ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 can be found in Onyx Black and Heat Stone for $799.
- They excel within the design and sound classes, due to their high-quality inner and exterior construct supplies
- Until you worth distinctive particulars in design and sound, a $799 asking value could also be laborious to justify.
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Few headphones completely mix design, sound high quality, and on a regular basis utility. Sony’s headphones sound nice, Bose’s headphones have nice design qualities, and Apple’s headphones carry out remarkably effectively with different Apple gadgets.
Conversely, manufacturers like Focal, which provide headphones with distinctive sound high quality and minimal digital options, have a $1,200 asking value and weaker noise-canceling capabilities. Nonetheless, to many individuals, the consumer-friendly sound of the preferred headphones is not adequate — they need an elevated sound with out compromising probably the most precious software program options.
Additionally: I changed my AirPods Max with the AirPods Professional 3, and did not thoughts the $300 value hole
The artwork of mixing the entire beforehand talked about qualities is Bowers & Wilkins’ specialty, marrying high-quality audio with the on a regular basis client’s wants. The Px8 S2, the second era of its flagship headphones, debut with an upgraded Qualcomm chipset, higher noise cancellation, improved wi-fi audio streaming high quality, and new inner audio elements.
On paper, the Px8 S2 look much like the just lately launched Px7 S3, which I cherished for the sound, consolation, utility, and design. In the event you’ve already determined that Sony, Bose, JBL, or the others aren’t what you are searching for, must you pay $320 extra for the Px8 S2 over the Px7 S3?
It is difficult to check Bowers & Wilkins’ headphones to choices from Bose and Sony as a result of Bowers & Wilkins excels in two important classes: exterior design supplies and inner audio element supplies. You will not discover fake leather-based or coated plastic finishes on the Px8 S2.
As an alternative, the Px8 S2’s headband and ear pads are lined in nappa leather-based, the aluminum yokes sport an uncovered braided cable, and the earcups sport aluminum accents. The upper-quality supplies not solely give the Px8 S2 a extra refined and stylish look in comparison with the Px7 S3, however additionally they improve the Px8 S2’s carrying expertise.
Additionally: Why I like to recommend these wi-fi headphones over pricier flagship fashions
The Px8 S2 aren’t a lot lighter than their predecessor, however the yokes and ear cups are significantly slimmer, borrowing from the glossy design of the Px7 S3. The ability slider is relocated to the left ear cup, and the play/pause and quantity up/down buttons are redesigned to encourage enhanced tactile suggestions and recognition.
The Px8 S2’s thicker ear pads provide extra passive isolation, and the extra sturdy headband and yokes present a tighter clamping drive. Each headphones have eight microphones: one inside every ear cup and three on the skin. Each headphones’ noise cancellation can carry out on trains, buses, airplanes, within the workplace, or on the grocery retailer, however the added passive safety from the Px8 S2 is noticeable.
The opposite obtrusive distinction between the midrange Px7 S3 and the flagship Px8 S2 is the supplies of the diaphragm within the speaker drivers. The Px7 S3’s 40mm drivers use biocellulose, and the Px8 S2’s use carbon. Let’s be easy: each headphones’ drivers use objectively higher-quality supplies, though the standard of sound they produce is beholden to your preferences.
To my ears, the Px7 S3 reproduce a extra “consumer-friendly” sound profile: a heat tuning with an prolonged, weighty bass response, full mids that intensify vocals and devices, and a slight peak within the increased frequencies that provides a shine to the treble. Significantly extra clear and detail-oriented than the typical headphones, not fairly as spectacular because the Px8 S2.
Additionally: I attempted Bose QuietComfort Extremely Earbuds’ AI noise cancelling, and may’t return to common ANC
Many people who find themselves very strict about their audio high quality robotically write off wi-fi headphones as a result of wi-fi connections naturally diminish audio high quality. I will admit it: I benefit from the “typical client sound.” An thrilling, theatrical, barely bass-heavy sound is what will get me going. However my ears cannot deny that the Px8 S2’s output is outstanding.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 (left) and Px8 S2 (proper)
Jada Jones/ZDNET
Utilizing a inflexible materials like carbon within the headphones’ diaphragm encourages enhanced readability and element and decreased distortion throughout all frequencies. Songs that I believed have been simply respectable sounded a heck of so much higher.
Vocals have been entrance and middle, and the bass was articulate and punchy. Extra minor particulars bought their second in my ears, even in additional dense songs like Charli xcx’s “Rewind.” The Px8 S2 have an edge over their midrange counterpart in imaging and soundstage, providing what gave the impression of extra exact positioning in a wider soundstage.
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Audio transmission enhancements over the first-generation Px8 embrace an built-in amplifier and digital-to-analog converter, Bluetooth 5.3, 24-bit/96kHz playback through wired USB-C connection, and AptX Lossless and Adaptive Bluetooth codecs.
In response to Bowers & Wilkins, the Px8 S2 are primed for Bluetooth LE Audio compatibility, with Auracast being the wi-fi commonplace’s most notable characteristic. The corporate additionally mentioned the Px8 S2 will obtain spatial audio. Each options might be obtainable “later this yr” through an over-the-air software program replace.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 are undeniably high-end, delivering excessive marks within the sound, design, consolation, and utility classes. Their premium construct and audio element supplies set them aside from different premium headphones in the marketplace. Conversely, their on a regular basis use options, like 30 hours of playback, wonderful efficiency through wi-fi connection, and nice noise-canceling efficiency, give them extra utility than wired-only, high-end headphones.
The Px7 S3 are definitely midrange in comparison with the Px8 S2, though their design and sound are a step above their equally priced rivals from Sony and Bose. You can purchase the Px7 S3 in order for you distinctive sound and a glossy design for a extra affordable value. It is best to go along with the Px8 S2 in order for you increased high quality supplies throughout the board — internally and externally.
