Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2 Wireless Headphones

This review is based on just a few hours experience because my headphones are now put away for Christmas! My impressions so far are that these are pretty remarkable. I listen to almost all types of music, from classical, through jazz, to popular music and world music and they all seem to be handled well. At this price point I take it for granted that the technical reproduction will be outstanding - what sets these headphones apart for me compared with almost all the others I tried out is their sheer emotional musicality. That for me is the most impressive thing about them.

I wasn’t able to listen to a pair before buying them, but Doug Brady HiFi had a pair of PX7 S3 to try. I compared these in the shop with the Focal Bathys - though the Focals were a little more detailed and precise, for me they lacked the vital emotional musical glow of the Bowers & Wilkins. I took a chance and bought the new PX8 S2 - I wondered if they would be significantly better than the cheaper PX7, and once I tried them at home I can say they definitely are to my ears. I’m very happy I spent the extra amount on them.

The noise cancelling feature on these phones is not 100% perfect - perfection has been sacrificed slightly, I believe, in favour of musical quality. To be honest though it is good enough to kill the sound from the tv in my living room, which is as much as I need. It really depends on what is wanted.

I was very pleased with the service from Doug Brady HiFi. They provided everything I needed for an audition of gear in very pleasant and relaxed surroundings. It was disappointing I couldn’t try out the PX8 s2 in the shop, but that is understandable given that they are such a new model. The PX7 s3 was a good alternative, sharing a close family resemblance with the 8s.