The truly amazing performance of these headphones is in Passthrough Mode. Using USB C from headphones to USB C port on iPad Pro or mini with lossless downloaded music from Apple or Amazon truly shows off what these headphones can do.
Thanks for the review, Mark! I switched to the B&W PX7 S2 from the Bose NC 700. My short takeaway is that the NC 700 are more mature with the feature set they offer, but the PX7 S2 are leaps and bounce better sounding; so check your priorities if you are considering between these two. The PX7 S2 can be a little glitchy from time to time and the ANC and mic quality (good but) not as good as the NC 700. The ANC of the NC 700 however, can introduce some sound artifacts when encountering sudden higher pitch noises (like the clingy sound of a fork hitting a plate, or the rattle sounds of a bus when it drives over a pothole). The NC 700 are headphones I couldn't use without EQ, they are so unbalanced that the Bose app EQ options wouldn't make it for me, I needed Wavelet on my phone or Equalizer APO on my computer to tweak the tuning, and even then the sound was not good enough, lacking detail and being quite dull or unengaging. The PX7 S2 on the other hand, I also EQ, but I feel like just reducing the bass by 2.5 or 3 dB in the B&W app is enough for me, sure, I can still improve it a little bit with the aforementioned apps (little less energy around 4 kHz and a little more around 6 kHz) but I don't feel the need to do it. The sound of the PX7 S2 is very punchy (read good dynamic range) and has good detail for Bluetooth wireless headphones, soundstage is OK for closed-back headphones. Some of that quality goes away if you switch off ANC. The sound improves when wired with USB-C, but not that substantially to replace wired headphones (say Hifiman Sundara or Focal Elegia, but that would be an unfair comparison). B&W headphones in the past were wonky sounding, but the PX7 S2 have seen some decent improvements there. Overall, the PX7 S2 are a very good package, good ANC, nice build quality, some inconsistencies with the multi-point connectivity, good battery life, and very good sound quality, you just need to know if they fit your needs. I hope this helps you somebody out there.
@@lezizo sure you can, both with Bluetooth or using the supplied cables (USB-C or 3.5 mm headphone jack). If you pair the PX7 S2 to multiple devices through Bluetooth, the B&W app will show you a full list of all paired devices (although only 2 devices can be connected simultaneously). You can see which 2 devices are currently connected to the headphones, and can switch to any other paired devices using the app as long as the other device is powered on and in range. All this being said, you do not need the app to connect to multiple devices, it just gives you additional control over your headphones.
@@davidr4781 I think that depends on your needs and what you index for the most. If your priority is ANC because you're constantly in a very noisy environment, then go for the NC700 (the max volume is not that high though, and it distorts a little at high volumes. I tend to listen at ~60-70% volume). But for comfort and sound I'd pick the PX7 S2 (I use them at ~40-50% wireless and ~15% wired through USB-C). To me, neither has good enough sound quality for when I want the most out of my music, that's why I use wired headphones; but if my only 2 options were the NC700 and the PX7 S2 I'd go for the latter one (but again, that's just me).
Im also in between this. Which one is more louder do you think? I like listening high volume:) fancy features not my priority but sound quality and volume thx
Thanks for the review mate. By the way, I also have a pair of the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2, and I think they're VERY good headphones! In fact, perfect in some ways. The sound is outstanding and analytical, and I'll explain what I mean. The bass is precise and punchy without being overpowering, and the clarity and depth is unlike any other headphone I've ever heard. I've listened to almost every genre of music (mainly jazz, hip hop, and rock) and find them to deliver the utmost detail, which is to be expected at this price. The noise cancelling is not as good as the Sony XM4 which I also have, but it's more than good enough for most people, especially since the sound of the B&W is better. Expensive, but well worth the money
Man, I have the xm4, and I don't like its sound, it sounds muffy! Even by playing with the EQ, It gets better but I always feel like I to increase the volume, not good for the ear... So I want to return it for another headset,is the px7 s2 more crispy, less muffy than the xm4?
