AudioQuest NightOwl (Carbon) Headphone Review & Comparison

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The NightOwls are AudioQuests second generation of headphones following on from the outstanding NightHawks. In my opinion, these are a really special headphone, particularly for the price!
Specifications:
Impedance: 25 ohms
Sensitivity: 99dBSPL / mW
Power Handling: 1.5W
Weight: 346g (12.2 oz.)
Driver: 50mm Dynamic (Biocellulose) - 1.2T Split-Gap Motor
Cable: 1.3m (with phone controls and microphone)
Plug: 3.5mm TRRS
Affiliate link (help support the channel): amzn.to/2YuQiw2
PASSION FOR SOUND GEAR LIST
Desktop Sources
Playback software: Roon roonlabs.com/
Primary DAC: Chord Qutest amzn.to/303FAL7
Secondary DAC for active speakers: Topping D50s massdrop.7eer.net/AVbG1 or amzn.to/2T2GExr upgraded with Muses02 op-amp amzn.to/2FtPmNj
USB cables: AudioQuest Diamond amzn.to/35AX4Qf and AudioQuest Coffee amzn.to/3059qiA
Active Speakers
Bang & Olufsen BeoLab 3 Speakers
Amps
Massdrop x THX AAA 789 Amplifier massdrop.7eer.net/J0xWa
Bottlehead Mainline DIY kit tube amplifier bottlehead.com/product/mainli...
Headphones
Open: Meze Audio Empyrean (may or may not be available at this link) amzn.to/2tDs19h
Open: Focal Clear amzn.to/37Ihgky
Closed: AudioQuest NightOwl Carbon (these may have been discontinued)
Closed: Meze Audio 99 Neo amzn.to/2FxOHKQ
Portable
Phone: Samsung Galaxy S10+ amzn.to/37MzTUA
DAC for phone: Audioquest Dragonfly Cobalt amzn.to/36AzpAB
Digital audio player: Pioneer XDP-300R amzn.to/2FwGnL5
Earphones
Noble Kaiser 10 custom IEM (discontinued) - universal version available via Drop massdrop.7eer.net/vkaWy
Campfire Audio Andromeda (may or may not be available at this link) amzn.to/39WFxpd
FitEar ToGo! 334
SIMGOT EN700 PRO amzn.to/304xO3R

Опубликовано:

29 июл 2019

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Комментарии : 134

@zenboy2000 4 года назад

One of the best headphone reviews I've seen yet, your style of contrasting the Nightowl to other headphones both cheaper and more expensive is fantastic, please do more.

@PassionforSound 4 года назад

Thanks Zenboy! I've got more coming soon :)

@gramblor1 4 года назад

Great review! Since Sunday I've been waiting with bated breath for this one ;)

@PassionforSound 4 года назад

Glad you liked it!

@Bills-original-acoustic-music 4 года назад

hi really enjoying your work. Have tried heaps of headphones but keep coming back to the Night Owls. Reason- comfort and shines with great gear- particularly the Cobalt DAC. Cheers and thanks

@PassionforSound 4 года назад

Thanks William. Glad you've found your perfect cans!

@sand9577 4 года назад

I really like this description. They sound a lot like what I'm looking for to complement my T1 with Auteur Pads.

@PassionforSound 4 года назад

I hope you can try them and that you love them!

@ForeverYoung007 3 года назад

Just got these in. They sound excellent. Very very nice build quality. Appreciate the high quality and attention throughout from packaging, documentation and cables. You only see this level of attention to detail on higher end headphones IMO such as Fostex TH 900 etc. Two big thumbs up!

@PassionforSound 3 года назад

Glad you're enjoying them! Now that they're no longer being made it will be interesting to see what their future holds - collector's item or obscurity? FWIW I still have my original (wood finish) Hawks and NightOwls

@ForeverYoung007 3 года назад

@@PassionforSound very good point I wish they were popular enough for someone to make aftermarket parts such as a replacement head band.

