On point! I owned both but kept the nighthawks to complement my other headphones :-) 100% agree with your facts. You deserve more followers man! keep doing the great stuff, very authentic and objective reviews.
The USB is 24 bit/192 kHz. Very special synchronous USB. Zero noise or distortion. I think they make the HD 650 sound even better. I never replaced the HD 650 cables because of it.
Great review, great descriptions for the listening experiences of each headphone. I own the older Nighthawk model and have been curious about the newer carbon and the Sennheiser HD 650.
Thank you for your kind words, I'm glad I was of some help to you. I hated hearing that AQ discontinued their headphone brand because they really were fantastic.
I think you'll like them very much. And with the new Version 2's and NightOwl's coming out (or maybe already out not sure), you should be able to lnd a pretty sweet deal. Especially if you browse the head-fi forums.
Just got mine today and tried it on variety of music and I'm really impress w/ nighthawks's performance. What I like the most is punchy bass it exudes imho its better than hd650. I think for $350 this is a keeper. I can't wait until its totally broken in. You're review was spot on!
That nad d1050 itself. It's also a headphone amp with a volume knob. Mad power and no distortion whatsoever. I also hooked my TV box, Blu-ray and apple tv on it. It's sick. Had it since it came out. You should get one.
I was about to return the Nighthawks because I found the treble too rolled off and the bass overly prominent. Then decided to give them the benefit of the doubt by burning them in for the 150 hours Audioquest recommends. So far they have been burned in for 75 hours and I have noticed an improvement in the sound signature, they don't sound nearly as congested as they did straight out of the box.
dmarcus1260 Yeah you hit it right on the head. The problem with being a reviewer is I rarely have the time to burn in a product and can only go w/ what I originally hear and what you described nailed it. Some other viewers did comment saying that after burn in though the sound greatly smoothed out. But if you wouldn't mind, let me know your thoughts once they've been burned in and if they sound better to you and fulfill what you're looking for.
Thank you for the compliment. The vocals on the Nighthawks, to me, are much more intimate and closer sounding than the HD650 especially with male voices. The HD650 has a more laid back but still musical sound and is more indifferent between the genders.
:/ well, you just educated me on something for this is the first I heard of this but you're completely correct. They said once they sell out of current stock they're finished to focus solely on their cables.
Thank you for the complement, I appreciate that my friend. Now, as for your questions, though I can't personally comment because I don't blast my music for I prefer listening at comfortable levels, but by going off the specs of each I would assume the AQ NightHawk would go louder given it's significantly lower impedance and similar sensitivity level (AQ-25ohm-99dbl vs HD650-300ohm-103dbl).
I have heard it that way as well (as is Zine and Zhen). I say whichever flows from my tongue but like Zine a little more. However if a Sennheiser USA rep would like to place absolute correction into this that'd be awesome! For I do like to announce brands correctly.
Can this riddle ever be solved haha? There's threads everywhere forvo.com/word/sennheiser/ www.head-fi.org/t/56071/sennheiser-pronunciation all of which have it being different. Sennheiser Sennheiser USA SennheiserUSA Any help is appreciated :D
Umar My bad man. I just seen this comment, never got a notification for it. But I'd LOVE to even listen to an Elear. Positive feedback has been just overflowing around them. If I ever get a chance I'll certainly compare them and make another VS video for you.
Sorry for this late dig out, I have all these 3, and I have to say elear is clear winner, and hd650 is my least favorite. Not saying they are not good, as we all know they are one of the most classic cans, but the issue is they are lack of dynamic, too laid back, and slow. Elear is like a overall improvement, however they have some issue in the upper mid, which affect female vocal( a little bit like a upper mid hole). ANH is a very interesting headphone, the sound is no where near accurate, but so enjoyable, which remind me the vintage shure e5c. Tones of bass(but not very deep) very enjoyable colorful mid. So basically what they did is they cut some genres like classic music, new age etc and use all your budget(use to be $600, now is 300) in to pop, rock, vocal, movie etc., which fits more customers needs especially in this price range. Basically Elear, ANH, HD650, and pricier LCD3 are all in this category(musical, enjoyable). I like elear most, and to me they are the most musical one yet accurate(cause I count accuracy into a part of musical). LCD3 is the next, but they are toooooo heavy, and a little bit over soft due to their drivers. I know this is kinda late, but I hope it can still help you, and others who watch this wonderful vedio!
