i cant say who, when or how i came across the nighthawks, but they are the most comfortable cans that have EVER embraced my skull. the sound is AMAZINGLY smooth. your description of the "darker" sound is true BUT its because of technology and the masses that have forced other manufacturer's to "enhance" their products that produce dips and peaks which renders them useless for production use. nighthawks are one of the flattest cans ive heard--resulting, imo, a truer representation of the music performed.
More and more hps are leaning toward this sound sig. i.e. sony Z7. Considering you owned the TH900 in the past, I'm wondering if your preference has changed though out the years as more hps are flatter sounding.
***** No, my preference has always been towards a darker sound signature. This is why I basically cannot stand to listen to most Sennheisers. BTW, I just installed a balanced cable on the Nighthawks, a nice improvement for sure.
Nice review dude. I took a listen in the weekend and thought exactly the same. Audeze type sound with more bass and less treble detail. It was just a bit too relaxed for my liking. Music could get a little dull. I will take a second listen soon. :)
Great review. However, I am getting a little tired of the disrespect given to AudioQuest cables. You say, "people who know about digital cables can tell you." I would almost have to question what "know" means. Most people do not have a habit of reading white papers released by manufacturers of computer peripheral technology. If digital is so perfect and pure, and cables don't matter, then why do HDMI cables have to be twisted ins a very specific configuration in order to function at all? Go read up on HDMI 1.0 and 1.1 and so on. You read how they had to overcome signal transfer errors by twisting the cable in order create a strength and unity in the signal. Don't forget that digital 1s and 0s are still a pulse of electricity flowing down a copper wire. the DAC at either end can still interpolate noise as data and give you drop outs, errors, etc. Does that mean there should be 2800 dollar HDMI cables? No, probably not. However I don't disrespect them in their effort to minimize distortion and remove as many obstacles of the music as possible.
I am currently using Audio-technica ATH-M50's driving with a FiiO 11. Would these be an upgrade in sound and quality if i decide to purchase the AudioQuest NightHawk?
Have you tried out the Audeze EL8 closed-back yet? If so, how would you compare those to Nighthawks? I actually bought EL8 closed-back (the dealer in NYC has those only packed for sale - no audition pairs, so the only way to hear those was to actually buy them and hope for better, or simply return them if I did not like those for any reason). I am in fact about to return those - the sound is a bit disjointed: dry articulate bottom, and sparkly detailed top but recessed mids - i.e. more retailed than LCD's but also less sweet and less present. The main reason I am returning those is not the sound per se, but that I do not find them comfortable despite all that BMW design that Audeze flaunting about, The cups are bulky - they feel even bigger than LCD's cups though in reality they are not. The main gripe, however, is the tremendous headache-inducing grip that seem not to slacken due that sturdy metal headband... Despite the weight, I I actually find LCD more comfortable, and also like LCD sound much much more. I was just hoping getting a closed-back for the office, but will now look elsewhere. That's why I am curious of nighthawks...
Hello there - blast from past - I do not know if you realized you were replying to a 4-year-old post! I've been enjoying Audeze LCD3 for the past couple of years and can highly recommend them, while also have been considering getting an additional fancier pair of either RAAL SR1a or Abyss 1266 Phi or Meze Empyrean for when a mood strikes me to try a slightly different sound signature. Awhile back, I personally concluded that I do not like "lit" Focal Utopia, hyperdetailed Audeze LCD4, etched-headache-inducing Sennheiser HD820 - I actually wrote a lengthy review of LCD3 for Amazon years ago, in which I compared the sound signature for all of these phones as I went and auditioned thirty or so of the very best phones two years ago, and been trying some new ones since. Anyways, thanks for reminding me of my post from way back when my funds were severely limited - I totally forgot I was even considering EL8 and Nighthawks... All best, and Cheers!
Hi Tristan, how did you find these when paired with the GUMBY/MJ2 setup? Do you prefer them with LISST's or with tubes? I know you've expressed favorable opinions of the LISST and I'm wondering if that's because they can compensate for the "tube-like" qualities you've described here. Cheers!
