A small classic of premium headphones, the PX7 model from Bowers & Wilkins holds, in many respects, the best models of its kind, such as Sony WH-1000Xm5 and Bose Headphones 700.
Almost three years after its official announcement, the model will experience a new iteration, soberly named PX7 S2.
Back to the future
Externally, the manufacturer allows itself to make a kind of small step back. Indeed, some specific points of the design are closer to the old PX model (predecessor of the PX7). The back of the hulls is now overflowing, and a metal border separates the hulls from the pads. The latter are also reworked and display a slightly more rectangular shape than before.
In terms of materials, the English manufacturer uses one of the innovations introduced with the PX7, namely a composite structure that mixes polymer and carbon fiber. The arch is also redesigned and is wider at the top of the head.
Like Apple, the brand still does not want to pass the touch screen. Thus, the PX7 S2 has a set of buttons, distributed at the back of the hulls (on the edges). On the left, a single button allows you to switch between the different noise reduction modes. On the right, a trio of navigation/volume buttons cohabit with the on/off/Bluetooth pairing switch. On this point, the layout is exactly the same as on the previous helmet. We can note that the central button (play / pause / navigation) is textured, with the aim of leaving a mark.
Unsurprisingly, the structure is still not foldable, it is only possible to rotate the ear cups flat. Conversely, a small change appears on the connection, since B&W abandons the 3.5 mm jack input and leaves only a USB-C input. However, the PX7 S2 can be used wired, either with a jack to USB-C cable (supplied), or USB-C to USB-C/USB-A. A new rigid transport shell is delivered with the helmet.
Technical on the rise
The technical part does not know any revolution either. Don’t expect Bluetooth LE Audio, even though B&W has always been ahead of the game when it comes to adopting new Bluetooth technologies. At least the new Bluetooth chip supports the most advanced Qualcomm codecs: AptX, AptX HD, AptX LL and AptX Adaptive, in addition to AAC and SBC. Next to that, the autonomy stagnates at 30 hours without ANC. The fast charge is in slight progress, since 15 minutes of charge allows an endurance of 7 hours (against 5 on the PX7).
When it comes to sound, Bowers & Wilkins once again relies on 40mm dynamic transducers with a biocellulose membrane. These have been improved over the generation before and are preceded by a new DSP (digital processing).
Will the improvements be enough to beat a headset like the Sony WH-1000Xm5? The Bowers & Wilkins is available from 430 euros. Three colors coexist: Black, Blue and Grey.
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Source: Bowers & Wilkins press release
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