Selbi
100+ Head-Fier
Don't force yourself to like it and everybody's ears are different in the way they prefer the sounds. I went through 2-3 NH before getting used to its "unique" sounds signature, but only after trying a bunch of other headphones and upgrading to a superior amp/dac (Audio-gd NFB-11), that I found out that this "niche" hp is just weird and different enough to own. The NH didn't blow me away and it didn't click right away either unlike the Nightowl which at first listen, sounds like a "burned in" pair of NH with wider soundstage.
My X2 just have way more punch than the NH, and I'm running both from the same DAC/amp. (Subjectively speaking) they have a better sound stage, they extend into both treble and bass more, and they are generally just more "fun". I just cannot explain it. The best description I've found so far is really just that the NH sound like plastic, and that stance didn't go away after three days.
The only thing so far that the NH did better at first impression was that they're much more comfortable. Which sucks double, because for that reason alone I wish I would love these.
I've been actively trying to solo the NH in hopes my brain would adjust to its sound. But I've always found my way back to the X2, because they simply were a ton more enjoyable. It got me thinking, why am I trying to force myself to love headphones that didn't give me an immediate wow factor?
@Selbi
What kind of music do you like? I have the Nighthawk Carbon for a few days now, but only managed two hours of listening, directly from an iPad Mini. But I was positively astonished with for example Tool, Lateralus (the song) and Dire Straits, Money for Nothing.
Mostly metal, though I don't really like Tool. They seem to be a go-to band for many head-fi'ers... My roots lie mostly in Power Metal stuff (Helloween, Blind Guardian, DragonForce, etc.)
Maybe, in a few years from here, the Carbon will become obsolete by the release of a third AQ headphone and will be reduced to 300€ as well. If I don't get to love my current NH, I might come back to the future. Level5 also said he had multiple iterations.
Whether you like a headphone or not depends on many things (experience, amp/DAC, taste). I also sold my first Nighthawk. Then after trying many other headphones and upgrading my audio gear gave NH another chance, as my treble sensitivity forced me to find a smooth sounding headphone. Love came only with my second Nighthawk. One year after I sold the first one.
What exactly do you mean by experience? In my case, the NH are the second pair of serious headphones. (Context: I'm in my early twenties and got a well-paid intern, so I can finally ditch my next-media-store cans. :V)