Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Review: British Luxury Meets Tech Innovation in This Headset!

Bowers & Wilkins, the iconic British brand established in 1966 in Worthing, has earned an outstanding reputation in the high-fidelity acoustics realm. For over fifty years, the company has been designing and manufacturing its own drivers, a rare expertise in the industry that has led to the creation of landmark speakers such as the Nautilus, Diamonds, and the highly sought-after 800 Series used in recording studios.

This technological mastery has seamlessly transitioned into Bluetooth speakers with the legendary Zeppelin in 2007, positioning B&W as a pioneer in premium wireless audio. Today, the brand extends this expertise to its headphones and earphones, with the Px8 S2 topping the Bluetooth range.

The Px8 S2 introduces several significant improvements over its predecessor: newly designed 40mm carbon cone drivers, a dedicated headphone amplifier for a broader soundstage, support for 24/96 aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless codecs, and enhanced active noise cancellation thanks to eight microphones. The design has also been refined with a slimmer profile, ultra-soft Nappa leather, and improved ergonomics.

In a highly competitive market, the Px8 S2 faces formidable opponents: the new Loewe Leo, and notably the category leaders like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd generation, the Sony WH-1000XM6, and the surprising Nothing Headphones (1) developed with KEF, offered at less than half the price of the B&W. Clearly, more than just a stunning look and exceptional acoustic performance is required to make a dent in this ruthless category.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2Technical Specifications

This review was conducted with a headset lent by B&W.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2Refined Aesthetics but Hefty Weight

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 makes no compromises on materials and this is immediately apparent. The machined aluminum structure provides exemplary rigidity, while ultra-soft Nappa leather wraps the headband and the circumaural ear pads. These, equipped with memory foam, are replaceable – a noteworthy detail for a headset in this price range.

The overall design retains the brand’s aesthetic DNA with its distinctive two-tone finishes: Onyx Black with copper accents, or Warm Stone for a more subdued approach. Attention to detail is meticulous, from the visible cables running along the headband to the sturdy metal hinges that allow for compact folding in the redesigned carry case.

Ergonomics have been reworked compared to the original Px8. The general shape is slimmer, the fit improved, and the control layout redesigned for greater intuitiveness. The power button has moved to the left ear cup, while the volume buttons and the Quick Action function (for switching between ANC and transparency mode, for example) are nestled between the volume controls on the right ear cup.

In terms of comfort, the circumaural ear pads envelop the ears without creating excessive pressure points, even for those wearing glasses. The padded headband distributes weight evenly, reducing fatigue during prolonged listening sessions.

However, the main criticism concerns the weight: with its premium materials, the Px8 S2 is no featherweight, which is noticeable, especially when moving your head. The inertia is perceptible and one would avoid jogging with this headset on. This is the downside of a construction with no compromises on material quality.

Bowers & Wilkins provides a compact carrying case, a USB-C charging/lossless playback cable, and a 3.5 mm analog audio cable.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2Usage and Application: Simplicity and Efficiency

The controls on the Px8 S2 prioritize simplicity and reliability. On the right ear cup, you’ll find the volume buttons (+ and -), a multi-function button for media and call management, and a customizable Quick Action button. The left ear cup now houses the power button and the active noise cancellation switch (ANC/Transparency/Off). This arrangement proves intuitive in use and prevents accidental misoperations.

The headset automatically detects when it’s being worn thanks to its integrated sensors, allowing for automatic music pause/resume.

The Bowers & Wilkins Music app acts as the system’s brain. With a clear and streamlined interface, it allows control over all the headset’s settings: noise cancellation level, transparency mode, a five-band equalizer with memory for custom presets, default True Sound mode, and programmable Quick Action function.

In terms of connectivity, the Px8 S2 features Bluetooth 5.3 with an effective range of about 10 meters under normal conditions, even through a thin wall or floor. Multi-point connection allows for simultaneous pairing with two devices, handy for switching between smartphone and laptop.

