🔶 Audioquest NightHawk

Blu · April 11, 2021, 1:55am

Seems like M0N already got to you, but I will give my 2 cents as well!

If you are treble sensitive, I would think the carbons are a safer bet than the Argons though. I have a T50RP Dekoni Blue (which I would assume is similar to the Argons in sound signature, but Modhouse definitely does some more fancy stuff), but when I change from that to my Carbons, I can say for sure that the sound is way more relaxed and less treble forward on the Nighthawks compared to the T50RP.

The planar drivers on the T50RP definitely give more slam for bass, but I would say as a result, it makes the sound a lot more V-shaped when compared to the Nighthawks. With that being said though, I would not say the Nighthawks are bass-lite. They are definitely warm, but I think they are better balanced. If you want a more relaxed, chill sound signature, I really would have a hard time suggesting something that isn’t the nighthawk, at least from what is in my collection/what I have heard. For me it is like the ultimate laid-back headphone, and it is soooo comfy. (Again, comparing to t50rp dekoni blue, not the argon exactly… so might be a bit off).

jharismaiden · April 25, 2021, 3:22pm

It’s me again! Still on the lookout for Nighthawks (especially Carbons). It’s interesting as I have come across reasonably priced options for new old stock (and even more options for unreasonably priced options). But they are in different countries which don’t ship to the UK. It’s frustrating as one of them is priced quite favourably. I am exploring the option of getting a forwarding address.

Anyway,

This seller on eBay has reduced to £227 (including shipping) for Carbon without the microsuede pad, but otherwise looks like in good condition (with original case and accessories). I’m surprised the listing is still up after so long. They’re open to offers so I’m considering trying to offer, but I’m wondering how much I am really losing out without the microsuede pads. What I understand is that pleather pads = more treble detail and isolation, less comfort while the microsuede pads = less bass but more comfort.

Assuming it makes sense to go for the headphones without the microsuede pads, how much do you think is a reasonable price to offer?

MrSushi · April 26, 2021, 5:26am

Considering that the nighthawks originally retail for 800$ and compete against headphones that still go for around 800$, 227£ is a steal. You won’t regret it. I personally didn’t like the reduce in bass from the microsuedes and didn’t find them more comfortable. If you really want to get suede pads later on, you can buy the brainwavz XL suede pads later on.

jharismaiden · April 26, 2021, 9:12am

Thanks, that’s helpful input about the microsuede pads. Are the Brainwavez you suggested a direct fit? The pad looks to be a different shape (perfect circle) than the stock egg-shaped Nighthawk pads.

I’ll think on it, but I’ve been told it’s possible to get a good set (with both pads) at that price or cheaper. I’m in no huge hurry so I may wait longer. I’ll see how it goes.

Kron · April 26, 2021, 9:26am

Yeah I got my hawks brand new last year for around £225 so you can definitely get some good deals on them. I saw one recently sell on ebay (the OG hawks) for about £140

jharismaiden · April 26, 2021, 9:45am

I actually came across £250 for open box but otherwise unused a few days ago. The guy said he got over-zealous and bought 2 Carbons brand new in case one broke but he has since moved on to more expensive headphones. Someone else snapped it up while I was waiting for a response about his claims that it was covered under warranty, though.

MrSushi · April 26, 2021, 3:27pm

It’s kinda hard to explain, but what you gotta do is separate the cushion and the adapter from the included pad, punch holes in the back flap of the brainwavz pad and put it on the adapter. Once you see it it’s much easier to understand. They fit perfectly fine.

MrSushi · April 26, 2021, 3:29pm

Audioquest warranty is bullshit tho. The headband on mine frayed off and snapped and they didn’t help me in any way so I just had to hot glue the headband back on

Blu · April 27, 2021, 5:16am

Anything around ~$300 seems fair to me; and the more I use these and listen to them, the more I think I would pay for them tbh haha

jharismaiden · April 27, 2021, 6:58pm

New Zealanders: this New Zealand retailer seems to have one last set of brand new Nighthawk Carbon for 325 NZD (234 USD). They don’t ship overseas, sadly.

They also have a set of brand new Nighthawk Owl Carbon for the same price.

jharismaiden · April 30, 2021, 8:24pm

Looks like I got a decent deal on eBay and will be joining the gang. £259 total for open box but unused as the seller had gotten overzealous and bought 2 sets of these in September 2020 but has since upgraded. It’s the same listing I posted about here a few days ago but for some reason the seller relisted an hour or so ago. Even comes with a spare Monoprice cable.

This is my most expensive single audio purchase so I am nervous that I may dislike it. Hopefully that won’t be the case! I’ll be sure to report with impressions after they arrive.

jharismaiden · April 30, 2021, 8:50pm

Here are some pictures from the eBay listing!

I’m honestly not a fan of cables which terminate in a right angle, but the Monoprice cable has a nice colour and braided look.

Mr_Makua · May 1, 2021, 11:52am

I think you will be pleased. The Nighthawk was the first headphone that really changed the game for me. And funny enough, I have bought and sold many since and it is one of the only ones I have left.

jharismaiden · May 1, 2021, 12:24pm

That sounds great. Makes me even more excited to hear what it’s like. The only concern now is I’ll end up wanting more and more expensive headphones. Don’t think my wallet could take it. Heh.

Jetman · May 1, 2021, 12:42pm

Nighthawks were my 3rd headphone… I now have around 12 sets of headphones including 4 ZMF cans. The Nighthawks will always be in my collection. I enjoy their sound for its individuality.

jharismaiden · May 6, 2021, 9:39pm

NHC is here! I’ve been listening for over an hour now.