Fantastic video. Love the way you do things. I have a pair of these coming today. Im 59 now, and with a broken back I can't do a lot anymore. So I said I need to get back into music more, like I did when I was a kid. I'm an old classic rock listener, and I can't wait to see how Randy Rhoads sounds. Another track I'm looking forward to is Blue Collar by BTO. Some great music there. :-)
I have a pair of these and they really are excellent. They also have a built in DAC and come with a USB-C cable to wire them into a laptop or something with hi-Rez output. They charge while you listen wired in as well 👍
My 5 year old SONY WH1000xm3s are acting up lately so from your opinion are these headphones worth picking up I’m thinking about trying another brand this time and these look pretty good and not as expensive as the Sony xm5s
Thanks for this excellent review! I ordered mine, in that stunning blue colour, in early august from my local hifi shop. Still waiting for those. So it seems that availability is somewhat spotty as both gray and black versions are in stock in almost all the stores that I’ve checked, but I want them from “my” dealer, so I’ll wait. … and as it turns out, just as I was typing this, I got a message from this store letting me know that I get them this Friday 😅 It pays to support your local business, as always.
Watched alot of reviews of these and you've sold me on them. Design is really important to me & these seem to tick all the boxes. Even if the ANC isn't best in class.
Thanks for your interviews Mark. I do find them really interesting and the experience is best described if I say: Its really easy to follow what you're saying and not get bored. BTW I guess what you were trying to refer to around minute 6:20 is called cabin pressure and is indeed too annoying. That's why I find myself occasionally turning transparency mode on to kinda let some air into my ears.
Another fab review. However, now I’m confused as I was looking at the XM4 or maybe XM5 but really prefer how these look physically and you made them sound like you can’t really go wrong with any 🤷🏻♂️
Thanks, Andrew. That's kinda the point really, mate - you can't buy a bad pair of headphones these days at this price. Trust me - whatever you choose out of those, you'll be happy with :)
My shure Aonics 50 Gen2 were just sent in warranty because the material under the crown just started to fall apart after 7 months of daily usage. Working and gaming. So now I am getting these, and found them really cheap lol only 180 EUR its a steal. I bought the Marine Color of these. I hope these will last longer. I will try and sell my Aonics as soon as I get them back.
Thanks for the review of these as I've been considering them as a replacement for my Px7 headphones. These and the Px8s which I don't think I can really justify pricewise.
I got them a week ago. As an audiophile and from my perspective the pros are: -clear and punchy performance, they can get really loud, controlled low frequencies. Now the cons: -ANC is not that great, stereo imaging it's almost non existent, there's a certain unbalance on high frequency notes (around 1200 hz) on vocals from different artists; it's like they're singing through an empty soda can. And last they can fall off your head pretty easily if you're working out with them on I paid 350€ for them but I would say they're worth 250 at most
Just spent a few hours with the PX7 S2e and the Sennheiser Momentum 4. For context, I have owned a pair of HD600s for a decade (or more) and love their sound. And I've never enjoyed the B&W speaker sound - too bright and clinical for me. So, I was really surprised how disappointing the Sennheisers were. The bass is prominent - but not in a good way. The bottom end has bloom and tramples over the mids. It's not a though they lack detail or presence - but it's tiring trying to get past all that 'Beats teenage' tuning. Then the PX7 S2e (catchy name that) went on and 'Wow!'. They impressed me immediately. Bass on Lou Reed's "Walk on the Wild Side" felt solid but not mushy'. I could hear Herbie Flower's twinned bass line clearly and Reed's vocals were warmer than the HD600s - but very well presented. I played a ton of acoustic stuff and they are cohesive and musical. Moving to Janos Starker's excellent recording of Bach's cello suites was equally rewarding. The cello has great timbre and I feel I can hear both the fretting and the woodiness of this gorgeous cello. open.qobuz.com/album/0090266143627 The only downside was comfort - the padding and coolness is good. Pressure is a little stiff - but might soften in time. Love the buttons. Can't tell how much charge is left without checking the app (which is poor). The Momentum 4's went back. I can't afford the PX8 but I'm tempted...
Great video mate, I tried to compare the Focal Bathys to the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 in Selfridges London at the weekend unfortunately no matter how much he tried the salesman couldn’t pair the Bathys to my Sony WM1Z, however the PX8 had no problem connecting. On my brief listen to the PX8 you are in for a treat when you get them, to my ears they are a fantastic fun sounding headphone! The look and feel of them is totally premium and for me they are totally worth the money. I still need to go to a proper audio shop in London and compare the Focal Bathys to the Bowers & Wilkins. I also got to hear the Air Pods Pro 2, I have a original model from Colorware in the USA, they do different colours and ship worldwide. The Air Pods Pro 2 are definitely a major improvement on the original for sure and has I am in the Apple Ecosystem I will definitely be getting a pair, hover when it comes to music my number one choice is the passive TWS from Noble Audio, it’s a hybrid three driver, two BA and one Dynamic driver. You can demo them in Harrods and Selfridges and my number two is the Beoplay EX, however when it comes to transparency mode and noise cancelling the Air Pods Pro is definitely one of the best if that floats your boat.