@PassionforSound 3 года назад

Yeah. It's such a shame they died young ☹️ The good thing is that the attachment rings for the earpads come out so it would just be a matter of finding an aftermarket pad that will take the shape of the ring. I've got a pair of Ollo S4X that use a similar style headband so maybe theirs can be adapted to suit the Hawks/Owls, but I haven't checked

@warfam_clan6933 4 года назад

Wow, what a great review you have put together. I really like the broad range of comparison, price wise that you have chosen to include. I also had the original Nighthawks for about a year and really grew to enjoy them for their unique presentation of the music. I ended up selling them and upgrading to some Audeze LCD XC's. This was the biggest mistake I have ever made! I ended up selling the Audeze's due mainly to how uncomfortable they were and the fact that, at the time, the double cost did not translate to better audio over the Nighthawks. I feel that we may have similar audio needs when listening to headphones and am very encouraged to hear that the Nightowls come very close to the Clears. I would without hesitation cough up for the Nightowls but, even though I really like the idea of owning the Clears, I am cautious to spend three times as much for little or no major improvement. This review has really whet my appetite for the Audioquests, Thankyou!

@PassionforSound 4 года назад

Hi Warfam, the AQ headphones are great and could easily be priced higher, but I'm very glad they're not. The Clears are one of the few headphones that are actually worth the extra money, but still only offer incremental gains. Check out the Black Friday deals as you'll probably be able to get them much cheaper if you're interested (or you could get another pair of AQ headphones for a really cheap price). Thanks for your support!

@warfam_clan6933 4 года назад

@@PassionforSound Hi, I simply could not resist, what with the great prices in the UK. I ended up purchasing the Audioquest Nighthawk Carbon. Wow, the best move I ever made! They are quite simply the biggest audiophile bargain in the headphone world. I prefer these quite a bit more than my Focals. I will not be selling these ever!

@PassionforSound 4 года назад

I hear you! Good choice. The Hawks and Owls are permanents in my collection too.

@stephenlegg262 4 года назад

Hi from Wales. Great review. Have the carbon nighthawks which I love.

@PassionforSound 4 года назад

Thanks Stephen, my neighbour is from your neck of the woods (i.e. Wales) ;) Thanks for the compliment. The NightHawks (and Owls) are SO good! Especially at their price, but even without considering price. Happy listening

@davecook6013 4 года назад

Hi do you still own the carbons ? They are on amazon uk for £250 at the mo. Currently use X2s and 1 more triple for over ears + a lot of iems. I’m very tempted by the Carbons but reviews seem mixed.

@PassionforSound 4 года назад

Hi Dave, I have the Carbons and a pair of X2HRs here at the moment. The Carbons are a better headphone on every level.

@davecook6013 4 года назад

Passion for Sound Thanks for that, my finger is hovering over the buy trigger at the mo.

@Leo.SKDXL05 3 года назад

Okay, I was able to find a new example on Ebay, mind you I own the original Nighthawk so I was hesitant to pull the trigger. I thought there would be little to no difference. The truth there was small differences but those differences improved on a very enjoyable foundation. Tbh your review nailed it! Super excited for this purchase, it's my happy place!

@PassionforSound 3 года назад

Hi Leonardo and thanks for sharing your thoughts. It's always nice to hear confirmation that my impressions align with others'. Enjoy your Hawks and Owls!

@Leo.SKDXL05 3 года назад

@@PassionforSound if possible, would you be able to categorize/compare the Focal Elex in regards to the AQ NO/NH? Where does one go after experiencing the NO NH? Meze Empyrean 3k+ for 10-15% more detail/clarity? Tbh I don't really know if those types of perceived upgrades makes much sense to me at the cost. If money was no object maybe, but money is an object to me. Would appreciate any input. thanks in advance!

