Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2: Revolutionizing Noise-Canceling Headphones with Premium Sound

Experience the breakthrough in noise-canceling headphones with Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2 delivering impeccable sound and style.

A New Chapter in Noise-Canceling Headphones Begins

As a longtime fan of Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2 headphones, the recent unveiling of their PX8 S2 noise-canceling headphones has me genuinely excited. If you thought Bowers & Wilkins just released another high-end headphone, you’re absolutely right—but these latest models are something special.

Earlier this year, the company introduced the PX7 S3 headphones, the latest in their popular PX series, winning five-star reviews and our coveted Editor’s Choice badge. But now, stepping up their game is the PX8 S2, a successor that promises to elevate noise-canceling headphones to a whole new level.

Familiar Innovations with Fresh Refinements

The PX8 S2 shares much of its DNA with the PX7 S3—both feature the same advanced noise-canceling technology, but with the PX8 S2 boasting a more compact design, far sleeker than the original PX8. The visual style is just as elegant, with subtle design tweaks that make all the difference.

One standout element is the construction: shining aluminum yokes securely hold the ear cushions, wrapped in exposed braided cable for a touch of industrial chic. Unlike many headphones that opt for synthetic materials, the PX8 S2 uses luxurious Nappa leather on both the headband and ear cushions, available in two sophisticated finishes: Onyx Black and Warm Stone.

Sound Performance That Goes Beyond Expectation

At the heart of the PX8 S2 are the 40mm Carbon Cone drivers, a signature Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2 headphones component that returns here with a fresh chassis and driver design, each powered by its own amplifier. This means every note you hear is balanced, precise, and richly detailed.

What’s more, the PX8 S2 supports aptX Lossless and adaptive aptX codecs. This is music to audiophiles’ ears—literally—allowing streaming of 24-bit/96kHz high-resolution audio from devices equipped with Snapdragon Sound or via wired USB-C connection. And yes, there’s a USB-C to 3.5mm cable included for traditional wired listening.

Intuitive Controls and Customization at Your Fingertips

One of the joys of Bowers & Wilkins headphones has always been the thoughtful design of onboard controls. The PX8 S2 takes this to the next level with improved tactile buttons that are easier to find and use without looking. While the Bowers & Wilkins Music app offers a plethora of features, most users will find that the physical controls eliminate the need to dive into the app frequently.

For those who like to tinker, the app unlocks advanced customization options: adjust the wearing sensor sensitivity (which pauses playback when you take the headphones off) or assign your favorite function to the Quick Action button. Personally, I always set mine to toggle between active noise canceling, transparency mode, and off.

Sound-wise, you can tweak your listening experience with a five-band equalizer or stick with the True Sound mode, the audio engineers’ recommended setting.

Surrounding the headphones are eight microphones that monitor driver output, ambient noise, and voice clarity during calls—ensuring top-notch sound quality wherever you are.

Battery Life and Future Updates

The PX8 S2 offers a solid 30 hours of playtime with active noise canceling enabled—not the absolute longest battery in the category, but more than enough for most listeners. And if you’re in a hurry, a quick 15-minute charge can add another seven hours of playback.

Looking ahead, Bowers & Wilkins promises exciting updates later this year, including support for spatial audio, Bluetooth LE Audio, and Auracast streaming technology. These enhancements will ensure that the PX8 S2 stays at the forefront of audio innovation.

Interestingly, Bowers & Wilkins is now officially part of Harman, the American audio powerhouse under Samsung since 2016, hinting at even more exciting developments on the horizon.

Key Features of Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2 at a Glance

• 40mm Carbon Cone drivers with dedicated headphone amplifiers
• Support for aptX Adaptive 24/96 and aptX Lossless codecs
• Proprietary active noise cancellation system with eight microphones
• Bowers & Wilkins Music app for personalized control and settings
• 30 hours of battery life with ANC active; quick charge adds 7 hours in 15 minutes
• Upcoming updates for spatial audio and Bluetooth LE Audio support
• Available in Onyx Black and Warm Stone finishes

“The PX7 S3 surpasses previous models in sound quality and much more.” – Bowers & Wilkins Reviewer

Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2 is more than just a headphone; it’s a statement in the world of premium noise-canceling audio gear. Whether you’re a casual listener, a devoted audiophile, or someone who lives for that perfect soundscape, these headphones promise to deliver an immersive and stylish experience.

FAQ

• What makes PX8 S2 different from PX7 S3?
  PX8 S2 features a more compact design, premium Nappa leather, updated Carbon Cone drivers with separate amplifiers, and added aptX Lossless support.
• Can I use PX8 S2 wired and wireless?
  Yes! You can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth or use the included USB-C to 3.5mm cable for wired listening.
• How long does the battery last with ANC on?
  The headphones offer about 30 hours of playback with active noise canceling enabled.
• Does the PX8 S2 support spatial audio?
  Spatial audio support will be added in a future update expected later this year.
• Are the headphones comfortable for long use?
  Absolutely, thanks to the use of soft Nappa leather on the headband and ear cushions, and their lightweight yet sturdy design.

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