Наушники — Sendy Audio Black Beauty Family

The Black Beauty Family is Sendy Audio's flagship wooden headphone collection, anchored by the open-back planar magnetic Aiva headphone and the Aiya in-ear monitor, unveiled together at the 5th China Guangzhou International Headphone Expo after three and a half years of dedicated research, tuning and manufacturing development. Sendy Audio drew on 15 years of prior experience as a tier-one CNC metal manufacturer to open an entirely new wooden-CNC production line specifically for this series, with elements impossible to machine finished by hand using advanced solid-wood carving technique.

Key specs that matter

The Aiva flagship uses large 97x76mm planar magnetic drivers with an ultra-thin, high-strength and high-rigidity diaphragm just 3 microns thick. Ear cups combine zebra wood - selected specifically for its favourable sonic characteristics - with high-end aviation-grade aluminium metal parts, all CNC-processed, with the fish-scale mesh grille and wood housing together creating a classic, luxurious appearance. The integrated one-piece steel headband uses complex, refined processing, wrapped in high-end suede for comfort, while oval-shaped ear pads made from high-protein leather are designed based on facial-shape data with a distinctive oblique angle for a secure seal without pressure points during long listening sessions. Internal wiring uses four-strand braided OCC copper, terminating in a 1.6m cable ending in a Pentaconn 4.4mm balanced plug with an included 3.5mm adapter - notably, no 6.35mm-terminated cable ships in the box, a deliberate choice that positions the Aiva primarily toward high-end mobile and portable use over traditional home hi-fi setups without an upgrade. Because the wooden housing production process is time-consuming, involving material selection, CNC machining, hand engraving, grinding, polishing and repeated oiling and drying, output is inherently limited, and every finished piece's colour and grain pattern is unique - Sendy Audio also developed a proprietary oil treatment specifically to prevent the solid wood housing from cracking over its lifetime. Within the Black Beauty range, the companion Aiya in-ear monitor uses a 21mm ultra-nanometer composite planar diaphragm paired with an ebony housing, chosen for its own distinct sonic character.

Sound and use context

Expect impressive detail, high definition, clarity and precision straight out of the box, with effortless resolution of micro-detail, though deep sub-bass is comparatively modest, better suiting listeners who prioritise midrange and treble detail over the deepest possible low-end extension.

Pairing

Given the absence of a 6.35mm cable option in the standard package, the Aiva is best matched initially with a portable DAP or desktop DAC/amp offering 4.4mm balanced or 3.5mm single-ended output, with a capable headphone amplifier specifically recommended to unlock the driver's full soundstage and frequency extension.

Alternatives

Sendy Audio's more accessible Apollo and Aiva-adjacent models within the broader catalogue share elements of this same planar-driver philosophy at a lower investment, worth considering instead if this Black Beauty family's artisanal, small-batch wooden construction and considerable craftsmanship premium exceed what a specific budget calls for.