The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 headphones are the latest addition to the brand’s impressive lineup. They showcase innovative technology and premium materials to deliver an unparalleled audio experience. Let’s delve into what makes these headphones stand out for audiophiles and tech enthusiasts.
Design and Build Quality
The Px8 headphones adhere to Bowers & Wilkins’ signature elegant aesthetic, seamlessly combining luxury and functionality. Soft Nappa leather on the headband, earcups, and earpads ensures a comfortable fit, while the cast aluminium arms provide durability without adding unnecessary weight. At just 320 grams, these headphones are lighter than many competitors, including the Apple AirPods Max, making them comfortable for extended wear.
Angled Carbon Cone Drive Units
One of the most significant upgrades in the Px8 is the introduction of angled carbon cone drive units. These drivers are designed to reduce distortion, offering massively improved clarity and a more precise sound reproduction. This innovative approach ensures that every nuance of the music is captured, providing an immersive and detailed listening experience.
High-Resolution Sound and Connectivity
The Px8 headphones have aptX Adaptive wireless technology and a powerful 24-bit Digital Signal Processing (DSP) system. This combination guarantees outstanding high-resolution sound quality from compatible streaming services. Additionally, users can connect the headphones to their laptops via USB for high-resolution streaming, ensuring no compromise on musicality.
Advanced Noise Cancellation and Microphone Array
Noise cancellation is a crucial feature for over-ear headphones, and the Px8 excels in this area with its 6-microphone array. This setup enhances noise cancellation and ensures more unmistakable voice calls. The microphones are strategically placed to pick up your voice accurately while minimizing background noise, making these headphones ideal for both music and communication.
User Experience and Features
Bowers & Wilkins has retained physical buttons on the earcups rather than adopting touch controls. This decision enhances reliability and ease of use, especially when moving. The buttons allow users to seamlessly switch through noise-cancelling options or activate voice assistants. The upgraded Bowers & Wilkins Music app provides additional customization options, including adjustments for bass, treble, and wear sensor sensitivity.
The app’s integration with music services like Tidal, Qobuz, and Deezer creates a cohesive user experience, allowing control of multiple Bowers & Wilkins products from a single interface. However, the wear sensor feature can be somewhat erratic, occasionally stopping the music unexpectedly.
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Battery Life and Connectivity Options
With a 30-hour battery life, the Px8 headphones are well-suited for long-distance travel and extended use. They come with a USB-C to USB-C cable for direct computer connection and a USB-C to 3.5mm alternative. While the 3.5mm option shows a drop in performance, the all-USB-C link maintains high sound quality, though volume adjustments can be coarse at lower levels.
Sound Quality
The Px8 headphones deliver exceptional sound quality, with outstanding clarity and a punchy sonic presentation. Whether listening to bass-heavy tracks or classical compositions, the headphones offer a controlled and dynamic sound that is exciting and precise. However, the sound can lose some sparkle and energy at lower volumes, a trait seen in other Bowers & Wilkins products.
Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 headphones are a remarkable achievement in over-ear ANC headphones. They justify their premium price with superior build quality, innovative driver technology, and exceptional sound performance. While minor issues such as wear sensor sensitivity and low-volume performance exist, these do not overshadow the overall excellence of the headphones.
For those seeking a luxurious and high-performing pair of headphones, the Px8 should be at the top. They offer a listening experience that few competitors can match, making them a worthy investment for serious audiophiles.
Scores
- Sound: 5/5
- Build: 5/5
- Features: 5/5
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 headphones set a new benchmark in the market, combining style, comfort, and cutting-edge technology to deliver a truly outstanding audio experience.
