AudioQuest NightHawk Impressions and Discussion Thread

[nwavesailor]

  Yup, that's exactly right. !
 
In the middle paragraph of Skylar's Introduction of the Carbon versions he lists all the features that are the same in all 3 headphones. The "Liquid Wood" material used for the earcups is the SAME for all headphones. Carbon only denotes the gloss metallic finish being applied to the SAME earcups.  I think Skylar may have inadvertently reintroduced some confusion lately when he posted descriptions of the 3 different earpads by calling the original earpads the NH 'wood' pads . 
 
I have no idea where anyone got the idea that the new versions weren't just finished differently (unless they didn't take the time to actually read the introduction)
 
& yeah, as other posters have been implying "Their name isn't really any big 'Wup' (Man, Head Fi needs to get rid of their editing device: It gets pretty annoying after awhile: almost as annoying as all the semi correct information that keeps getting repeated) (It'd be a different situation if people bothered to read thread postings at earlier points then where they decided to join the thread)

As you call  it, my "Unofficial Curmudgenitis", the only thing missing in this post is "Get off of my Lawn!"
 
You do crack me up, knowhatimean!!!
 

 

[nwavesailor]

I do find the US pads to have better bass texture, presence due to the flattened mid bass.

As more pads, both microsuede (aka US) and Protein Leather (aka boost) are circulating, it does seem that more folks here are going for the Protein Leather over the microsuede pads.
 
I could easily live with either version of these pads, but I still prefer the microsuede for my ears and tastes.

 

[knowhatimean]

I couldn't agree more. In fact, I'll trade my suede pads for a second set of Boost pads to anyone willing to trade with me.

I may take you up on that ,once my NO comes in.
 
(This way I'll put one set on my NH & the other on my NO)
 
I'll shoot you an Email, & we can set up the swap if you're still interested  in doing so.

 

[knowhatimean]

   

 

As you call  it, my "Unofficial Curmudgenitis", the only thing missing in this post is "Get off of my Lawn!"
 
You do crack me up, knowhatimean!!!
 

I try to be entertaining whenever the mood strikes me !
 
(Do be careful with that word "Curmudgeonitis"; with out the 'o' people might think I have a "personal problem" that requires massive amount of Viagra)

 

[shurealltheway]

I may take you up on that ,once my NO comes in.

(This way I'll put one set on my NH & the other on my NO)

I'll shoot you an Email, & we can set up the swap if you're still interested  in doing so.

Oh I'm interested. I have no use for the suede.

 

[betula]

The "Liquid Wood" material used for the earcups is the SAME for all headphones. Carbon only denotes the gloss metallic finish being applied to the SAME earcups.   
I have no idea where anyone got the idea that the new versions weren't just finished differently (unless they didn't take the time to actually read the introduction)

People apparently do not read the basic information about headphones they buy. That is why the information you have given above had to be repeated on almost each and every page since the carbons had been announced. Just slightly annoying to regular members.

 

[Amrit-R]

Cool. Thanks for the kudos.

Our UK dealers (they're technically not distribution partners) aren't necessarily going to know when things are coming into stock. It's great that they are geared up for selling pads!

We have a shipment of headphone accessories going from our California warehouse to our Netherlands warehouse now (Yes, including pads). When that arrives in a week or two, these parts should start to become available in Europe.

For the long term, we are still working on how we can get these things to customers sooner and in-sync with N. America. That's really what my previous post was more about.

As far as Amazon, we have partnered with them in the past, and based on that experience, I don't think we will have a direct relationship with them any time soon. Not their fault. Not our fault. Just a lot of complications that become even more complicated in Europe.

And for the record, we do have dedicated AQ sales teams in Netherlands, Germany, and UK. We use distribution partners (also called agents) in all other European countries, but not those three.

Thnx for the info! I'll keep an eye on any updates from the Dutch branche of AQ, or infom with our local AQ dealer.

 

[denox]

I have NH for about a week and couldn't get used to their sound signature, way too dark for me. Mine is on classified now if anyone want to grab them for cheap.

 

[Kazekeil]

I'm digging the Brainwavz Hybrid pads with the Nighthawk, but I've also been eyeing the ZMF Cowhide pads. Not sure if I asked here yet, but has anyone used that combo?

 

[Amrit-R]

While looking around for a source or dac/amp for the NIghtHawk Carbon, and I no particular hurry. I ran into the following review of the RHA Dacamp. They used a NightOwl as a comparison:

'... The new AudioQuest NightOwl is one of the headphones that impressed me most over the last few weeks. It sounds clear, precise and musical. It’s not as airy as the Hawk but I personally would say that’s a good thing. The L1 gives it all the power it needs and makes it sound incredibly good and detailed. This headphone surely will win a lot of the prizes this year and the DacAmp L1 is a great companion with it. Fully recommended...' http://www.headfonia.com/review-rha-dacamp-l1-energy/3/

 

[rhull1973]

So do we know when the new pads will be available to purchase through Audioquest dealers?

 

[Piperman]

While looking around for a source or dac/amp for the NIghtHawk Carbon, and I no particular hurry. I ran into the following review of the RHA Dacamp. They used a NightOwl as a comparison:

'... The new AudioQuest NightOwl is one of the headphones that impressed me most over the last few weeks. It sounds clear, precise and musical. It’s not as airy as the Hawk but I personally would say that’s a good thing. The L1 gives it all the power it needs and makes it sound incredibly good and detailed. This headphone surely will win a lot of the prizes this year and the DacAmp L1 is a great companion with it. Fully recommended...' http://www.headfonia.com/review-rha-dacamp-l1-energy/3/

I can whole heartedly recommend the ifi-audio iDSD Micro Black Label, it is great, I run it with the iPurifier 2 and an AQ Pearl cable.  It works well with my NH and my EL8s as well as the Beyer DT1990, good sounding solid DAC clean and low noise.

 

[Mediahound]

My video comparing the Z1R to the Audioquest Nighthawk:
 
 

  My video comparing the Z1R to the Audioquest Nighthawk:
 

 

 

[aviduser2]

Great review! Since it came out i pulled the trigger on a pair and i love them.
 
Are you going to keep both or do you feel the Z1R and NH fills a too simular role?

 

[Amrit-R]

I'm having one issue though, when the NH is connected to my iPhone (6 plus). Quite regurarly Siri is being triggered. Seems to happen when the cable touches my blouse or something. Any ideas?