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Technical Performance
The soundstage is relatively reasonable but feels cramped and narrow when vocals and instruments play together in complex passages. I’m still impressed by the soundstage performance, though. Stereo imaging is precise and clean, so those aspects are good with the new Sendy. The accurate imaging provides a nice focus, and you can easily track down every song element. Since the treble is very clean/crisp enough, the air and space are high in that area.
As mentioned above, the balance of the headphone is not ideal for reference listeners. Instead, it has a fun, bright signature. So, coherency is not a strong point for Aiva 2. One of the problems is the transition from the mid-range to the treble area. The lower-mids sound veiled, the treble area is crisper, and the bass has better resolution and texture. The result is an unbalanced presentation and diffused mid-range. So, coherency-wise, the Aiva 2 is not the most outstanding choice. But it’s undoubtedly fun-oriented.
One positive aspect of Aiva 2 is its excellent detail retrieval. With a sufficient desktop setup, almost every detail is audible precisely.
Comparisons
HD660S is one of my favourite headphones below the $1000$ mark. Comfort-wise, there’s not much difference, but I have to say the Senn is lighter, so it fits better for long durations. Build quality is better with the Aiva 2, which has wood and aluminium parts.
The HD660S has impactful bass, but the Aiva 2 utilizes the planar magnetic driver, giving more kick, pace, and decay. It recovers faster in the bass with excellent texture and body. In the mid-range, however, the Sennheiser is much smoother and has a better balance.
The Aiva 2’s treble is good, as is the Sennheiser’s, but I think the Sennheiser has better refinement. The sound stage performances are close, but the Aiva 2’s staging is a bit wider. However, its congested mid-range hurts the overall coherency. So, I think the HD660S is more audiophile, while the Aiva 2 is more fun and bright.
Sivga is a sister brand to Sendy Audio, and I reviewed their dynamic headphone, the SV023, in 2022. They share similar headband designs and build materials. The SV023 is more comfortable thanks to its lighter dynamic drivers.
The SV023 is a good example of clarity, resolution, balance and technicalities. The Aiva 2 leans on the fun side of things with a bright, exciting signature, especially in the bass. The SV023 has more resolving, consistent mids, and a smoother presentation with better balance. It’s softer, more cohesive, and more refined.
Conclusion
The Sendy Audio Aiva 2 is an excellent headphone for build, comfort, and accessories. It has a delicate, premium design and exceptional build quality. The sound is awe-inspiring regarding the treble, but I felt that if the mid-range had been more consistent, this would make an excellent entry-level or mid-range planar headphone.
While I still think it has better value than the flagship Peacock, I wanted more coherency and refinement. The mid-range needs some tuning. Since it has a fantastic tonality, I think this concept has much potential.
The approach suits market demands for design, build quality and accessories. I’m sure the sound tuning can improve with time. Yet, if you listen to R&B, Pop, Rap, and EDM, you’ll be very impressed by the energetic, crisp response and detail performance.
Conclusion
Pros
- Premium build and design
- Good packaging and stock cable
- Comfortable for long sessions
- Good soundstage, detail and crispness
Cons
- Too bright and energetic
- Lower mids lack presence
- Coherency issues
Page 1: Info, Package, Design, Build, Comfort
Page 2: Sound Quality
