My biggest takeaway from this video, is how amusing the videographer must've looked... taking close up video of someone's ears on a tube train :D Any chance of the Sennheiser Momentum 3 next - they're the others on my list!
You danced around the fact that the Sony headphones really cannot handle mid-bass across the board. In fact, the muddy bass signature is the big reason why many people are returning the Sony cans in favor of other wireless sets. I just traded my Xm3s for the PX7s. The Bowers are much much better to my ears.
Very informative and entertaining review . Its reassuring to see companies not afraid to have their own signature sound and not try to please everyone.
I find your review interesting as they often are. I have the P7, the PX7 as well as the XM2 and XM3 series. I actually just received the PX7 just this afternoon, so i am still forming an opinion. But i must say that the sony 3 do sound better in some ways but at higher volumes than many would listen at. I like them a lot more than the previous iterations. The P7 sound signature is so extremely V shaped yet fun in many ways. The PX7 are more grown up and share much with the P9 in my opinion. Thanks for your opinion.
I see a comment below asking about the Sennheiser Momentum. For me there are 4 different bluetooth headphones above all the rest; New Bose, New Sennheiser Momentum, this Sony and this PX7. Shame you didn't compare all four. My personal opinion is that the new Bose has the best noise cancelling (11 levels), the Sennheiser has just about the best sound reproduction, the Sony is probably the most comfortable and has a few more features, the Bose for me is a little too heavy on Bass, but that's because of the music I listen to. At the end of the day the results for all four is similar to what you say here; they're all exceptional in their own ways and I doubt anyone would be disappointed with any of them. PS. I work somewhere where these are sold so I get to test them all continually.
You convinced me to buy the PX7’s and also subscribe, great in depth review with personality - something frankly lacking in most RU-vid tech review channels.
Funny that. Was thinking of upgrading my Sony XM2's. And love my B&W speakers. Noise cancellation is a key factor for me. But so is bass, as I mostly listen to progressive house & techno. Will definitely shortlist the px7 now.
you only talk about bluetooth what about when the headphones are connected to 3.5 mm to DAC or some PC they sound much much better. i am proud owner of px7s and i can say there is a big difference. what do you think ... love the video its very detailed
That's like pork pie or apple pie - fortunately we don't have to choose cos we can have both albums along with helpings of In Rainbows and Moon Shaped Pool! But back to headphones I have an old pair of B&W P5s that I still really enjoy and I haven't quite got used to noise cancelling ones yet - I'm kinda spooked by the background silence like standing on a cliff edge. As always a great video and carefully considered.
And quite rightly so and I've always been of the opinion they were (past tense, as they're a spent force these days) a band for people without a clue - the MSMers.
Hi There, just wondering what these sound like with the cable? ie you use the wireless when your out and about, but the cable when at home. Is there a noticeable sonic difference? Does the PX7 become a lossless or HiRes headphone or does the processing dumb it down?
@@DJSPYROOF I'm using the PX7 myself and I haven't noticed a big difference when using them wired/wireless. When using them via cable however, they need to be powered on so that's something to keep in mind. They support up to 96khz/24-bit high resolution playback.
YES, it makes a difference! Wire them in with the highest quality USB-C to USB-C cable you can buy. I bought a Baseus 100W USB Type-C 1.5m Elbow Design Power Delivery Hammer Cable, which has a "Coaxial Cable Core" and MY WORD the PX7s come alive! I have no idea what DAC B&W built into these, but it needs the power output from a laptop to power it. I am using a basic MacBook air, an old slow one, but the sound quality from Apple Music 16 bit 44 Khz and up is jaw-dropping!
