Tag Archives: instrumentation

SIVGA Robin SV021 Wired Headphones Review

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I’ve been fascinated with headphones from an early age. My dad was a broadcast journalist and a real geek, filling our house with space-age tech like reel-to-reel players, condenser microphones, and CB radios. Most important, though, were the headphones. Huge, unwieldy things for my tiny head, they still opened my eyes and ears to just how good music could sound, and that fascination has stayed with me ever since. So my interest was piqued by SIVGA’s latest, the Robin SV021, a closed-back, wired audiophile pair of over-ear headphones, which boast earcups crafted from wood. While they look genuinely beautiful, the sound they produce is even better. Each of the Robin SV021’s earcups are handmade from Rosewood. If you want a pair of headphones that’s immediately different from the metal and black plastic-toting ones elsewhere, it’s a great place to start. Imprinted with the SIVGA logo, the external surface is perfectly smooth, and the wood carries a warmth and softness that plastic and metal simply can’t. I did worry about their durability, but after cramming the Robin into my bag on more than one occasion, they remained unblemished. Elsewhere, the headband is wrapped in leather, with a thin slice of memory foam beneath it, while the frame, extenders and hinges are made from rigid, burnished metal. It’s all finished off by a pair of the plushest, softest ear cushions I’ve come across in a while, and they feel absolutely fantastic, moulding around your ears and providing a decent level of passive noise cancellation as well. The Robin SV021 look and feel utterly premium, and they definitely punch above their £150 price point. Audio is handled by dual wiring to each earcup, with the two ends of the braided cable leading down to a single gold-plated 3. 5mm jack. While the braided section is noise-free, the single cabling to each earcup will produce cable noise if rubbing against clothing, which does make it less appealing for listening while on the go. That’s not its main draw, though. The Robin SV021 are reassuringly universal, and I’ve spent my time hopping between a MacBook, Nintendo Switch 2 and my PC. It has a relatively low impedance at 32 Ohms, and it performed well with every device I tried, with plenty of volume while retaining an excellent level of detail. The SIVGA Robin SV021 sound excellent. The 50mm drivers are capable of moving plenty of air around, and there’s a wonderfully wide soundstage here, giving instrumentation and audio some real room to breathe. I’ve been playing a huge amount of Octopath Traveler 0 on its way to review, and the orchestral soundtrack has been delivered exquisitely by the Robin SV021, with that wider soundstage making it feel as though you’re experiencing a live recording. They’re absolutely perfect for gaming, thanks to their lightweight design and ultra-soft ear cushions. I was able to wear them for hours, and they may well be the most comfortable headphones I’ve reviewed this year. Checking in with my music collection, I loved how enveloping Gunship’s Tech Noir sounded, with the throbbing synth tones delivered with an exacting level of detail. The intro’s sci-fi spoken word sits clearly apart from the ominous notes beneath, while the bass response is excellent, with plenty of warmth and clarity. The Robin SV021 are certainly warmer-sounding rather than clinical, and they’re easy to live with across a range of different genres and content types. Crucially, they make you want to listen to music. At £150, the Robin SV021 are aimed at the mid-range audiophile who’s looking for something a little different. Despite their closed-back design, they boast a wide soundstage, and their well-balanced tuning provides a hugely enjoyable listening experience no matter what you’re using them for.
https://www.thesixthaxis.com/2025/11/24/sivga-robin-sv021-wired-headphones-review/

