The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 headphones have officially landed, keeping the luxury audio crowd in their sights. Priced at €729, the new flagship doesn’t reinvent its predecessor’s silhouette but refines it in key ways. The focus? Better comfort, sharper ANC, and a feature-packed audio arsenal built for high-end ears.
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 leans into hardware refinement
From the outside, not much has changed. The Px8 S2 keeps the same sleek shell but trims a little off the frame for a slimmer fit. Internally, though, it’s been reworked. The 40mm carbon fiber drivers are still here, but they’re now paired with an upgraded chassis, improved magnets, and a fresh suspension system. Together, this helps push distortion even lower.
A new amplifier and revised DSP give the headphones more control over audio processing. The result? Cleaner playback, tighter bass, and improved clarity, even at high volumes.
Spatial Audio and Auracast widen the soundstage
Spatial Audio arrives in the Px8 S2 as expected, using Bowers & Wilkins’ proprietary decoding tech, the same approach found in the Px7 S3. It’s not head-tracking based, but it still offers a broader, immersive feel that plays well with cinematic and orchestral content.
Later, Auracast and LC3 codec support will be unlocked via an over-the-air update. That’s a nod toward the future of Bluetooth audio and a clear sign B&W isn’t playing catch-up.
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 improves call quality and ANC tech
Active noise cancellation gets a solid upgrade. The Px8 had six microphones; the Px8 S2 bumps that to eight, rearranged for smarter capture and better voice isolation. On calls, the headphones lean on ADI PureVoice tech, giving you a cleaner signal even in noisy environments.
Here’s what stands out in the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2:
- 8-mic ANC system for tighter noise control
- Spatial Audio support for immersive playback
- aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless audio codecs
- Future-ready with LC3 and Auracast (via update)
- 5-band EQ + True Sound mode via app
- 30-hour battery with 7-hour boost from a 15-minute charge
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 doesn’t cut corners on battery or app features
Battery life remains at 30 hours with ANC on, unchanged from the Px8, but still competitive. A 15-minute top-up gives you 7 more hours, and that’s a welcome touch for travelers or commuters.
As for tuning, the Bowers & Wilkins Music app gives full control over a 5-band equalizer. Want a more natural signature? Switch off the EQ and go straight into True Sound mode for untouched playback.
Px8 S2 aims for precision, not flash
There’s no wild redesign here, no gimmicks. The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 focuses on polishing what already worked, while slipping in just enough next-gen support to stay ahead of the curve. It won’t be for everyone, but for audiophiles chasing detail, the signal is loud and clear.
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