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Yes, the PX8 echo the current inclination towards designs with cups that rotate to lie flat but do not fold up, including the Sony WH-1000XM5and Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2(over the older, foldable Sony WH-1000XM4, say). Not only are the PX7s insightful, but their sonic character also prioritises entertainment – they are the headphone equivalent of that friend with seemingly inexhaustible supplies of energy. This is a refined listen too without sounding overly smooth. The Px8 are certainly revealing enough to show up shortcomings in the source or recording, so you’ll need to make sure the signal feed into them is good enough to allow them to shine. A slightly cool tonal balance doesn’t help them to be forgiving either, though they won’t go out of their way to make things sound worse than they are. The main upgrades from the original Pi7 are to Bluetooth connectivity and battery life. The Bluetooth antennas have been redesigned to improve connection stability, and connection range has been extended to a very impressive 25 metres. On the battery life front, the buds now last up to five hours with ANC turned on, up from the four hours delivered by their predecessors. The capacity of the charging case, which can be topped up wirelessly or via USB-C, is unchanged, however, with a further 16 hours available.
The PX7s are clear evolutions of their predecessors, with a branded badge and fabric finish on the elliptical earcups. There have also been some revisions to the design in the name of improved comfort.But the big star is one that can't be seen – except when you've got a photo of it, as we have. Behold! Above is the PX7 S2's bio-cellulose driver on the right, and the all-new bespoke 40mm carbon cone drive unit found in the PX8, on the left. And if the two drivers look different, it's because they are. As we carefully press each driver within its circular mount, we note the extra rigidity in the one found in the PX8. Generally, the Px7 S2 put in a strong noise-cancelling performance, with consistency and minimal sound colouration across the different settings. Low droning noises, such as those you hear when onboard a train, are well rejected, though we find that higher frequencies – including vacuum cleaners or even birdsong – creep through to a greater extent than they do through the WH-1000XM5. PS: try to listen "Game of throne" Main title to compare these 3 headphone and you will find out why. Often, a set of over-ear headphones can be described as "fun" rather than "analytical", or "precise and refined" rather than "zealous and exciting". Bowers & Wilkins has aimed to be both here, and almost succeeded. But not quite. The headband is lovely and cushioned, as are those slightly smaller earcups (Image credit: Future) Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2: design and features
The Sonys might have pipped them to a 2019 What Hi-Fi? Awards Best Buy, but these are fine alternatives – especially for those who value sonic sprightliness and street-cred style. There’s no doubt that the P9 Signatures are a very talented pair of headphones. No matter what you feed them, they find themselves right at home, delivering a sound that’s not just accurate, but that’s enjoyable too. The earcups are fairly chunky, but inside the drivers are at an angle, so that they're parallel to your ears, not to the outside of the earcups. This is designed to help with timing and precision in the sound.The metallic physical buttons on the right ear cup are cool to the touch and they work beautifully. (Image credit: Future) Bowers & Wilkins PX8 review: sound quality
The transparency mode is a more subtle affair entirely and seems a little reticent to actively filter in ambient sounds quite so eagerly as the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless, say. That said, there is a marked difference in sound pass-through – you will hear the outside world – but we would have dialled it up a tad, if it were possible. READ NEXT: Our favourite over-ear headphones Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 review: What could be improved? While I’m a big fan of their sound quality, the Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 are a little restrained in terms of sonic output. Their maximum volume doesn’t hit the same heights as many other buds out there, which is a good thing if you’re looking to protect your ears from long-term damage, but there were a few occasions when I was left craving greater volume.
Pi5 S2
As before, the Music App simplifies the connection of the Px8 to a mobile device, supports the fine-tuning of the sound through adjustable EQ (just treble and bass) and gives at-a-glance details of noise cancellation and battery life. All in all (and at the risk of overstating ourselves) we really really like the premium look and feel of these headphones. First things first: these cans look and feel utterly glorious. The classy tan colorway is a new venture for B&W and one we like very much indeed. The comfort levels are fantastic across the course of our listening too, with ample padding on the underside of the headband and a clamping force that's as perfect as we've ever felt; not too tight but reassuringly secure.
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