First of all, I love how comfortable these are. I did not expect that. They are light, and probably the most comfortable headphones I have because how well the weight is distributed. It barely feels like anything is on my head and the clamp is secure while not being remotely tight. Second of all, the cable is arse. It’s weird how it feels like effort was put into building it, yet it’s so stiff and feels like it won’t ever straighten out. Thankfully the Monolith cable the guy I bought it from is nice and flexible.

So, soundwise… It’s gonna sound like I’m complaining in what follows, but I want to make it clear that I love it so far. Really wide soundstage, decent bass response on the pleather pads (I don’t plan to try the microsuede until I’ve spent more time with the pleather so that I can tell the differences more easily later), decent vocals (depending on song, see next few paragraphs), detailed yet not remotely bright. In fact, these may be the most detailed headphones I own?? I heard ambient noises in the recording studio at the beginning of a song which I have heard so many times in other headphones but never caught!!! I find the sound very clear overall without sounding like the details are manufactured artificially with treble.

That being said, I think I finally understand that one Reddit review which said “What the fuck” when describing the frequency response. Furthermore, the same review (accurately) describes the midrange as “drunk”.

The main thing I noticed quickly is how the vocals seem full and forward on some songs but recessed and taking a backseat on some others. That being said, the vocals don’t feel as recessed as on the TYGR for some reason. If I can describe it this way: it feels like the recessed vocals draw attention to itself on the TYGR but the recessed vocals (when they are recessed) do not draw attention to itself on the NHC.

There are also weird things going on with the soundstage, because sometimes (and only sometimes) it feels like there is dead silence in the soundstage just next to my ear (especially my left ear??). It makes me paranoid that I’ve gone slightly deaf.

I need to spend more time with these headphones, but I can say for certain I don’t think I’m having trouble with these. While I find it very strange in presentation, nothing offends me at all right now. Which is amazing as I feel like I’ve grown to be a picky listener compared when I first started this hobby. I feel like these are everything I wanted out of the TYGR, but better. I’ll report back if I have new observations.

Thanks to everyone who recommended these or steered me towards these, especially @Falenkor and @M0N. Others definitely played a role, but both your recommendations and forums posts are what made me consider it over the alternatives.

Falenkor · May 7, 2021, 5:30am

glad your enjoying them, I definitely recommend eventually getting over to the suedes… I find them much better for sound personally and to me they are a little more comfortable. Nonetheless, nighthawks are incredibly good dark headphones

jharismaiden · May 7, 2021, 11:02pm

Updates after many hours of listening with pleather pads: I found that there was something definitely missing in the bass, namely bass punch. While the bass was well defined and clear (probably the highest quality bass I have heard in terms of tonality and cleanliness), I couldn’t quite feel the impact. It was basically the only thing I felt was lacking in a sound signature I otherwise liked. I remembered people said that the microsuede pads definitely increased bass impact so I reached for the microsuede pads.

I am disappointed to report that I am probably one of the few people who does not fancy the sound with the microsuede pads. The mid bass definition definitely increased, resulting in a punchier sound. However, it felt like the bass of the SHP9500 in the sense that the mid bass punch was there but the bass did not feel full or satisfying. I would definitely use these pads if I was learning a song on electric bass guitar since bass guitar notes become front and centre of the focus and easy to hear. But the bass feels otherwise incomplete.

On top of that, the sound felt relatively thin compared to the pleather pads. While this gave a more spacey feel in less busy music, it definitely gave an edgy harshness in the mids in some music. I did find myself enjoying simple things like slow rock songs with clean guitars and clean singing (songs like Iron Maiden’s “Prodigal Son”). But I missed the more even frequency response of the pleather pads, and did not like this thinness I was hearing.

The worst was the treble response. The treble response definitely becomes super uneven with the microsuede pads. I listen to lots of classic metal, which has lots of high hats and cymbals. I was so confused because in some songs they sounded muffled, but in some songs they sounded super emphasised, almost sibilant (which wouldn’t be an issue if the rest of the frequency response was more even). And in some songs I even detected sibilance in vocals (s and t sounds).

After some swapping back and forth, I definitely feel that the more even frequency response of the pleather pads is something I prefer very much. At least for now, I will be putting the microsuede pads away. I managed to EQ in some of that bass impact I was looking for by experimenting with the 80-100Hz region and did the following boosts:

32Hz: +0.2dB
40Hz: +0.4dB
50Hz : +0.8dB
63Hz: +2.1dB
80Hz: +3.0db
100Hz: +3.0dB
125Hz: + 1.5dB
160Hz: +0.6dB

I may still make adjustments to taste as I go along, but filling in this region seems to retain the overall sound signature except the bass is more impactful (while remaining clean and defined).

I’d like to hear the thoughts of others, as to whether my experience mirrors yours or if what I am saying sounds very different from what you hear. I’m definitely not trying to argue “right” or “wrong” here - I’m just curious what the experiences of others are with the different pads.

Pelontar · May 7, 2021, 11:08pm

I’ve definitely encountered this (also a metalhead). I haven’t tried the pleather in ages, but will give it a try again, and then see what your EQ does for it.

Etroze86 · May 8, 2021, 2:00am

If I remember correctly after I got through burn in the FR really evened out with both pads, so definitely get that 150hrs in. The interesting thing about the subbass is that is there just not the quantity that most people are used too. I chalk this up to the low distortion driver and the reason I say this is in the car audio world you get the same feeling with bass. i.e. you can hear it/feel it but it seems like the quantity isn’t there. Check out information on xbl^2 drivers.