+Billy Castaneda Hmmmm Still going to have to go with the HD650 if properly amp'd. The Nighthawks are an extremely transparent headphone that does wonders for imaging but the trench in the upper mids takes me away from them. Now as for media purposes I have to side with the AQ.
+Makiah Shenay That's a good thing then. The hinge issue is only a possibility I foresee in the future. If yours uses something similar and is still in tact that's all the better.
Hey man, amazing video, definitely subscribed. I was debating between this two. I went and listen to them and I didnt like the Sennhesiers, they were both driven by a sony mp3 player, which might be some of it, but from reading reviews, I think that NH are more of what im looking for, they are just ... Fun, colorful, emotional, Ill be listening to some jazz, classic and classic rock and OH MY GAWD, when I listened to ACDC thunderstruck live, I was there man, NHs put a grin on my face that the Hds didnt, I found them cold and analytical but could be a matter of AMP. Im still debating between the NH and the HiFi man 400i, which I cant try. What would you recommend? And whats a good cheap amp to pair with the NH? Would you recomend Schiit Valhalla 2? I want tubes :D Thanks for any help man.
HECK YEAH BRO!!!! It's that reaction that you said you got that I try and find for those who watch my stuff (also thanks a bunch for your sub.). Between the 2 I personally would choose the Nighthawk. The 400i is great headphones and has super fast bass but what did it in for me is that I didn't find them all that comfortable (which the NH have comfort in SPADES). Based on what you said you prefer and the response you got don't doubt yourself when you've found the sound you like. As for a great amp. I really can't knock the Valhalla 2 in anything. For the price you can find them for (or even brand new retail) they're out freaking standing. They're beautifully warm (pending the tubes you get) and are even more musical than even my Lyr 2 is. My worry is that they don't really play well with lower power requirement headphones. I don't think the NH is that sensitive so I believe you'll be fine (they wont bust your drivers but the quality might not be as pristine as the potentially could). Lastly, warning. Once you go tubes and experience that musicality, there's no going back.
Believe it or not I've only heard the HD800 once during an audio meet and only for a very short period of time and I've yet to hear the 800s model. There's another audio meet here near Charlotte 27MAY that hopefully I can change that but I can't give an opinion for you yet unfortunately.
hey buddy. If I was to buy these for portable use, I'd run them off a galaxy s6 through a cayin c5 amp. Do you think this would be ok? Also I listen to mainly soft rock, hip hop, rap, r n b style music Do you think the hawks would sound good with these styles of music? I would leave them burn in for a solid week on a loop which I would think would be ok for a burn in time... Cheers
+Scott Mathieson Oh dear goodness they'd be amazing. Those genres (I even think I mentioned them in my Nighthawk review video) I swear are what these were geared for. Plus you can easily power them from your S6. My fiancee had that before she swapped to the note 5 so I've first hand knowledge it has no problem pushing the NH. Though I did get quite a few looks walking around with these on because they're quite, um, large on your head. But the bliss in my ears made me not care. Based on your genres I'd say the NH will be perfect for you.
Scott Mathieson Thank you very kindly for your sub. I greatly appreciate that! As for the sound leaking, honestly not that much. There is some don't get me wrong but I felt confident enough to go to Barnes & Noble's to read a new book and not big a big douche. I even placed the headphones on my knees to get a relative impression and though I could faintly make out beats I felt it was of little importance. Though a disclaimer. I DO NOT listen to music loudly. I listen to my music at a comfortable level (usually around 35-55%) and nothing more so if you jam YMMV (your miles [experience] may vary).
+x Army Firedawg x hmmm interesting, ive recently bought the v moda crossfade wireless and am really enjoying them. Run through my cayin c5 I bought for them they throw out some serious bass and volume lol. Im thinking of getting either these or the HIFIMAN HE400i as Im into bass and alot of people believe the he400i to be hitting well above their price. Its difficult as I cant go to a store and test them (im from uk). Thinking the sound signatures maybe similar but the HE-400i is a fair bit cheaper for price. NH are £499 and the HE-400i around £320. Any experience with these buddy?
