Released at the end of September, the Px8 S2 incorporates the structural and component improvements of the Px7 S3, including a refined design, better microphones, a carbon membrane that is better integrated into the ear cups, and Bluetooth aptX Lossless based on a latest-generation Qualcomm 5.3 chip. But as a higher-end model, it once again stands out from the Px7 and almost all of its competitors thanks to its excellent tone reproduction and high precision, with a sound that also gives pride of place to the bass.
Bowers & Wilkins’ best-selling wireless headphones (implying ‘connected’) are now an accessible gateway to high fidelity, especially for younger generations. These modern products do not compromise on musical quality, with a sound signature that reminds us that the brand also works with many studios around the world, starting with Abbey Road.
This new version of the Px8 features the same elements that brought improved ergonomics and significant enhancements to the Px7 S3 compared to the Px7 S2 a few months earlier. Released later, the Px8 is only now becoming the ‘S2’, at the risk of causing some confusion, even though it incorporates all the innovations of the latest generation Px7, i.e. the ‘S3’.
Firstly, at the request of the brand’s customers, the Px8 S2 has been slimmed down to the same dimensions as its little brother. This means that each ear cup is 3 mm thinner, giving it a more luxurious look and feel when worn. Its attractive die-cast aluminum structure is combined with classy cable inlays in the headband and fine perforations around the ear cups, just before the ear pads, which are made of genuine Nappa leather in this version.
In terms of new connectivity, the Px8 S2 has upgraded from the Px8’s Bluetooth 5.2 chip to a 5.3 chip, which, in addition to aptX Adaptive technology, now also features aptX Lossless. The more common codecs are still available, with the 24-bit DSP being even more comfortable handling high-resolution music files when connected via USC-C to a smartphone or a DAC, or directly from its USB-C port to a 3.5 mm jack, thanks to two 1.2 m cables integrated into the center of the protective pouch.
Thanks to its new active noise cancellation (ANC) system, it immerses you even more in the music in noisy environments, especially as the placement of the microphones (four per earpiece) has also been revised to improve phone calls and conversations.
For music, the Px8 S2 still uses 40 mm diameter carbon full-range drivers, which are superior to those in the Px7 S3. But as with the latter, these are better integrated into the ear cup by being placed on a square structure, firmly locked at all four corners. Designed for direct Bluetooth use, these portable headphones benefit from the Music Bowers & Wilkins smartphone app, which allows you to use a 5-band equalizer to adjust the sound to your preferences, your mood or the style of music you are listening to.
THE USE
Faster charging via USB-C (just over an hour for a full charge) allows the Px8 S2 to be used for around 30 hours. Very convenient for wireless listening, these headphones are still better when plugged in rather than used via Bluetooth. Similarly, they are more open to music when left in classic mode (deactivated) than in ANC (noise cancellation) mode. As is often the case, transparent mode is of little interest, unless you want to be very attentive to surrounding noises, for example when cycling, but at the expense of listening to music.
Although our approach is primarily that of pure hi-fi enthusiasts and our initial tests were carried out in a very quiet environment, having the headphones in our possession for a month allowed us to listen to them for over 50 hours. Thanks to this listening time, we were not only able to hear the membrane of this almost new model soften over time, but also enjoy it in many mobile situations, including on planes, trains, bicycles and the underground in the city center.
THE SOUND
One of the first conventional hi-fi brands to enter the world of portable headphones, then connected headphones, Bowers & Wilkins still has a head start over most of its direct competitors today. However, there is no question of falling behind, as demonstrated by the new Px8 S2. Thanks to its carbon transducers, which are better secured within the structure of the ear cups, it offers greater fluidity compared to the first Px8, as well as improved bass control. The bass can now sometimes seem a little ‘boomy’ in the reproduction, but can be softened if necessary, using the equalizer on the smartphone app.
When listening to electronic or rap music, the sound is powerful and immersive, with impressive low-frequency control for a device of this type. At the same time, the manufacturer’s best portable headphones preserve a great deal of detail in the recordings. Compared to the Px7 S3, they are more precise, but above all even clearer in terms of timbre, with very well-nuanced colors. The treble is almost never harsh, except at very high volumes. And despite everything, this B&W product retains the brand’s sound characteristics in its reproduction. The midrange is less dominant than that of a Focal or Dali, for example, and the soundstage is slightly tighter, giving it a more monitor-like feel, which makes the Px8 S2 ideal for use as a work tool, especially when on the move.
With cables, the headphones can play higher-quality files, which again benefits the timbres, which are more nuanced because they have more information and stability to develop harmonics, as well as better sound openness. In terms of soundstage, the image becomes even more expansive when you switch off ANC mode, which is mainly designed for use in noisy environments, with more than satisfactory results, even if some competitors that are less focused on high fidelity currently perform better in terms of noise cancellation. In any case, the Px8 S2 is a true compromise between portable use and high-quality music listening, aimed at all audiences and demonstrating through its bass range that it also wants to win over younger generations.
OUR CONCLUSION
After the Px7, it is now the turn of the Px8 to be modernized and refined in a new version. With this S2 generation, one of the most high-end portable headphones on the market (729 € in Onyx Black or Warm Stone, 829 € in the McLaren edition) has listened to its customer base before letting itself be heard. Thanks to the feedback considered by the engineers at Bowers & Wilkins, it has gained in finesse and is now even more comfortable to wear and use during calls. But above all, while the Px8 was starting to be overtaken by the Px7 S3, at least in terms of bass, the Px8 S2 has regained a lead in terms of tone quality and musical precision. Thanks to this and a 5-band equalizer that can sometimes be useful for softening the sound, it easily ranks among the best portable headphones on the market today.
SPECS
ORIGIN: United Kingdom
PRICE: 729 €
DIMENSIONS: 177 mm (W) x 60 mm (D) x 234 mm (H)
WEIGHT: 310 g
SPEAKERS: 2 x 40 mm dynamic carbon drivers
CONNECTIVITY: Bluetooth 5.3 (aptX™ Lossless; aptX™ Adaptive; – aptX™ HD; aptX™ Classic; AAC; SBC) – USB-C; 3.5 mm jack
FINISHES: Onyx Black; Warm Stone
