Sendy Audio Aiva 2 Review

The Sendy Audio Aiva 2 enters the competitive planar magnetic headphone market at a retail price of $599, offering a refined balance of detail, clarity, and soundstage. While it may not be the top choice for all listeners, it delivers strong performance for its price bracket. With a sleek aesthetic, ergonomic design, and well-tuned frequency response, the Aiva 2 caters to audiophiles seeking an articulate yet engaging listening experience. This review takes a closer look at its build, technical specifications, and sonic characteristics.

What Comes In The Box

The Aiva 2 arrives with a well-rounded set of accessories that ensure both convenience and longevity. Included in the package are:

• Aiva 2 Headphones
• Standard 6N single crystal copper headphone cable
• 4.4mm to 3.5mm Adapter
• Cable Pouch
• Hardshell Carrying Case

These accessories provide a solid foundation for both at-home and portable use, with the high-quality stock cable ensuring a clean and transparent signal path.

Aesthetics & Functionality

Aesthetically, the Aiva 2 maintains Sendy Audio’s signature craftsmanship, closely resembling the Sivga P2 Pro with its intricate open-back grill design. The wooden ear cups exude a premium feel, while the classic Sivga-designed headband and ear cup ergonomics ensure long-term comfort across various head sizes. The suspension-style headband effectively distributes weight, making the 420g frame feel lighter than expected. Overall, the build quality strikes a commendable balance between durability and comfort.

I used these headphones with a couple different DAC/Amps. The FiiO BTR17 proved to be a great match for this, as well as the IKKO Heimdallr ITB03. These amplifiers were perfect for giving the headphone ample power and then giving it an added flair of color and texture. The FiiO BTR17 brought out the finer details in clarity, while the IKKO Heimdallr made the sound a bit more relaxed and smooth. 

Technical Specifications

• Driver Type: 97×76mm Double Nepheline Magnetic Array Planar
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 40 kHz
• Sensitivity: 96 dB/mW ± 3 dB
• Impedance: 32 Ω ± 15%
• Weight: 420 g

Listening Review

Soundstage and Imaging

The Aiva 2 presents a notably expansive soundstage, offering both width and depth that enhance the spatial characteristics of a track. Imaging remains fairly precise, though instrument separation is not as pronounced as some competitors in this range. While listeners accustomed to highly isolated layers may find this aspect lacking, the natural flow of the presentation makes up for it, contributing to an immersive listening experience.

Low Frequencies

The bass response is somewhat reserved, which aligns with the characteristics of many planar magnetic headphones. While it lacks significant impact and slam, the low end remains articulate, providing clean reproduction with a touch of treble presence that enhances texture. Sub-bass extension is present but subdued, making this headphone more suitable for those who prefer clarity over exaggerated bass weight.

Midrange Frequencies

Midrange reproduction is where the Aiva 2 truly excels. Vocals and instruments sound rich and natural, free from artificial coloration that can sometimes plague planar designs. The forward-leaning mids contribute to an engaging and intimate presentation, revealing intricate details across various layers of a mix. The extended depth of the soundstage further amplifies the sense of realism in vocal and instrumental performances.

High Frequencies

The high frequencies are a standout feature of the Aiva 2, offering remarkable clarity, air, and extension. The treble delivers ample detail retrieval, allowing upper-register instruments to shine with a natural, ethereal quality. However, in densely orchestrated tracks, the treble can exhibit mild veiling, causing a slight compression effect in the highest frequencies. Nonetheless, for most genres, the treble remains engaging without becoming overly fatiguing.

Conclusion

The Sendy Audio Aiva 2 is a commendable entry in the mid-tier planar magnetic category, offering a well-balanced sound signature that leans toward analytical yet enjoyable listening. With an expansive soundstage, forward midrange, and airy highs, it caters well to detail-oriented listeners who appreciate clarity and natural timbre. While the bass may lack impact for those seeking a more visceral low-end experience, its overall performance remains impressive for its price. For those seeking a refined, articulate planar headphone under $600, the Aiva 2 is a solid contender worthy of consideration.

The Sendy Audio Aiva 2 is available at Audio46.