AudioQuest NightHawk Impressions and Discussion Thread
Feb 24, 2024 at 12:15 PM Post #10,187 of 10,209
I don't think I'd do that since the headband setup on the Nighthawk is a bit sophisticated.
Instead, you might want to try having a replacement headband made. Someone at Dekoni Audio was looking to purchase a Nighthawk. Not sure why but perhaps it was to create an aftermarket headband and needed a pair of them to do so.

His Email is: Dylan@dekoniaudio.com
 
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Feb 24, 2024 at 9:33 PM Post #10,189 of 10,209
Apr 17, 2024 at 8:47 AM Post #10,191 of 10,209
Got one of these Hifiman Ananda headbands off Aliexpress for cheap. Planning on modding this to replace the current disintegrating headband on the Nightowl
 

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Apr 17, 2024 at 10:29 AM Post #10,192 of 10,209
Apr 17, 2024 at 12:48 PM Post #10,193 of 10,209
May 1, 2024 at 2:27 PM Post #10,195 of 10,209
Interesting. Let us know how it works.
I finally disassembled the headstrap and it was a LOT easier than I thought. This part below is made from a slightly rubbery material, and flexes easily for the t-shaped retention pins to pop off with a twist.

IMG_1469.jpeg


Then I puzzled over how to use the Hifiman headband... And it occurred to me to be lazy and just tie it on. There's no need for elastic if I can get the fit dialed in, like Audeze headbands. So I used some 275 paracord and a couple of stoppers. This is the result.

IMG_1473.jpeg



275 paracord fits the hole perfectly, just a little snug. Once I passed the double strands into the holes in the headband, they're pretty snug and don't shift. But I put the locking slider in there for security.

Replaced the pads with a pair of SHURE HPAEC1540 pads. Got them ages ago based.on someone's recommendation and they fit GREAT! The retention rings on the old pads came off very easily and the new pads just slip on.

IMG_1466.jpeg


Am still listening to these headphones; had them on for the last hour. Perfectly comfortable. The headband hack was so damn easy I wish I'd done this years ago.
 
May 1, 2024 at 2:37 PM Post #10,196 of 10,209
Been almost 2 years since I put them away on account of the disintegrating headband and pads. But now that they're "restored", some quick impressions against my regular Sony MDR-Z1R :

The Nighthawks just don't reach as deep in the bass and the sound can be a little anemic by comparison... however they're so snappy and so well defined

BUT

There's still that incredible separation of the vocals against the instruments that just creates this trippy holographic depth. Such a different sound from the Z1R that despite the lack of deep bass, it's still a very compelling and enjoyable listen.

Man, I love these Nighthawks!
 
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Sep 10, 2024 at 4:27 PM Post #10,198 of 10,209
Been almost 2 years since I put them away on account of the disintegrating headband and pads. But now that they're "restored", some quick impressions against my regular Sony MDR-Z1R :

The Nighthawks just don't reach as deep in the bass and the sound can be a little anemic by comparison... however they're so snappy and so well defined

BUT

There's still that incredible separation of the vocals against the instruments that just creates this trippy holographic depth. Such a different sound from the Z1R that despite the lack of deep bass, it's still a very compelling and enjoyable listen.

Man, I love these Nighthawks!
I agree. I have the NHC and they are in a separate category. They're so good!

However, mine have been barely used (they're a special treat to me), and still the headband, case and pads succumbed to protein leather leprosy. Even the microfiber pads got mange. 😔

Thank God I found Chinese sheepskin pads on Amazon, although I had to wait several months for them to be back in stock. Still yet to be shipped. Says next month.

I'm eager to test them with the free DragonFly Cobalt I got from a Headphones.com promotion. That little thing sounds impressive, especially now that it's $199.95.
 
Sep 10, 2024 at 4:28 PM Post #10,199 of 10,209
I finally disassembled the headstrap and it was a LOT easier than I thought. This part below is made from a slightly rubbery material, and flexes easily for the t-shaped retention pins to pop off with a twist.

IMG_1469.jpeg

Then I puzzled over how to use the Hifiman headband... And it occurred to me to be lazy and just tie it on. There's no need for elastic if I can get the fit dialed in, like Audeze headbands. So I used some 275 paracord and a couple of stoppers. This is the result.

IMG_1473.jpeg


275 paracord fits the hole perfectly, just a little snug. Once I passed the double strands into the holes in the headband, they're pretty snug and don't shift. But I put the locking slider in there for security.

Replaced the pads with a pair of SHURE HPAEC1540 pads. Got them ages ago based.on someone's recommendation and they fit GREAT! The retention rings on the old pads came off very easily and the new pads just slip on.

IMG_1466.jpeg

Am still listening to these headphones; had them on for the last hour. Perfectly comfortable. The headband hack was so damn easy I wish I'd done this years ago.
THIS is why I love the Internet. 🤓 I get to benefit from the fruits of people smarter and more capable than me! 😁
 
Sep 10, 2024 at 7:51 PM Post #10,200 of 10,209
.
 
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