Do you still have these? I recently got a pair of these and I tried connecting them to my basic MacBook air using an ordinary USB C-C cable, listening to CD quality files, or higher. So few reviewers cover the fact that the PX7s have a built-in DAC. They sound significantly better plugged in. But then, I bought a new cable, a "Baseus 100W USB Type-C 1.5m Elbow Design Power Delivery Hammer Cable" "The coaxial cable has external independent shielding, which has strong anti-interference ability for stable audio and video transmission to avoid screen stutter and splash screen." Specifications: - Material: Zinc Alloy - Transmission Rate: 10Gbps - Charging Power: 100W - High Current: 5A - Cable Type: Elbow Design, USB Type-C - Cable Length: 1.5m The result? WOW!!!! It was like I had bought a new pair of headphones, FAR more expensive headphones. I can't say I have experience with better quality equipment so I would love to hear your take on your B&W PX7s once you have retested them. I would be willing to bet that you add more to the conversation once you hear what these can really do...
John, I just sold my PX as I wear glasses and I noticed low frequency lack... as they were not properly stick to my ears. Did you have same problem with px7?
When I first got into wireless headphones nearly 3 years ago I always loved how the Bowers & Wilkins headphones sound, but the comfort was a deal breaker so I went with the Sennheiser PXC 550s back then. When the PX7s first came to my attention I knew I'd get them. I have rocked the PX7s since shortly after they were released. I love them so much I don't miss my Sennheiser PXC 550s.
great video ! how do the headphones perform when with a wire? i’ve heared they loose their sound quality. want to get these, but need the ones with the wire too. do you suggest to get 2 different pairs? thank you :)
‘Amnesiac.’ Also, interested in Foobar and how well it works with Bluetooth. I was going to ask if John had ditched UAPP, but I remembered that UAPP on my phone always complains when I don’t have headphones plugged in, so UAPP + Bluetooth headphones = no bueno.
One thinks, one will stick to his MM-1's... Next door has their TV on full blast until 2am, so i don't see why I can't share the love with Doom Eternal & FORD v Farari when it becomes available on DVD tomorrow.
didnt you experience the soundquality to drop massively with ANC on? I read this many times. that sound quality suffers more from anc on these than on other anc headphones
Do these Bluetooth headphones come close to a nice pair of wired headphone like sennheiser hd650 in terms of sound quality? I understand they are designed to do slightly different jobs... wouldn’t really wear the sennheiser out and about Edit he kind of answered it at the end
I’m always worried about longevity of the battery in these devices that make expensive devices a more appealing long term investment and that also applies to pleather cups - replaceability
Great review! funny I own both Sony and Bowers and you confirmed that it wasn't me going crazy they are both so good but with particular music one is better than the other. So my wife uses the Sonys for podcasts and her radio style music and I use the Bowers for my Hiphop, R&B, Dancehall and Reggaeton. but call me crazy the original PX plugged in USBC NC off just WOW those are my at home headphones for sure.
Using UAPP or foobar you could EQ compensate for the PX7's emphasized bass. They'd be my choice because I think the Sony sounds way too forgiving, like it wants to please you too much and it makes everything sound warm and dull. The lack of detail this causes and the narrow soundstage made me feel almost claustrophobic. I like the B&W sound but curious about the Drop/THX Panda too. Any idea if you'll be reviewing those?
You can use AptX HD on an iOS device. Buy the Reiyin Bluetooth 5.0 ($ 19.50) from Aliexpress and plug it into the USB port or use it with an Apple Camera Kit on an iPod or iPad. I could hardly believe it, but it works. The sound quality with Aptx HD headphones is very good. The connection quality is fine. I listened to the B&W P7 bluetooth. Like the Sony WH-1000XM3 too much low for my taste. John Danko says it, but is not bothered. I am. The Bose QC35 and the new 700 are much more neutral.
I have tried the Sennheiser Momentum 3 and loved the punchy and rumbly bass on them. I'd love to know if the PX7 have a similar or different kind of bass than the Momentums?
Why is it that just about every reviewer fails to mention that when using the equalizer or any DSP mod in the Sony app, it disables the higher Codecs? That's something major that should always be mentioned. So while you can tailor the sound to your preferences, it's at the cost of only being able to use SBC or AAC.
