Does the headphone jungle have a new king? Bowers & Wilkins has launched the Px8 S2, its latest flagship wireless headphone, said to set a fresh benchmark for performance, design and comfort in the premium over-ear category.
The Px8 S2 replaces the original Px8, first launched in 2022, and has been re-engineered to deliver what the brand calls its “best headphone yet.”
Intended as both a reference-grade solution for home listening and a high performance travel companion, it features a slimmer profile than its predecessor, improved comfort for longer listening, and a more compact carry case.
Luxurious Nappa leather earpads, combined with an aluminium arm mechanism and exposed cabling, signal its high-end positioning. Both the ear cushions and the headband are replaceable by service engineers.
The Px8 S2 is available in Onyx Black or Warm Stone.
Luxurious Nappa leather earpads, combined with an aluminium arm mechanism and exposed cabling, signal its high-end positioning…
Features and innovations
At the heart of the Px8 S2 are 40mm Carbon Cone drive units, an evolution of the technology used in the much lauded Px7 S3. The new drivers are powered by a dedicated amplifier and mounted at precise angles to optimise stereo imaging and reduce distortion.
Wireless support extends to aptX Adaptive 24/96 and aptX Lossless, for high-res playback from Amazon Music, Qobuz and Tidal. Wired listening comes via USB-C and 3.5mm analogue, with both cables supplied.
Noise cancellation has also been refined, says the brand, courtesy of an eight-microphone array; two monitoring driver output, four measuring external noise, and two dedicated to call quality. For the latter, Bowers & Wilkins’ ADI Pure Voice processing improves clarity even in noisy environments.
Battery life is rated at 30 hours with ANC active, with a 15-minute charge providing up to seven hours of playback.
Control is available via the Bowers & Wilkins Music app, which now includes a five-band EQ, complete with the option to store preferred settings as accessible presets, alongside noise-cancelling and transparency settings.
The British audio specialist also provides a True Sound mode, which represents the preferred sonic tuning selected by the acoustic team at B&W’s Southwater Research Establishment (SRE).
Looking ahead, buyers can expect over-the-air updates that bring spatial audio support and Bluetooth LE Audio with Auracast.
Available now, the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 sells for £629 ($799 / €729).
Main points at a glance: Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 headphones
Bowers & Wilkins launches Px8 S2, its new flagship wireless over-ear headphones.
Features 40mm Carbon Cone drivers with redesigned chassis, voice coil, suspension and magnet for higher resolution and lower distortion.
Includes a dedicated headphone amplifier for improved scale, energy, and detail.
Supports aptX Adaptive 24/96 and aptX Lossless for high-resolution streaming from Amazon Music, Qobuz, Tidal and more.
Backed by Bowers & Wilkins-developed DSP for 24-bit/96kHz playback.
Active Noise Cancellation with eight microphones, including ADI Pure Voice tech for clearer calls.
30 hours battery life with ANC on; 15-minute charge equals seven hours playback.
Controlled via Bowers & Wilkins Music app, with adjustable five-band EQ or True Sound mode.
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The Luxe Review 
Does the headphone jungle have a new king? Bowers & Wilkins has launched the Px8 S2, its latest flagship wireless headphone, said to set a fresh benchmark for performance, design and comfort in the premium over-ear category.
The Px8 S2 replaces the original Px8, first launched in 2022, and has been re-engineered to deliver what the brand calls its “best headphone yet.”
Intended as both a reference-grade solution for home listening and a high performance travel companion, it features a slimmer profile than its predecessor, improved comfort for longer listening, and a more compact carry case.
Luxurious Nappa leather earpads, combined with an aluminium arm mechanism and exposed cabling, signal its high-end positioning. Both the ear cushions and the headband are replaceable by service engineers.
The Px8 S2 is available in Onyx Black or Warm Stone.
Features and innovations
At the heart of the Px8 S2 are 40mm Carbon Cone drive units, an evolution of the technology used in the much lauded Px7 S3. The new drivers are powered by a dedicated amplifier and mounted at precise angles to optimise stereo imaging and reduce distortion.
Wireless support extends to aptX Adaptive 24/96 and aptX Lossless, for high-res playback from Amazon Music, Qobuz and Tidal. Wired listening comes via USB-C and 3.5mm analogue, with both cables supplied.
Noise cancellation has also been refined, says the brand, courtesy of an eight-microphone array; two monitoring driver output, four measuring external noise, and two dedicated to call quality. For the latter, Bowers & Wilkins’ ADI Pure Voice processing improves clarity even in noisy environments.
Battery life is rated at 30 hours with ANC active, with a 15-minute charge providing up to seven hours of playback.
Control is available via the Bowers & Wilkins Music app, which now includes a five-band EQ, complete with the option to store preferred settings as accessible presets, alongside noise-cancelling and transparency settings.
The British audio specialist also provides a True Sound mode, which represents the preferred sonic tuning selected by the acoustic team at B&W’s Southwater Research Establishment (SRE).
Looking ahead, buyers can expect over-the-air updates that bring spatial audio support and Bluetooth LE Audio with Auracast.
Available now, the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 sells for £629 ($799 / €729).
Main points at a glance: Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 headphones
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