Bought some today and soon to be delivered, As you say it’s all subjective but i hope they’ll be good enough to make me get rid of my Airpods Max as the fact i can’t turn them off fully and the useless case as well and a few other things make me regret buying them
You can't do a video about a product with a microphone, and not record a segment listening to the playback. How did this video come so close, but fail so hard? I currently have some Bose 700's and just want to be able to compare the quality of it's Bluetooth mic and the B&W PX7's USBC mic.
I agree , the design is fantastic. I'm more of a Sennheiser fan but don't like the look of the Sennheiser Momentum 4. Kind of cheap looking. Still in doubt which one to buy
For air travel I would recommend Bose or Sony. I recently flew round trip non stop Honolulu to Boston and back. My Bose Nc 700 worked great on an 11 hour flight.
These and the Momentum 4 are my favorites right now. Tried them both alongside with some other cans in a Hi-Fi shop. But I can't decide which one I like better - they both have their strengths and weaknesses. The Bowers fit my ears better, the Sennheisers have less clamping force, the Bowers look nicer, the Sennheisers some have nice features on top, both sound very good, but different. I think the bass is tighter, deeper and still cleaner on the Momentums, the midrange is more pleasant on the PX7 S2, the treble and soundstage is about equal in my opinion. I couldn't really test the ANC, but it should also be quite similar. Mark, which one do you prefer, and why?
If the soundstage is similar, they can be eq to sound about the same right? And with the M4 having better anc i think the M4 is the better choice. Am I wrong?
@@viperro4542 I went for the M4 in the end because of their price and transparency/call features. And I liked their sound a tiny bit better. But I guess I would have been happy with the PX7 S2 as well.
I had the Sony XM4 and upgraded to the XM5! Now that I am reading the reviews and looking at the comparison with the Bowers & Wilkins, I am contemplating in changing to Bowers & Wilkins Headphones. I have always been drawn to Sony products due to the quality and reputation etc. Any pointers on switching from the XM5 to the B&W’s. The XM5’s are great, but I am now thinking of switching! 😮
The original PX7 had real leather ear cups and headband plus you could connect them into aircraft audio by cable. This version has neither ability which your review doesn’t include. Other than that a good review but the use of vinyl ear cups means replacing them after a few years. They’re also hotter and cause ear sweating. Sadly the Senns have gone the same way.
I cannot agree with ANC. Had this on a trip last weekend and anc on plane and train was just awful. Whenever I was turning my head left or right the anc would stop working effectively. What a disappointment. I had to returned them, which was a shame because I had the blue ones and the sound and design are top notch but the anc performance is rubbish.
Hello, thanks for the review i wanna ask is it loud? I love listen to loud music and bassy, but no find any good one, is this make me happy? I love listen kind of R&B and Rap music... thank you
I purchased the S2e but have now exchanged these for S2 (at £130 cheaper!) as I felt that my ears aren't sensitive enough to tell the difference between the two! I also tend to use headphones for eg watching RU-vid and Netflix, so the greater sound quality on S2e is probably wasted on me. I find the S2 brilliant and excellent quality. I have listened to music on them as well and find them awesome. The bonus is that I have put the £130 refund towards a pair of the Bus QuiteComfort Ultra Earbuds - which are due to arrive today.
Further heads up - it seems that Amazon no longer sell these as new. They have some in the Amazon Warehouse (returns or slightly damaged) for around £240 - but I wouldn't want to risk it. John Lewis, Richer Sounds (Solihull) and Argos still have them , new, at £249
I could not believe but I just found and ordered my B&W Px7 S2 set for $229 USD - the same amount that the Sony XM4 cost. I cannot justify the cost of the Sony XM5 - but see these are often compared to that set - which costs $399. The only other option is the SH M4 - that that is selling for $279 - which seems to be a steep additional cost. I wanted the Blue but could only order the Black. The compromise is for the cost as I could’ve ordered Blue for $289… but again, unable to justify that difference. I can return the B&W and get the Sony XM4.
Really nice review but there is something that you are not considering : they seem to be really good except when considering longevity, as they do not have replaceable cushions and as they do not have a replaceable battery either (and I am not speaking of a user replaceable battery, it is just that, like the previous wireless B&W, you need to destroy the cups to access the battery, hence they are not serviceable, not even by B&W techs). The cushion is a also really big problem, as it is a nomad product, they will definitely look really bad in a few months. And as they cannot work passively, at some point, when the battery will have met its fate, then the cups are likely to become useless. Yes they are cheaper than some of their competitors but they are not likely to be a good investment. Let's hope that the next iteration will address these problems without losing the sound quality and the really beautiful an not bulky design.
