It would appear that all of the rumors surrounding the Bowers & Wilkins Px9 were possibly a diversion with the launch of the Px8 headphones earlier today.
At first glance the Px8 seems like a premium version of the Px7 S2 that we just reviewed, which sells for $399. The headphones look nearly identical and share many features in common, including the same active noise calling wireless platform. The main difference should come down to sound quality if the all-new bespoke 40mm Carbon Cone drive units in the Px8 are as good as suggested.
Bowers & Wilkins claims the Px8’s new Carbon Cone drivers deliver an unparalleled combination of ultra-fast response plus exceptionally low distortion throughout the frequency range. The company claims they’ll reproduce resolution, detail and timing that surpasses the high bar set by the Px7 S2, ensuring an even more engaging and natural musical performance.
The carbon cone drive units in Px8 are carefully angled inside each ear cup to ensure a consistent distance relative to the listener’s ear from every point across the surface of each driver, to produce a more immersive and highly accurate soundstage.
Design
The Px8 headphone is available in two finishes, black leather or tan leather, and now has a cast-aluminum arm structure that references Bowers & Wilkins signature design language, plus a diamond-cut bright edge on each elliptical logo plate. The earcups, memory-foam cushions and headband are trimmed in soft, luxurious Nappa leather for the ultimate, premium feel.
Comparison
| Px7 S2 | Px8 | |
| MSRP | $399 | $699 |
| Wireless | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Hybrid Noise Cancellation | Hybrid Noise Cancellation | |
| Wear-Detection Sensor | Wear-Detection Sensor | |
| USB-C charging | USB-C charging | |
| Bluetooth Codecs | aptX Adaptive aptX HD aptX | aptX Adaptive aptX HD aptX |
| AAC | AAC | |
| SBC | SBC | |
| Bluetooth Profiles | A2DP | A2DP |
| AVRCP | AVRCP | |
| HFP | HFP | |
| HSP | HSP | |
| BLE GATT (Generic Attribute Profile) | BLE GATT (Generic Attribute Profile) | |
| Drive Units | 2 x o 40mm dynamic full range bio cellulose driver | 2 x o 40mm dynamic full range custom carbon driver |
| Microphone | 4x mics for ANC | 4x mics for ANC |
| 2x mics for telephony | 2x mics for telephony | |
| Distortion | <0.1% (1kHz/10mW) | <0.1% (1kHz/10mW) |
| Battery Type | Rechargeable Lithium Polymer | Rechargeable Lithium Ion |
| Battery Life | 30 hours playback | 30 hours playback |
| Charge | USB-C | USB-C |
| Charge Time | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| 15 min charge for 7 hours battery life | 15 min charge for 7 hours battery life | |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, USB-C Audio | Bluetooth, USB-C Audio |
| In-box Accessories | 1.2m USB-C to 3.5mm stereo jack audio cable 1.2m USB-C to USB-C cable | 1.2m USB-C to 3.5mm stereo jack audio cable 1.2m USB-C to USB-C cable |
| Dimensions (Carry Case) | 189mm (w) x 63mm (d) x 233mm (h) | 189mm (w) x 63mm (d) x 233mm (h) |
| Weight (without carry case) | 307g | 320g |
Usability
Physical controls on each earcup provide full control without touching your smartphone. Users can also use the Px8 to seamlessly launch their phone’s Voice Assistant at the touch of a button.
With 30 hours of battery life, Px8 can play all day long on just one charge. Meanwhile a 15-minute quick recharge is sufficient to provide up to seven hours of additional listening time.
Improved App
The Bowers & Wilkins Music App has been upgraded to coincide with the release of the Px8 (and also works with Px7 S2). The Music App simplifies connection of the Px8 to a mobile device, supports fine-tuning of the sound through adjustable EQ, and allows owners to configure their preferred noise-cancelling mode, all while monitoring the headphone’s charge levels.
Price & Availability
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 wireless noise cancelling headphones are available today (September 28, 2022) for $699.
For more information: bowerswilkins.com
Related Reading:
ORT
September 28, 2022 at 11:55 am
Hmmmm…They are gorgeous! They have BUTTONS!
I am listening to Porter’s Beguin the Beguine (by Artie Shaw & Co.!). It conjures up Astaire and Powell’s most excellent and with out a doubt to such as I, the bestest dance routine ever filmed from “Broadway Melody of 1940″…
Like the loverly Eleanor Powell in that B&W film, everything about these new B&W headphones are classic in their physical beauty and timeless in their presentation of the possibles of what lay ahead.
How does this figger into me buying a pair of these beautimus ‘phones?
Time to…”Begin the Begging”.
ORT