In the last few weeks, a few new premium noise canceling headphones have appeared: Sony WH-1000XM5 ($ 400, £ 380, AU $ 650), Master & Dynamic MW75 ($ 599, £ 549, or about $ 970) and Sennheiser’s next Momentum 4 Wireless teaser. Bowers & Wilkins has joined the battle with the new PX7 S2 noise canceling headphones. These headphones can be ordered for $ 399 (£ 379, A $ 599). We’re also teasing the new flagship PX8 noise canceling headphones that will hit the market for $ 549 later this year.
I’m playing with an early review sample of the PX7S2. It comes in three color options (gray, blue and black), a significant improvement over the first generation version of the headphones. Not only are the headphones more comfortable, they not only tilt at 307g, they also sound better, improve noise canceling and voice call performance, and improve noise reduction. I don’t think it’s a better option than the light and comfortable Sony WH-1000XM5. However, the PX7 S2 certainly looks and feels gorgeous and has a rugged design.
According to Bowers & Wilkins, the PX7 S2 has a brand new high-resolution drive unit that “angles within each earcup to provide an incredibly immersive soundstage,” a new active noise cancellation system, and “call quality.” There is an upgraded microphone set up for “improvement”.
Headphones are more compact and comfortable.
David Carnoy / CNET
The headphones are generally more compact than the previous headphones and feature new, soft, thick memory foam earpads that provide a solid seal as well as the comfort gains I was talking about. Includes a hard carrying case in addition to USB-C and 3.5mm cable connections.
The PX7 S2 is equipped with a Qualcomm chip and supports Qualcomm. AptX Adaptive Audio Streaming Codec This enables near lossless streaming (up to 24-bit high resolution sound) if you are using a device that supports AptX Adaptive and can stream high resolution audio files.Music services like Qobuz When Tide Provides streaming of high resolution files.
Bowers & Wilkins has a new companion app for iOS and Android called Bowers & Wilkins Music. (I was using an early version of the app that was a bit erratic.) With this app, you can fine-tune the sound profile of your headphones with an adjustable EQ, monitor battery levels, and noise cancel. Activate or turn off ring and transparency modes to hear the surrounding sounds. Battery life is rated at moderate levels up to 30 hours, which is good. It also has a quick charge function that achieves a battery life of 7 hours with a 15-minute charge.
New ear pads and angled screwdriver.
David Carnoy / CNET
You’ll need to spend a little more time on your headphones to make the final decision. You also need to spend a little more time comparing it to other models. But it’s enough to say that they provide great sound with a great open sound stage, clear bass, great detail, and a warm, natural-sounding mids. That’s all you would expect in this price range. I’m not sure if the sound quality is necessarily better than the WH-1000XM5, but I think it’s a bit lacking for the more expensive Master & Dynamic MW75, but the combination of powerful sound quality and noise canceling improvements (not enough yet) Sony That’s a good thing, though) and solid voice call performance should put the PX7S2 on the list of headphone candidates in this price range.
I haven’t seen or heard the PX8 yet, but I think it will add a little more depth and nuance to the sound quality. That model has different drivers.
Headphones have the same physical control buttons as the original version.
David Carnoy / CNET
Main functions of PX7S2
- Slim profile with improved fit and new memory foam ear cups
- A brand new high resolution drive unit angled within each earcup
- Upgraded 6-microphone setup to improve call quality
- Setup and tweaks with the Bowers & Wilkins Music App, and Voice Assistant support
- 30 hours battery life on a single charge (including USB-C and 3.5mm cable)
- You can choose from three colors: gray, blue, and black.
- 307 grams without a carry case
- Price: $ 399