@PassionforSound 3 года назад

It's a tough one because the NO and NH are pretty unique. I do think the Clear does some things better, but I can't compare them right now because my NO headband has stretched to the point it's useless - I'm waiting on a new one to arrive after much back and forth with AQ. I actually think I prefer the NH to the NO because of its unique tuning. I've since found the Beyerdynamic T5 3rd gen to be my preference over the NO and it's probably a bit similar to the NH. Nine of that probably helps you too much and is a bit of a ramble, so tell me, what exactly are you looking to improve on? Are you trying to keep the sound signature, but improve detail, change the signature, etc.?

@Leo.SKDXL05 3 года назад

@@PassionforSound 1st off thanks for your response. Tbh I'm oblivious as to what I'm seeking, I entered this hobby with a great deal of doubt as to the actual improvement from my previous Bluetooth headsets (Momentum 3, Sony M3, Sony 900n, etc..), to the wire dac amp combo but to my surprise there was plenty of improvement to be had. Fast forward 6 months and my research has landed me here. My first venture was the Argon Mk3 balanced, it took an eternity to arrive, when it did it blew out 2 aaa789 amps due to a bad Periapt cable (amps were returned) and the Argons just sold 2 days ago on ebay. So, all this to say where to now? I love my AQ NH & NO, I refuse to sell my Fostex Ebony, and though these he are similar they are all unique and punch well above there weight. Tbh this just may be the end of the road and I'm just afraid to go cold turkey from all the research and purchase excitement and enjoy the ride for now. Anyhow, I really enjoy your reviews and the execution of your videos!

@PassionforSound 3 года назад

I think my recommendation from what you've said is to find a good source of secondhand gear and try new stuff without buying brand new. eBay is a good option, but you might not get a wide range of products. Otherwise, audio forums like Head-Fi and StereoNet can be good too. In the meantime, just enjoy the Hawks and Owls because they're already excellent! You could also consider upgrading from the 789 which is a decent amp, but not great. Moving to a stack like the Schiit Bifrost 2 and Schiit Jotunheim 2 would bring huge gains.

@tpacalypse 4 года назад

You should try the NAD HP 70. They're wireless and can be wired but I'm amazed by how good they sound. I own the Nightowls and the Nighthawks as well. Nice review though. Thanks

@PassionforSound 4 года назад

Thanks M. I'll keep an eye out for them

@davidb9531 Год назад

These would seem to be the most underrated headphones ever produced, I’ve recently paired them with the FiiO BTR7 and I’m constantly blown away from them, previously on a LGV30 they lacked a bit of drive. I don’t suppose in your constant reviews you’ve found an iem with a similar tuning to these as I’d like some portable option with similar graph? Great video

@PassionforSound Год назад

So glad you're enjoying them! Nothing jumps to mind as an IEM equivalent exactly, but the Xenns Top probably gets close I think.

@davidb9531 Год назад

@@PassionforSound thank you so much for your response, what a great fella and channel!!!! I bought the FiiO FH9 as you seemed to like them as a good all rounder and coming from Shure 535s and 846s these absolutely blow both of those away. They’re incredible and the fit and comfort is better than any iem I’ve owned

@PassionforSound Год назад

That's great news. I'm so glad you're enjoying them so much!

@soulshinobi 4 года назад

I would really look forward to your thoughts on the NightHawk Carbon compared to the NightOwls, your taste seems similar to mine and I might be influenced to purchase.

@PassionforSound 4 года назад

I hope to get the chance to compare them at some point. One viewer said the Hawk Carbon sounds the same as the original Hawk. If that's true, then my comparison is in the video already - I still love the Hawks, but the Owls are even better thanks to a more even-handed tuning

@conorlynch1965 Год назад

Hi there, I love the sound of the AudioQuest NightOwl, I’m due an upgrade soon, do you think the DCA Noire will be a noticeable jump or only a side-grade and disappoint ?

