Solid wood meets sub-micron sorcery in Sendy Audio's new Egret headphones
Sendy Audio has unveiled the Egret, a cutting-edge open-back planar magnetic headphone that seamlessly blends precision engineering with traditional craftsmanship. With a price tag of $799 / £799, it's a premium offering aimed at audiophiles and studio professionals. While it may not be the most affordable option, the Egret's technology is truly remarkable.
At the heart of the Egret is a custom-built 98 x 84mm planar magnetic driver, featuring a nano-scale composite diaphragm that's less than 800 nanometres thick—an astonishingly thin layer, equivalent to about 1/1000th the thickness of a single bacterium. This extreme thinness allows for rapid transient response and detailed sound reproduction across the entire frequency spectrum.
First Impressions
After spending a week with the Egret headphones, I was impressed. The bass was particularly notable, even for an open-back design. It held its own against my Denon D5200s, a pair of closed-back headphones renowned for their bass impact. The Egret's bass was punchy and well-represented in both the upper and sub-bass frequencies.
Moving to higher frequencies, the Egret passed the 'Billie Jean' treble test with flying colours. This song is known for its bright mix, and many headphones struggle to tame the sibilant treble frequencies. However, the Egret offered a balanced and non-fatiguing treble response, with a subtle recess in the airy tones.
In the midrange, some vocals sounded slightly boxy, but the overall sound was warm and cosy, like a comfortable blanket. The Egret provided good separation of instruments and a decent soundstage. However, it's important to note that these headphones are not neutral; they have a distinct sound profile that might not be as realistic as some other models, but it's definitely engaging and enjoyable.
Handcrafted Housings and Manufacturing Process
Sendy Audio's attention to detail extends to the Egret's handcrafted housings, made from natural solid wood. Each pair boasts unique grain patterns and tonal characteristics, making every unit a one-of-a-kind creation. The manufacturing process involves a proprietary technique that deposits ultra-fine aluminium circuitry directly onto the diaphragm at an atomic level, aiming to minimise distortion while maximising resolution.
Open-Back Architecture and Comfort
The open-back design provides acoustic transparency, reducing internal resonances and contributing to the spacious soundstage that planar magnetic headphones are known for. Comfort is enhanced by an ergonomically contoured headband and soft leather earpads, ensuring a pleasant listening experience.
Sonic Character and Tuning Philosophy
Sendy describes the Egret's sonic character as 'full-bodied, balanced, and organic,' with a focus on deep bass extension, transparent midrange reproduction, and refined treble response. This tuning philosophy should appeal to creatives seeking accurate monitoring capabilities without compromising on musicality.
Premium Cable and Connectivity
The Egret comes with a detachable 1.8m cable featuring triple-composite construction. It incorporates 30 strands of Furukawa Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC), 10 strands of silver-plated copper, and 10 strands of enamelled gold-plated copper for optimal signal transmission. The graphene-reinforced PVC jacket ensures flexibility and durability, making it suitable for professional use.
The cable is terminated with 2.5mm balanced connectors at the earcups, and includes 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single-ended adapters for compatibility with various amplifiers and audio interfaces.
Competitive Landscape and Conclusion
Sendy Audio is entering a highly competitive premium headphone market, where established brands like Audeze, HiFiMan, and Dan Clark Audio have strong market positions. The Egret's price point of $799 / £799 places it in direct competition with well-regarded models such as the Audeze LCD-2 Classic.
However, for creative professionals who value both sonic accuracy and distinctive design, and audiophiles seeking exceptional craftsmanship and technical performance, the Egret could be a very tempting purchase. With its unique blend of technology and craftsmanship, it offers a compelling alternative in the premium headphone space.
