Sendy Audio Aiva 2
Overview
Six years after the first Aiva, Sendy Audio is relaunching its planar headphones with a substantial technical redesign. The diaphragm goes from 3 to 1 micron thick, a change the Chinese brand presents as the heart of this new generation. The rest of the formula remains true to the brand’s spirit: solid wood, metal, leather, and artisanal attention to finish quality.
From zebrano to a scale pattern: a design inspired by sirens
The oval earcups in solid zebrano give each Aiva 2 its unique character. Each piece of wood, CNC-machined then hand-sanded, features different grain patterns. The tone is darker than on the first model, leaning toward deep browns.
The stainless steel rear grilles form a geometric scale pattern, inspired according to Sendy Audio by mythological sea creatures. This reference to sirens runs through the entire design: the same pattern appears on the cable connectors. Beyond aesthetics, these grilles let the planar drivers breathe, a necessary condition for how an open-back headphone works.
The entire structure is based on black anodized aerospace-grade aluminum and steel. There are no plastic parts in this construction. The headband combines a spring steel arch with a lambskin leather suspension strap. This sliding system adjusts automatically when the headphones are put on, with no notches or buttons. The metal yokes allow the earcups to rotate up to ±30° in all directions.
A composite diaphragm one micron thick
The planar magnetic driver measures 97 × 76 mm, a generous surface area. Its distinguishing feature lies in the diaphragm thickness: just 1 micron, compared with 3 on the previous model. To put that into perspective, that’s about 50 times thinner than a human hair.
This composite diaphragm combines several materials: ceramic oxide, TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), polyurethane fibers, and multilayer nano polyester. Sendy Audio claims that this thinness improves transient response (the ability to reproduce fast attacks and decays) and precision in the upper midrange and treble. The dual-magnet structure completes the setup to maintain even control of the diaphragm across its entire surface.
In terms of figures: 20 Hz to 40 kHz frequency response, 96 dB sensitivity, 32 Ω impedance. The Aiva 2 is easy to drive from a smartphone, a DAC dongle, or an audiophile music player. More powerful amplification improves dynamics and control, but is not essential to reach a comfortable listening volume.
Earpads designed from more than 100 morphologies
Sendy Audio says it analyzed more than a hundred face shapes to design the Aiva 2’s earpads. Their profile is not simply oval: thickness varies from 15 to 30 mm depending on the area to follow the contours of the skull and jaw.
The memory foam padding is combined with a hybrid covering: micro-perforated faux leather on the outer surfaces, velour where it touches the skin. The inner dimensions (62 × 50 mm) surround most ears without compressing them.
At 420 grams on the scale, it’s in the upper average for planar headphones. The floating suspension headband distributes the load across the top of the head. Clamping force remains moderate, which makes extended sessions easier. Like any open-back headphone, it lets sound pass both ways: the outside environment can be heard, and the music escapes to people nearby.
A softer sound signature than its predecessor
The Aiva 2 sounds different from the first model. The overall tonality leans warm, with a slightly more present low-midrange. This tuning makes listening less analytical and smoother than before. Listeners who appreciated the original’s more incisive treble will notice some added softness.
The bass offers texture and detail rather than visceral impact. On orchestral pieces or acoustic jazz, this character works well. Fans of electronic music or very low-frequency hip-hop may find the low end a bit restrained.
The midrange brings vocals forward. Vocal timbres sound clear and present, without nasality or excessive coloration. The soundstage unfolds broadly in three dimensions, with good source separation and precise instrument placement.
The treble adds air and detail without aggressiveness. The transient response, supposedly benefiting from the ultra-thin diaphragm, translates into clean reproduction of percussion attacks and natural decays.
Connection and source compatibility
The 4.4 mm balanced connection makes better use of the headphone’s capabilities than a 3.5 mm single-ended output. With a quality DAP or headphone amplifier, the sound gains more low-end foundation and spatial precision. From a simple USB-C dongle or a computer’s headphone output, the Aiva 2 works properly but does not express its full potential.
The 32 Ω impedance and 96 dB sensitivity place these headphones in an easy-to-use zone: they get loud quickly, do not require excessive power, and pair well with a wide range of sources. The standard 3.5 mm connectors allow the cable to be changed according to preferences or adaptation needs (XLR, 6.35 mm).
Documentation
French
Technical specifications
Type and technology
- Headphone type: open-back over-ear
- Technology: planar magnetic
- Driver: 97 × 76 mm
- Diaphragm: double-sided composite, 1-micron thickness
Audio performance
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 40 kHz
- Sensitivity: 96 dB ± 3 dB
- Impedance: 32 Ω ± 15%
Composite diaphragm
- Composition: ceramic oxide, TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), polyurethane fibers, multilayer nano polyester
- Rigid and durable structure for precision in the mids / highs and fast transient response
Materials and construction
- Earcups: solid Zebrano wood CNC-machined, handcrafted finishes
- Grilles: stainless steel, scale pattern
- Metal parts: black anodized aerospace-grade aluminum
- Headband: spring steel
- Head strap: genuine lambskin leather
- Earpads: mounted on swiveling ball joints (± 30°), height-adjustable
Ergonomic earpads
- Shape: hybrid oval over-ear
- Materials: micro-perforated synthetic leather, extra-soft velvet
- Padding: memory foam
- Outer dimensions: 105 × 92 mm
- Inner dimensions: 62 × 50 mm
- Thickness: 15 to 30 mm
Premium cable
- Material: pure 6N OCC copper (99.9999%) hand-braided
- Length: 2 m
- Source termination: balanced 4.4 mm Pentaconn
- Headphone connectors: dual mono 3.5 mm (upgradable)
Box contents
- Sendy Audio AIVA 2 headphones
- 2 m audio cable (3.5 mm mono to balanced 4.4 mm)
- Balanced 4.4 mm to single-ended 3.5 mm adapter
- Rigid leather carrying case
- Fabric pouch
General information
- Weight: 420 g
- Compatibility: sources, audiophile music players (DAPs), audiophile dongles
- No external amplification required
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Aiva 2 require a dedicated amplifier?
No. Its 96 dB sensitivity and 32 Ω impedance allow it to be used directly with a smartphone, a computer, or a music player. A headphone amplifier does, however, provide more control and dynamics, and sources with a 4.4 mm balanced output make the most of the supplied cable.
Can the cable be replaced with a different model?
Yes. The 3.5 mm mono connectors on the headphone side are standard and detachable. Many third-party cables with 6.35 mm, XLR, or other terminations are compatible.
Are the headphones suitable for people who wear glasses?
The memory foam earpads adapt quite well to eyeglass arms thanks to their soft covering and variable thickness. The moderate side pressure limits discomfort, but a listening test remains the best way to check compatibility with your frame.
What is the difference compared with the first Aiva?
The diaphragm goes from 3 to 1 micron thick. The Aiva 2’s tonality is warmer and less analytical than its predecessor’s, with slightly softened treble. The overall design remains similar, but with darker wood tones and a reworked headband.
Do the headphones let a lot of sound leak out?
Yes, this is inherent to their open-back design. The rear grilles do not block sound. In a shared office or on public transport, people around you will hear the music. This type of headphone is intended for listening at home or in a personal space.
Which music genres does it particularly highlight?
The wide soundstage and clarity of the upper midrange and treble favor classical, jazz, acoustic music, and well-recorded productions. Vocals come through naturally. Very bass-heavy genres reproduce low-frequency textures precisely, but without the physical impact of a closed-back headphone with dynamic drivers.
Are the earpads replaceable?
Yes. They detach from the earcups and can be changed in case of wear. Sendy Audio offers compatible replacement earpads.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
