Interest Check: Closed Back Headphones | Was tempted to...

Interest Check: Closed Back Headphones

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Matt.T

Sep 4, 2018

Was tempted to get the Fostex Ebony but ended up buying the Audioquest NightOwl Carbon. Excellent sound, comfortable and can be easily driven by my phone. Currently use it with my HiBy R6 DAP and it's a great mobile pairing.

Other gear: Audeze LCD2C, Focal Elex, Hifiman HE560, Hifiman HE4xx, AKG K7xx. Paired with: AudioGD R2R-R1/NFB1-AMP, AudioGD R2R-11, Xiangsheng Dual-mono AK4497 DAC + Schiit Magni3.
The NightOwls may not have the highs or wide sound stage of my open cans, but they hold their own well.

rdodev

632

Sep 4, 2018

kjlingIn my biased opinion, NightOwls are leagues better than the Fostex TR-0XX Ebony in terms of detail retrieval, bass punch and the musicality. That's originally a $800 pair of cans which can now be found for $400 or less because AQ discontinued production. Not dissing Fostex Ebony, to be clear, in fact I might get them if they have them available in October, but NightOwl are at the level (but not quite) Focal Elex.

Sep 26, 2018

rdodevYou can try sourcing for the NightHawk hybrid pads. I bought them from an AQ dealer in Netherlands. Based on what I've read, they're the best match for the NightOwls - just received mine, so far so good :)

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rdodev

632

Sep 26, 2018

kjlingWhat do the hybrid pads do to the sound?

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Sep 26, 2018

rdodevTo me, sound is more balanced than the leather pads (less sharp) and the hybrids bring more bass than the suedes, so win-win for my tastes.
There are some impressions here too, if you care for forum opinions hehe https://www.head-fi.org/threads/audioquest-nightowl-a-closed-back-nighthawk.817227/page-50

jaydunndiddit

3262

Sep 26, 2018

kjlingThey are such a pain to find here in the States. I'm currently about to put my velour pads under the knife so I can take the stock ring and try some pads from Dekoni or otherwise. I know someone has swapped Audeze pads on the Nightowl but it seemed like too much work and not as easily reversible as I would like.

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Sep 28, 2018

jaydunndiddithttps://artsexcellence.com/audioquest-hybrid-earpads.html
I got my hybrid pads from this shop

Naidu

Oct 13, 2018

rdodevI'm actually seriously considering getting the Nightowl before they are completely sold out. But I'm also torn between buying the Nightowl or a second-hand MDRZ7 which is going for around the same price as a brand new Nightowl. I tried the Z7 and loved the sound. Nightowls, I'm buying based purely on reviews. I'm wondering if anyone has experience with both cans...

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rdodev

632

Oct 13, 2018

NaiduRight now you can get the NightHawk Carbon (semi-open sibling) for $300 from a number of vendors. They sound nearly identical to the NightOwl (to my ears) and why I'm sending them back; there's just not enough sonic difference between the hawk and owl to own both.

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Oct 14, 2018

NaiduReviews only go so far, don't be shy to buy what you've heard and like :)

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argonkk

Apr 16, 2019

kjlinghi, do you think the pairing with nightowl is too warm sounding? i need need help to decide between nightowl and meze 99 classics to pair with hiby r6 stainless steel. couldn’t find a place to audition nightowl...

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Qupie

Oct 25, 2019

kjlingCould you tell me where you bought these? I live in the Netherlands too and am looking for these! Thnx

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