Seeking for the perfect match I am coming from this (main) path: HD600 -> X2 -> (Nighthawk) -> TH-X00.
When I bought my X00s after a superficial relationship with my first Nighthawks, I was amazed by the tighter and deeper bass of the X00s. Brighter and (seemingly) cleaner treble, slighlty more detail, harder punch. Even though the treble caused me ear-fatigue, I sold the NH and kept the X00s, because after 2-3 weeks I did not really get serious fatigue anymore from the Fostex. I got used to the sound. This was months ago, and now I started to feel some fatigue again. It is most likely my treble sensitivity (which might have worsened).
Anyway, even though I like how the X00s sound, due to my treble sensitive ears I decided to give a second chance to the NH, and this time for real.
At least one month almost exclusively with the NH. In my opinion NH can not really be A/B tested with any other headphones. NH requires much longer adjustment from your brain, therefore A/B testing is pointless. IMO the only way to really compare headphones to NH is spending a substantial amount of time with each of the tested headphones (days, weeks) and then write an obviously subjective review.
I admit, I did not give a full chance to NH. I probably wouldn't be bothered with giving a second chance, if the strident treble of the X00s did not hurt my treble sensitive ears.
But here we go, next week arrives my second pair of NHs.
I have been looking around, what other choices I have. I prefer musicality over analytical sound, I do not want a completely flat response, I want to have fun when listening to music. Bass is amongst the top three qualities for me with clarity and resolution. Closely followed by space.
I think, most of us could clearly describe what we could change on our most beloved pair of headphones to make it even more to our liking.
There will always be compromises. The case is the same with the mirage term: "end-game". We see it, but it will never really exist. Deep in our hearts we know this, but it is just joyful to follow the mirage. Not like we had any chance. A 'thirsty' man will follow the mirage. But hey, it is not the destination, it is the road, ain't?
So, I did not really want to spend more than £400, however I was ready to spend more, if I find something exceptional.
For my liking there are not many headphones in this price range. I am after a strong, well-extended, clear bass, overall clarity, resolution, as much space as possible, as much naturality as possible, smooth sound with rounded down, mellow treble, but not loosing details. All of this with a slightly more than acceptable mid-range, for not more than £4-600.
Mad Dogs, Nighthawks, LCD2, X00. In the price range there are not too many 'in-a-way-similar' headphones. LCD2-s are on the higher end of this budget, but I heard owners saying they prefer some other less expensive headphones over LCD2. The Nighthawks for example, for
half the money.
So I give NH a second chance, a nearly exclusive listening for a month.
I just thought, I tell y'all the good news.