2009 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S at No Reserve

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This 2009 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S is finished in Lava Gray Metallic over Black and Steel Gray leather and has 88k miles following history in Delaware, California, and Utah. The SUV sold on BaT in February 2022 and was listed again in January 2023 before the seller purchased it in February 2023. Work since the previous auction is said to have included refinishing the wheels and replacing the starter, AOS, sunroof cassettes, headlight assemblies, tires, front brakes, spark plugs, and ignition coils. Equipment includes a panoramic sunroof, Bose audio, heated front and rear seats, air suspension with PASM, and PCM with navigation. Power is provided by a twin-turbocharged 4. 8-liter V8 paired with a six-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission. This Cayenne Turbo S is now offered at no reserve with manufacturer’s literature and a clean Utah title in the seller’s name. The body is finished in Lava Gray Metallic and features a panoramic sunroof, bi-xenon headlights, fog lights, a rear window wiper, and parking sensors. The Carfax report noted rear-end damage in March 2010 and March 2013 accidents, and a previous owner noted that the rear valance was replaced, and the rear bumper cover and right-rear fender flare were repaired and repainted to address the damage from the more recent incident. The seller tells us that the headlight assemblies, hood crest, and sunroof cassettes were replaced during their ownership. The 21″ Cayenne Sport alloy wheels were refinished and mounted with 295/35 Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus tires since the previous auction. The truck is equipped with an air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), and stopping power is from red Porsche-branded calipers over ventilated rotors at each corner. The front brake pads and wheel center caps were also replaced since the previous auction. Black and Steel Gray leather trim the heated power-adjustable front seats and the heated outboard rear seats. Matching hide extends to the dashboard, center console, and door panels. Carbon-fiber trim adorns the cabin, and amenities include a Bose sound system, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, and Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with navigation. The two-tone leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel is equipped with shift buttons and frames factory instrumentation. The digital odometer indicates 88k miles, approximately 9k of which were added under current ownership. The twin-turbocharged 4. 8-liter V8 was factory rated at 550 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. Work since the previous auction is said to have included replacing the starter, water pump, air-oil separator, spark plugs, battery, and ignition coils. An oil change was completed in preparation of the sale. Power is routed to all four wheels through a six-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission, a dual-range transfer case, a variable center differential, and Porsche Traction Management. The Carfax report notes the aforementioned accidents.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2009-porsche-cayenne-turbo-s-63/

2008 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet at No Reserve

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This 2008 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet is #37 of only 50 examples produced by Ford Racing for the model year. It was originally delivered new to Jacky Jones Ford of Cleveland, Georgia. Finished in white with a striking Cobra Jet livery, this highly specialized Mustang is built for drag racing performance and exclusivity.

Under the hood, the car is powered by a 5.4-liter DOHC V8 engine equipped with a 2.3-liter Eaton TVS supercharger. The engine features forged internals, Ford GT cylinder heads, and Ford Performance forged camshafts and crankshaft. Additional upgrades include a 65-mm throttle body, high-impedance 80 lb/hr fuel injectors, an Aeromotive Eliminator fuel pump, an A1000 fuel pressure regulator, and a 10-micron fuel filter. Tuned by Ford Racing, the engine produces a factory-rated 425 horsepower.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission coupled with a Strange Engineering 9-inch rear axle featuring 4.11:1 gearing, a chromoly yoke, and 35-spline axles. The car rides on 15-inch multi-piece Bogart Racing wheels wrapped in Goodyear Eagle drag slicks to maximize traction on the strip.

The suspension is fully adjustable, with lightweight manual steering rack, adjustable front struts, and adjustable Panhard bar, upper control arms, and shocks in the rear. Braking is managed by Strange Engineering lightweight four-piston calipers and vented rotors, ensuring excellent stopping power during high-performance runs.

This Mustang Cobra Jet is equipped with an NHRA-certified chrome-moly roll cage and multi-point racing harnesses for maximum driver safety. The factory-style bucket seats are upholstered in black cloth with white “Cobra Jet” and flaming cobra graphic embroidery. Other performance and safety features include a Liberty pistol grip shifter and an intercooler pump switch.

In keeping with its race-ready purpose, this car does not have rear seats, air conditioning, or a stereo system. The windshield wipers and side mirrors were removed as part of the drag-spec conversion. The exterior is further enhanced by an aluminum hood scoop, hood pins, body-color quarter-window louvers, and a rear diffuser.

Inside the cockpit, a three-spoke black steering wheel fronts the factory instrumentation, supplemented by a Ford Racing tachometer and auxiliary gauges mounted atop the dashboard. The digital odometer reads just 0.5 miles, underscoring the car’s minimal use.