Just remember that most households have more than just one good headphones. I have and love the Sony XM3, my wife have the Bose QC35 and can't go without it. A few months later she saw the Bose 700 White and Gold edition and wants that one now, so guess what headphone is coming to me now 😘😄😔.
You should check out Beyer's Amiron Wireless as well. Quite a leap in sound quality, albeit at a loss of portability, no NC and not the best looking headphones. They sound very good with a wire, so mostly use them with wire at home, and BT when I'm out of the house.
OK Computer is an epic, defining masterpiece, and I can't overstate it's importance to me. But...I prefer KID A as my favorite of their albums. It is beautiful in it's own right, but the fact that it had to follow-up what is known as one of the greatest albums of all time is an incredible feat.
Looking to get a wireless alternative to my Meze 99 Classic. Hearing John say «every time for more acoustic music», the Sony would seem to be the obvious choice here (listening mostly to old-instruments classical music and occasional folk), but somehow I'm still intrigued about what other people think. (Also, I'd quite like John to talk more about the Momentum 3 and especially one or some of the Beyerdynamic wireless earphones).
Hi John, thanks for the great review as usual! In this category, would you be able to get your hands on the Dali IO-6 and Shure Aonic 50 headphones? According to specs and features, these two might have something to say in the ~400 price range. Many thanks and keep up the great work.
Interesting review. After 3 years I wonder which of the B&W and Sony has proved the most reliable? My 3 year old B&W PX7 s have stopped working after only 25-30 hours and I’m attempting a firmware update via the app and it’s so far unsuccessful as the phones are either not recognised or the app tells me the phones aren’t charged enough for the update even though they’ve been on charge for hours and the app shows 100% charge level!
Wonderful! Just ordered the px7 carbon on a sale. Should arrive here on Tuesday. I got the Sony earbuds 1000mx3 but the Sony sound isn’t for me. It just doesn’t go where I want to be. I have the shure aion 50 as my bt headphones.. and the sound is superb.. it’s just not alive ? I am a nr 1 Focal fan. But they would be too expensive. Going to use the Px7 for running
I have used the B&W PX for more than two years almost daily and I love their sound. I don't even use the noise cancelling most of the time, except on planes. They are far and away the best wireless headphones I have ever owned. On overseas flights, however, I have noticed the backs of my ears starting to ache after four hours or so from the pressure of the slightly too small ear cups. A version that has the amazing sound of the PX with a more comfortable design sounds like heaven. How does the sound compare between the PX and the PX7? The same or does one have an edge in one respect or another.
Anthony Flynn Hi there! You wouldn’t have happened to try the B&O H9. I’m considering that and the PX, but I can’t really try either because of lockdown. Also, do you know where the PX is made?
This review was just in time! I'm going to be commuting much more in the future and need some alternatives to my current B&W P7 Wired headphones. I heard a couple of people say that the PX7 isn't very good in comparison but I always found the P7's a bit weaker in the low end than I'm used to (yes, I like deep low-end). My big issue though, is with ANC turned on, I've often found this ruins the sound and makes it much flatter. Does the ANC ruin things at all?
As far as wireless headphones are concerned I've only tried the Sony WH1000XM2 and the AirPods Pro. With the Sonys the ANC makes the sound more dynamic and clear(with ANC off, I find them too warm and muddy), but the low end is just as present. With the AirPods Pro, the ANC increases separation, makes the bass more present and the whole sound more dynamic overall.
Hey, I remember my px did higher res playback when connected to my pc with a USB c cable. Do these and your thoughts on it? Anyway, a really helpful video as ever.
Greetings dear John I REALLY need help in the form of advice from audiophilic or from the audio professional. What is the most "CLEAN" sounding, or "TRANSPARENT" or "true sounding" speakers in the world? I need a true reference speaker. With the FLATTEST response ever! PLEASE, help me!