@PassionforSound Год назад

Interesting question. I think it will provide some benefits in some areas (e.g. tonality balance) and maybe not in others (e.g. soundstage size). I've never compared both directly so it's hard to say, but I think it's probably worth a go with the Noires.

@amouu_T-rex 3 года назад

Great video, my friend, what close on head hi-fi headphones would u recommend between 300-400dollars that would pair Dragonfly black good, i would use them mainly from phone just, i thinked about the Nightowls, but im often listening to music in public place and i heard that the sound goes out, what do you think? The current ones that i own are ath msr7 Sorry for taking your time sir.

@PassionforSound 3 года назад

Hi Amouu, the NightOwls don't leak much sound so they're a great option if you can get them still. Otherwise, I'm not really sure what I'd recommend in that price range. I haven't tried as many closed backs as I'd like, particularly in that price range. The Meze 99 Neos are great, but they're a bit cheaper and don't perform to the same level as something like the NighOwls.

@gramblor1 4 года назад

What do you think about planar magnetic headphones? Do they sound significantly different from traditional headphones? Are they by and large better sounding or just different? If you'd make a video on this topic I'd appreciate it.

@PassionforSound 4 года назад

Great question! I used to own (and love) the Audeze LCD-2 (pre-Fazor) and HifiMan HE500. Both are planar and both were great. The biggest issues for me were the weight of them and the power needed to drive them properly. In terms of sound, they have a slightly different presentation and can be quite magical with transients and the leading edge of notes so they have an addictive energy to the sound, but I've always found myself coming back to dynamics. Perhaps I'll see if I can get my hands on some modern planars for a comparison with the Clears or something similar.

@ofern321 3 года назад

@Passion for Sound Very nice review. Subscriber and Nighthawk Carbon owner here. How about wrapping something elastic around your Nightowl headband? Obviously it doesn't solve the problem in its entirety but may support the band and give some elasticity? And another question, can you recommend an iem which reminds you of the NH/NO sound? I assume nothing really comes close, but some come closer than others... Thanks

@PassionforSound 3 года назад

Thanks for subscribing, ofern! Glad you liked the review. I've been contemplating how to fix the headband, but haven't come up with anything suitable still. I'm chatting to a contact at AudioQuest about replacement parts because the band and pads are also showing their age and need replacing anyway. As for the IEM recommendation, the AF1120 MK2 from AudioFly are a decent option. They're a little less bassy, but have the midrange qualities that make the Hawks enjoyable. I can't think of any other options right now, but tell me your budget and I'll have a think...

@ofern321 3 года назад

@@PassionforSound Thanks! I saw a recommendation for this: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JGWLN1Q/?pldnSite=1 as a PARTIAL solution. I was actually thinking of the AF1120. A bit expensive. I've listened to NuForce Primo 8 and Hifiman re-400 which come closer than other IEMs to the NH/NO sound IEMs. Someone suggested Shure SE 846.

@PassionforSound 3 года назад

I don't know the RE400 or Primo, but the SE846 is a bit off the mark it think. I owned them and the only similarities are strong bass presence, but the Hawks are great because of their miss which is why I like the 1120s as an equivalent. Another cheaper option that came to mind is the Shozy Form 1.4. Thanks for the headband link. That could help with the disintegration, but not the slack elastic and that's my main challenge now...

@jamesboxall9211 3 года назад

Have you listened to the Nighthawk Carbon yet and where do they come in preference to others in the price range? Thanks, Jungle

@PassionforSound 3 года назад

Hi Jungle, no I never got a chance to try the Hawk Carbons. I'm a huge fan of the original Hawks despite them having a pretty unique tuning so I'd still rate them pretty highly in the price range. Some of the current HiFiMan planars are also excellent though based on my limited experience so it's a harder sell now. One of the problems with the Hawks is that AudioQuest aren't really supporting them anymore. My headband has worn out and they won't provide me with a new one (i.e. I can't buy one - not asking for free)

@tomiman89 4 года назад

This review describes very accurately how I feel about my NightOwls with stock cable and boost pads. The only thing I disagree a bit is the sound with the microsuede pads. They sound very hollow to me but it's most likely caused by difference in my ear shape and hearing that just emphasizes the lighter bass of microsuede pads. I'm also curious to buy a set of NightHawk Carbons. After hearing your opinion between the original hawk and owl as well as comments on the hawk carbon I think I have no reason to.

