Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Review: Why I Put Them Aside Despite Their Excellence

These Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 headphones blend premium materials and pristine sound, but is their price justified for everyday use?

Why Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Demand Your Attention

Few headphones master the trifecta of elegant design, impeccable sound quality, and everyday comfort quite like the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 headphones. Available in classy Onyx Black and Warm Stone finishes, these premium headphones come with a price tag of $799. They certainly outshine many competitors in design and acoustics, thanks to their high-end materials and sophisticated audio engineering.

If you’re a devotee of detail—both in how things look and sound—the Px8 S2 will speak to your soul. But if you’re less concerned with those finer points, justifying their price might be a tougher sell.

The Challenge of Finding "The One" in Headphones

I’ve been around the block when it comes to headphones. Sony offers a sound that many find impressive, Bose nails the design department, and Apple’s AirPods make syncing effortless for loyalists. But what if you crave more than just good looks or reliable pairing?

Brands like Focal push exceptional sound quality but trim digital features and hike prices close to $1,200. Their noise cancellation often falls short of expectations. Many users want a sweet spot: top-tier sound, robust noise-canceling, and modern features—all wrapped in a stylish package. That’s where Bowers & Wilkins excels.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2: The Art of Balance

Bowers & Wilkins is renowned for expertly marrying high-quality sound with user-friendly features. The Px8 S2, the second generation of their flagship line, boasts an upgraded Qualcomm chipset, enhanced noise cancellation, improved wireless audio streaming, and fresh internal audio components.

If you’ve sampled the Px7 S3—recently launched and praised for its sound, comfort, and style—you might wonder: is the Px8 S2 worth the extra investment?

Spoiler: The Px8 S2 combines the best elements of both premium audiophile headphones and practical everyday wear.

Design and Build: A Cut Above the Rest

Trying to compare the Px8 S2 directly to Bose or Sony models feels like chalk and cheese. Why? Because the materials used in the Px8 S2 for both the exterior and interior components are on a different level.

Say goodbye to synthetic leather or coated plastics. These headphones feature a nappa leather headband and ear cups, woven cables on the aluminum arms, and aluminum inserts on the ear cups themselves. This careful choice of quality materials doesn’t just make the Px8 S2 look exquisite; it also makes wearing them a more comfortable, luxurious experience.

In weight, the Px8 S2 isn’t drastically lighter than its predecessors, but the thinner arms and ear cups borrow from the elegant Px7 S3 design. The power slider has moved to the left ear cup, and the play/pause plus volume buttons have been redesigned for better tactile feedback and recognition.

The thicker ear cushions help with passive noise isolation, while the sturdier headband and arms ensure a snug fit. Eight microphones—one inside each ear cup and three on the outside—join forces to effectively block ambient noise whether you’re on a train, bus, airplane, office, or shopping in a busy market. The passive noise-blocking feels noticeably improved compared to earlier models.

Sound Components: Carbon vs. Biocellulose

One standout difference between the mid-range Px7 S3 and the flagship Px8 S2 lies in the diaphragm material inside the 40-millimeter drivers. The Px7 uses biocellulose—a popular choice for its balance of sound and weight. The Px8 S2, however, steps it up with carbon diaphragms.

What’s the big deal with carbon? Simply put, it boosts clarity and detail while reducing distortion across all frequencies. I’ve listened to tracks that initially seemed just "okay," and they came alive with astonishing detail on the Px8 S2.

A Sound Profile That Demands Attention

The Px7 S3 leans towards a consumer-friendly sound profile: warm bass, full mids that highlight vocals and instruments, and a slight treble peak adding sparkle to highs. They're transparent and detailed compared to average headphones, but the Px8 S2 takes things further.

The Px8 S2 offers a more precise soundstage and imaging—vocals sit upfront and bass is punchy yet well-defined. Even complex songs like Charlie XCX’s "Rewind" revealed subtle layers I hadn’t noticed before.

Tech Upgrades Worth Mentioning

Compared to the first-gen Px8, the S2 brings a slew of improvements:

• Built-in amplifier and digital-to-analog converter (DAC)
• Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
• USB-C wired playback in 24-bit/96kHz quality
• Support for AptX Lossless and Adaptive Bluetooth codecs

Bowers & Wilkins also say the Px8 S2 will support Bluetooth LE Audio technology, including the exciting Auracast feature and spatial audio—promised via wireless software updates later this year.

Practical Buying Tips for the Px8 S2

The Px8 S2 headphones clearly belong to the premium tier, scoring high marks in sound, design, comfort, and everyday usability. Their luxurious build and superior audio materials set them apart from other high-end headphones.

With 30 hours of playback, reliable wireless connectivity, and efficient noise cancellation, they offer practical advantages over some wired premium models.

The Px7 S3 comfortably fits the mid-range price bracket and delivers sound and design that outshine comparable Sony and Bose models. If you want exceptional sound and stylish design at a more affordable price, the S3 is a fantastic choice. But if you crave the finest materials inside and out, the Px8 S2 is worth the premium.

"Songs I thought were just okay sounded significantly better; the vocals stood front and center, with crisp, energetic bass."

— Eyewitness listener experience

FAQ

• What colors are available for the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2?
  They come in Onyx Black and Warm Stone finishes.
• How long does the battery last on a single charge?
  These headphones provide approximately 30 hours of playback time.
• What makes the Px8 S2’s sound quality stand out?
  The carbon diaphragm in the drivers offers enhanced clarity and reduced distortion, delivering detailed and rich sound.
• Are the Px8 S2 headphones comfortable for long use?
  Yes, with nappa leather cushions and a sturdy yet comfortable headband, they are designed for extended wear.
• Do these headphones support the latest Bluetooth standards?
  Yes, they include Bluetooth 5.3 and will support Bluetooth LE Audio features like Auracast via future updates.

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