Have your views and recorded comments changed a bit after this video first came out? I thought I remember this review being "a bit" more negative when it first came out. I could be mistaken. Thanks for the review.
They don't sound as detailed then the LCD3 but you but them between them and the LCD2. Does that mean the are more detailed then the LCD2 by half the cost?
cool review, have you used these with the chord mojo by any chance? im considering that combo. I listen to hip hop and soft/classic rock. Whats your thoughts for my usage?
+Scott Mathieson The Mojo has no bass boost so you may want that with hip hop although The headphones are a bit bassy so hard to say. I'm actually seeing my Centrance Hi-Fi M8, which has 2 levels of bass boost, LMK if you're interested: ruclips.net/video/RXMOjcj3tqk/видео.html
+PHOTOTRISTAN thanks for the offer. My current rig is a s6 edge plus running the hifimediy into the cayin c5 with v moda crossfade wireless, also waiting on my jvc sz1000 to arrive. Ive heard and read alot about the mojo and am thinking the mojo will give me another level of audio experience while also covering me for upgrades on headphones. Im looking at the nighthawks and hifiman 400i as home setup to mainly enjoy rock and occasional rap/hip hop
Working in the AV industry, an expensive hdmi cable will deliver a greater depth to picture, and less digital noise in picture(essentially fuzzyness). In addition most HDMI cables at the moment do not pass through true 4K signal. Audioquest cables do, but still I can see your point. to the normal consumer it is a lot of money
Damn i missed out on these selling for $289.71 US with closing down sale lol never hesitate - left it for several days thinking it must have been a clerical mistake but ended up being legit.. Win some loose some i guess..
phototristan can you tell me more about Nighthawk vs TH900 comparsions please? I am deciding between these two headphones,how is the resolution? and bass quality? which one have tighter decay and more textured bass? you sold TH900 becose its too bright,ignoring the brightness problem,would you say TH900 is superior sounding?
It comes down to the Nighthawk is more smooth whereas the TH900 more impactful, both on the bass and the treble, and less mids. TH900 are more harsh for sure.
If headphones only sound a tiny bit better in a $1700 amp than they do from your phone then please do us all a favor and stop buying overpriced audio equipment. I'm guessing a tiny bit better can be achieved with a $70 dac/amp from smsl. No offense but when companies know they can charge outrageous $ for almost no benefit then they will do just that and offer nothing for the 99.9% of consumers interested in audio equipment that can't afford $2000 amps or $1200 underwear or whatever else. Only recently have decent equipment become relatively affordable because of the o2 demonstrating what is achievable for just a couple bills.
Always enjoy your very thorough and honest headphone reviews. Thanks!
Thanks
You give the best review's ever man. Great job
Thanks!
i cant say who, when or how i came across the nighthawks, but they are the most comfortable cans that have EVER embraced my skull. the sound is AMAZINGLY smooth. your description of the "darker" sound is true BUT its because of technology and the masses that have forced other manufacturer's to "enhance" their products that produce dips and peaks which renders them useless for production use. nighthawks are one of the flattest cans ive heard--resulting, imo, a truer representation of the music performed.
Yeah I keep coming back to these for when I want totally fatigue-free and enjoyable laid back listening
More and more hps are leaning toward this sound sig. i.e. sony Z7. Considering you owned the TH900 in the past, I'm wondering if your preference has changed though out the years as more hps are flatter sounding.
***** No, my preference has always been towards a darker sound signature. This is why I basically cannot stand to listen to most Sennheisers. BTW, I just installed a balanced cable on the Nighthawks, a nice improvement for sure.
@@phototristan the sennheiser HD600 AND HD650 are smooth as butter no fatigue at all
Which do you like better between these and the Nightowl you reviewed?
Nice review dude. I took a listen in the weekend and thought exactly the same. Audeze type sound with more bass and less treble detail. It was just a bit too relaxed for my liking. Music could get a little dull. I will take a second listen soon. :)
They sort of grow on you.
Great review but what kind of music do you listen to?