Scott Mathieson Believe it or not I've never heard a Hifiman product. Though I should be receiving the Edition X in tomorrow to review. So I can't give personal approach. However I have heard exactly what you're talking about in bass hit. Which make no mistake the Nighthawk's have some thickness to them. Which is ultimately what made the HD650 win. I'm not that much of a bass nut. A small hump is all I like, if it's too heavy I lose interest. Check the head-fi forums from time to time to see if a meet is around there. I believe a CanJam was even there recently (exactly where I'm unsure).
From the reviews I've been reading I'd say in terms of iems you've got the lions share of price/quality. Like I said I haven't personally heard them but I've also not heard anything bad about them either, othwr than some people have an issue with the comfort (but that's iems in general).
x Army Firedawg x I like the way they sound. It’s just that I’m not used to IEM. I’m used to headphone. Didn’t have too many, HD112, HD598, SR325 and iSine20. Before I bought the 20’s, I had my eyes on Grado RS1, Sennheiser HD660, Beyerdynamic DT 1990, HE 560 , Nighthawk. As you see my taste is all over the spectrum. I heard good things about all these and I’m just wondering if sound wise I would be more into something else in this price range.
Price no object ATH5K but with respect to price it's a very hard argument. The NightHawk's imaging ability beats out many headphones several times its price but the 5K is something to experience, to my ears it bests even the HD800S in about every aspect sub soundstage.
I don't know how much time you let the Night Hawks burn in, but my dealer had a pair and when we first heard them, we both hated them. The treble was recessed and the midrange was muddy and the bass was flat. They require at least 150 hours per Audio quest, but 200-300 hours are really what's needed and they open up and sound like a much different headphone, they actually surprise you when they break end, they are much better than the Sennheiser HD700's. They articulate very well and as you said the bass is nice, but the mids and treble get much better and they are extremely well with voices, especially female voices. I have never had the Sennheiser HD650. They are now my favorite headphone.
+szidon mcnulty I most certainly see the potential in them. Now me personally I put around 50 or so hours of listening into them. The 150 hours burn in isn't often feasible for us reviewers because the average review cycle is 1 week. Now I believe I was second or third in rotation with this unit so it was used previously used but getting full burn in time is rarely attainable. But again I absolutely see the potential with the Nighthawk's after they've been warmed up.
On point! I owned both but kept the nighthawks to complement my other headphones :-) 100% agree with your facts. You deserve more followers man! keep doing the great stuff, very authentic and objective reviews.
Thank you very much for your kind words my friend. I really appreciate them.
The USB is 24 bit/192 kHz. Very special synchronous USB. Zero noise or distortion. I think they make the HD 650 sound even better. I never replaced the HD 650 cables because of it.
Great review, great descriptions for the listening experiences of each headphone. I own the older Nighthawk model and have been curious about the newer carbon and the Sennheiser HD 650.
Thank you for your kind words, I'm glad I was of some help to you. I hated hearing that AQ discontinued their headphone brand because they really were fantastic.
I forgot, I agree totally with your assessment of the imaging and spatial qualities, good review.
+szidon mcnulty
thank you very kindly, I appreciate your kind words.
I have the 650 and love it but for what online shops are selling NH for I think I will check this cans. Excellent review!
I think you'll like them very much. And with the new Version 2's and NightOwl's coming out (or maybe already out not sure), you should be able to lnd a pretty sweet deal. Especially if you browse the head-fi forums.
Just got mine today and tried it on variety of music and I'm really impress w/ nighthawks's performance. What I like the most is punchy bass it exudes imho its better than hd650. I think for $350 this is a keeper. I can't wait until its totally broken in. You're review was spot on!
Litmuz
350!!!!!!! Dude!!! That's an awesome deal. But mostly glad to hear you're enjoying them. Glad I could help.
