AudioQuest’s Nighthawk headphones

My experience with the new AudioQuest Nighthawk headphones ($599) was one of highest points of my CES adventure. The launch party was crowded and noisy. There were people I wanted to talk to but I had a job to do—so I went over and gave AudioQuest's first headphone offering a listen. I played Paul Simon's Graceland and by the time I was listening to it all the way through—for the third (!!!) time—I realized: The reason I like headphones so much is they direct my attention to a song's lyrics way more than loudspeakers in a room ever did. I have always joked that I never listen to the lyrics—but these new Nighthawks put my focus right down onto the page Paul Simon wrote these enduring words on. I have played this song on countless hi-fis but none of them opened up the music and took me inside like these moderately-price headphones. The Nighthawks had me choking back tears of musical appreciation. This was the first time I fully grasped what a great lyricist Paul Simon really was. "The Mississippi Delta is shining like a National Guitar . . . "

After bouncing out of Graceland, I got to hang and get the full Nighthawk story from their designer/engineer, Skylar Gray. He told me about his life and the path that led him to; earcups made of environmentally friendly and sustainable, "liquid wood" and the Nighthawk's biocellulose diaphragm and split-gap motor. He told me that, tonight was one of the biggest nights of his life and I told him, "Bravo! As well it should be."

Editor's Note: Apologies for the manufacturer-supplied photograph. Our pix were too dark to be used.—Ed.

COMMENTS
ashutoshp's picture

Is the designer the same Skylar Gray, the pop singer who penned "like blood like honey"?

Stephen Mejias's picture

Heh heh. No, AudioQuest's Skylar Gray is a very different person. The pop singer is Skylar GREY, by the way. :)

Stephen Mejias
AudioQuest, VP Communications

Stephen Mejias's picture

However...Our Skylar Gray is also a musician -- a very talented one, too: http://www.skylargray.com

Hi-Reality's picture

Dear Stephen, can you give any hint on the availability date for the NightHawk? I've signed at http://nighthawk.audioquest.com to receive updates. Is it possible to listen to the NightHawk at your HQ in Irvine anytime soon prior to the official launch?

Regards, Babak
Founder, Hi-Reality Project
www.Hi-Reality.org

Anton's picture

Wondering, "I wonder if Stephen has a pair of these?"

Very nice looking product!

Cheers!

Stephen Mejias's picture

Hi Anton!
Thank you! I don't own a pair of NightHawks yet, but I will... In fact, it seems that just about everyone at AudioQuest is looking forward to having their own NightHawks. :)

Stephen Mejias
AudioQuest, VP Communications

Anton's picture

Nighthawks at the diner!

Stephen Mejias's picture

Ha! I've been envisioning the same exact thing. :)

Stephen Mejias
AudioQuest, VP Communications

dalethorn's picture

Any particular target market or sound signature for this headphone? Best with any specific genres? The design reminds me of something - a Philips headphone maybe?

TiFramelock's picture

Mr. Mejias, I truly do miss your column every month in Stereophile, but I hope you're enjoying the new position with AudioQuest. Best of luck to you! ...oh, just ordered a pair fo the NightHawk's.

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