Included with the sale are a Ford Racing certificate, a numbered build book, promotional literature, and a set of Cobra Jet-branded apparel including a shirt, jacket, and hat. Please note, this vehicle is not street legal, does not have a title, and is offered with a bill of sale only.

This rare, purpose-built 2008 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet is a unique opportunity for serious drag racing enthusiasts or collectors seeking a highly collectible race car with authentic Ford Racing pedigree.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2008-ford-mustang-coupe-7/

1993 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado KZJ78 Turbodiesel

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This 1993 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado KZJ78 is a right-hand-drive four-door wagon that was acquired by the seller in Japan and brought to the United States in 2020. Finished in blue with a contrasting white roof, this rugged SUV features patterned cloth upholstery and is powered by a 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-four engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case.

The Prado comes equipped with Dobinsons suspension components and rides on 15″ steel wheels fitted with 32×11.50” Falken WildPeak A/T AT3W tires. Additional exterior features include a metal front bumper, a Front Runner roof rack, a Warn M8000 winch, an LED light bar, a rear ladder, and a receiver hitch. Practical touches such as a fender-mounted auxiliary mirror, front window rain guards, running boards, and a locking fuel filler door enhance both style and functionality. A full-size spare tire is secured to the rear door, while four-wheel disc brakes provide reliable stopping power. It is worth noting that the left corner of the rear bumper shows some damage.

Inside, the right-hand-drive cabin offers front bucket seats and a rear bench trimmed in patterned cloth with protective black covers. Comfort and convenience features include air conditioning, an aftermarket head unit, door armrests with cup holders, rear-window curtains, and an all-weather cargo-area liner. A rearview camera has been installed but is currently inoperative. The instrument cluster features a 180 km/h speedometer, a 6,000 rpm tachometer, and auxiliary gauges for oil pressure, voltage, fuel level, and coolant temperature.

The odometer shows 254,000 kilometers (~158,000 miles), with approximately 75,000 kilometers added by the current owner since 2020. According to the seller, belts and fluids were replaced following acquisition, ensuring the vehicle’s continued reliability.

Originally offered in select markets as a smaller companion to the full-size Land Cruiser, this J70 Prado blends classic Toyota durability with aftermarket upgrades suited for off-road adventures and daily driving. The vehicle is now available with a clean Oregon title in the seller’s name.

Additional underside photos are provided in the gallery below for those interested in a closer look at this capable and well-maintained Land Cruiser Prado.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1993-toyota-land-cruiser-prado-kzj78-3/

1973 Lotus Super Seven

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This 1973 Lotus Super Seven is a right-hand-drive Series 4 example that was originally sold new in the UK. It is powered by a “Big Valve” 1.6L twin-cam inline-four engine and features a replacement fiberglass tub along with chassis repairs carried out in the early 1980s. The car was subsequently imported to the US in the mid-2010s, where it underwent additional refurbishment including a color change to green, an engine rebuild, and more.

The Super Seven rides on 13″ Jupiter alloy wheels wrapped in 175/70 Firestone tires, with a matching spare stored at the rear. Suspension duties are handled by Gaz adjustable coilovers at all four corners, while stopping power comes from front disc brakes and rear drums. The bodywork was originally revised with the Series 4 introduction in 1970, featuring updated fiberglass panels with revised fenders and a flat tail panel. This particular example reportedly received its replacement fiberglass tub around 1981.

As part of the 2016 refurbishment, the body underwent gelcoat repairs, was re-epoxied, and refinished in green with a distinctive yellow nose stripe. Additional work in 2019 included repainting the left clamshell fender and repairing the side curtains. Exterior details include a bright grille, black side mirrors, Wipac headlamps, a rear fog light, and a folding black canvas soft top complemented by a black vinyl tonneau cover.

Inside the cockpit, fixed-back bucket seats trimmed in black vinyl with contrasting patterned inserts provide driver and passenger comfort. These are secured with Sabelt four-point harnesses. Additional interior features include a roll bar with a fire extinguisher mounted behind the passenger seat, a dash-mounted mirror, a wood shift knob, and a center armrest. The three-spoke steering wheel frames classic Smiths instrumentation installed in 2016, including a 140-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, oil pressure, coolant temperature, fuel level, and ammeter gauges, plus a clock located ahead of the passenger seat. The five-digit mechanical odometer displays just over 300 miles, although total mileage is unknown.

