 lbs (342 g) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 35kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 20Hz - 20kHz |
| Built-in Microphone | No | - |
| Drivers | 1 x planar magnetic | 1 x 50mm dynamic driver (titanium-plated diaphragm & carbon fiber polymer dome) |
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