Bowers & & Wilkins might be a name lots of associate with high-end house audio gear, but the business has been gradually downing in addition to headphones too. Its newest model, the Px7 S2 ($ 399), is an entirely revamped variation of the PX that debuted in 2019. Bowers & & Wilkins modified the design while enhancing the active sound cancellation (ANC) and re-tuning the audio for brand-new 40mm drivers. At every turn, this new design is a deserving upgrade over its predecessor, and you will not need to pay more for the enhancements either.
Design
The business also slimmed down the overall shape and chose for more cushion in the earpads– all while cutting the general weight. Finer touches like a silver rim where the earcup fulfills the earpads provides the S2 a more premium appearance than its predecessor.
ProsImpressive sound quality Better than marketed battery life Effective sound cancellation Comfy fit Refined designConsCall quality Very standard EQ personalization Subpar Pass-Through mode audio Automatic stopping briefly requirements refiningPhysical controls remain, which gathers no complaints from me. The reality is buttons are still more dependable than touch controls, even on the headphones that get the swipes and taps nearly best. The best touch controls are never ever 100%, but a button you have to press constantly is.
Gallery: Bowers & & Wilkins Px7 S2 review|7 Photos
Gallery: Bowers & & Wilkins Px7 S2 evaluation|7 Photos
By default, it cycles between noise cancellation, Pass-Through (ambient noise) and off. Unlike a lot of earphones, holding the multi-function button wont activate Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant.
When it comes to fit, the Px7 S2 are among some of the more comfortable headphones Ive evaluated recently. The S2 fit securely on me, which is important for effective sound cancellation, but it never ended up being too much. Not as soon as did I feel like the rim of the earcup was leaving a mark around my ears, thanks to the updated cushion on the earpads.
Software
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The Px7 S2 are Bowers & & Wilkins very first set of earphones to work with its Music app. Previous models are suitable with its Headphones app, however that software just offers access to standard settings, showed battery life and provided a collection of soundscapes for relaxing. The Music app has much more to offer as it supports B&Ws speakers: the Formation line, the Panorama 3 soundbar and the Zeppelin.
The software application enables you to tweak the EQ settings on the Px7 S2. Sadly, the choices here are very minimal. There are sliders for treble and bass, however absolutely nothing for mids or any further fine-tuning. Like the Headphones app, this one still displays a battery percentage and gives you the option of utilizing the software application to pick ANC, ambient sound or to turn both of those off. You can also manage the concern of the 2 devices Px7 S2s multipoint connection enables to sync with. As I mentioned, theres the alternative to make the “Quick Action” button on the left earcup summon your voice assistant instead of switch in between noise settings.
Theres an automated standby control that puts the headphones in a “low power state” after 15 minutes of lack of exercise. Next, theres automated pausing powered by the Px7 S2s integrated wear sensor. Completely eliminating the earphones worked simply great, however the other technique could use some fine-tuning.
Bowers & & Wilkins is currently preparing an update to the software application that will include an in-app music player. This is currently a thing for the companys speakers that work with the Music app, however quickly youll be able to connect a number of streaming services to spin your audio from the same app that organizes your earphones settings. Presently, the app supports Tidal, Deezer, Last.fm, TuneIn Radio, Qobuz, Soundcloud, NTS Radio and Dash Radio.
Sound quality
Billy Steele/Engadget
Among the huge improvements on the Px7 S2, Bowers & & Wilkins states it constructed an “all-new acoustic platform” powered by fresh 40mm drivers. The business states these custom-designed systems offer low distortion and more precise reproduction, positioned at an angle in the earcups to keep things sounding as natural as possible. Undoubtedly, Bowers & & Wilkins has actually built a really immersive soundstage that envelopes your ears. The bass is nice and punchy while highs supply depth and vocals cut through even the most chaotic categories.
The Px7 S2 excels with acid rock like Gojiras Magma and Deftones Ohms. When either band is going for it, you still get finer information like texture in the distorted guitars and the subtle subtleties of the drum set. And it remains a wall of noise throughout, never seeming compressed to a mess of sound. Softer genres fulfill a similar fate as Chris Stapletons combo of southern rock growl and bluesy guitar selecting are nice and thick on top of his backing band. Even 1999s emo classic Clarity from Jimmy Eat World sounds complete and atmospheric. Kendrick Lamars Mr. Morale & & The Big Steppers showcases the S2s bass response well, providing some low-end punch while vocals stay clear and crisp among synths, piano, snare and other noises. Kick drum and deep synthesizer tones get equivalent room to operate on tunes like “N95.” It will be fascinating to see if Bowers & & Wilkins further fine-tunes its sound profile on the upcoming Px8 since whats here is currently impressive.
The Px7 S2 is rather excellent there as well when it comes to ANC performance. Were not talking Bose or Sony levels, but Bowers & & Wilkins isnt away. The company made huge modifications to sound cancellation on the S2, using its in-house tech to do the heavy lifting without impacting overall sound quality It also upgraded the microphones that keep an eye on both the output of the chauffeurs and any environmental noise. The outcome is some impressive stopping capability, even with things like human voices, which some headphones struggle to counter. I had no issue tuning out the clamor of 2 kids in your home for the summer when it came time to work. Ditto for consistent noise like a sound device or the dishwashing machine.
Pass-Through, the businesss moniker for ambient sound or transparency mode, gets the task done, however it might utilize some improvement. Compared to the very best natural noise for this feature, Apples AirPods Max, the Px7 S2 allows you to hear some of the outdoors world, but theres no mistaking that you still have earphones on. Environmental noise is stifled and even when theres no audio playing its not the best for attempting to have a discussion.
Call quality.
Its most current model, the Px7 S2 ($ 399), is a totally upgraded variation of the PX that debuted in 2019. When it comes to fit, the Px7 S2 are amongst some of the more comfortable headphones Ive evaluated just recently. The software permits you to fine-tune the EQ settings on the Px7 S2. When it comes to ANC efficiency, the Px7 S2 is rather good there. Compared to the best natural sound for this function, Apples AirPods Max, the Px7 S2 allows you to hear some of the outside world, however theres no mistaking that you still have headphones on.