Litmuz yeah? Based on what 650 you've heard that you assume the night hawk is better lol
That nad d1050 itself. It's also a headphone amp with a volume knob. Mad power and no distortion whatsoever. I also hooked my TV box, Blu-ray and apple tv on it. It's sick. Had it since it came out. You should get one.
+Stafa Thiam
MMMM Sexy, I most certainly will keep it in mind thank ya very kindly for the heads up to it!
I was about to return the Nighthawks because I found the treble too rolled off and the bass overly prominent. Then decided to give them the benefit of the doubt by burning them in for the 150 hours Audioquest recommends. So far they have been burned in for 75 hours and I have noticed an improvement in the sound signature, they don't sound nearly as congested as they did straight out of the box.
dmarcus1260
Yeah you hit it right on the head. The problem with being a reviewer is I rarely have the time to burn in a product and can only go w/ what I originally hear and what you described nailed it.
Some other viewers did comment saying that after burn in though the sound greatly smoothed out.
But if you wouldn't mind, let me know your thoughts once they've been burned in and if they sound better to you and fulfill what you're looking for.
Great review man
For me Knighthawk 👌
If you want to hear a mouse fart go with the AudioQuest.
+Rick Sanchezz
LMFBO hahaha I wish I could heart a comment over just thumbing up it. But I can't really disagree.
Bismillah
Great review. Can you compare the mids especially vocals between the two. Thanks.
Thank you for the compliment. The vocals on the Nighthawks, to me, are much more intimate and closer sounding than the HD650 especially with male voices. The HD650 has a more laid back but still musical sound and is more indifferent between the genders.
Did you try monoprice m1070, now they are $300 in their website.
i heard audioquest stopped making headphones or wont be coming out with any knew headphones ,
:/ well, you just educated me on something for this is the first I heard of this but you're completely correct. They said once they sell out of current stock they're finished to focus solely on their cables.
Nice review! Could you, please, tell me if both of them or which of can get painfully loud ?
Thank you for the complement, I appreciate that my friend. Now, as for your questions, though I can't personally comment because I don't blast my music for I prefer listening at comfortable levels, but by going off the specs of each I would assume the AQ NightHawk would go louder given it's significantly lower impedance and similar sensitivity level (AQ-25ohm-99dbl vs HD650-300ohm-103dbl).
It's pronounced SEN HIZER, not ZINE HIZER. Other than that, great video.
+Philos Kim
ruclips.net/video/d0YsoSlj9Dw/видео.html&ab_channel=sennheiser.hu
But appreciate the compliment .
I have heard it that way as well (as is Zine and Zhen). I say whichever flows from my tongue but like Zine a little more. However if a Sennheiser USA rep would like to place absolute correction into this that'd be awesome! For I do like to announce brands correctly.
+x Army Firedawg x ZHEN all the way
Can this riddle ever be solved haha? There's threads everywhere
forvo.com/word/sennheiser/
www.head-fi.org/t/56071/sennheiser-pronunciation
all of which have it being different. Sennheiser Sennheiser USA SennheiserUSA Any help is appreciated :D
even still he says ZEN-HIZER not ZINE
Which do u like better for music?
+Stafa Thiam
I liked the Sennheiser HD650 much better for music.
Thanks dawg :)! Listening to them as I'm writing this; used with the NAD D1050 DAC.
Nice, I've heard good things about that unit. What amp ya got fueling the 650's?
If you get the opportunity I would like your impressions of the focal Elear compared to the hd 650
Umar
My bad man. I just seen this comment, never got a notification for it. But I'd LOVE to even listen to an Elear. Positive feedback has been just overflowing around them. If I ever get a chance I'll certainly compare them and make another VS video for you.
Sorry for this late dig out, I have all these 3, and I have to say elear is clear winner, and hd650 is my least favorite. Not saying they are not good, as we all know they are one of the most classic cans, but the issue is they are lack of dynamic, too laid back, and slow. Elear is like a overall improvement, however they have some issue in the upper mid, which affect female vocal( a little bit like a upper mid hole). ANH is a very interesting headphone, the sound is no where near accurate, but so enjoyable, which remind me the vintage shure e5c. Tones of bass(but not very deep) very enjoyable colorful mid. So basically what they did is they cut some genres like classic music, new age etc and use all your budget(use to be $600, now is 300) in to pop, rock, vocal, movie etc., which fits more customers needs especially in this price range. Basically Elear, ANH, HD650, and pricier LCD3 are all in this category(musical, enjoyable). I like elear most, and to me they are the most musical one yet accurate(cause I count accuracy into a part of musical). LCD3 is the next, but they are toooooo heavy, and a little bit over soft due to their drivers.
