Madman's Dream in Sound: Premium Steampunk Headphones

Introducing the Egret: A New Era in Planar Magnetic Headphones

Sendy Audio has unveiled a new addition to its lineup with the Egret, an open-back planar magnetic headphone that combines precision engineering with traditional craftsmanship. Priced at $799 or £799, these headphones are designed for audiophiles and studio professionals who demand top-tier performance.

While the price point is steep, the technology packed into the Egret is cutting-edge. At the heart of the headphones is a custom-built 98 x 84mm planar magnetic driver. This driver features a nano-scale composite diaphragm that is less than 800 nanometers thick—roughly 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 can confidently say they are quite special. One of the standout features is the bass performance, especially considering it's an open-back design. The bass is impressive and holds its own against closed-back models like the Denon D5200, which are known for their powerful low-end.

In the lower frequencies, the Egret delivers a strong thump on tracks like Donald Fagen’s "Morph the Cat," and the sub-bass is well-represented in Hans Zimmer’s "Why So Serious?" When it comes to higher frequencies, the Egret passes the Billie Jean treble test. This song is famously mixed with bright treble, and many headphones struggle to tame the sibilant frequencies. However, the Egret offers a balanced and non-fatiguing treble experience. I would be interested in seeing the frequency charts, but I suspect there's a slight recess in the airy treble range.

The mids are also worth noting. There are some areas where the upper mids seem slightly recessed compared to other headphones, such as the HEDDphones D1. This can make certain backing vocals sound a bit boxy at times. However, instruments in songs like "Me and My Friends" by "Before I Saw the Sea" still get a fair amount of attention, though not as clean and clear as on the D1s.

Overall, the sound is warm and cozy, like a comfortable blanket. There's good separation of instruments and a spacious soundstage. However, these aren't neutral headphones; the timbre isn't particularly realistic and is more colored than the current neutral kings, the D1s. Despite this, the sound profile is fun, welcoming, and super enjoyable. Plus, the comfort level is exceptional!

Handcrafted Housings

The manufacturing process uses a proprietary technique that deposits ultra-fine aluminum circuitry directly onto the diaphragm at an atomic level. This precision approach aims to minimize distortion while maximizing resolution, resulting in what the company calls an "effortlessly open soundstage" suitable for critical listening applications.

With a frequency response ranging from 8Hz to 40kHz, the Egret extends beyond the limits of human hearing. The 38Ω impedance and 103dB sensitivity mean the headphones should be easy to drive from most professional audio interfaces and high-end consumer equipment.

In line with Sendy Audio's design philosophy, the Egret's handcrafted housings are made from natural solid wood. Each pair has unique grain patterns and tonal characteristics, making every unit one-of-a-kind.

The open-back architecture provides acoustic transparency, reducing internal resonances and contributing to the spacious presentation that planar magnetic designs are known for. Comfort is addressed through an ergonomically contoured headband and soft leather earpads. At 420g, the Egret falls within typical weight parameters for planar magnetic headphones, although it's significantly heavier than many dynamic driver rivals.

Premium Cable

Interestingly, while many competitors in this space offer basic cables, the Egret includes a detachable 1.8m cable with a 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 to optimize signal transmission characteristics. The graphene-reinforced PVC jacket ensures flexibility and durability for professional use.

The cable terminates in 2.5mm balanced connectors at the earcups, with both 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single-ended adapters included, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of amplifiers and audio interfaces.

Final Thoughts

While the market for premium headphones is crowded, with established brands like Audeze, HiFiMan, and Dan Clark Audio having strong footholds, the Egret offers a compelling alternative. Priced at $799/£799, it competes directly with models like the Audeze LCD-2 Classic.

For creative professionals who value both sonic accuracy and distinctive design, and for audiophiles seeking unique craftsmanship alongside technical performance, the Egret seems like a very tempting buy indeed.