🔶 Audioquest NightHawk

kcrack · February 7, 2021, 5:21pm

As a person with both the Qudelix 5k and the BTR5, I like the Qudelix’s features more. It also has significantly more Bluetooth range in my testing.

DagsJT · February 7, 2021, 5:24pm

Doesn’t look like it’s available in the UK too easily. Not available on Amazon which is where I’d ideally like to buy too.

Bmn1251 · February 7, 2021, 5:24pm

The hip dac has 4.4 and a dual/combined balanced 3.5 and single ended 3.5, its very portable and more convenient to use, since the BTR5 is all digital, but the hip does not have bluetooth.I think it has better control, and a physical volume knob too. Has better buttons, etc. Not sure about the UK, but the hip was only $50 more than the BTR5 for me

kcrack · February 7, 2021, 5:26pm

Really? It is on amazon but perhaps it’s only in the CONUS amazon. Oh well

Mr_Makua · February 8, 2021, 2:26am

@DagsJT for more power to push the hawks you might look at the Xduoo XD05. It’s been out for a while and you might be able to find one used. There are several different models. I don’t really know the differences but I believe they generally have a good reputation. There is also the iFi Nano BL. Should be able to pick one of those up for close to 100£.

Marzipan · February 8, 2021, 3:13am

going balanced on with my NHC on my ifi Ze DAC made a world of difference!

DagsJT · February 8, 2021, 8:55am

Hmm XD05 isn’t easily available and the Nano looks a bit chunky.

I think I’ll probably just stick to the BTR5. It should drive the Nighthawk’s well enough for me, and it’s small and convenient enough to move around.

MCook1970 · February 8, 2021, 9:12am

The BTR5 will easily drive these headphones and you’ll enoy the sound, particularly if you are able to connect using LDAC codec. If you want a DAC in the XD05 price range then I would seriously consider the Fiio Q5s Type-C, where the amp modules are interchangeable and comes with the highly rated THX AAA amp module. For me, this is a great pairing with the NHs and the LDAC codec sounds the best option for these if your source device is compatible.

frieda · February 8, 2021, 1:59pm

Hi everyone, I’ve used the NHC for almost two weeks now and they had around 80 hours of burn in with music, gaming and pink noise over night. Im however still getting pretty sharp s and t sounds for example in Sowing the Seeds of Love - Tears for Fears. I don’t have an amp or dac yet but will probably buy the Ifi Zen DAC soon. Currently Im just using a new MacBook Air to drive them. Is it my ears, my setup or something else?

Kron · February 8, 2021, 2:00pm

Which pads are you using?

frieda · February 8, 2021, 2:21pm

The standard pleather ones but I doesn’t change much with the suede ones.

Bmn1251 · February 8, 2021, 2:30pm

Suede should give ya some relief with what you are saying too. I’m wondering too if your laptop isn’t giving it the quality/quantity juice it needs, so its pushing it too much, and you got volume going pretty high? What audio sources are you using?

Jose_G · February 8, 2021, 2:47pm

Xduoo is bae with hawks ime as well

frieda · February 8, 2021, 2:57pm

That would make sense. Im currently just using Apple Music, but wanted to check out Tidal anyway.

Bmn1251 · February 8, 2021, 3:02pm

Yea just thinking of issues, the Zen dac too should help. Stick with it, hawks are a great set

DagsJT · February 9, 2021, 9:28am

Looking forward to trying these out! Won’t be able to give them a proper try until this evening or tomorrow but I’ll try a little when I can during the day

Jose_G · February 9, 2021, 12:54pm

Mine also arrived, yesterday in particular but like a dumbass I forgot they were arriving and sti haven’t been able to pick em up lol

danno · February 9, 2021, 3:05pm

LOL! Enjoy. They are unique and great cans.

Mr_Makua · February 10, 2021, 12:27am

I didn’t know you picked them up again! Couldn’t stay away huh?

Marzipan · February 10, 2021, 12:40am

mods…can we get a name change here please?