(Pocket-lint)-Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 is a bit of a surprise entry into the headphone market.
In contrast to the UK company’s usual practice of competing for time between generations (updates the device when it feels a significant advance in technology), these second-generation headphones are five-star in just two years. It will replace the Px7 model.
However, especially in the design department, many tweaks and enhancements have been introduced through this pair of upgraded ANC headphones.
So is the Px7 S2 a worthwhile follow-up to the first generation? And how do they compare to the big names in the industry?
We did a thorough test on them to find out.
The ANC headphone market is currently full of great options, but the Px7 S2 deserves to be as highly regarded as the top Sony and Bose models.
These over-years not only improve their predecessors, but also cleverly match their peers. Often they improve them.
Audio performance is throat and robust, with fine control over clarity. You can get as much fun from a stormsy session with heavy bass as much as an episode of The Umbrella Academy on a crowded train.
Noise canceling is also enhanced to better block unwanted environments without affecting sound quality.
Perhaps it is the design that enhances them to make it easier to compete with Sony’s WH-1000XM5 and others. Not only does the Px7 S2 look very smooth, it’s also the most comfortable Bowers & Wilkins wireless headphones ever.
As a result, the audio headset is right there and can be worn for long periods of time. That is the winner of our book.
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2
Five Stars-Pocket Lint Editor’s Choice
- Excellent audio performance
- Very comfortable to wear
- Improved noise canceling
- Fast charge
- Proper design improvements
- Supports aptX Adaptive
- The carrying case is huge
- Companion apps need access to more services
- No aptX lossless
design
- Weight: 307g
- Memory foam ear cup
- Black, gray and blue options
- Case size: 189 x 63 x 233mm
- Wear detection sensor
While the 2020 Px7 headphones represent a design deviation from their siblings, the Px7 S2 is more in line with what Bowers & Wilkins normally expects.
The raised aluminum deco plate returns to the outside of each ear, and the material used evokes the memory of the brand’s first ANC alternative, the PX.
However, the big difference is in the pad on the underside of the headband and the earcup itself. Each is softer and more supple than ever, providing a much more comfortable experience. Bowers & Wilkins also claims to have reduced the clamping force between generations. This can definitely be felt while wearing.
They are tight enough to provide decent noise isolation, along with cancellation techniques, but thankfully, the excessive pressure of some equivalents that can cause slight discomfort over a long period of time. Does not have.
It’s not unobtrusive, but it’s also a bit lighter.
Our only design disappointment is related to the size of the carry case-it’s pretty big for anything designed to be an easily portable headphone. You need to have a lot of space inside the bag, but at least I’m happy that it’s sturdy and sturdy enough to withstand a few hits, just like the headphones themselves.
It also has a nice hidden pouch area inside with a USB-C cable and a USB-C-3.5mm jack for wired listening.
Function, connectivity, battery life
- Bowers & Wilkins Music app
- Bluetooth 5.0; aptX adaptive support
- USB-C quick charge
- Battery life up to 30 hours
- Voice assistant support
It’s easy to connect Bowers & Wilkins Px7S2 headphones to your device. Connect to your source device using Bluetooth 5.0 and the B & W Music app for iOS and Android will help. The over-ear was easy to find (normal Bluetooth method, first paired with the phone).
The downside of the app is that there are many gaps in coverage. It’s linked to Qoboz, Tidal, etc., but it doesn’t have Spotify or Apple Music, so it’s often used to find and play tracks.
The only other connection is via the USB-C-3.5mm cable mentioned above. It also charges via USB-C. This now supports faster charging than before. The battery is the same size as the Px7, but takes only 2 hours to fully charge from the sky.
In addition, you get 7 hours of playback time with a 15 minute charge time.
In fact, I’ve used the headphones for multiple purposes for several days and found that the battery is still about 50-60 percent charged. For example, I don’t think there is a problem with long-distance flights. For example, B & W claims to use ANC for up to 30 hours.
Like its predecessor, the Px7S2 comes with Qualcomm aptX Adaptive support. This means that you can receive almost lossless music streamed at up to 24-bit / 48kHz. Neither the latest Snapdragon Sound codec nor aptX Lossless is supported, but it applies to most headphones on the market today.
Naturally, it also has active noise canceling, using four microphones scattered around the earcups. It can be selected using the cup on the left or the quick button in the dedicated app, and has three options: noise cancel on, pass through (improved in this generation), and completely off.
There is no adaptive noise canceling, so it does not change depending on the surrounding conditions. And after the first test, most rival products tend to turn off this feature anyway, but be careful for those who generally value using it.
Audio performance
- 43.6mm dynamic full range biocellulose driver for each ear
- 4x microphone for ANC, 2x microphone for calling
- Active Noise Canceling Tech
- Distortion: <0.1% (1kHz / 10mW)
Audio performance is generally a good thing for B & W products. Px7S2 is no exception.
Two 43.6mm dynamic full range drivers (one for each ear) are tuned for low distortion and fast response timing. This provides a great sound field, regardless of the source material.
They’re probably bassier than the company’s previous generation, and have more specific thrust at low frequencies, but it doesn’t have mid-high range turbidity.
Take the elbow Lippy Kids -You can hear the individual pulling of the bass strings during the intro, but the piano stabs remain crisp. The trademark whistle then separates the rear by track spacing. Nothing is lost.
Then chuck Never fight a man with a perm I feel like I’m being beaten by an idol.
And for a great balance, The Stone Roses Fool’s money Riffs running through Aitch’s 1989 It was a clear hit without robbing his bar of anything.
In short, these are very complete over-ear, complemented by noise-cancelling techniques rather than hindered by them. That’s exactly what we expect from B & W and is ready to compete with the experience Sony and Bose offer.
Bowers & Wilkins is known for its exemplary audio performance, but the Px7 S2 shows that it’s also rapidly catching up with technology and comfort issues. The Px7 S2 is arguably the most comfortable wireless headset ever, with premium materials for long-term use. Noise cancellation is also more accurate in eliminating unwanted external interference. Yes, these overyears come with a premium price, but their functionality goes beyond justifying it.
Written by Rick Henderson.