Its latest model, the Px7 S2 ($ 399), is a completely revamped variation of the PX that debuted in 2019. At every turn, this new design is a worthwhile upgrade over its predecessor, and you will not have to pay more for the improvements either.
Design
For the Px7 S2, Bowers & & Wilkins obtained components of both the original PX and the Px7 that add to the refined look. The business also slendered down the overall shape and selected more cushion in the earpads– all while trimming the overall weight. Finer touches like a silver rim where the earcup fulfills the earpads gives the S2 a more superior appearance than its predecessor. The textured surface on both the earcups and across the top of the headband enhances the aesthetic.
ProsImpressive sound quality Better than marketed battery life Effective sound cancellation Comfy fit Refined designConsCall quality Very basic EQ modification Subpar Pass-Through mode audio Automatic pausing needs refiningPhysical controls remain, which gathers no grievances from me. The fact is buttons are still more trustworthy than touch controls, even on the earphones that get the taps and swipes nearly perfect. The very best touch controls are never 100%, however a button you need to push always is. On the back of the best earcup, theres a power slider that doubles as the Bluetooth pairing control. Just below, a multi-function button is flanked by the volume controls. This center button accepts single, double and triple presses for play/pause, playing the next track and playing the previous track respectively. When youre receiving a call, one press accepts while a press-and-hold for two seconds will decline it. When will end a call as well, pressing this center button.
Gallery: Bowers & & Wilkins Px7 S2 evaluation|7 Photos
Gallery: Bowers & & Wilkins Px7 S2 evaluation|7 Photos
Its most current model, the Px7 S2 ($ 399), is a completely overhauled variation of the PX that debuted in 2019. When it comes to fit, the Px7 S2 are among some of the more comfy headphones Ive tested just recently. The software application allows you to modify the EQ settings on the Px7 S2. When it comes to ANC efficiency, the Px7 S2 is quite good there. Compared to the best natural noise for this feature, Apples AirPods Max, the Px7 S2 enables you to hear some of the outside world, however theres no mistaking that you still have headphones on.
By default, it cycles between sound cancellation, Pass-Through (ambient sound) and off. Unlike a lot of earphones, holding the multi-function button will not set off Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant.
When it concerns fit, the Px7 S2 are amongst a few of the more comfortable earphones Ive tested recently. I have a huge head: I take my New Era caps in 7 ⅝. So, it can be hard for a set of cans to remain comfy after an hour or two of wear. The S2 fit securely on me, which is important for efficient noise cancellation, but it never ever ended up being excessive. Not as soon as did I feel like the rim of the earcup was leaving a mark around my ears, thanks to the upgraded cushion on the earpads. This isnt constantly the case.
Software
Billy Steele/Engadget
The Px7 S2 are Bowers & & Wilkins first set of headphones to work with its Music app. Previous models are compatible with its Headphones app, however that software only uses access to standard settings, displayed battery life and supplied 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 enables you to fine-tune the EQ settings on the Px7 S2. You can also handle the concern of the two devices Px7 S2s multipoint connection allows to sync with. As I mentioned, theres the alternative to make the “Quick Action” button on the left earcup summon your voice assistant rather than switch in between noise settings.
There are a couple of useful power and audio management choices. Theres an automatic standby control that puts the headphones in a “low power state” after 15 minutes of inactivity. Next, theres automatic pausing powered by the Px7 S2s integrated wear sensor. The business states you can trigger this merely by lifting one earcup, and it offers you the capability to modify the level of sensitivity with 3 settings (Low, High and typical). Throughout my tests, I actually needed to turn the earcup down towards my neck to trigger this. Totally removing the earphones worked just fine, but the other approach might utilize some fine-tuning. Both the automatic pausing and the standby function can be switched off if you do not desire to use them, so theres no pressure to utilize either one.
Bowers & & Wilkins is already planning an upgrade to the software that will include an in-app music player. This is currently a thing for the companys speakers that are compatible with the Music app, but soon youll have the ability to link a variety of streaming services to spin your audio from the very same app that organizes your earphones settings. Currently, the app supports Tidal, Deezer, Last.fm, TuneIn Radio, Qobuz, Soundcloud, NTS Radio and Dash Radio.
Sound quality
Billy Steele/Engadget
The business states these custom-designed units offer low distortion and more precise reproduction, positioned at an angle in the earcups to keep things sounding as natural as possible. The bass is punchy and great while highs offer depth and vocals cut through even the most disorderly categories.
The Px7 S2 stands out with hard rock like Gojiras Magma and Deftones Ohms. When either band is going all out, you still get finer details like texture in the distorted guitars and the subtle subtleties of the drum kit. And it stays a wall of sound throughout, never ever seeming compressed to a mess of sound. Softer genres fulfill a similar fate as Chris Stapletons combo of southern rock grumble and bluesy guitar selecting are nice and thick on top of his backing band. Even 1999s emo traditional Clarity from Jimmy Eat World sounds climatic and full. Kendrick Lamars Mr. Morale & & The Big Steppers showcases the S2s bass response well, offering some low-end punch while vocals stay crisp and clear among synths, piano, snare and other noises. Kick drum and deep synthesizer tones get equivalent room to operate on songs like “N95.” It will be interesting to see if Bowers & & Wilkins further fine-tunes its sound profile on the upcoming Px8 due to the fact that whats here is currently excellent.
When it comes to ANC efficiency, the Px7 S2 is rather excellent there. The result is some impressive stopping ability, even with things like human voices, which some earphones have a hard time to counter. Ditto for continuous sound like a sound device or the dishwasher.
Pass-Through, the businesss name for ambient sound or transparency mode, does the job, but it could use some refinement. Compared to the finest natural sound for this feature, Apples AirPods Max, the Px7 S2 allows you to hear a few of the outdoors world, however theres no mistaking that you still have headphones on. Ecological sound is stifled and even when theres no audio playing its not the finest for attempting to have a conversation.
Call quality.