The Sendy Audio Egret is an open-back, over-ear planar magnetic headphone priced at £799. It represents the most technically ambitious headphone from Sendy Audio and aims to compete with established models such as the HiFiMAN Arya Organic, Meze 109 Pro, Sennheiser HD 660S2, and Audeze MM-100.
The design draws inspiration from the egret bird; its name and grille pattern loosely mimic the wings in flight. The physical construction highlights handcrafted natural-wood earcups with a satin sheen, complemented by CNC-machined aluminium structural elements finished in soft gunmetal anodisation.
Weighing 420g, the headphones are designed for extended use through effective load distribution via the suspension headband and moderate clamp pressure. Comfort is further aided by hybrid leather earpads featuring breathable fabric on the inner edge. While designated strictly as a home or studio headphone due to its open-back design, it can muffle background noises like desk fans.
Central to the Egret’s engineering is a newly developed 98 x 84mm planar magnetic driver, which is Sendy Audio’s largest to date. This driver utilizes a composite diaphragm finished via an Electron Beam Evaporation Deposition (EBED) process. This advanced method vapor-deposits ultra-fine aluminum onto the membrane at the atomic level, ensuring a uniform coating and cleaner electromechanical response.
The technical specifications include a frequency response of 8Hz to 40kHz, an impedance of 38Ω, and a sensitivity of 103dB ± 3dB. This design makes the Egret source-friendly, allowing it to reach comfortable listening volumes from a balanced dongle DAC without needing a dedicated desktop amplifier.
The accessory package is notably extensive. It includes a 1.8m detachable triple-composite balanced cable. This cable combines strands of Furukawa oxygen-free copper, silver-plated copper, and enamelled gold-plated copper, housed in a graphene-reinforced PVC jacket. The cable terminates with a 4.4mm balanced Pentaconn plug at the source, paired with dual 3.5mm balanced connectors at the earcups. Accessories also include necessary adapters (3.5mm and 6.35mm), a tan eco-leather hard case, and a linen cable pouch.
In terms of sound quality, the Egret’s defining characteristic is spaciousness. The combination of its large planar driver, open-back grille, and airy tuning creates a wide, three-dimensional soundstage that extends beyond the physical unit. Instruments are described as being cleanly spread with a noticeable arc, keeping complex compositions well layered.
The bass performance prioritizes texture and detail over dramatic punch or slam, serving as a subtle addition rather than a thunderous force. The midrange is noted as the headphone’s emotional centre, delivering flattering vocals and rewarding high-quality recordings. The treble is characterized as refined and non-fatiguing; cymbals shimmer and brass offers controlled bite, providing adequate air around acoustic guitars.
The reviewer suggests that while technical innovations are impressive, the core experience provides a wide, natural soundstage, lush midrange, textured bass, and fatigue-free highs. Despite minor compromises—such as thin headband padding or subtle bass—the overall package remains highly competitive against rivals from HiFiMAN, Meze, and Audeze on technical specifications, craftsmanship, and pricing. At £799, the Egret is positioned as a strong recommendation for those seeking a flagship-feeling planar headphone suitable for long listening sessions.
Source: Trusted Reviews