I listen to all kinds of music, literally.
Good review! Much better than Dale Thorn's review.
hi,
have you heard the Oppo PM3 ? if so, how do they compare ?
Good review.
+Yuri Sanches Yuri I haven't heard it, sorry.
Ok.tks
In the review you are admiting that this headphone is betwen Audeze Lcd 2 and Lcd 3. Is it better than Lcd 2 version 2.2 Pre Fazor version?
Sorin Nour I was referring to the non favor version as I have not heard the favor version.
Great review. However, I am getting a little tired of the disrespect given to AudioQuest cables. You say, "people who know about digital cables can tell you." I would almost have to question what "know" means. Most people do not have a habit of reading white papers released by manufacturers of computer peripheral technology. If digital is so perfect and pure, and cables don't matter, then why do HDMI cables have to be twisted ins a very specific configuration in order to function at all? Go read up on HDMI 1.0 and 1.1 and so on. You read how they had to overcome signal transfer errors by twisting the cable in order create a strength and unity in the signal.
Don't forget that digital 1s and 0s are still a pulse of electricity flowing down a copper wire. the DAC at either end can still interpolate noise as data and give you drop outs, errors, etc. Does that mean there should be 2800 dollar HDMI cables? No, probably not. However I don't disrespect them in their effort to minimize distortion and remove as many obstacles of the music as possible.
I am currently using Audio-technica ATH-M50's driving with a FiiO 11. Would these be an upgrade in sound and quality if i decide to purchase the AudioQuest NightHawk?
To me, definitely yes.
Thanks for the response.
How much sound escapes through this set? I use headphones late at night so I need something quiet I’m sure that plays big part in comfort of phones.
Great review and you sound like you know your stuff thanks
Thanks.
Have you tried out the Audeze EL8 closed-back yet?
If so, how would you compare those to Nighthawks?
I actually bought EL8 closed-back (the dealer in NYC has those only packed for sale - no audition pairs, so the only way to hear those was to actually buy them and hope for better, or simply return them if I did not like those for any reason).
I am in fact about to return those - the sound is a bit disjointed: dry articulate bottom, and sparkly detailed top but recessed mids - i.e. more retailed than LCD's but also less sweet and less present.
The main reason I am returning those is not the sound per se, but that I do not find them comfortable despite all that BMW design that Audeze flaunting about,
The cups are bulky - they feel even bigger than LCD's cups though in reality they are not. The main gripe, however, is the tremendous headache-inducing grip that seem not to slacken due that sturdy metal headband... Despite the weight, I I actually find LCD more comfortable, and also like LCD sound much much more. I was just hoping getting a closed-back for the office, but will now look elsewhere. That's why I am curious of nighthawks...
+yory teperman I haven't tried the Audeze EL8 yet.
Meze 99 classic or neo closed back and wonderful sound
Hello there - blast from past - I do not know if you realized you were replying to a 4-year-old post! I've been enjoying Audeze LCD3 for the past couple of years and can highly recommend them, while also have been considering getting an additional fancier pair of either RAAL SR1a or Abyss 1266 Phi or Meze Empyrean for when a mood strikes me to try a slightly different sound signature. Awhile back, I personally concluded that I do not like "lit" Focal Utopia, hyperdetailed Audeze LCD4, etched-headache-inducing Sennheiser HD820 - I actually wrote a lengthy review of LCD3 for Amazon years ago, in which I compared the sound signature for all of these phones as I went and auditioned thirty or so of the very best phones two years ago, and been trying some new ones since. Anyways, thanks for reminding me of my post from way back when my funds were severely limited - I totally forgot I was even considering EL8 and Nighthawks... All best, and Cheers!
Hi Tristan, how did you find these when paired with the GUMBY/MJ2 setup? Do you prefer them with LISST's or with tubes? I know you've expressed favorable opinions of the LISST and I'm wondering if that's because they can compensate for the "tube-like" qualities you've described here. Cheers!
+Zive I do prefer them with the LISST's since they already have a bit of a dark signature.