Average people: spotify Rich people: spotify and tidal Actual audiophiles: spotify, tidal ( sometimes apple music), and a dedicated app for on-device music
Compared to XM4 not XM3 surely ? Best explanation I've heard on the headphones. I've been using the Sony xm4 and there a little muddy. Are the XM7 the same ?
I used to have the B&W PX and then bought the Sony XM4. I was quite disappointed about quite a lot of things. The sound muddiness chiefly among these complaints. Second being the fact you can't use the Sonys while you're charging them (and given that I use them for work calls, this is pretty important for me). I also had some bluetooth connectivity issues(which I didn't expect since no review mentioned such issues). Anyway, long story short, I bought the B&W PX7 and I was blown away. They're better than B&W PX in every single way. Compared to the PX, The PX7 is more comfy, much better bluetooth connectivity, better anc (comparable to the Sonys XM4 even though not exactly as good), better sound, better battery life, less weight, etc. I can't really compare them fully to the XM4 since I only owned those for a week or so. But in my opinion the PX7 has significantly better sound (more dynamic, better separation, etc). Sonys are very comfortable and have better ANC. Their app is also better. But as written above, I had bluetooth connectivity issues with them. And the sound was too muddy coming from the PX. So for me the decision was simple, PX7 all the way. Sold the Sonys xm4 and the B&W PX and happy with my choice.
Hey John any chance of a review of the B&W Formation Duo speakers. Would be interested in your opinion, because most reviews say they are awesome, but I bought them and had them for 2 weeks and took them back.
I was about to do that with a pair of speakers I had bought. Since they were no better than the ones I replaced. But after a few weeks they finally were well burned in and sounded far better.
Sounds to me from your description that the B&W's are the more "HiFi". You didn't use the phrase but it seemed to me that they had more pace, rhythm and timing, as well as all the other stuff. Anyway, it didn't tell me what I wanted to know. I use PX's with a cable. Despite this, with NC on, SQ falls off a cliff. How do the PX7's compare in this specific regard?
Great review, really enjoyed it. I seem to read a lot about the app being poor. Lots of issues with connectivity and people finding updates sparse. Is this something you came across?
Mr John Darko,, I am a BIG fan of your work. I really admire the balance between true heavy audiophiles and average music enthusiast. Will you planing to do a material/comparaison to new bluetooth headphone market killer Philips Performance TAPH805BK? Price for this parameters is amazing. Really wish to know what you think about these with this and how it compares with Sony WH1000xm3. Thanks and all the best!
I don't like over ear phones. Nor do I ever intend to buy any. But I will click on J.D's video every time to see what he has to say about the product he reviews. He is THAT GOOD. Thank you John! Excellent, as always. One question...what are you doing with Diana's Airpods? Are you secretly dating her? LOL!
Ok, I'm an audio newbie for sure, but that bit that you went into about the bluetooth codec connection varying between listening devices sounds pretty freakin critical! Since no audio stores are opened right now bc of the coronavirus I've been watching a ton of reviews on headphones I'm interested in and NO ONE has articulated this detail! Which I'm sure must be at least part of the reason why there's such variance in terms of opinion on the sound of different wireless headphones. Thank you for sharing your knowledge good sir! Also, Bends all the way haha. Cheers
Great review thanks. I have the P7 wireless and just seen a good deal on the PX7 - lock-down impulse purchase ahead. Tried the Sony wf1000xm3's recently and whilst I couldn't fault them, they just weren't quite as engaging as I hoped (swapped for Cambridge Audio Melomania 1's btw) so looks like that lovely B&W sound is the way forward for me. Cheers.
Term premium in my view is used primarily by large corporate entities to describe their inferior products that folk take as a watermark of quality. Such as PREMIUM LAGER.
Mate so well presented. I have the old B&W P7W and they're great quality. Looking for an upgrade and I'm still undecided. Will probably try the PX7 on 30 day trial. Thanks for the review.