The support for Bluetooth codecs is one of the major strengths: beyond the classic SBC and AAC, the Px8 S2 supports 24/96 aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless, with high-resolution transmission up to 96 kHz/24 bits. Bluetooth LE Audio is also planned via a future firmware update, with Auracast support for audio sharing.

For purists, the USB-C and 3.5 mm analog connections allow for high-resolution listening without compression (Lossless), although the differences remain subtle in daily use.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2Active Noise Cancellation: Very Good Performance

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 relies on an effective hybrid approach by combining excellent passive isolation and powerful ANC. The leather and foam ear pads create a tight seal around the ears, naturally filtering a large portion of ambient noise.

The ANC utilizes an eight-microphone setup, with six dedicated to noise reduction and two optimized for voice capture during calls. In practice, the performance is very satisfactory. The Px8 S2 effectively attenuates constant background noises like train rumbling, air conditioning, and road traffic. Sudden noises such as horns or announcements are also well muted, though they don’t disappear completely. The ANC works across a broad spectrum, from low frequencies up to the midrange.

The Transparency mode, triggered by the dedicated switch or the app, lets in surrounding sounds to allow for conversations or to hear announcements without removing the headset. The setting is balanced, neither too intrusive nor too filtered.

Compared to the absolute references such as the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd generation or Sony WH-1000XM6, the Px8 S2 falls slightly short in terms of pure ANC effectiveness. However, the differences are minimal and do not detract from the daily usage experience. This more than adequate noise reduction allows focusing on the essential: the music.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2A Distinctive and Refined Sound Signature

The heart of the Px8 S2 lies in its newly redesigned 40mm carbon cone drivers. The chassis, voice coil, suspension, and magnet have been optimized to deliver more precision and breadth. This evolution is accompanied by a discrete dedicated headphone amplifier that provides the necessary energy to power these demanding speakers. In other words, it’s not the SoC Bluetooth that amplifies the sound as is often the case, but a dedicated component (similar to what Loewe does with the Leo).

The sound signature of the Px8 S2 unmistakably carries the Bowers & Wilkins DNA, with a distinct aesthetic focused on the upper-midrange, the treble, and a robust bass whose balance varies depending on whether ANC is activated. With active noise cancellation, the bass gains weight and presence, better balancing the overall sound. In short, the sound is better with ANC active.

An analysis of the frequency response curve reveals a generally balanced signature in the bass and midrange up to 1 kHz. However, B&W has emphasized around 2 kHz, which indeed adds some liveliness, but can also lead to harshness and fatigue over time. Following this, there’s a rise in the treble with distinct brightness accentuations around 8 kHz and beyond. This coloration gives the headset its personality, favoring clarity and detail, albeit at the expense of some warmth.

In terms of dynamics, the Px8 S2 is somewhat reserved and lacks a bit of expressiveness at moderate volumes. More punch and emotion in the reproduction are desired. This can be achieved, but one needs to listen at quite high volumes, ideally with a USB-C cable and on lossless sources (Apple Music, Tidal, Qobuz).

The treble, although detailed, does not reach the finesse expected from a headset in this price range, even though the timbres are fairly well-handled. The overall listening experience is pleasant, without fatigue, but does not provoke the musical excitement that makes one want to tap their foot or turn up the volume. It should also be noted the headset’s excellent ability to reproduce vocals.

Listening Impressions of the Px8 S2

« Kind of Blue » by Miles Davis: This jazz classic reveals both the strengths and limitations of the headset. Miles’ trumpet comes through with beautiful presence, the brass details are articulated without aggression. However, the organic warmth that makes one vibrate, the palpable emotion that transcends the recording, is missing. The rhythm section lacks body, particularly the double bass, which could use more depth.

« Clair de Lune » by Debussy performed by Lang Lang: The delicacy of the piano is well captured, with appreciable detail in the nuances of play. The harmonics unfold elegantly, though there’s a certain restraint in the forte passages. The acoustic space of the recording studio comes through adequately, though without creating the total immersion offered by the best headsets in the category.

« Bohemian Rhapsody » by Queen: This rock anthem allows for an assessment of the headset’s ability to handle extreme dynamics. Mercury’s vocals are superbly detailed, each harmony finding its place in the soundstage. The guitars crunch with precision, but the overall presentation remains polite, civilized.

