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.
Campfire Audio has unveiled the Chimera, a new flagship in-ear monitor that combines four distinct driver technologies within a single design. Hand-built in Portland, Oregon, the luxury earphones bring together a dynamic driver, balanced armatures, electrostatic tweeters and, for the first time in a Campfire Audio product, a bone-conduction driver. The idea is to deliver…
The 1000X The Collexion is the most indulgent headphone yet from Sony. Crafted in celebration of its award-winning, and best-selling, WH-1000XM series, and marking a decade of the brand’s flagship wireless line, the 1000X has been created with the sole aim of delivering Sony’s most engaging headphone experience yet. But has it succeeded? Certainly, the…
Marshall’s latest on-ear headphones, the Milton A.N.C., will keep you rocking for days, offering 50 hours of playtime with active noise cancelling engaged, and a remarkable 80 hours without. Clearly designed for life on the road, their durable, foldable design holds its shape no matter how it’s packed, while memory foam ear cushions ensure comfort…
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.
Campfire Audio unveils ultra-premium bone-conducting Chimera in-ear monitors
Campfire Audio has unveiled the Chimera, a new flagship in-ear monitor that combines four distinct driver technologies within a single design. Hand-built in Portland, Oregon, the luxury earphones bring together a dynamic driver, balanced armatures, electrostatic tweeters and, for the first time in a Campfire Audio product, a bone-conduction driver. The idea is to deliver…
Sony 1000X The Collexion headphone review: Luxurious comfort, premium styling, yacht rock sound
The 1000X The Collexion is the most indulgent headphone yet from Sony. Crafted in celebration of its award-winning, and best-selling, WH-1000XM series, and marking a decade of the brand’s flagship wireless line, the 1000X has been created with the sole aim of delivering Sony’s most engaging headphone experience yet. But has it succeeded? Certainly, the…
Feature-packed Marshall Milton A.N.C. headphones have more stamina than Mick Jagger
Marshall’s latest on-ear headphones, the Milton A.N.C., will keep you rocking for days, offering 50 hours of playtime with active noise cancelling engaged, and a remarkable 80 hours without. Clearly designed for life on the road, their durable, foldable design holds its shape no matter how it’s packed, while memory foam ear cushions ensure comfort…
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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