[Grado Diesel]

I've narrowed my search down those these two cans to pair with my FIIO X3II->Schiit Vali 2. Been running my old Grado SR80i's for about 5 months with my FIIO and a couple months with my Vali 2 and I'm ready to step away from the eardrum drill press of the Grados into a darker can. I've been getting a lot of suggestions towards these two cans. Between the two, which would be better suited for good ole British rock'n'roll like the Stones, Humble Pie, Zep, Jeff Beck and the
American modern classic The Black Crowes?
Got some suggestions for the HD 600s as well but I'd like to get away from the piercing highs. I also read an article about how sensitive bright headphones may be better for listeners who play their music at lower levels and I could totally see that as my Grados are better low, but I want to be able to turn it up a bit in comfort.

 

[YtseJamer]

The only thing that I can tell you is that the AQ NightHawk are one of the best headphones that I have heard in my life.  Better than everything under $1000.
 
The HD650 are also very good but you will have to buy a very good amp to match the performance of the NightHawk with the Vali 2.
 
NH + Vali 2 is better than HD650 + Vali 2.
 
Good luck!

 

[Grado Diesel]

The only thing that I can tell you is that the AQ NightHawk are one of the best headphones that I have heard in my life.  Better than everything under $1000.

The HD650 are also very good but you will have to buy a very good amp to match the performance of the NightHawk with the Vali 2.

NH + Vali 2 is better than HD650 + Vali 2.

Good luck!

Now that's good to know! Anybody else tried the 650s with the Vali 2? The build quality of the NHs looks so appealing too.

 

[YtseJamer]

Now that's good to know! Anybody else tried the 650s with the Vali 2? The build quality of the NHs looks so appealing too.

 
The HE-400i is also another option, very good match with the Vali 2 and great headphone for rock music.

 

[Sona]

Akg 712 try it too.

 

[Grado Diesel]

The HE-400i is also another option, very good match with the Vali 2 and great headphone for rock music.

How are the highs on the HE-400i? Rolled off a little bit too? Need tame highs.

 

[Grado Diesel]

The HE-400i is also another option, very good match with the Vali 2 and great headphone for rock music.

The more I read about the HE-400i's the more enticing they sound! Man I think I'm going to have to jump for these. 98% of my listens are to rock and metal and these sound like the cans for that!

 

[YtseJamer]

How are the highs on the HE-400i? Rolled off a little bit too? Need tame highs.

 
They are not bright like Grados.  You will be fine with a warm tube.

 

[YtseJamer]

The more I read about the HE-400i's the more enticing they sound! Man I think I'm going to have to jump for these. 98% of my listens are to rock and metal and these sound like the cans for that!

 
They are quite good with rock and metal.

 

[Sajakhaki]

The only thing that I can tell you is that the AQ NightHawk are one of the best headphones that I have heard in my life.  Better than everything under $1000.

The HD650 are also very good but you will have to buy a very good amp to match the performance of the NightHawk with the Vali 2.

NH + Vali 2 is better than HD650 + Vali 2.

Good luck!

I agree. I would say the Nighthawk is a better 650. They have similar sound signatures, but the Nighthawk has better bass and treble extension plus better clarity and speed. It's a very resolving HP. SS is a little wider on the 650, but depth is better on the Nighthawk.

Nighthawk is a little warmer, thicker than 650, but still more natural in the treble.

I would think the Nighthawk would scale even better than the 650 because of it's lower distortion. Maybe, someone can confirm?

IMO the Nighthawk is better, and would recommend checking it out first. If you like it, there's no need for the 650.

 

[Grado Diesel]

I agree. I would say the Nighthawk is a better 650. They have similar sound signatures, but the Nighthawk has better bass and treble extension plus better clarity and speed. It's a very resolving HP. SS is a little wider on the 650, but depth is better on the Nighthawk.

Nighthawk is a little warmer, thicker than 650, but still more natural in the treble.

I would think the Nighthawk would scale even better than the 650 because of it's lower distortion. Maybe, someone can confirm?

IMO the Nighthawk is better, and would recommend checking it out first. If you like it, there's no need for the 650.

It's definitely becoming more of a toss up between the Nighthawks and the HE-400i's for me. It's going to be a real shot in the dark because I'm damn near 300 miles away from a store with a headphone display, so whichever one I pick I'm hoping is suited for rock'n'roll.

 

[SHAMuuu]

It's definitely becoming more of a toss up between the Nighthawks and the HE-400i's for me. It's going to be a real shot in the dark because I'm damn near 300 miles away from a store with a headphone display, so whichever one I pick I'm hoping is suited for rock'n'roll.

That is a tough choice indeed
 
If it was me (and i had to take a shot in the dark) I'd go nighthawk since hifiman keeps rolling out models
 
but thats me
 
I dont think you'd be disappointed either way

 

[Sajakhaki]

They are both good. 400I is more neutral. Nighthawk warmer

 

[YtseJamer]

It's definitely becoming more of a toss up between the Nighthawks and the HE-400i's for me. It's going to be a real shot in the dark because I'm damn near 300 miles away from a store with a headphone display, so whichever one I pick I'm hoping is suited for rock'n'roll.

 
You should buy both and keep the pair that you prefer.
 
The NightHawk are only $328 at Crutchfield and the promotion is ending at the end of this month.  After November 30th they will cost $599.