Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e headphones review

The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e, being the first in a series, is not your run-of-the-mill budget noise-cancelling headset. Compared to higher-end models, “junior” headphones often have fewer features and use poorer-quality materials, which is reflected in their significantly cheaper price. Unfortunately, the Px7 S2e headphones cost £379, which is comparable to the prices of other popular mass market flagship models. So, how precisely is the money being spent?

The Px7 S2e is visually and tactilely similar to the Px8, the company’s flagship model, to a greater extent. Bowers & Wilkins stands out from many of its popular pricing rivals thanks to its expert product design and meticulous attention to detail, which is comparable to that of other well-known brands. Even with this budget model, you can expect top-notch engineering; but, it lacks the expensive materials and meticulous craftsmanship of its more expensive sibling, which is sure to disappoint even the pickiest of listeners. https://headphonis.com/

Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e headphones review introduction

Even by the norms of the rapidly expanding wireless headphone market, this is the second iteration of the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 series in 18 months. There aren’t many companies who update their entry-level models as often as Px7, and the latest iteration, the S2e, is said to be an upgraded version. The updated model is identical to the previous one in terms of weight and battery life (30 hours), but it has a re-tuned acoustic architecture and 24-bit DSP that were first created for the Px8 to handle high-quality audio signals.

In addition to the interior upgrades, the S2e expands the colour palette to include forest green (shown). Bowers & Wilkins’ website still lists the Px7 S2 in the classic black, blue, and grey colours, in addition to the new option. The headphones come with a carrying bag that zips up, and they have charging and digital audio connections that go to USB-C. Analogue sources can be connected to the built-in 24-bit DAC via a 3.5mm socket to USB-C cable.

Affordable elegance

Despite not having a brushed alloy frame or embossed branding like B&W’s flagship, the Px7 S2e is incredibly well-made and has an incredibly classy and elegant feel, which I really like. Compared to other mass market headphones in the same price range, which tend to seem dull and plasticky, the Px7 S2e’s fabric and metal frame make them look like the most premium option.

However, there are a few concessions. They lack the variety of added features found in more popular designs at the same price point, but whether or not this is a dealbreaker for you depends on your specific requirements.

To begin, Bowers & Wilkins has chosen to use physical buttons for playback and functions, even though the majority of noise-cancelling headphones now include touch controls. That is actually beneficial, though it may appear strange in today’s touch-controlled society. In contrast to the tap/touch capabilities on certain models, I like the physical buttons’ satisfying tactile feel while activating the playback controls.

The majority of the Px7 S2e’s playback controls—including power, pairing, play/pause, and volume up/down—are located on the right earcup’s edge. One button on the left earcup activates noise cancellation, and another can be assigned to use the Bowers & Wilkins Music app’s Voice Assistant for control. Speaking of which, there are three modes for noise cancellation: “on,” “pass-through,” and “off.” You can even customise the bass and treble levels to your liking. The Music app also has integrations with Tidal Connect and Qobuz, so users can access all of their music subscriptions in one convenient spot on their smartphone.

The Intelligent Playback Control wear detection technology from Bowers & Wilkins is available with three sensitivity levels: low, medium, and high. When I initially took the headphones off my head in the middle of a song, the technology was really turned off, and the headphones kept playing on my desk. Even while switching headphones during the audition process effectively halted playback, there was frequently a lag of a few seconds before the sensors picked up on the fact that the headphones were back on my head and playback started again, even when I set the sensitivity to low.

When comparing the Px7 S2e to other brands in the same price range, I found that the clamping force was noticeably higher.

Performance

I had a great experience with the ‘e’ version on my train travels, and there’s no mention of any improvements to the noise-cancelling tech compared to the PX7 S2. Thanks to the hybrid ANC system’s four active mics, I was able to tune out the bustle of the train and concentrate on my music. While noise cancellation is great, it won’t compare to the absolute silence that some of the top ANC headphones on the market can provide for the price.

Having said that, knowing that ANC is a practical and useful tool that doesn’t interfere with the music sound in any way whatsoever will be more significant to consumers of the Px7 S2e.

The improved digital signal processing (DSP) and 40 mm dynamic drivers create an expansive soundstage that captivates listeners of all musical styles. Surprisingly, the Px7 S2e sound is very similar to my Bowers & Wilkins Px8 headphones.

The Px8 has been a helpful performance benchmark for evaluating competitors since its inception in 2022, and I’ve been using it since then. Due to their shared aural heritage, the two models sound identical and provide an exciting, lifelike experience throughout the whole frequency spectrum. I’d say the Px8 sounds slightly more nimble than the Px7 S2e, but for £220 less, you get a really agile and engaging instrument.

No sacrifice

I adore how these headphones enhance my fave Tidal playlists when I connect them wirelessly by Bluetooth 5.2 to my Sony Xperia 1 IV, which supports aptX Adaptive. I feel like I’m sitting in a real music hall listening to orchestral tunes because of the impressive soundstage presence. Movie scores, such as Hans Zimmer’s Time from my favourite film of all time, Inception, and Ryuichi Sakamato’s The Revenant Main Theme, are so entrancing that I find it impossible to focus on anything other than listening to the music and appreciating its many layered soundscape.

Consider the Px7 S2e headphones an absolute must-have if you’re a bass-heavy music lover. There is a seductive richness to the low frequencies, yet they are very tight. Because each beat begins and ends precisely at the designated times, the bass notes never droop.

Whenever I listen to my favourite bass tracks—”Royals” by Lorde, “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish, and “Dangerous” by Big Data/Joywave—I feel the same level of excitement. Curiously, it manages to provide these thundering beats without straining at all or losing any of the subtlety in the low or mid-bass. There aren’t many headphones in its price range that can compete with the Px7 S2e’s degree of excitement and involvement.

At moments, I had the impression that the depth of the bass was drowning out the higher frequencies and the presence of the singer. Playing Kate Bush’s Dream of Sheep with the bass and treble levels down demonstrates the well-balanced sound, which provides an immersive experience with lyrical depth and a mesmerising portrayal of various singers and recordings.

In summary

So that it could compete with the exploding number of feature-laden pricing rivals, I had negotiated for more features to be included in this “improved” version of the famous Bowers & Wilkins headphones, such as improved noise-cancelling performance and more facilities. However, Bowers & Wilkins is maximising its capabilities in the Px7 S2e. If the quality of the music’s sound is more important to you than additional features and customisation options, this is the best sub-£400 headphone you can buy.

Ideal for…

For people who value style and want a wireless headphone that prioritises providing top-notch sound while on the go, these are the headphones for you.

Consider…

Consider how often you’ll be wearing them, the surface area you’ll be covering, and whether you’d prefer them without the adaptive features and slightly stronger clamping force than competing brands.