@PassionforSound 4 года назад

Thanks for sharing, Tomiman. I initially felt quite similar to you about the microsuede pads, but adjusted to then with some extended listening. There's still no doubt in my mind that I prefer the pleather pads though. I'm fairly sure, if it's true that the NightHawk Carbon are the same as the first gen, that the only reason to own Hawks is if you need open headphones because the Owls are the better headphone (when compared to the 1st gen Hawks)... unless you really prefer a warmly coloured sound.

@tomiman89 4 года назад

@@PassionforSound Hi, the last sentense in your comment really stuck in my head and after listening to NightOwl Carbons for a couple of months I decided to buy the NightHawk Carbons as well. After all I really enjoyed the openness and comfort of my old Alessandro MS1 and wondered what open Audioquest headphones with a bit warmer sound would sound like. I was not disappointed. After several months of listening to the Owls and Hawk Carbons I really like them both with boost pads (protein leather) but the Hawk Carbon is my favorite with a very small margin. They sound different, just a bit less neutral and more warmly coloured, as you said, and I remember my first reaction listening to them was "these sound weird, but in a very good way" even though I was familiar with the sound of the Owls to start with. They are same, but quite different and I have to pick almost randomly which one I go for on each time. Put the Owls' cable and boost pads to the original Hawks and you basically have Hawk Carbons. The only other things changed from Hawks to Hawk Carbons were improved headband materials and tighter tolerances resulting less leaks/resonances between components based on AQ's answer to a HeadFi user.

@PassionforSound 4 года назад

So glad you're enjoying them! They're not really available anymore it seems so owning a pair of each (Hawk & Owl) will soon become a major luxury.

@tomiman89 4 года назад

@@PassionforSound Absolutely! That's why honest reviews and user experiences like this video are so precious. They make it so much easier to recognize the products with exceptional value to money to viewers with fitting preferences, regarless of whether they are on sale or MSRP.

@charliedavidson3878 4 года назад

Great review . I see many pluses in these headphone, I'm not sure if you mentioned the 25 ohm impedance . Which allows you to use lessor expensive amplifiers like the Magni or THX AAA 789 which is currently on the drop . I normally run my closed backs straight off a regular old headphone jack .

@PassionforSound 4 года назад

Hi Charlie and thanks for watching and commenting! Good point about the 25 ohm impedance. I didn't mention that in the video, but all specs are in the description. :) I do like the fact that the Owls and Hawks run really well from a phone, but only get better with great sources and amps.

@MistaLova-Lova 3 года назад

Do you know if AudioQuest NightHawks can be played in the balanced mode (with an XLR-->2.5mm cable), and if so - does their sound benefit from that?

@PassionforSound 3 года назад

Hi Michal, yes they can. As to the improvement, that depends more on the source than the headphone. No headphone is inherently better balanced. It will come down to whether the source has a better balanced output vs SE output and/or if the extra power of balanced is helpful.

@veerasakbenjadol6957 2 года назад

I am a big fan of your channel, could you please recommend full size desktop amp to pair with Nightowl Carbon? Thank you.

@PassionforSound 2 года назад

Hi Veerasak, what's your budget and are you using a balanced or single-ended DAC?

@veerasakbenjadol6957 2 года назад

@@PassionforSound my budget is max $1000 and I only need Single ended.

@PassionforSound 2 года назад

In that case, I'd look at the Rebel Amp (review coming very soon) or the Singxer SA-1 which is balanced, but works great for single-ended too. I've also got the Geshelli Labs Archel 2.5 coming up for review. It's a lower priced amp, but might be another good option.

