šŸ”¶ Audioquest NightHawk

I did some research after M0N mentioned it, I was shocked at what I found. Especially the screenshots where he responded to a request for cancellation with ā€œI hope you and your family get cancerā€

yeahā€¦ tbh I did consider getting a pair but I just donā€™t feel very comfortable

Iā€™d send them a offer and see what happens. :slight_smile:

I considered doing so, but I would really like the extra pads. Iā€™m in no hurry so I will wait for now. =)

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 isnā€™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 exactlyā€¦ so might be a bit off).

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Itā€™s me again! Still on the lookout for Nighthawks (especially Carbons). Itā€™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 donā€™t ship to the UK. Itā€™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 Ā£227 (including shipping) for Carbon without the microsuede pad, but otherwise looks like in good condition (with original case and accessories). Iā€™m surprised the listing is still up after so long. Theyā€™re open to offers so Iā€™m considering trying to offer, but Iā€™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?

Considering that the nighthawks originally retail for 800$ and compete against headphones that still go for around 800$, 227Ā£ is a steal. You wonā€™t regret it. I personally didnā€™t like the reduce in bass from the microsuedes and didnā€™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.

Thanks, thatā€™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.

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

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

I actually came across Ā£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.

Itā€™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 itā€™s much easier to understand. They fit perfectly fine.

Audioquest warranty is bullshit tho. The headband on mine frayed off and snapped and they didnā€™t help me in any way so I just had to hot glue the headband back on :confused:

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

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New Zealanders: this New Zealand retailer seems to have one last set of brand new Nighthawk Carbon for 325 NZD (234 USD). They donā€™t ship overseas, sadly.

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

Looks like I got a decent deal on eBay and will be joining the gang. Ā£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. Itā€™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 wonā€™t be the case! Iā€™ll be sure to report with impressions after they arrive.

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Here are some pictures from the eBay listing!



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

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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.

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That sounds great. Makes me even more excited to hear what itā€™s like. The only concern now is Iā€™ll end up wanting more and more expensive headphones. Donā€™t think my wallet could take it. Heh.

Nighthawks were my 3rd headphoneā€¦ 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.

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NHC is here! Iā€™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. Itā€™s weird how it feels like effort was put into building it, yet itā€™s so stiff and feels like it wonā€™t ever straighten out. Thankfully the Monolith cable the guy I bought it from is nice and flexible.

So, soundwiseā€¦ Itā€™s gonna sound like Iā€™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 donā€™t plan to try the microsuede until Iā€™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 ā€œWhat the fuckā€ when describing the frequency response. Furthermore, the same review (accurately) describes the midrange as ā€œdrunkā€.

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 donā€™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 Iā€™ve gone slightly deaf.

I need to spend more time with these headphones, but I can say for certain I donā€™t think Iā€™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 Iā€™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. Iā€™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.

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