Bowers & Wilkins has released the Px8 S2, a new iteration of its luxury active noise cancelling headphones, priced at $799. The headphones build on the foundation of the Px7 S3, offering a more upscale experience with enhanced internal components and a focus on sound quality, according to a review by Android Central.
The Px8 S2 features a smaller case and a more refined design than its predecessor, available in Warm Sandstone and Onyx Black finishes. The headphones utilize Nappa leather for the earcups and headband, prioritizing both comfort and aesthetics. Internal upgrades include carbon cone drivers, replacing the biocellulose drivers found in the Px7 S3, resulting in faster transients, tighter bass and improved nuance in sound reproduction.
The onboarding process for the Px8 S2 is streamlined, allowing users to connect to the headphones and the companion app simultaneously, a refinement noted by Android Central. Physical controls on the earcups include playback controls, a power slider, volume adjustments, and a customizable “Quick Action” button. A five-band EQ is available within the Bowers & Wilkins app, allowing for personalized sound tuning.
Reviewers at Android Central describe the soundstage as “big and airy,” with a strong sense of instrument placement. While the tuning is generally described as warm, a five-band EQ allows users to adjust the sound profile to their preference. The headphones support Bluetooth, USB-C, and 3.5mm audio connections, delivering consistent sound quality across all modes.
The Px8 S2 prioritizes sound quality over aggressive noise cancellation. While the active noise cancelling is described as “solid,” it doesn’t match the performance of leading competitors like Sony and Bose. However, Bowers & Wilkins has focused on maintaining audio fidelity even with ANC enabled.
The headphones offer up to 30 hours of playtime on a single charge, with a 15-minute charge providing 7 hours of playback. They include both USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to 3.5mm cables, catering to users with various audio sources. The Px8 S2 faces competition from headphones like the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra, which offer superior noise cancellation at a lower price point, as well as the Noble FoKus Apollo and Dali IO-8.
According to Android Central, the Px8 S2 represents a step up in luxury and sound quality, but the warm tuning may not appeal to all listeners. The headphones are available for purchase on Amazon for $799.