@veerasakbenjadol6957 2 года назад

@@PassionforSound Thank you for your recommendations! Please keep up your great work.

@thelastrhino2581 4 года назад

Great review. I own two pairs of the Nightowls, they are that good. However, be aware that the Carbon Nighthawk sounds the same as the original Liquid Wood Nighthawk.

@gramblor1 4 года назад

Thanks for this comment. I recently bought the Carbon Nighthawk, which I am in love with, and am very curious as to how the Nightowl sounds. I may have to spend another 400 bucks....

@PassionforSound 4 года назад

Wow. I thought they tweaked it. Thanks for letting me know.

@PassionforSound 4 года назад

Gramblor, the Owls are (IMO) technically a better tuned headphone, but you're not alone in your love of the Hawks. There is something really special about their tuning. It's kind of like Eric Clapton is a technically more correct guitarist than Hendrix, but you wouldn't say "no" to having either play for you.

@gramblor1 4 года назад

@@PassionforSound Being a neophyte to this, I wouldn't say it's the "tuning" that impresses me as much as the astonishing clarity and fullness of sound. I think I'm quite sensitive to distortion, which I've read the Hawks and Owls are specifically good at inhibiting. If the Owls are similar to the Hawks, only tuned better, I'd really like to experience them for myself.

@PassionforSound 4 года назад

Give them a go. It's always good to have a pair of closed AND a pair of open. It's a bonus if they offer slightly different sounds.

@franciscocastaneda632 2 года назад

hi, are these headphones worth it for $200? Or which other would you currently recommend for that price?

@PassionforSound 2 года назад

I definitely think they're worth $200. Do keep in mind that spare parts like headbands and earpads are basically impossible to buy now though.

@johannnery6103 3 года назад

How does this compare with the sundaras? I can aqcuire a bnew unit for 250usd and thinking if it is worth the upgrade from the hifiman.

@PassionforSound 3 года назад

They're quite a different sound, Johann. I'd say they're slightly more resolving and not quite as rich/warm as the Sundara. They're an excellent headphone though and at that price, worth picking up. Just be aware that spare parts will be very difficult to acquire in the future.

@gramblor1 4 года назад

Hi, it's been a few weeks since I received my Nightowls and I thought I might stop by to let you know how I like them.... I think they're great! I wouldn't say they're _tremendously_ different from the Nighthawk Carbon, but they are slightly different. To me, they sound like a closed version of the Nighthawk, which is how it should be. What's impressive is how well they breathe and how open they sound despite being closed. I like them so much I bought two of the overpriced AudioQuest "Perch" stands for them, which they look very smart on. I'm glad to have the two siblings together. As far as the difference in how they sound goes, If I listen to one I get used to its signature, and putting on the other sounds weird until my ears adapt. What's remarkable is that they get all the important stuff right. Now, putting on either the Owl or the Hawk after wearing, say, my old faithful Sennheiser HD650 is the real eye opener. It's amazing just how much aural information is lacking in the 650. Going from them to the Audioquest headphones is like moving from 2D to 3D. The 650's are flat and boring in comparison. Listening to Aimee Mann's "Goose Snow Cone" on the 650's is very nice (it's well recorded and sounds great on most headphones), but on the Owl's or Hawk's the difference is that I cannot only hear her, but can feel her like she's right there with me. I can feel her breath. It's more impactful and moving than typical monetary evaluations can express. It's a shame they've been discontinued, but I'm lucky to have gotten them; I wouldn't have if I hadn't seen them for their discounted prices. Thanks for the great reviews! I look forward to more. I'd like to know what you think of Hifiman headphones, such as the Massdrop Edition XX, and Arya. Also the Sennheiser HD800s.

