In this article, I review the Sendy Audio Aiva 2 headphones. The Aiva 2 are planar magnetic headphones featuring a 97x76mm ultra-nano double-sided planar diaphragm and zebrawood ear cups with a high-quality suede leather headband. It’s priced at 569 USD.

Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Sendy Audio in exchange for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.

Sendy Audio Aiva 2

Specifications

Driver: 97x76mm ultra-nano double-sided planar diaphragm
Frequency response: 20Hz – 40kHz
Sensitivity: 96 ± 3dB
Impedance: 32Ω ± 15%
Cable length: 2m
Weight: 420g

Inside the Box

• Sendy Audio Aiva 2 headphones
• Detachable 6N single-crystal copper cable
• 4.4mm to 3.5mm adapter
• Leather carrying case
• Hemp storage pouch

Design

The Sendy Audio Aiva 2 follows the design language of the original Aiva, featuring earcups adorned with a mermaid-scale-inspired metal grille over a fenestrated stainless steel mesh.

Its frame is built around a flexible spring steel headband paired with an adjustable lambskin strap. The construction is all-metal apart from the natural zebrawood earcups, which have a satin-smooth finish and feel as refined as they look.

The earcups rotate 30° in both directions, and together with the plush, contoured hybrid leather and velvet earpads, they provide a very comfortable fit—despite the Aiva 2’s substantial 420g weight. The 50mm inner diameter of the pads easily accommodates larger ears.

Overall, the Aiva 2 offers excellent build quality, strong comfort, and a distinctive, high-end aesthetic that’s instantly recognisable as a Sendy Audio design.

Aiva 2 Cable

The included 6N single-crystal copper cable is a lovely addition and pairs beautifully with the headphones. Its plug and connector housings feature the same mermaid-scale pattern as the earcup grille, which I think looks fantastic. The Y-splitter and chin slider are wood, tying nicely with the zebrawood earcups. The wire itself has a rich copper colour and is extremely supple. It handles beautifully and is free of microphonics. It’s a premium-feeling cable that complements both the design and price point of the Aiva 2 perfectly.

Sound

Sources used for testing include the SMSL DO300EX, HiBy R6 III 2025 and Shanling UA6. The Sendy Audio Aiva 2 doesn’t require a lot of driving power to get going, but you’ll need something with a bit more power to get the optimal performance from it.

Bass

The Aiva 2’s balanced presentation starts with its bass response. It doesn’t aim to wow you with impact or power, but it does impress with its naturalness. And while it’s not boosted into basshead territory, the bass isn’t attenuated into analytical coldness either. There’s still enough presence to add richness to the music and a measure of warmth to the lower mids.

So, while the bass is fairly neutral in quantity, there’s enough weight behind it to maintain a natural tone and enough punch in the mid-bass to make it feel like you’re not missing out on the fun. Sure, it doesn’t create the cleanest or most spacious stage, but it’s in a perfect place to complement the rest of the tuning, anchoring the presentation with a grounded, organic feel.

Midrange

The Aiva 2 puts the midrange front and centre, lending vocals and instruments a subtle warmth and just the right amount of body. It doesn’t feel thick or overdone, but there’s enough density in the notes to give instruments a satisfying weight. It leans natural rather than clinical, with a timbre that feels convincing—there’s texture and harmonic detail, but without exaggeration or forced clarity.

Where many planar sets force-feed you the upper mids, the Aiva 2 keeps things even. There’s no awkward dip to hollow out the tone, nor a forced upper boost to simulate air. Instead, the tuning flows smoothly right up into the lower treble, which rolls off gently. The result is a warm and organic midrange that steers clear of glare but still feels alive. It’s not showy, but it captures the essence of instruments and voices in a way that feels unforced and lifelike.

Treble

The Aiva 2’s treble leans on the safe side, with a dip in the lower treble that gives it a slightly warm and natural tone. It’s not the most detailed or airy top end, but it’s really pleasant to listen to. Cymbals come through with a nice shimmer, and there’s a satisfying snap to snare drums—nothing sharp or harsh, just clean and smooth. It’s not a treble that grabs your attention with sparkle or bite, but it’s one that you actually enjoy listening to, even over long sessions.

The trade-off is that the treble doesn’t sound especially precise. There’s a bit of softness around the edges of things like violins or high piano notes, and some fine detail gets smoothed over. That dip in the lower treble takes a bit of the clarity away, so the overall tone isn’t super clean or transparent. But it still feels cohesive, and it works well with the rest of the tuning. It’s not going to wow you with resolution, but it also never feels fatiguing or forced.

Soundstage & Technicalities

Aiva 2 has a fairly wide stage, despite its warm and cohesive tone and somewhat relaxed treble. The speed of the planar driver and overall balanced tuning make for good instrument separation. Wider than it is deep, the soundstage doesn’t offer the most precise imaging or placement, but the Aiva 2 entices you to forget about the technicalities and just enjoy the music.

Comparison

Sivga P2 Pro

Sivga is a sister brand of Sendy Audio, so it’s no surprise that these headphones look and sound quite similar. Both use what appears to be the same 97x76mm planar magnetic driver and feature wooden earcups. The Sivga P2 Pro feels a touch less premium in terms of materials and build quality, but it’s not far off the Aiva 2 in that respect.

The P2 Pro has a slightly brighter tonality, mainly due to a more elevated upper midrange. This lift adds clarity and air to the mids, but it also introduces a bit of grain and can veer into shoutiness at higher volumes. The P2 Pro also has a slightly wider soundstage, though notes feel less dense overall. In comparison, the Sendy Audio Aiva 2 sounds more balanced and relaxed.

Verdict

The Sendy Audio Aiva 2 upholds the brand’s reputation for stylish, high-quality design and materials. These are gorgeous headphones, showcasing Sendy Audio’s signature wooden earcups and meticulous attention to detail. Despite their substantial 420g weight, they remain very comfortable to wear even for extended sessions.

The Aiva 2 might not offer the most thrilling or ultra-revealing sound, but it shines with its natural, inviting tonality—prioritising musicality and ease over technical flashiness. If you’re looking for a solid all-rounder that handles all genres gracefully and combines a refined tuning with beautiful craftsmanship, the Aiva 2 is worth a look.