Do you now if you can use the PX7’s and the AirPods Max WIRED for Microsoft Teams calls on a PC (Windows 10 specificallyO⁉️ Trying to decide on which headphones to get and this will be the deciding factor as I am in online meetings for hours each day.
Could I get your opinion on the Technic A800's, opposed to these B&W Px7 S2's? I am tryin to decide which to buy at the moment and any help would be greatly appreciated!
Hi, thanks for this brilliant review. How does these compare to the Sennheiser M4 or the Beoplay H95 or AirPods Max? I've been using the H95 for a year, but am always looking for upgrades. I did have the AirPods Max but found them too heavy, although I kinda miss them
My 5 year old SONY 1000 M3s are starting to go out on me I had them for a while and they are due to be replaced soon I’m thinking either getting a newer version of my Sony headphones the M5s or trying a new brand and these bowers&Wilkins look pretty good actually I see them at Costco for only $299 compared to the Sony xm5s that are $399 is it worth giving g these a try since it’s been 5 years I try to keep headphones for 4-6 years before upgrading so I wonder if these may be a good change compared to the Sonys
Hi Mark just discovered your channel which is great by the way, I was looking at the B&W Px7 S2 or the KEF mu7 mostly for music but I have a Evercade EXP handheld console I would like to use as well wired can this be done with the handheld it has a headphone jack, I know this is way over the top but the sound for the handheld speakers suck which would you recommend I have speakers from both brands at home and just can't decide as I am a huge fan of both brands please help.
Hello, would be appreciated if you have time to answer my question. Have you compared these px7 s2 to the momentum 4? From what I saw the anc is much better on the M4 but there are mixed reviews in terms of sound quality. People are saying one is better than the other. So what's your opinion? Which has the better soundstage, can you eq them to sound the same, etc
Sir thank you for the detailed reviews. Loved it. Forwarded to many of my friends who were interested... Need to know where is this made.... Can you please check the box.... S it made in England or made in china.....
@@MarkEllisReviews received them and very disappointed after a day of listening to Spotify on IPhone. My AirPod pros sound way better. Really feel like I’ve wasted my money - I had such high hopes - I’d say the sound quality is average. Perhaps they need to ‘wear in’?
I really wish the microphone was as good as the XM5s, I use my headphones for work in a fairly noisy environment and the XM5 does a much better job canceling it out
Do you use your B&W’s for Microsoft Teams meetings at the office? If so do you use them wired or through Bluetooth. I have heard there are issues on a PC with Windows 10
@Mark - do you know of any online group/forum for Bowers and Wilkins headphones? I had some slight difficulties setting up/pairing the S2 (which I have now resolved), but wondered for the future and ongoing. I know B&W have technical support, but wondered if there was anything else. Thanks.
I have Xm4's. They were my first ANC headphones. The touch controls drive me crazy. I do love the color of my Xm4's. They are like a grey/beige color as opposed to white.
Just a question. I did not like the song you compare headphones with. I rather like older hard heavy metal but I want to know if you have used the px7 which came like 4 or 3 years ago. Are they better in your opinion then the px7?
Hi Mark! Great review as always. Did you get a chance to test how comfortable these heaphones are while wearing your glasses? I'm looking to buy these and I really care about comfort.
How was it? Px7 is buggy. Did they fix it already? Not comfortable. It tends to hurt my head with PX7 after 20 minutes of using. I am starting to go back to sony
Black Friday really is round the corner and I dont know which way to go! XM4 or PX7 S2 … such a hard choice…. Then the Momentum decide to come on the block. What are we saying team???
BY HOW YOU DESCRIBED THE PHYSICAL ASPECTS, I SUPPOSE IT SHOULD HAVE A PLACE ON THE LIST OF HEADSETS OTHER THAN SONY. I JUST LOVE HOW THE CLOTHYISH MESH 🤭✌️FELT LIKE! GREAT RV!
Is there any difference in sound and comfort when wearing glasses? I remember trying the B&W PX back in the day and they did not work for me due to my glasses. It somehow ruined the anc and sound due to the seal not being perfect.