@PassionforSound 4 года назад

Thanks for sharing. What you've described matches my experiences exactly! As for the headphones you asked about, I used to own HD800s and reviewed the HD800S on my blog some time ago. The HD800S was slightly better, but both versions still lacked bass (IMO). Incredible in many ways, but overall not an engaging headphone for me. I haven't tried any recent HiFiMan cans, but owned the HE500 some years back. They were great and I'd love to pick up some new models to audition in the future.

@gramblor1 4 года назад

@@PassionforSound Have you tried Tin HiFi's iem's? For instance the Tin T2, T2 pro, T3, and P1? I have the T2, P1, and am awaiting the T2 Pro's and T3's from Massdrop. The T2's are unbelievably good for the price. I'd like to know your thoughts. I've endured so many crappy iem's before coming across Tin's. I came to believe there was no such thing as an iem with clarity. My Sennheiser iem's are bassy trash, and Etymotic Er4xr's are way overrated. Tin T2's utterly demolish all of them. I actually think the $50 T2's are better than the $170 P1's. A little sibilant, though.

@brunonkowalski 4 года назад

Which one do you prefer? Owl or Hawk?

@gramblor1 4 года назад

@@brunonkowalski honestly, I don't know. They're very similar. If the 250$ deal for the Hawk is still on Amazon, that's an amazing deal, but I do think I prefer the Owl slightly. I don't have enough experience with headphones to know what a truly wide open sounding headphone is, but I don't think the Hawk, with it's semi-open design would be it. Both headphones are intimate and close, but produce an incredible 3d effect. So I prefer the Owl simply because it's truly closed and leaks less sound. I don't like bothering other people with my music, and I listen to music on my headphones loud enough that others could hear it even if I'm in a room with a regular wooden closed door. I'm glad I have both because I love these headphones.

@brunonkowalski 4 года назад

@@gramblor1 Thx man, I've just ordered the Owls. Unfortunately they are about 50% more expensive in Europe. I previously owned dt 770 pro 80 ohm. Lets hope Owls will play better :)

@manuelsirotti9340 3 года назад

Hi man! Can you tell me compared to austrian audio x55 in terms of detail? I tried the nightowl first and I loved them right away but I need a headset with details for my mixes and I still have doubts about this because I haven't tried with my unfinished mixes in the shop..i wait you man :))

@PassionforSound 3 года назад

Hi Manuel, I haven't tried the X55 yet. I emailed AA, but haven't heard back. I've got the new Ollo S4R coming up soon though and they might be just what you're after

@manuelsirotti9340 3 года назад

@@PassionforSound I immediately loved the Nightowl too much to go back to Ollo. I can't do it anymore. Do you think it provides enough detail to mix? Anyway I'll find out soon Thursday I go and try my mixes! Compared today with sennheiser 660 it was superior in details :)

@PassionforSound 3 года назад

The NightOwl is great for detail. The issue will be the colouration of the sound. Just make sure you account for the NightOwl's tuning and you'll be fine 🙂

@manuelsirotti9340 3 года назад

@@PassionforSound Yes, the details are there, but I don't think it's that reliable for mixing & mastering, even though I really like the headphones!

@PassionforSound 3 года назад

I agree

@derekw.5108 3 года назад

Can you show us your EQ profile if you equalize the NightOwl HP? Thank you!

@PassionforSound 3 года назад

Hi Derek, I actually avoid EQs wherever possible (including for the NightOwl)

@derekw.5108 3 года назад

@@PassionforSound I see. Thanks for the reply!

@PassionforSound 3 года назад

P.S. sorry I can't help more!

@derekw.5108 3 года назад

@@PassionforSound Don't be sorry. You are nothing wrong at all!

@warfam_clan6933 3 года назад

I owned the original Nighthawks for 2 years and now own the Nighthawk Carbon. To me, the Carbons sound better than the originals and overall, I feel that you would be hard pushed to find a better sounding headphone regardless of price. They sound better than my Focal Elears with Clear pads and better than my Audeze LCD-XC. The only headphones that I enjoy in a similar fashion are the AKG K702 and K712 Pro which are also massively underrated headphones.