Under the hood, the “Big Valve” 1.6L twin-cam inline-four was reportedly installed in 1981. Significant engine work was performed by John Wilcox Competition Engines in 2014, which included overboring the cylinders, resurfacing the block face, and machining the intake ports. New components fitted during this rebuild featured dual Weber 45 DCOE carburetors, L1 camshafts from Kent Cams, forged pistons, ARP big-end bolts, steel main-bearing caps and studs, and replacement fuel and water pumps. Dynamometer test results from 2014 demonstrate the engine’s performance following these upgrades.

Since then, the engine has been further maintained with the installation of a PerTronix ignition system and replacement freeze plugs. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission, with a replacement clutch assembly installed in 2014. The exhaust system consists of a four-into-one header that flows into stainless-steel piping and terminates with a muffler at the rear.

The chassis was refurbished in 1982 to maintain structural integrity and performance. Overall, this well-maintained and thoughtfully restored 1973 Lotus Super Seven is presented with a clean California title, accompanied by a collection of purchase records, prior correspondence, and service documents.

Currently offered on dealer consignment, this iconic British lightweight roadster represents a compelling opportunity for enthusiasts seeking a classic Lotus experience with tasteful upgrades and documented history.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1973-lotus-super-seven-2/

31-Years-Owned 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL

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This 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL is a classic example of Mercedes’ celebrated W113 “Pagoda” series. Powered by a 2.8-liter inline-six engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, this model delivers a smooth and refined driving experience. The car is finished in white complemented by Cognac MB-Tex upholstery, offering a timeless and elegant look.

The vehicle comes equipped with a gray convertible soft top and a removable hardtop painted to match the body color. Other exterior features include 14″ steel wheels with painted covers and 185 HR 14 Pirelli P300 tires, a driver-side mirror, and US-market headlights. The W113 SL was designed by renowned automotive designers Friedrich Geiger, Béla Barényi, and Paul Bracq, making this car a valuable collector’s piece.

The seller purchased the car in 1994 and is now offering it with an owner’s manual, service records, the original factory radio (which has been removed), a car cover, a hardtop stand, and a clean Utah title in their name. It’s important to note there is a noticeable color difference on the driver-side door, suggesting it may have been repainted before the seller’s purchase. Additionally, dents and dings are present on the body, and the condition of the soft top is documented in the accompanying gallery.

Braking is handled by power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes. A thorough service was performed in September 2022, which included replacing the front and rear brake pads, a front rotor, wheel bearings, and a brake fluid flush. The same service also covered an oil and coolant change, along with the replacement of the valve cover and fuel hoses, ensuring the car’s mechanical components remain in good working order.

Inside, the cabin features bucket seats upholstered in Cognac MB-Tex, which extends to the door panels, creating a cohesive interior design. While an aftermarket CD stereo has been installed and powers on, it currently does not play CDs. Other interior appointments include an analog clock, a floor-mounted gear shifter, and a heater. The seller notes some wear to the seats, broken ventilation and heater control knobs, and a loose center console. The original factory radio is included with the sale for restoration or collection purposes.

The classic two-spoke steering wheel is wrapped in a cover and features a chrome horn ring. The instrument cluster houses a 140-mph speedometer, a tachometer with a 6,500-rpm redline, and gauges for fuel level, oil pressure, and coolant temperature. The odometer shows 45,000 miles but has rolled over; the seller has added approximately 2,000 miles since ownership.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels through the aforementioned four-speed automatic transmission. The engine—Mercedes’ M130 inline-six—is factory equipped with Bosch fuel injection and produces 180 horsepower and 193 lb-ft of torque.

Chassis number 11304412008365 is clearly displayed, and the title lists the VIN as 280SL008365. This 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280SL is currently offered in Salt Lake City and represents a wonderful opportunity to own a beautifully preserved piece of Mercedes-Benz history.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1969-mercedes-benz-280sl-161/