I know this is kinda late, but I hope it can still help you, and others who watch this wonderful vedio!
Good job.
Peter Mota
Thanks fir the complement my friend, I appreciate that.
Which do you prefer for mids and vocals?
+Billy Castaneda
Hmmmm Still going to have to go with the HD650 if properly amp'd. The Nighthawks are an extremely transparent headphone that does wonders for imaging but the trench in the upper mids takes me away from them. Now as for media purposes I have to side with the AQ.
Could you help us test our product? True wireless earbuds.
Potentially. Send me an email containing the specifics and info and we can see what we can do.
very nice man!
Though It sucks about that hinge, my HE 4 has been modded to hell an back an it's still in one piece!
+Makiah Shenay
That's a good thing then. The hinge issue is only a possibility I foresee in the future. If yours uses something similar and is still in tact that's all the better.
Hey man, amazing video, definitely subscribed. I was debating between this two. I went and listen to them and I didnt like the Sennhesiers, they were both driven by a sony mp3 player, which might be some of it, but from reading reviews, I think that NH are more of what im looking for, they are just ... Fun, colorful, emotional, Ill be listening to some jazz, classic and classic rock and OH MY GAWD, when I listened to ACDC thunderstruck live, I was there man, NHs put a grin on my face that the Hds didnt, I found them cold and analytical but could be a matter of AMP. Im still debating between the NH and the HiFi man 400i, which I cant try. What would you recommend? And whats a good cheap amp to pair with the NH? Would you recomend Schiit Valhalla 2? I want tubes :D
Thanks for any help man.
HECK YEAH BRO!!!! It's that reaction that you said you got that I try and find for those who watch my stuff (also thanks a bunch for your sub.). Between the 2 I personally would choose the Nighthawk. The 400i is great headphones and has super fast bass but what did it in for me is that I didn't find them all that comfortable (which the NH have comfort in SPADES). Based on what you said you prefer and the response you got don't doubt yourself when you've found the sound you like.
As for a great amp. I really can't knock the Valhalla 2 in anything. For the price you can find them for (or even brand new retail) they're out freaking standing. They're beautifully warm (pending the tubes you get) and are even more musical than even my Lyr 2 is. My worry is that they don't really play well with lower power requirement headphones. I don't think the NH is that sensitive so I believe you'll be fine (they wont bust your drivers but the quality might not be as pristine as the potentially could). Lastly, warning. Once you go tubes and experience that musicality, there's no going back.
great job. what about senn. hd 800 vs. hd 800s works the price?
Believe it or not I've only heard the HD800 once during an audio meet and only for a very short period of time and I've yet to hear the 800s model. There's another audio meet here near Charlotte 27MAY that hopefully I can change that but I can't give an opinion for you yet unfortunately.
hey buddy. If I was to buy these for portable use, I'd run them off a galaxy s6 through a cayin c5 amp. Do you think this would be ok?
Also I listen to mainly soft rock, hip hop, rap, r n b style music Do you think the hawks would sound good with these styles of music?
I would leave them burn in for a solid week on a loop which I would think would be ok for a burn in time...
Cheers
+Scott Mathieson
Oh dear goodness they'd be amazing. Those genres (I even think I mentioned them in my Nighthawk review video) I swear are what these were geared for. Plus you can easily power them from your S6. My fiancee had that before she swapped to the note 5 so I've first hand knowledge it has no problem pushing the NH. Though I did get quite a few looks walking around with these on because they're quite, um, large on your head. But the bliss in my ears made me not care. Based on your genres I'd say the NH will be perfect for you.
