The Sendy Audio Aiva has me touched (and not just because it’s a magnetostat), and has made me wonder a bit both beforehand and afterward. But more about that in a moment, because I have to elaborate a bit more. However, why I’m testing a pair of headphones for 649 Euros today is quickly explained: I’m currently testing an external DAC with headphone amplifier that has (among other things) a balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn connector. However, I don’t own exactly such a headphone (yet), whereby the connection is still quite new anyway. And since I have now sold the current generation T1 from Beyerdynamic very advantageously (but I will still use the T1 in the article several times for direct comparison, because they are very similar sonically), an adequate replacement had been on the cards for some time. Well, and so the search began…
Since our actual core area is not necessarily headphones (even though the measurement equipment was quite expensive and the calibration took quite a bit of time), I of course almost never get a visit from the usual suspects in the form of various sales representatives or agents of good sound. You’re completely on your own (thank goodness), especially since you have to be much more selective, since it’s also about your own money and your personal acoustic well-being in long-term mode. Such higher-priced headphones always leave a financial notch in the cash register and so you automatically become suspicious about certain reviews and recommendations (without wanting to accuse anyone of anything now). But where do you start and is there THE ideal headphone for under 1000 euros at all, which can still easily play in the upper class and maybe even above?
Perfect immersion also includes, absolutely indispensable, the open construction, which you have to like, of course (and the environment next to you, too, unfortunately). Unfortunately, sound isn’t a one-way street with this type of construction and so you don’t only hear your surroundings, but they also hear the self-selected sound carpet. And since I have become quite fond of magnetostatic transducers and also attach a lot of importance to the appearance, the selection criteria are quite a challenge: upper class for well under 1000 euros, not too analytical (but largely neutral), balanced connection with 4.4 mm Pentaconn, magnetostat, open principle, perfect fit for a large head, above-average ear pads and a flattering feel. Well, go ahead and search, I thought to myself. And the second pick was already the final one.
The Sendy Audio Aiva finally stayed here and the child from the Black Beauty series finally has a new home. Speaking of which: Does anyone actually know Sendy Audio from China? The manufacturer has crossed my path a few times in the last 2 to 3 years, but I never really wanted to bite. In the end, Sendy is only a sub-brand of Dongguan Sivga Electronic Technology Co, Interestingly enough, Sivga also makes parts that (in cooperation) are labeled Roland and can sometimes pass for Japanese. But they are not, only on the outside. Sivga (and therefore Sendy) is quite new on the market, which was also a bit of the reason for my distrust. But never say never and you can always send back such parts if necessary.
By the way, I took all photos for this review on a black background today, since white products are in the pipeline again soon. So please do not be surprised. And then, after all, rather dark objects on a dark background are at least as complicated to capture as white on white. Just a little different in the problem and especially in the exposure, since I usually work with the Sony A7 RIII and ISO 80. And then there were still various dust particles in the way. So for once I also ask for a little indulgence. Learning curve and all…
Packaging, scope of delivery and preview
But back to the test object. The two-piece cardboard box contains a solid hardcase, which in turn contains the headphones and the connection cable packed in a linen bag, including a 4.4 mm Pentaconn adapter to a 3.5 mm jack, as well as in concise writing. That’s all you get, and that’s all you need. Olfactorically, everything is in the green zone this time, because nothing smells like the mostly encountered chemicals from the Middle Kingdom, not even the hardcase with zipper and nice hand-loop.
I will write something about the cable here in a moment and thus also the connectivity. It is a balanced and very high quality braided interchangeable cable, whose individual strands (according to the supplier) are made of high-purity and oxide-free 6N copper with a transparent and very flexible sheath. The three solid, gold-plated metal plugs of the cable have splice protection and behind the splitter for the ear cups sits another sliding cable rider made of wood. Optionally, you can connect the cable’s balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn plug with the unbalanced adapter to the small 3.5 mm jack plug and thus use almost any output.
However, if you want to test it on the Beyerdynamic A20 or the Asus Xonar Essence STU like I do, you’ll need another 6.3 mm adapter (of your own).
Among other things, I have already tested the sound impression today with a product that I will of course also offer you as a review in the near future (Sound Check). The measurements, on the other hand, are done with the familiar test setup, which can easily keep up there.
Specifications
The technical details are given below, more information can be found on the manufacturer’s product page. The currently cheapest provider in Germany is thomann.de
| Driver | planar magnetic (magnetostat) |
| Driver size | 97 x 76 mm |
| Frequency response | 5 Hz – 50 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 96 dB |
| Impedance | 32 Ω |
| Weight | 420 g |
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