Have your views and recorded comments changed a bit after this video first came out? I thought I remember this review being "a bit" more negative when it first came out. I could be mistaken. Thanks for the review.
Yeah, they sorta grow on you.
They don't sound as detailed then the LCD3 but you but them between them and the LCD2. Does that mean the are more detailed then the LCD2 by half the cost?
I now actually like the Nighthawks better than the LCD-2 or even LCD-3
Based on sound quality alone, are these on par with the LCD-2 or a little better?
I now prefer the Nighthawk's
cool review, have you used these with the chord mojo by any chance? im considering that combo. I listen to hip hop and soft/classic rock. Whats your thoughts for my usage?
+Scott Mathieson No, but I hear the Mojo is really good.
+PHOTOTRISTAN seriously quick response lol. Do you think these will pair well for my music genre?
+Scott Mathieson The Mojo has no bass boost so you may want that with hip hop although The headphones are a bit bassy so hard to say. I'm actually seeing my Centrance Hi-Fi M8, which has 2 levels of bass boost, LMK if you're interested: ruclips.net/video/RXMOjcj3tqk/видео.html
+PHOTOTRISTAN thanks for the offer. My current rig is a s6 edge plus running the hifimediy into the cayin c5 with v moda crossfade wireless, also waiting on my jvc sz1000 to arrive. Ive heard and read alot about the mojo and am thinking the mojo will give me another level of audio experience while also covering me for upgrades on headphones. Im looking at the nighthawks and hifiman 400i as home setup to mainly enjoy rock and occasional rap/hip hop
+Scott Mathieson Sorry, I meant 'selling' above.
these or hifiman x ??
These.
Tristan, do you still have these? Do you find that you use them a lot? Or what headphone is at top of your rotation?
Yes, I still have them and listen regularly, among my other headphones.
BTW.. are you doing a bay area meetup anytime?
Not sure, people don't really seem that interested in one.
Working in the AV industry, an expensive hdmi cable will deliver a greater depth to picture, and less digital noise in picture(essentially fuzzyness).
In addition most HDMI cables at the moment do not pass through true 4K signal. Audioquest cables do, but still I can see your point. to the normal consumer it is a lot of money
Damn i missed out on these selling for $289.71 US with closing down sale lol never hesitate - left it for several days thinking it must have been a clerical mistake but ended up being legit..
Win some loose some i guess..
Great price.
now it's 250 not many left
how WIDE is their imaging vs TH900?
Not quite as wide for sure.
phototristan can you tell me more about Nighthawk vs TH900 comparsions please? I am deciding between these two headphones,how is the resolution? and bass quality? which one have tighter decay and more textured bass? you sold TH900 becose its too bright,ignoring the brightness problem,would you say TH900 is superior sounding?
It comes down to the Nighthawk is more smooth whereas the TH900 more impactful, both on the bass and the treble, and less mids. TH900 are more harsh for sure.
Are these equal to the lcd2's SQ?
I like the Nighthawk better than the LCD-2.
You really look like a friend of mine who lost in contact in years! are you Gary 楊？
haha... $600 and "I wasn't really expecting much from these at all". Baller.
stan_sprinkle Yeah, when you have $2,000. headphones, you don't expect much from $600. ones.
$2,800 for an HDMI cable??? wtf lol
Eric Govea Yep. I've added a link to it in the description now. It's for real believe it or not.
If headphones only sound a tiny bit better in a $1700 amp than they do from your phone then please do us all a favor and stop buying overpriced audio equipment. I'm guessing a tiny bit better can be achieved with a $70 dac/amp from smsl. No offense but when companies know they can charge outrageous $ for almost no benefit then they will do just that and offer nothing for the 99.9% of consumers interested in audio equipment that can't afford $2000 amps or $1200 underwear or whatever else. Only recently have decent equipment become relatively affordable because of the o2 demonstrating what is achievable for just a couple bills.
Do you think you can repeat just one more time how you don't like headphones that are harsh and hurt your ears??? WOW! WE GOT IT!!!
Sure: I don't like headphones that are harsh.
Savage.