Updates to the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 headphones and a potential late-year release of the brand-new PX8 flagship
According to Bowers & Wilkins, its upcoming flagship headphone will be the “most advanced noise-canceling headphone to date” and will be unveiled later this year. In the interim, the British audio manufacturer improved its well-liked PX7 noise-cancelling headset with the PX7 S2, which is currently available for purchase (June 29).
The PX7 headphones have been a staple of our best over-ear headphones and best audiophile headphones since its release in 2019, even though we’ll have to wait a little while for their successors. Although we adored their sound, the brand-new S2 employs updated, specially-designed 1.7-inch (43.6mm) drive units that are placed in earcups that are more rectangular than the PX7’s oval ones.
For a more immersive soundstage, according to Bowers & Wilkins, the brand-new drive units have been moved and oriented inside each earcup to ensure the whole spectrum of frequencies reach the ear at precisely the same time.
The headphones are marketed as being slimmer and lighter, with improved memory foam to enclose and cushion your ears for high levels of comfort no matter how long you are listening (although the new specs claim they are 10.8 ounces, which means they are not significantly lighter than the model they replace). They also assist with wear detection.
B&W Music app control
The PX7 S2 are the first of the company’s headphones to be supported by the Bowers & Wilkins Music App, giving greater connectivity, adjustable EQ, noise-canceling transparency mode, as well as revealing battery charge levels. Device and control integration has been updated.
The SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive codecs are still supported by Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity, which is the same as before. This dynamically adjustable audio codec is made to deliver reliable high-quality wireless audio up to 24-bit hi-res. Although it falls short of Sony’s LDAC codec compatibility in terms of quality, the PX7 S2 does provide a 3.5mm audio jack connection for audiophile listening as well as a USB-C charging port and cable.
Each earcup has physical controls, and there is also a touch assistance control available. Although Bowers & Wilkins doesn’t specify whether this is with ANC active or not, the battery life stays at 30 hours, which is still quite acceptable. In contrast, Sony advertises up to 40 hours altogether (30 hours with ANC enabled). The PX7 S2 is rumored to have a playing time of up to seven hours after a quick 15-minute recharge.
The S2s, like its predecessor, are not sweat- or water-resistant, making them unsuitable for use as a sports headset. However, the PX7 S2s are perfectly consistent with the company’s hi-fi speakers and music systems’ commitment to high-quality listening.
The PX7 S2 are currently on sale for $399 / £379 / €429 on the Bowers & Wilkins website(opens in new tab) and select dealers. They come in three finishes: gray, blue with gold trim, and black with silver trim.
Bowers & Wilkins PX8 flagship to launch later in 2022
The PX8 is a new flagship ANC headphone that Bowers & Wilkins intends to release later this year, most likely around September, the company claims.
The press statement states that a “no-holds-barred “reference-level” wireless model will take Bowers & Wilkins headphones to entirely new heights of premium design, opulent materials, and audio performance,” but there are currently few further details available. When it does, the price will probably be $549, £499, or €599. As soon as we have more information, we’ll let you know about this exciting new addition to the company’s expanding headphone lineup.
Over-ear noise-canceling headphones are now getting a lot of attention following the release of the Sony WH-1000XM5 ($399) and the much anticipated AirPods Max, which are believed to be announced in conjunction with the Apple September event. Therefore, selecting one of our top over-ear headphones will become even more difficult with the release of the next-generation Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 (also $399).
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