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Schiit Happens
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2018 8:33 am
by Fretless
Recent enquiries on HFS about headphone amps got a blip registering on my attention radar - the Schiit Magni 3 headphone amp which has been getting much praise in the land of Trump.
Schiit's engineers have designed a new circuit for their entry-level headphone/pre-amp the Magni, based on experience gained from their more esoteric higher-end models. It is supposedly a giant-killer and sells in the States for only 99 dollars.
Well I am a sucker for this sort of thing and have saved up my pocket-money to order one (it's only 110 pounds / 125 euro). The initial supply of the new amp should start distribution next week - I'll be posting my comments when it arrives.
Re: Schiit Happens
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2018 8:45 am
by Fretless
Another note on things headphone-wise:
It looks as if Audioquest have ceased production of their NightHawk series headphones and prices of remaining stock have been drastically reduced.
The sound of theses phones is sumptuous, gorgeous, rich and enveloping - but not for those who like a dry and punchy approach, imagine the opposite of Grado's. The NightHawk has often been compared to high-end models from the likes of Audeze. A real bargain for the music-loving audiophile.
They are also the most comfortable cans that you can imagine.
One word of caution - the original, wood-finish NightHawk has a rather stiff 'audiophile' cable that breaks much too easily at the plug connection. This was corrected with a different lead for the second 'Carbon' series, which have a black finish and a slightly tighter, more dynamic sound. There is also a closed model called the NightOwl.
Go for it ...
Re: Schiit Happens
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2018 9:47 am
by Pianist~Envy
Fretless wrote: ↑Mon Jul 16, 2018 8:45 am
Another note on things headphone-wise:
It looks as if Audioquest have ceased production of their NightHawk series headphones and prices of remaining stock have been drastically reduced.
The sound of theses phones is sumptuous, gorgeous, rich and enveloping - but not for those who like a dry and punchy approach, imagine the opposite of Grado's. The NightHawk has often been compared to high-end models from the likes of Audeze. A real bargain for the music-loving audiophile.
They are also the most comfortable cans that you can imagine.
One word of caution - the original, wood-finish NightHawk has a rather stiff 'audiophile' cable that breaks much too easily at the plug connection. This was corrected with a different lead for the second 'Carbon' series, which have a black finish and a slightly tighter, more dynamic sound. There is also a closed model called the NightOwl.
Go for it ...
Found them for £350 in a couple of shops, down from £500 - 600. Does that sound right?
EDIT
Re: Schiit Happens
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2018 10:16 am
by Fretless
As far as I know the new, reduced RRP is 349 ponds.
Re: Schiit Happens
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2018 11:24 am
by wiicrackpot
Edit: found it,Is the Carbon better or is it just cosmetics?, both are same price.
Re: Schiit Happens
Posted: Mon Jul 16, 2018 4:47 pm
by Fretless
The NightHawk Carbon (I haven't heard one - but I think George Hincapie has it) was, I believe, slightly tweaked for improved dynamics. Reading a review of the closed NightOwl - that appears to have more bass punch and a marginally narrower soundstage (the NightHawk has such a huge soundstage you can feel like you are floating in space).
Re: Schiit Happens
Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2018 12:00 am
by George Hincapie
Nice one Fretless! I've read really good things about the Magni; Schiit seem to be a great company - similar business ethos to the Doc. I shall look forward to reading your thoughts when you have had the time to form a conclusion!
Re: Schiit Happens
Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2018 12:03 am
by George Hincapie
Fretless wrote: ↑Mon Jul 16, 2018 4:47 pm
The NightHawk Carbon (I haven't heard one - but I think George Hincapie has it) was, I believe, slightly tweaked for improved dynamics. Reading a review of the closed NightOwl - that appears to have more bass punch and a marginally narrower soundstage (the NightHawk has such a huge soundstage you can feel like you are floating in space).
Yes, wonderful headphones bought on your recommendation! Beautiful, natural detail. Really lovely to listen to and comfortable to wear; I've fallen asleep in mine at least eleventy billion times now.
Come with two different set of pads (vinyl and velour), which apparently alter the presentation but I can't comment as I have only ever used the vinyl ones. The cable is flexible and does a great job, but I have often wished it were longer (as with many things).
Re: Schiit Happens
Posted: Tue Jul 17, 2018 9:21 am
by Fretless
The short (really short) cable for the Carbon series was what I ended up with as a free replacement from Audioquest. Adding the extension cable from Grado (5m) works a treat.
Great cable, sensible price.
Re: Schiit Happens
Posted: Tue Jul 24, 2018 7:19 pm
by Fretless