I have tried the PX7 S2 and I was unimpressed. To each their own. The PX8 I would maybe buy, they sound nice, but also something about their signature did not wow me. Maybe I am just not a fan of the B&W sound. I remember once trying the P7 wireless, long time ago, and I loved them. Not the case at all with even PX8 now. The Apple Airpods Max didn’t wow me either but the ANC is better and they are more comfortable. The sound of the airpods is very agreeable, nothing stands out much. I imagine myself living with that better than with what the B&W PX8 deliver. Even though the PX8 have better sound quality overall… 🤷🏻♂️ But to summarize my opinion: PX7 S2 - nope, not even for $200. PX8 - maybe, but for the pricetag I would probably buy something else. Airpods Max - I am getting them from my wife in January as a present and will be happy with them for commuting and being out and about 😸
@@thebadassbxtch I haven’t gotten any of them (: but as iphone user I would honestly go for the Airpod Max. It could be, however, that they release a new version this year…
@@th3m3du54 I tried on the AirPods Max at my local Apple Store the other day for half an hour. It looks stunning on my blonde hair and the sound is great, BUT they felt so heavy and clamped way too hard… not comfortable to wear at all. I might be getting a pair of Bose QC 45 while I wait for the APM2 to come out later this year or in early 2024?
I watched this review and went for them, but I'm quite disappointed, I haven't such headsets for very long time, I was normally using the buds, however back in the days I use to own a pair of Razer Kraken which was at price around 100$ or so, those headsets produce AMAZING LOUD sound... Those PX7 S2 are just too quite for me... It is clear sound for sure, quality one... but it is just too quite for me ... I tried different streaming providers, I tried them with BT and Cable nah, they are just quite... Can someone give me some headsets that are BT has ANC and have really loud sound? To be honest if I compare them to mine galaxy buds2 pro, I even think that the buds are more louder... I'm returning them right away.. worst buy ever
🤦Soundstage is huge? 😂😂😂😂I listen to them and no, it's not. You should compare these to Bang & Olufsen H95 for the soundstage and you will know what huge soundstage really sound like.
In my quick tests in a store, this was my impression: Momentum 4: deeper, tidier, tighter and cleaner bass, but the upper mids can be a bit too pronounced in some tracks (e. g. some high female voices or piano). I think they focus more on the lower bass with less upper bass bloom, and on the upper mids to provide lots of detail there. So a better choice for music with strong bass, it won't sound bloated there but still kick hard enough. But still awesome for acoustic stuff, jazz, classical etc. PX7 S2: well-rounded, still somewhat pronounced bass, but with a bit of bloating into the mids, but more pleasant, maybe slightly recessed upper mids. This makes them easier to listen to with more mids-focused music, but not necessarily more transparent or true to the original. Great for easy listening, but might sound too polite for rock. Overall balance (amount of bass, mids, treble), treble clarity and detail, and soundstage are very comparable and equally good. Both sound really great and better than most of their competitors, they are my favorites right now. But I don't know which one colors the sound less. I only slightly lean towards the M4 because it's cheaper and has a sound and a feature set that is closer to what I'm used to, the PXC 550.
@@VeitLehmann I asked mark about different genres of music like I told him I listened to NIN Metallica Alice in chain some rap and house music whuch do you think would sound better the M4s or PX7S2? Also what bout volume which one is the loudest?
@@mrguru091 Go for the M4, they sound excellent especially for these genres. Lots of deep bass and vocal clarity for rap, great drive and space for rock and metal. The M4 are more exciting, the S2 are more relaxed. The PX7 S2 might be better for more acoustic styles, piano, classical and some types of jazz. I think both get equally loud, I never had to push them anywhere close to their limits, but I also don't listen very loud.
@@VeitLehmann Hey man thx for responding so I listened to both to me the px7s2 had better clarity bass wasn't rumbling but I can adjust it to go up. I didn't buy them cause I want them for working out like goin out for runs and weightlifting. Only problem is I don't think they r sweat proof so. I might just have to stick to my in ear buds but they dint sound as good as over head u kno.
There’s no way I’d make a purchase on your recommendation. For example, in this review you make the statement regarding Bluetooth codec, ‘you name it has it’ ok, I’ll name it, LDAC. If you want people to take you seriously drop the wanna be stand up act, do your research and then present your opinion. It’s gotten where we as viewers need to do our homework so we know who to trust. Yeah, keep up the “good” work. I’m out.
Oh DAMMIT. By the way, Arsesh, if watching a bloke from Northampton talk about headphones makes you projectile green vomit, you might need to go and see someone.
