The Apollo is an open-back planar magnetic headphone from Sendy Audio, the high-end sister brand to Dongguan Sivga Electronic Technology, built around three years of research into a custom planar driver the company calls Quad-Former technology. Priced at $499, the Apollo sits below the brand's flagship Peacock as a more accessible entry point, bringing genuine audiophile-tier engineering to what Sendy Audio positions as the competitive side of the mid-fi headphone market.
Key specs that matter
The 68mm planar magnetic driver uses double-sided magnets combined with double-sided coils and double coils on each side of the diaphragm, for a total of four coils - Sendy Audio states this Quad-Former arrangement ensures excellent magnetic energy conversion, low distortion and good consistency for high music-reproduction capability. Frequency response spans a wide 20Hz to 40kHz. Sensitivity is 95dB with impedance at just 16 ohms, making the Apollo relatively easy to drive despite being a planar design, though its efficiency figures still suit a dedicated headphone amplifier or capable DAP better than a phone alone. Weight is 395g. The earcup housings use rich, high-gloss rosewood lacquer, each piece's grain and colour unique given the natural wood material, paired with a steel-mesh open-back grille following what Sendy calls a sunlight design. The headband uses a manually adjustable synthetic leather or goatskin suspension system for comfort during extended listening. The package includes a 2-metre balanced 4.4mm braided cable with a 4.4mm-to-3.5mm adapter, a hemp bag for cable storage, and a solid carrying case suited to suitcase-style travel.
Sound and use context
Expect a deliberately coloured, tastefully V-shaped tonal balance with a soft, natural vocal presentation, solid bass response and treble extension reaching high into the 40kHz range - the Apollo prioritises impressive bass texture and well-executed treble over outright midrange forwardness or the widest possible soundstage, making it engaging rather than strictly neutral, appealing to a specific niche of listener drawn to richly coloured headphones rather than studio-flat reference monitors.
Pairing
The 16 ohm impedance and 95dB sensitivity make the Apollo easy to drive from a desktop DAC/amp or a capable portable player, though running the headphone in for around 100 hours is recommended, as the sound continues to improve and settle during that break-in period.
Alternatives
Sendy Audio's flagship Peacock sits above this model, sharing the same core Quad-Former driver philosophy in a more refined, considerably pricier package, worth the further investment if this Apollo's already engaging, richly voiced character still leaves ambitions for the brand's most accomplished current headphone design.