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.
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High-end French audio brand Focal has launched new reference headphones, the Clear Mg. Designed for Hi-Fi enthusiasts and discerning music lovers, these new open-back home cans represent four years of research and development into an all new magnesium dome design for the 40mm speaker drivers used in the Clear Mg. This new alloy is saidContinue Reading
Huawei has introduced its latest wireless earbuds, the FreeBuds 4i, which boast class leading battery life – ten hours on a full charge – plus Active Noise Cancellation for everyday use. Alongside regulation Ceramic White and Carbon Crystal Black editions, there will also be a fashionable Honey Red model exclusively from the Huawei website. WhenContinue Reading
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.
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.
Bang & Olufsen plays to win with Beoplay Portal gaming headphones, stylish wireless cans for Xbox
Gaming is getting a style upgrade with the launch of Beoplay Portal, the first wireless gaming headphones from Bang & Olufsen. Developed as part of the Designed for Xbox program, the headphones are optimised for use with Xbox Series X and Xbox One, using the Xbox Wireless protocol, ensuring a high bandwidth, low latency connection. Continue Reading
Wired for sound: French Hi-Fi specialist Focal wows with reference Clear Mg home headphones
High-end French audio brand Focal has launched new reference headphones, the Clear Mg. Designed for Hi-Fi enthusiasts and discerning music lovers, these new open-back home cans represent four years of research and development into an all new magnesium dome design for the 40mm speaker drivers used in the Clear Mg. This new alloy is saidContinue Reading
My buds will go on and on: Huawei wireless FreeBuds 4i offer titanic battery life
Huawei has introduced its latest wireless earbuds, the FreeBuds 4i, which boast class leading battery life – ten hours on a full charge – plus Active Noise Cancellation for everyday use. Alongside regulation Ceramic White and Carbon Crystal Black editions, there will also be a fashionable Honey Red model exclusively from the Huawei website. WhenContinue Reading
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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