« Summertime » by Ella Fitzgerald: The First Lady of Song’s voice reveals all its harmonic richness through the Px8 S2. Each inflection, each vibrato is reproduced with remarkable precision. The jazz accompaniment unfolds with balance, though one might wish for more groove in the rhythm section. A pleasant listening experience but lacking that emotional complicity.

« Automatic » by Mildlife: This modern electronic piece tests the headset’s capabilities in the lower frequencies and synthesis. The synthetic bass lines are well present, especially with ANC activated, but lack the tension that makes one move. The electronic textures are finely carved, the spatial effects adequately rendered, without however creating the sought-after dancefloor euphoria.

An Immersive Soundstage

The soundstage of the Px8 S2 impresses with its width and depth, particularly on well-produced recordings. Different layers maintain excellent separation, allowing for a fine analysis of the arrangements. This analytical approach will appeal to discerning music lovers, even if it can sometimes serve the musical emotion.

Whether connected via analog line or USB-C high resolution, the differences remain subtle compared to Bluetooth. The character of the headset remains unchanged, which tends to prove that it’s the intrinsic acoustic signature that defines the rendering, more than the transmission mode. Note that the analog line input, via the USB-C port and the provided cable, only works when the headset is powered on. No passive amplification is possible.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2Calls: Satisfactory Quality Without Revolution

The call quality with the Px8 S2 benefits from the eight integrated microphones and a voice treatment called ADI Pure Voice. In practice, voice capture is clear and intelligible, even in moderately noisy environments, with effective filtering and little alteration of the tonal envelope. The interlocutor receives a clean sound, free of most background noises.

The active noise cancellation contributes to the listening comfort on the user’s side; conversations can be held effortlessly, even in a busy cafe or during urban commutes. The dedicated controls facilitate call management: answering, hanging up, or switching between music and communication with a simple press.

While not revolutionizing the field, the Px8 S2 perfectly fulfills its role for professional or personal communications, with a natural vocal rendition and a notable absence of echo or distortion.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2Battery Life: Promises Kept

Bowers & Wilkins claims 30 hours of battery life for the Px8 S2, and our tests confirm these optimistic figures. In mixed use, with ANC activated half the time and an average listening volume (around 50%), the headset easily lasts 30 to 32 hours depending on what you’re listening to. This is sufficient for several days of work or for the longest journeys without fear of running out of power.

Charging is done via USB-C and takes about 3 hours at most. The quick charge feature provides 7 hours of battery life with just 15 minutes of charging—especially handy for last-minute departures. The headset can also be used while charging.

This generous battery life is undeniably one of the Px8 S2’s strong points.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2Price and Positioning: Facing Fierce Competition

Priced at 729 euros in Onyx Black or Warm Stone colors, the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 is positioned in the ultra-premium segment of the Bluetooth headset market. This pricing places it directly in competition with giants like the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd generation, both priced around 450-500 euros.

This price difference raises questions given the comparative performances. While the Px8 S2 impresses with its premium materials and refined B&W sound signature, it struggles to fully justify its higher cost compared to the category benchmarks that excel both in noise reduction and musical versatility.

For audiophiles seeking hi-fi sound with a finely tuned balance, the Nothing Headphones (1) developed with KEF deserve special attention. At less than 300 euros, they offer an exceptionally

Similar Posts

• Breaking: Sony’s Newest Noise-Cancelling Headphones: Better Than Ever & Coming Soon!
• Huge Deal Alert: AirPods Max Drop to €497 from €579! Grab Yours Now!
• Loewe Leo Review: Discover the Luxury and Uniqueness of This Headset!
• Razer BlackShark V3 Pro Review: The Ultimate Esport Headset Unveiled!
• HyperX Cloud Jet Dual Wireless Review: Affordable Gaming Headset Impresses!

Maya Singh

Maya Singh is a senior editor covering tablets and hybrid devices. Her work explores how these tools reshape digital productivity and learning. She also contributes to feature editorials on emerging tech.