@PassionforSound 3 года назад

I really love the NightOwl Carbon and still have the original Hawks. You're right that they're great still. Such a shame they don't make them anymore. As for the K712, I bought a pair secondhand recently and I'm underwhelmed. I was planning a review, but not sure that I'll bother...

@warfam_clan6933 3 года назад

@@PassionforSound I'm also glad that I have my Carbons which I will keep forever. In the UK where I live, Nightowl Carbons are changing hands for nearly £900 on some forums. So happy to have purchased my Carbon Hawks at reasonable money.

@PassionforSound 3 года назад

Wow! That's great. I'm currently trying to get replacement pads for my Hawks and a replacement headband too because the elastic has given way. So far it's proving difficult...

@brycevallie3545 4 года назад

Can you recommend a dac and amp for around a hundred bucks each that would pair nicely with Nighthawk Carbon's?

@PassionforSound 4 года назад

Hi Bryce, if you're talking USD then the Topping E30 is a good DAC choice. Not so sure about the best amp in that price range. You might have to look at the Burson Fun or JDS Labs Atom amp. JDS also have a matching DAC, but I can't comment on its quality.

@brycevallie3545 4 года назад

Passion for Sound Great! Thanks for getting back to me that is pretty awesome. Appreciate it, looking to build my first set up around Nighthawks I got on sale last year!

@PassionforSound 4 года назад

Nice! The other thing I just thought of is an AudioQuest DragonFly. Not sure which one is in the right price range and the desktop setup should be slightly better, but it's worth considering if you want portability.

@brycevallie3545 4 года назад

Passion for Sound I will for sure look into both options. Thanks!

@brycevallie3545 4 года назад

Passion for Sound If you don’t mind me asking as I am very new to this, would the e30 work well if I sometimes wanted to use my laptop and other times use an Ipad Pro with usb c? I watched your review on the e30 and it sounds great.

@DJ_BROBOT 4 года назад

i need to know where you can buy these at...its a pain looking for em on Headfi, ebay and Amazon...the prices are either too overinflated, owned by four other dudes before me or just unavailable....smh

@PassionforSound 4 года назад

Last I checked with AudioQuest, they were still an ongoing model, but I'm starting to wonder if they've been discontinued...

@ErrorlessRBLX 4 года назад

crutchfield

@eugeneswanepoel877 3 года назад

Tried to find a pair after stumbling into your review, just to discover they've been discontinued. Saving for the Clear now.

@PassionforSound 3 года назад

Yeah, so sad. I still have my NightHawks and NightOwls. Imagine I'll be keeping them forever now 🙂

@timothyfreeseha4056 Год назад

I have 99 classics by Meze, which if compared to the Nightowls I would say shows itself as having poorer timing, because of the difference of bass profiles. Erm, imo.

@PassionforSound Год назад

I would definitely agree with that. Generally, that's the trade off with cheaper headphones - less control and less resolution

@shawnpwatsons1 4 года назад

Wow, I wonder if you'd like the 1MORE HEADPHONES?

@PassionforSound 4 года назад

Hi Shawn, I briefly tried them in store and wasn't wowed, but it's always difficult in a store environment with limited time (lunch break). I'm always keen to try more gear and broaden the horizons 🙂

@Pirxel 2 года назад

Got a pair in 2020 and the headband is already falling apart. I love the way they sound, but when I think of the money I paid for it (having almost as good headphones that I paid less still looking like new), and look at the state they are right now, I cry. I wrote to audioquest and they said they can't provide spare parts, so basically I'm on my onw. I would never recommend anyone get those. They are expensive, the build is fragile and not durable at all, so be careful.

@PassionforSound 2 года назад

I was so disappointed when they discontinued making these and have had the same issue with the headband and pads (although it took a bit longer). I'm sorry you're in that situation and completely understand your feelings!