Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Review: Luxurious Bluetooth Headphones for Audiophiles

Experience top-tier sound and premium design with the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2, the ultimate Bluetooth headphones for true music lovers.

A First Look at the Px8 S2: Elegance Meets Innovation

When Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 headphones launched, they immediately earned a spot among the best full-size headphones on the market. Now, the Px8 S2 takes that legacy and elevates it, with a heftier price tag of $799—making them even pricier than Apple’s AirPods Max headphones. But rest assured, this premium price is justified with a refreshed, luxurious design and sound quality that has stepped up even further.

If you’re hunting for a more affordable alternative, many online retailers are clearing out remaining stock of the original Px8 models for around $500. Meanwhile, the mid-range Px7 S3 headphones have also seen a recent update, now priced at $479, appealing to those seeking high-fidelity headphones without breaking the bank.

Design and Comfort: Sleek, Lightweight, and Built to Last

At a glance, the Px8 S2 retain Bowers & Wilkins’ signature rectangular ear cups with softly rounded edges and rotating joints. But these headphones are slimmer and lighter, tipping the scale at just 310 grams—noticeably lighter than the AirPods Max’s chunky 386 grams.

The build quality shines through with a soft nappa leather covering on both the ear cups and headband. B&W admits this leather is “very expensive but not vegan-friendly,” emphasizing their dedication to premium materials. Despite the lighter frame, there’s no compromise on durability; a robust aluminum frame ensures these headphones can handle the rigors of outdoor adventures. Plus, the package includes a sturdy hard case, perfect for travel.

Px8 S2 feature the classic B&W design with exciting new enhancements.

To top it off, B&W revamped the headphone controls, offering crisper feedback when adjusting volume and toggling settings. Wearing these for extended listening sessions feels effortless, a true win for comfort enthusiasts.

Cutting-Edge Audio Tech Inside the Px8 S2

Underneath the elegant exterior, the Px8 S2 pack 40mm carbon fiber drivers designed to reduce distortion and boost bass performance. The wireless audio setup now supports Bluetooth 5.3 and aptX Lossless codec, alongside AAC support for Apple devices, ensuring crystal-clear sound across platforms.

For audiophiles who prefer wired connections, the headphones are equipped with a USB-C port and come with both a USB-C to USB-C cable and a USB-C to 3.5mm cable. This flexibility means you can plug directly into most analog and digital gear right out of the box.

One of the standout upgrades is the integration of eight microphones, which significantly improve noise cancellation and voice call clarity. The battery life remains impressive—up to 30 hours with noise cancellation active, outlasting AirPods Max headphones's 20-hour claim. And when time is tight, a quick 15-minute charge can deliver a whopping seven hours of playback.

The companion B&W Music app also got a major boost, now featuring a five-band equalizer with the ability to save custom presets—a much-needed addition that was sorely missed in previous app versions.

Premium price reflects the luxurious leather and sturdy aluminum construction.

Currently, the Px8 S2 don’t support Dolby Atmos or other spatial audio formats. However, Bowers & Wilkins promises future software updates to introduce their proprietary spatial sound experience and Bluetooth Auracast for public broadcasting—a feature to keep an ear out for.

The Sound Experience: Deep Bass Meets Crystal Clarity

At this price point, you expect top-tier sound—and the Px8 S2 do not disappoint. To test the renowned bass upgrade, I spun Max Richter’s Shadow Journal in lossless format on my iPad.

While spatial audio isn’t present, the headphones create an ethereal atmosphere with the track’s electronic loops, and the violins and violas come through piercingly clear. The real star? The thunderous sub-bass that rumbles throughout. The Px8 S2 captured those deep lows far better than any headphones I've tried before—an absolute treat for bass enthusiasts.

This delicate ambient piece also showcases the enhanced noise cancellation. The Px8 S2 effectively mute the low-frequency hum of an airplane engine, though higher-pitched whispers typical of a bustling airport still slip through. For pure noise canceling prowess, AirPods Max headphones and Bose QuietComfort models still hold a slight edge.

Switching gears, I queued up Sturgill Simpson’s rock-dance fusion track Sing Along. The clash of gritty guitars and electronic synths demands precision and toughness. The Px8 S2 deliver both, keeping each instrument distinct and powerful. The crisp percussion ties the song together, and the punchy bass drop at the end could easily headline any Ibiza dance party.

Should You Buy the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2?

If noise cancellation is your top priority, Apple and Bose remain formidable choices. But for everything else—especially sound quality—the Px8 S2 stand tall. They offer the best audio experience I’ve heard from Bluetooth headphones so far.

Their wired connectivity caters perfectly to Hi-Fi buffs craving lossless streams on Apple Music or other services. And with a marathon 30-hour battery life, these headphones outlast many competitors, making them ideal for long journeys or daily commutes.

“Px8 S2 provide better bass reproduction and a luxurious build that justifies their premium price tag.” – Anonymous Reviewer

FAQ

• What is the battery life of the Px8 S2 with noise cancellation activated?
  The headphones offer up to 30 hours of playback with noise cancellation turned on.
• Do the Px8 S2 support wired connections?
  Yes, they come with USB-C and USB-C to 3.5mm cables for both digital and analog listening.
• Is the leather used on the Px8 S2 vegan-friendly?
  No, the nappa leather is high-end but not suitable for vegans.
• Do these headphones support Dolby Atmos or spatial audio?
  Currently, no, but B&W plans to release software updates introducing spatial sound features.
• How does the Px8 S2 compare to AirPods Max in terms of noise cancellation?
  AirPods Max still outperform Px8 S2 in noise cancellation, especially with high-frequency sounds.

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