Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2: The Brand’s Best Headphones Yet
▼ Summary
– Bowers & Wilkins has launched the second-generation Px8 S2 wireless headphones, featuring a slimmer, premium design with replaceable parts.
– The $799 headphones offer improved sound quality with 24-bit/96kHz resolution and support for hi-res Bluetooth codecs like aptX Adaptive.
– They feature enhanced active noise cancellation with eight microphones per earcup, two more than the previous model.
– Battery life is rated for 30 hours with ANC enabled, and a 15-minute charge provides up to seven hours of listening time.
– A future software update will add spatial audio support, and the company was recently acquired by Samsung’s subsidiary Harman.
British audio specialist Bowers & Wilkins has unveiled its latest flagship wireless headphones, the Px8 S2. Representing the second generation of the premium Px8 line, these headphones aim to deliver a superior auditory experience with notable improvements in sound quality, noise cancellation, and long-term usability. Priced at $799, they are available immediately in two sophisticated finishes: black and grey-beige, both crafted from a combination of aluminum and Nappa leather.
A key design evolution is a slimmer, more refined profile compared to the original model. Bowers & Wilkins has also made the ear cushions and headband replaceable, a practical feature designed to help maintain the headphones’ luxurious appearance over many years of use. This focus on durability complements the high-end materials chosen for construction.
On the technical side, the Px8 S2 is built for high-resolution audio. It promises 24-bit / 96 kHz resolution sound and supports advanced Bluetooth codecs like aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless for pristine wireless streaming. For those who prefer a wired connection, both a 3.5mm jack and USB-C port are included. The active noise cancellation system has been upgraded, now utilizing eight microphones around each earcup, two more than the previous model, to better isolate the listener from ambient sound. Battery performance is robust, offering up to 30 hours of playback with ANC activated, and a remarkably fast 15-minute charge can provide up to seven hours of use.
Giles Pocock, Head of Brand Marketing at Bowers & Wilkins, stated that the company is “incredibly proud to launch the Px8 S2, the best headphone we have ever created.” The launch comes shortly after B&W became part of the Harman portfolio, which is a subsidiary of Samsung. Looking ahead, owners can expect a significant software update later this year that will introduce support for spatial audio, with Bluetooth LE audio functionality planned to follow afterward.
(Source: The Verge)