+x Army Firedawg x cool! how bad is sound leakage coming in to the headphone as they are semi open backed? subbed to your channel bro
Scott Mathieson
Thank you very kindly for your sub. I greatly appreciate that! As for the sound leaking, honestly not that much. There is some don't get me wrong but I felt confident enough to go to Barnes & Noble's to read a new book and not big a big douche. I even placed the headphones on my knees to get a relative impression and though I could faintly make out beats I felt it was of little importance.
Though a disclaimer. I DO NOT listen to music loudly. I listen to my music at a comfortable level (usually around 35-55%) and nothing more so if you jam YMMV (your miles [experience] may vary).
+x Army Firedawg x hmmm interesting, ive recently bought the v moda crossfade wireless and am really enjoying them. Run through my cayin c5 I bought for them they throw out some serious bass and volume lol. Im thinking of getting either these or the HIFIMAN HE400i as Im into bass and alot of people believe the he400i to be hitting well above their price. Its difficult as I cant go to a store and test them (im from uk). Thinking the sound signatures maybe similar but the HE-400i is a fair bit cheaper for price. NH are £499 and the HE-400i around £320. Any experience with these buddy?
Scott Mathieson
Believe it or not I've never heard a Hifiman product. Though I should be receiving the Edition X in tomorrow to review. So I can't give personal approach. However I have heard exactly what you're talking about in bass hit. Which make no mistake the Nighthawk's have some thickness to them. Which is ultimately what made the HD650 win. I'm not that much of a bass nut. A small hump is all I like, if it's too heavy I lose interest. Check the head-fi forums from time to time to see if a meet is around there. I believe a CanJam was even there recently (exactly where I'm unsure).
How do iSine 20 compare to Nighthawk, HD660 and DT1990? I own iSine20 and I’m interested to know if the other headphones have better sound or not.
:( I've yet to hear any iSine products. I've been reaching out to my contact at Audeze but they haven't had any units available.
x Army Firedawg x I just bought iSine 20 and I’m wondering what else is out there in this price range that sounds even better. Or it’s more detailed
From the reviews I've been reading I'd say in terms of iems you've got the lions share of price/quality. Like I said I haven't personally heard them but I've also not heard anything bad about them either, othwr than some people have an issue with the comfort (but that's iems in general).
x Army Firedawg x I like the way they sound. It’s just that I’m not used to IEM. I’m used to headphone. Didn’t have too many, HD112, HD598, SR325 and iSine20.
Before I bought the 20’s, I had my eyes on Grado RS1, Sennheiser HD660, Beyerdynamic DT 1990, HE 560 , Nighthawk. As you see my taste is all over the spectrum. I heard good things about all these and I’m just wondering if sound wise I would be more into something else in this price range.
:P fron the looks of it you've a pretty impressive setup as is.
can you test the philips sph 9500, fidelio X2 HD, and fidelio L2?
+Tigerex966
I can't guarantee anything but I'll reach out to them and see what happens.
ok thanks
nice job.....you ready for more Trials?
DJ Asia
Haha what's up bro! Heck yeah man!!! We'll go flawless yet!!!!
nighthawk vs ath 5000 in imaging? :)
Price no object ATH5K but with respect to price it's a very hard argument. The NightHawk's imaging ability beats out many headphones several times its price but the 5K is something to experience, to my ears it bests even the HD800S in about every aspect sub soundstage.
I don't know how much time you let the Night Hawks burn in, but my dealer had a pair and when we first heard them, we both hated them. The treble was recessed and the midrange was muddy and the bass was flat. They require at least 150 hours per Audio quest, but 200-300 hours are really what's needed and they open up and sound like a much different headphone, they actually surprise you when they break end, they are much better than the Sennheiser HD700's. They articulate very well and as you said the bass is nice, but the mids and treble get much better and they are extremely well with voices, especially female voices. I have never had the Sennheiser HD650. They are now my favorite headphone.
+szidon mcnulty
I most certainly see the potential in them. Now me personally I put around 50 or so hours of listening into them. The 150 hours burn in isn't often feasible for us reviewers because the average review cycle is 1 week. Now I believe I was second or third in rotation with this unit so it was used previously used but getting full burn in time is rarely attainable. But again I absolutely see the potential with the Nighthawk's after they've been warmed up.