High-end Hi-Fi outfit Bowers & Wilkins has launched its first True Wireless earbuds. The PI7 and PI5 enjoy a predictably premium design and support high-res audio and noise cancelling.
Both look impressive, but it’s the high-spec PI7 model, which features an advanced driver configuration and a cool new wireless audio retransmission feature via its Smartcase, which has really caught our attention.
Available in either white or charcoal finishes, both new True Wireless models use Qualcomm aptX Adaptive which supports high-resolution audio.
The flagship PI7 model adds 24-bit/48kHz wireless transmission between each earbud, ensuring 24-bit hi-res audio from source to each earbud.
The PI7 employs a 9.2mm bespoke Bowers & Wilkins drive unit, joined by a high-frequency ‘balanced armature’ driver, with each of the four drive units in the system (two in each earbud) actively driven by its own amplifier.
This Dual Hybrid Drive headphone system is said to work just like high-performance loudspeakers, says the manufacturer, and ensures exceptional control, dynamics and deep bass.
The PI7 also features Adaptive Noise Cancellation, which automatically adapts in real-time to its surroundings to produce the best listening experience. This ANC system is driven by six microphones, three in each earbud, for phone call clarity.
The PI7’s Dual Hybrid Drive headphone system is said to work just like high performance loudspeakers…
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 feature a Dual Hybrid Drive system
The cheaper PI5, which uses TWS+ technology for earbud-to-earbud synchronisation, is built around a single Bowers drive unit, and supports CD-quality playback via aptX from compatible devices. It also has user-selectable noise- cancelling, with an ambient pass-through mode, courtesy of twin built-in microphones.
Developed by the same team behind Bowers & Wilkins world renowned 800 Series Diamond loudspeakers, as used by Abbey Road Studios, both models can be configured using the Bowers & Wilkins companion app, and have a one-button user interface, coupled to voice assistant support via either Siri or Google Assistant.
So far, so impressive. The caveat is conspicuously short battery life. In full flight, the PI5 runs for four and a half hours before it requires a recharge, with four hours for the PI7. Their respective charging cases offer up to four full recharges.
By way of comparison, Panasonic’s RZ-S500W and RZ-S300W boast 6.5 and 7.5 hours of playtime respectively. Doubtless, the designers will argue higher performance demands more juice.
Uniquely though, the PI7 Smart charging case can connect to an external audio source, such as an in-flight entertainment system, by 3.5mm or USB cable and then wirelessly retransmit audio from that source to the earbuds.
This innovation gives the PI7 an edge over rival True Wireless earbuds which typically can’t be used with in-flight entertainment systems. Bowers & Wilkins PI5 and PI7 True Wireless earbuds sell for £199 and £349 respectively.
High-end headphone design rarely strays far from established norms, but Écoute Audio is taking a different route with its TH1. These £900 wireless headphones attempt something unusual: translating the architecture of classic audiophile Hi-Fi into a wearable form. At first glance, they look like a premium pair of over-ears. Look closer, and it becomes clear…
Brooklyn-based manufacturer Grado Labs has released a fourth addition to its acclaimed Signature headphone line. The Signature S550 arrives with an emphasis on musical warmth and long-session comfort, wrapped in distinctive Grado style. At the heart of the new Signature S550 is a 50mm dynamic driver, known internally as the S2. Rather than introducing an…
Sony has begun shipping the WF-1000XM6, the latest generation of its flagship true wireless noise-cancelling earbuds. Evolutionary rather than revolutionary, the new model builds on a lineage that has become closely associated with premium design, advanced noise reduction and a focus on sound quality, shaped by professional studio expertise. A direct successor to the WF-1000XM5,…
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.
The Luxe Review 
High-end Hi-Fi outfit Bowers & Wilkins has launched its first True Wireless earbuds. The PI7 and PI5 enjoy a predictably premium design and support high-res audio and noise cancelling.
Both look impressive, but it’s the high-spec PI7 model, which features an advanced driver configuration and a cool new wireless audio retransmission feature via its Smartcase, which has really caught our attention.
Available in either white or charcoal finishes, both new True Wireless models use Qualcomm aptX Adaptive which supports high-resolution audio.
The flagship PI7 model adds 24-bit/48kHz wireless transmission between each earbud, ensuring 24-bit hi-res audio from source to each earbud.
The PI7 employs a 9.2mm bespoke Bowers & Wilkins drive unit, joined by a high-frequency ‘balanced armature’ driver, with each of the four drive units in the system (two in each earbud) actively driven by its own amplifier.
This Dual Hybrid Drive headphone system is said to work just like high-performance loudspeakers, says the manufacturer, and ensures exceptional control, dynamics and deep bass.
The PI7 also features Adaptive Noise Cancellation, which automatically adapts in real-time to its surroundings to produce the best listening experience. This ANC system is driven by six microphones, three in each earbud, for phone call clarity.
The cheaper PI5, which uses TWS+ technology for earbud-to-earbud synchronisation, is built around a single Bowers drive unit, and supports CD-quality playback via aptX from compatible devices. It also has user-selectable noise- cancelling, with an ambient pass-through mode, courtesy of twin built-in microphones.
Developed by the same team behind Bowers & Wilkins world renowned 800 Series Diamond loudspeakers, as used by Abbey Road Studios, both models can be configured using the Bowers & Wilkins companion app, and have a one-button user interface, coupled to voice assistant support via either Siri or Google Assistant.
So far, so impressive. The caveat is conspicuously short battery life. In full flight, the PI5 runs for four and a half hours before it requires a recharge, with four hours for the PI7. Their respective charging cases offer up to four full recharges.
By way of comparison, Panasonic’s RZ-S500W and RZ-S300W boast 6.5 and 7.5 hours of playtime respectively. Doubtless, the designers will argue higher performance demands more juice.
Uniquely though, the PI7 Smart charging case can connect to an external audio source, such as an in-flight entertainment system, by 3.5mm or USB cable and then wirelessly retransmit audio from that source to the earbuds.
This innovation gives the PI7 an edge over rival True Wireless earbuds which typically can’t be used with in-flight entertainment systems.
Bowers & Wilkins PI5 and PI7 True Wireless earbuds sell for £199 and £349 respectively.
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High-end headphone design rarely strays far from established norms, but Écoute Audio is taking a different route with its TH1. These £900 wireless headphones attempt something unusual: translating the architecture of classic audiophile Hi-Fi into a wearable form. At first glance, they look like a premium pair of over-ears. Look closer, and it becomes clear…
Grado Signature S550 open-back headphones boast big drivers and Brazilian Walnut housing
Brooklyn-based manufacturer Grado Labs has released a fourth addition to its acclaimed Signature headphone line. The Signature S550 arrives with an emphasis on musical warmth and long-session comfort, wrapped in distinctive Grado style. At the heart of the new Signature S550 is a 50mm dynamic driver, known internally as the S2. Rather than introducing an…
Enhanced noise cancelling and fresh design distinguish studio-tuned Sony WF-1000XM6 earbuds
Sony has begun shipping the WF-1000XM6, the latest generation of its flagship true wireless noise-cancelling earbuds. Evolutionary rather than revolutionary, the new model builds on a lineage that has become closely associated with premium design, advanced noise reduction and a focus on sound quality, shaped by professional studio expertise. A direct successor to the WF-1000XM5,…
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.
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