4/2/2023 0 Comments Audioquest nightowl carbon![]() The NightOwl’s midrange is also detailed, though there may be a dip somewhere - we noted a lack of texture with things like distorted guitars on some tracks. Treble extends high, but is never sibilant. Instead of “dark and veiled”, we think it’s fair to say that they’re “dark and smooth.” Bass is present to the point where the ear cups’ vibration can be felt, but the lows are always detailed and controlled. After several long nights focusing on individual instruments, plugging the NightOwl into different amplifiers, and pitting it against other top-tier headphones, we gradually adjusted to the sound, and came to like it very much. For nearly $700, we were puzzled, but AudioQuest bade us to keep listening. Our first impression of the NightOwl’s sound was one that AudioQuest has apparently come to expect – they sounded veiled, dark, and a little dull. ![]() AudioQuest recommends that users spend at least 150 hours with the NightOwl before forming an opinion, and that’s exactly what we did. Ultimately, we took the easy way out – we simply listened to the NightOwl until we were ready to decide whether or not we liked it. What if the distortion we’re used to hearing is in the recording? What if we enjoy the presentation of our other headphones, even if they’re imperfect? This is challenging having used many headphones with a variety of dynamic, biodynamic, and planar magnetic drivers over the years, it’s hard to accept the proposition that this may be the first time we’re hearing a truly accurate presentation of our music. AudioQuest claims that what we might initially perceive as a lack of treble detail in the NightOwl is instead the elimination of false detail caused by distortion in traditional headphone design. Though we highly recommend reading the NightOwl’s design story, it all boils down to a single claim – the NightOwl is promised to have extremely low distortion. On AudioQuest’s website you’ll find over 2,000 words of technical discussion about the design of the NightOwl, its ear cups, its biodynamic driver diaphragms, and unique acoustic design. ![]() We didn’t see the NightOwl as a “portable” headphone, but AudioQuest has made it as “transportable” as possible for no additional cost. Inside, there is room to store the extra ear pads, two microfiber storage bags, cleaning cloth, and silver polish cloth. This headphone ships in a rigid leather travel case with plenty of interior padding. Though the inline control/mic works and we are sure that the cable is internally well-built, we can’t help but wish that AudioQuest had included a second, more traditional cable option.Ĭable nitpicks aside, AudioQuest was generous with the NightOwl’s accessories. Our review sample’s 1/4-inch adapter made scratching sounds when rotated, even after cleaning. ![]() The stiff, angled strain relief is so large that it looks like it could provide a dangerous amount of leverage against its comparatively small TRRS plug. The cable’s silver-plated plugs are beautiful, but require more maintenance than the gold plating common in other high-end cables – ours showed wear in just a few weeks of use. It’s too thick and stiff for such a delicate headphone, and it’s too short for a headphone that we think will be primarily used in the home. ![]() Ironically, our only complaints about the NightOwl’s physical design lie with its cable. ![]()
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