[Russellc]

I know what balanced is, that isnt my question.  My question is, while reading reviews I read one where the reviewer stated how improved they were in balanced mode.  Yes, I understand it will require a balanced headphone amp, and a different cable. IIRC the reviewer had a PONO digital player that allowed this.  Reading the Audioquest site, I see nothing about balanced mode.  The reviewer I speak of also reviewed Audeze EL 8 headphones, but I am fairly sure it was the Nighthawk he was trying balanced.

Thanks,

Russellc

[randytsuch]

It looks like the cable that comes standard with the nighthawk is not balanced.

But, looking at the stock cable
http://personal.audioquest.com/nighthawk-cable

Since it has connectors at both ends, it would be easy to swap the cable and run in balanced mode.

So, I would guess the reviewer swapped cables to run the nighthawk balanced.  If he did this, he should have said what cable he used.

Randy

I know what balanced is, that isnt my question.  My question is, while reading reviews I read one where the reviewer stated how improved they were in balanced mode.  Yes, I understand it will require a balanced headphone amp, and a different cable. IIRC the reviewer had a PONO digital player that allowed this.  Reading the Audioquest site, I see nothing about balanced mode.  The reviewer I speak of also reviewed Audeze EL 8 headphones, but I am fairly sure it was the Nighthawk he was trying balanced.

Thanks,

Russellc

[Russellc]

Here's the part of the review that is confusing me:  "Instantly, I knew: I like balanced. Unlike single-ended headphones, with which images tend to stay in or near my skull, images in balanced mode seemed to expand out and away from my head. Images and the edges of soundstages were more tangible. Used with either of their standard cables, the AudioQuest NightHawks can work in balanced mode with the addition of a specially terminated AQ cable (prices start at $109.95). I listened to the AudioQuest NightHawks in both balanced and single-ended modes, and the differences were not subtle."
Read more at http://www.stereophile.com/content/gramophone-dreams-7-page-2#OXpsP26OV1M72wUX.99

Here's the question:  What "specially terminated AQ cable" that allows use of "either of their standard cables" are they talking about....I see nothing on the AQ site referencing this....Other than it costs start at 109.99, and that it can be used for balanced listening with either of the standard cables, can anyone specify any info on these these cables?  Its never mentioned in the Nighthawk info on the AQ site, in fact balanced listening isnt even discussed.

Here's a 2014 post on another forum, I guess they made one?
http://www.head-fi.org/t/749762/audioquest-nighthawk-impressions-and-discussion-thread/30  (post 32)



Russellc

[steve in jersey]

I tend to think how much of a difference you're going to notice using headphones balanced rather than just
single ended is going to be dependent on the level of the playback system they're being used in.

I've never used balanced headphone cables with any of my headphones , but I've considered my playback system as "starting" at the wall for quite a few years now ! It seems that regardless of the equipment I'm using at the time, the Equitech 1.5Q BPT conditioning foundation allows it to perform at levels I very rarely (if ever) hear the same equipment perform elsewhere.

There is an old Auto repair commercial that goes along the lines "Pay me now.. Or pay me later". In this application of this theory , it's more a matter of not needing to take steps to ensure better performance because I've taken steps much further back in my playback chain.

I approach my music playback like it's one big precise piece of machinery ! I know I'm a bit "weird" or "fanatical" in my methods, but it works for me ! (I call this my Hobby; Yeah Hobby, that's pretty funny)

[Russellc]

Instead of terminating in a single stereo plug with a common ground, it would terminate in two plugs that carry left and right separately.

Yes AQ states both of the supplied cables are balanced naturally, but for the balanced use, this "Unknown" interconnect, (which I presume is a cable having a female for the mini jack to fit in on one end, and the balanced fittings on the other.  Question is quite simple: Does anyone know what this cables Audioquest product number is?  Review acts like it is available, perhaps in several models stating it begins at "$109.99"

I have sent AQ a message in regard.

Russellc

[Russellc]

Yeah, I think you are right.  I saw a comment on a forum where a gent from AQ said such a cable was "on the way", and it wasnt a brand new discussion either.  After reading the Stereophile review, where this cable is mentioned and price given, I figured it was available.  Maybe not.

In the first thread I read where the gent from AQ was talking about it, he gave an email address if you were buying a set and wanted that cable.  That is the address I sent a message to.  I will respond when they do!

Here is the post:

http://www.head-fi.org/t/749762/audioquest-nighthawk-impressions-and-discussion-thread/30

Russellc

[Russellc]

Probably a good idea.  I like the Cardas cable, I've made a few Phono tonearm cables as well as interconnect cables using their product.  High quality, very durable AND flexible.
I haven't seen the Audioquest cables that come with the phones, I will soon enough, I am getting ready to order.  Havent heard back from AQ yet.  My understanding is they send 2 different cables, one a thinner more flexible one, and the other sounds a bit more like their typical heavier cables.  I would like to hear from them before ordering, may not get the chance.  Perhaps my supplier can get a word out of them on this.

Russellc

[Russellc]

OK, i got a response from AQ:


 
We will make a balanced cable available for sale as an accessory in the very near future.  In the meantime, if you can’t wait or can’t use your NightHawk without a balanced cable, we can re-terminate your existing headphone cable.  The cost for the re-termination is $75.00.
 
If you’d like to proceed, let us know and we’ll get you a return form.
 
Best regards,
 
Alasdair Patrick
AudioQuest
2621 White Road
Irvine  CA  92614
Tel: 949-585-0111

[Russellc]

Interesting.  I see you also use the DragonFly1.2.  Bought one on a lark, a truly surprising little piece....very impressive.

Russellc