In the rarefied air of high-fidelity audio, the launch of a new flagship product is always an event. Today, that event is the arrival of the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2. Building upon the critically acclaimed foundation of the 2022 Px8, the British audio specialist isn’t just iterating; it’s refining its vision for the ultimate portable listening experience. Priced at €729 (or $799 / £629), the Px8 S2 promises a significant leap in design, technology, and features, including improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), proprietary Spatial Audio processing, and future-proof support for the game-changing Auracast technology.
For audiophiles and discerning listeners, the question is simple: do these enhancements justify the premium? Let's dive into the details.
A Refined, Luxurious Design Built for Comfort
First impressions matter, and Bowers & Wilkins understands that luxury is as much about feel as it is about sound. The company claims the Px8 S2 is slimmer and more comfortable than its predecessor, a welcome evolution for long listening sessions. A key focus has been on the headband, which has been redesigned for improved durability without sacrificing the plush comfort users expect.
The materials scream premium. The headphones are swathed in soft Nappa leather, covering the memory foam earcups and the newly designed headband. The arms are crafted from precision-machined aluminum, ensuring a lightweight yet robust frame. This commitment to quality extends to longevity; owners will be able to purchase replacement earcups and headband cushions directly from Bowers & Wilkins, making the Px8 S2 a product built to last for years.
Under the Hood: Next-Generation Acoustic Engineering
Where the Px8 S2 truly aims to separate itself is in its acoustic heart. While they retain the custom-made 40mm carbon cone drivers found in the original Px8—a hallmark of B&W’s clear and dynamic sound signature—almost everything around them has been upgraded.
The new model features a new driver chassis, suspension, and magnet system. Coupled with a new dedicated headphone amplifier and Digital Signal Processor (DSP), Bowers & Wilkins promises even lower distortion and a purer, more precise sound. For wireless connectivity, the Px8 S2 supports high-resolution codecs including aptX Adaptive for seamless switching between quality and stability, and the coveted aptX Lossless for true CD-quality wireless audio.
Perhaps most intriguingly, B&W has announced that a future over-the-air (OTA) update will add support for the LC3 codec and Auracast. Auracast is a revolutionary Bluetooth feature that will allow you to broadcast your audio to an unlimited number of headphones—imagine sharing a movie on a plane or listening to the airport announcements silently, all through your own headphones.
Enhanced ANC and Call Clarity with Eight Microphones
A major upgrade comes in the form of improved Active Noise Cancellation. The Px8 S2 now boasts a total of eight microphones, up from six on the previous model. These mics have been strategically repositioned for better environmental sound capture, leading to more effective cancellation of low-frequency rumbles and chatter.
These additional microphones also play a key role in call quality. They work in concert with B&W’s advanced ADI PureVoice processing technology, which is designed to isolate speech and suppress background noise, ensuring your voice comes through clearly even in windy or noisy environments.
Immersive Soundscapes: Proprietary Spatial Audio
Following the lead of the Px7 S3, the Px8 S2 now includes support for Spatial Audio. However, Bowers & Wilkins is taking a proprietary approach. Instead of relying solely on standard Dolby Atmos or similar formats, the Px8 S2 uses its own bespoke decoding and processing technology to create a more immersive and convincing three-dimensional soundstage from compatible music and movie sources.
Control and Customization via the Bowers & Wilkins Music App
All features are managed through the comprehensive Bowers & Wilkins Music app. This is where users can install firmware updates (like the upcoming Auracast support), adjust the intuitive 5-band equalizer to tailor the sound profile, or simply switch to True Sound mode for the purist, unaltered audio experience as the engineers intended.
Battery life remains a solid 30 hours with ANC activated, matching the previous model. Fast charging is also supported, providing a generous 7 hours of playback from just a 15-minute charge. For storage, the headphones fold flat into a premium carrying case that includes dedicated space for the included USB-C to 3.5mm audio cable (for wired listening) and a USB-C to USB-C cable.
Pricing, Availability, and Final Thoughts
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 is positioned firmly at the top of the market. The new price of €729 (/$799/£629) represents a notable increase over the launch price of the original Px8, reflecting the substantial upgrades under the hood and in the design.
Available in two sophisticated finishes—Onyx Black and Warm Stone—the headphones are available for purchase directly from the manufacturer and through major retailers like Amazon.
The Px8 S2 appears to be more than a simple "S2" refresh. With its thoughtful design tweaks, serious hardware upgrades, and future-ready software features like Auracast, Bowers & Wilkins is not just keeping pace with the competition; it's aiming to redefine what a luxury pair of wireless headphones can be. For those for whom sound quality, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge features are paramount, the Px8 S2 makes a compelling case for being the new headphone to beat.
Ready to experience the sound? You can learn more and explore the technical details on the official Bowers & Wilkins website or check availability and current pricing on Amazon.
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