AudioQuest NightHawk Impressions and Discussion Thread

[SomeGuyDude]

  That is why when I do the burn in process I think it is very important to listen to the headphone, take notes and do not listen anymore until you have the hours you want for burn in. Then listen after burn in and compare notes, from before and after burn in.
That way if it works, it works, if it does not, oh well, your just out some time. However, no one can say it is your mind & ears adjusting and burning in.

 
I have an even simpler method: I just listen to the damn things. 

 

[LaCuffia]

I have an even simpler method: I just listen to the damn things. 

My philosophy too. Sorry, I am not going to put them on a shelf to "burn in" for two weeks before listening. That's just me. Not knocking others who do it. I know it's usually out of experience and habit.

 

[PLUSSOUND]

Hey all. Any recommendations on aftermarket cables for the 'hawks?

 
We offer custom cables for these headphones. Feel free to drop us a PM or email us if you are looking for a specific cable build.

 

[bugeyed]

   

Aka the NightOwl, I had missed that news, interesting concept a closed back NightHawk but not totally closed with the "airflow-resistive port"

I could use them at the office

 

I wonder about the IEM project, news on that front?

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Snip
 
kev 

 

[nmatheis]

Wow, this thread is moving quick!
 
Here's a video I uploaded to my YouTube channel with a sneak peek at the new cable and pads. I also throw in the Brainwavz HM5 angled pleather and velour pads for comparison. Yes, it's been a long time coming, but it's finally here. Enjoy!
 

 
P.S., I freaking love Nighthawks!!!

 

[nwavesailor]

  Wow, this thread is moving quick!
 
Here's a video I uploaded to my YouTube channel with a sneak peek at the new cable and pads. I also throw in the Brainwavz HM5 angled pleather and velour pads for comparison. Yes, it's been a long time coming, but it's finally here. Enjoy!
 
 
 
P.S., I freaking love Nighthawks!!!

nmatheis:
Thanks for taking the time to do the new 4' (Carbon / Owl) cable intro as well as the various pad options available from AQ and Brainwavz in this YouTube video! It was nice to hear your take on the various pads available for the NH.

 

[Bern2]

 
nmatheis:
Thanks for taking the time to do the new 4' (Carbon / Owl) cable intro as well as the various pad options available from AQ and Brainwavz in this YouTube video! It was nice to hear your take on the various pads available for the NH.

I second that....especially the detail regarding sibilance with the Brainwavz pads.  Well done.  
 
Bern

 

[nmatheis]

You're more than welcome, guys. It took me a bit longer to get to it than expected, but I'm glad it was helpful.

 

[Badas]

I've just got the Ether Flow and taking a listen. It reminds me of the Hawks a lot. These HP's have a lot of similarities. It shows what a deal the Hawks are if they compete.

 

[Krutsch]

I've just got the Ether Flow and taking a listen. It reminds me of the Hawks a lot. These HP's have a lot of similarities. It shows what a deal the Hawks are if they compete.

I had the opportunity to enjoy an extended listening of the Ether Flow, along with a set of 'Hawks, at a dealer. The amp was a Bryston BHA-1 and the source was a Rega Apollo CD player.
 
I thought the Ether Flow completely blew the 'Hawks out of the water, which one might expect given the price difference.
 
For what it's worth, I was super impressed with how good the 'Hawks sounded with the BHA-1 amp... almost bought the amp on the spot.

 

[lugnut]

My philosophy too. Sorry, I am not going to put them on a shelf to "burn in" for two weeks before listening. That's just me. Not knocking others who do it. I know it's usually out of experience and habit.

 
 

   
I have an even simpler method: I just listen to the damn things. 

That is fine, I don't expect anyone to do what I do, it is just my thing. However, when someone says burn in, does not work or it's just my brain & ears that burns in. At least in my mind I can prove to myself if they did or did not change. For these I am only looking to see if the bottom end tightens up.
No need to get pissed over a subject that everyone at one time or another has participated in.

 

[x RELIC x]

I've just got the Ether Flow and taking a listen. It reminds me of the Hawks a lot. These HP's have a lot of similarities. It shows what a deal the Hawks are if they compete.

I'd agree. I've had the Flow since early September and they share a similar low distortion. For me the Flow was really dark at first but became quite a bit brighter over time. They were so dark initially that I contacted Peter at MrSpeakers to see if my pair had the wrong damping foam in front of the driver. He sent me some new foam just to confirm and it was the same. Basically, the Flow, ETHER C(1.1), and the NH are the only headphones I've heard any change from burn-in. I'd be interested in your take on the Flow after you've had some hours on them Badas.

 

[Badas]

I had the opportunity to enjoy an extended listening of the Ether Flow, along with a set of 'Hawks, at a dealer. The amp was a Bryston BHA-1 and the source was a Rega Apollo CD player.

I thought the Ether Flow completely blew the 'Hawks out of the water, which one might expect given the price difference.

For what it's worth, I was super impressed with how good the 'Hawks sounded with the BHA-1 amp... almost bought the amp on the spot.

It's very early days but my first thoughts are the Flow is like a supercharged Hawk. Everything is just a little better. Similarities tho. Holographics and treble. Flow is another not elevated treble HP. Very speaker like. Soundstage and Holograhics are similar.

Improvements are the Flow is balanced. No sound quality dominates another. Result seems to be even smoother. Which is a big achievement as the Hawks are smooth. I haven't evaluated bass yet.

I'm glad to have both HP's. Hawk owners can be very proud that the Hawks are not embarrassed by higher end HP's. I actually think both HP's beat my LCD-3's so the LCD-3's will be finding a new home.

 

[Badas]

I'd agree. I've had the Flow since early September and they share a similar low distortion. For me the Flow was really dark at first but became quite a bit brighter over time. They were so dark initially that I contacted Peter at MrSpeakers to see if my pair had the wrong damping foam in front of the driver. He sent me some new foam just to confirm and it was the same. Basically, the Flow, ETHER C(1.1), and the NH are the only headphones I've heard any change from burn-in. I'd be interested in your take on the Flow after you've had some hours on them Badas.

My Flows are second hand. So already burnt in. Mine is the open version. October build.

I'm using the V281 so far. It seems to be another HP that teams up well with that amp. Tubes should be interesting I will do that later in the week.

Person selling sold only because he has the Utopa and didn't need both. I took a listen to them as well. They are very special.

 

[x RELIC x]

My Flows are second hand. So already burnt in. Mine is the open version. October build.

Person selling sold only because he has the Utopa and didn't need both. I took a listen to them as well. They are very special.

Ah! So you're hearing what they should sound like, good stuff! Glad you're liking them.