Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 beige
Specifications and features
Overview
The Px8 S2 embodies the culmination of decades of acoustic research at Bowers & Wilkins, combining premium materials, cutting-edge technologies, and remarkable audio performance. This wireless on-ear headphone blends 40 mm carbon dynamic drivers, a sophisticated 8-microphone active noise cancellation system, and revolutionary aptX Lossless technology to deliver music reproduction with striking precision. With its 30-hour battery life, aluminum construction, and customizable 5-band equalizer, this flagship model sets new standards in the world of premium headphones.
Advanced acoustic architecture with carbon drivers
The technological core of the Px8 S2 lies in its two 40 mm dynamic drivers fitted with pure carbon diaphragms. This technology, directly inherited from the brand’s high-fidelity loudspeakers, represents a significant evolution over traditional diaphragms. Carbon offers a unique combination of lightness and rigidity, enabling exceptional transient speed while minimizing harmonic distortion, particularly in the reproduction of high frequencies and the most subtle micro-details.
The acoustic architecture benefits from a high-performance digital signal processor (DSP) coupled with a dedicated amplifier and digital-to-analog converter. This sophisticated system enables a true 24-bit audio connection, ensuring maximum signal resolution from source to drivers. The built-in 5-band parametric equalizer offers extensive customization of the sound signature, complemented by the TrueSound mode which disables all processing for a pure, unaltered rendering of the original signal.
The ear cups integrate precisely calculated resonance chambers to eliminate standing waves and unwanted coloration. The closed on-ear design ensures effective passive isolation, reinforced by generously sized memory foam earpads. This comprehensive architecture achieves extended dynamics, natural imaging, and sonic transparency typically reserved for professional monitoring systems.
8-microphone noise reduction system and ADI Pure Voice algorithm
The Px8 S2 deploys a sophisticated configuration of 8 microphones—4 per earcup—to analyze and process the acoustic environment with remarkable precision. This architecture enables particularly effective active noise cancellation (ANC), capable of neutralizing unwanted frequencies without compromising musical quality. The microphones are strategically positioned: some capture external noise for feedforward cancellation, others measure the internal signal for feedback control, thereby creating an optimal bubble of silence.
The ADI Pure Voice algorithm, developed specifically to optimize vocal clarity during calls, leverages this array of microphones to precisely isolate the user’s voice. This technology analyzes the vocal spectrum in real time, actively suppresses wind noise, echoes, and ambient sounds, and ensures crystal-clear conversations even in the noisiest environments. The intelligent processing differentiates the human voice from other sounds, applying selective suppression that preserves the naturalness and intelligibility of speech.
Transparency mode keeps you aware of your surroundings without removing the headphones, using external microphones to faithfully relay ambient sounds. This feature is particularly useful on public transport or during social interactions, allowing you to switch instantly between total isolation and openness to the outside world via the headphones’ intuitive controls.
Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity with revolutionary aptX Lossless
The Px8 S2’s Bluetooth 5.3 module integrates aptX Lossless for the first time, enabling truly lossless transmission of CD-quality audio files. This major innovation ensures that no data is lost during encoding and decoding, delivering fidelity equivalent to a wired connection for compatible sources. The codec adapts dynamically to radio conditions, maintaining the highest possible quality at every moment.
Multipoint compatibility lets you connect two devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch between music listening and business calls. The headphones support a wide range of codecs: aptX Adaptive for optimally adaptive quality, aptX HD for high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/48 kHz, aptX Classic for broad compatibility, AAC for the Apple ecosystem, and SBC to ensure universal connection with any Bluetooth device.
Apple MFi Made for iPhone and Google Fast Pair certifications ensure seamless integration with leading mobile ecosystems. Pairing is instantaneous, battery notifications display natively, and voice assistants Siri or Google Assistant are accessible directly from the headphone controls. The USB-C port serves not only for charging but also as a digital audio interface, turning the Px8 S2 into an external DAC for high-resolution wired listening from a computer.
Exceptional battery life and intelligent charging system
The Px8 S2’s battery delivers a remarkable 30 hours of continuous playback, even with active noise cancellation. This performance places the headphones among the absolute market references in terms of endurance, allowing several days of intensive use without recharging. Energy optimization of the DSP processor and the efficiency of the carbon drivers contribute to this exceptional battery life.
Fast-charging technology is a major advantage: 15 minutes of charging provides 7 hours of listening—ideal for unexpected trips or forgotten charges. The USB-C port, compatible with fast-charging standards, allows a full recharge in about 2 hours. The intelligent battery management system protects against overcharging and optimizes the longevity of the lithium-ion cells.
The supplied carrying case protects the headphones during transport while providing convenient storage space for cables. Two cables are included: a 1.2-meter USB-C to 3.5 mm stereo jack for wired listening from analog sources, and a USB-C to USB-C of the same length for charging and direct digital connection. This attention to practical details reflects Bowers & Wilkins’ premium approach.
Refined design and premium materials
Available in two elegant finishes—Onyx Black and Warm Stone—the Px8 S2 sports a sophisticated aesthetic that reflects its high-end nature. With a well-managed weight of 310 grams, the headphones strike the perfect balance between robustness and long-wearing comfort. The compact dimensions of the carrying pouch (177 mm x 60 mm x 234 mm) make daily transport easy without compromising protection.
The construction favors noble, durable materials, with a brushed aluminum structure that ensures rigidity and lightness. The hinges are designed to withstand thousands of manipulations while maintaining their precise fit. Memory foam earpads adapt perfectly to each user’s morphology, evenly distributing pressure for optimal comfort even after several hours of listening.
Ergonomics have been carefully refined, with intuitive controls accessible without looking and a headband adjustment system that’s smooth and precise. The clean design conceals remarkable technical sophistication, with every element optimized to contribute to overall sound quality while delivering a frictionless daily user experience.
What the press says
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 are premium wireless over-ear noise cancelling headphones.[...] They're built from premium materials and promise high-quality sound.[...] The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 have okay frequency response consistency.[...] But there are some unusually large deviations in the mid-range response.[...] With firmware update 1.4.0, Bowers & Wilkins added a spatial audio feature called True Immersion to the companion app. However, it's not particularly convincing.
Great looks, comfort and high fidelity sound aside, the Px8 S2 aren’t quite the all-rounders their predecessors were with an ANC performance that hasn’t improved and call quality that seems to be worse.[...] The sound, despite my quibbles, is a leap forward in terms of detail, resolution and bass power.[...] The True Immersion feature doesn’t hit the right notes but the addition of USB-C audio does, so we’re left with a headphone that’s a qualified success rather than an outright one.
Documentation
French
Technical specifications
Audio technologies
- High-performance digital signal processor with dedicated amplifier / digital-to-analog converter
- True 24-bit audio connection
- Customizable 5-band equalizer + TrueSound mode
- Speakers: 2 × ø 40 mm full-range dynamic with carbon diaphragm
- Active noise cancellation
Connectivity and codecs
- Bluetooth 5.3 with lossless aptX technology
- Multipoint connectivity
- Supported codecs: aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, classic aptX, AAC, SBC
- Apple MFi Made For iPhone support
- Google Fast Pair
Microphones and calls
- 8 microphones in total: 4 microphones per earcup
- ADI Pure Voice voice call quality algorithm
Battery life and charging
- Battery life: 30 hours of playback
- Fast charging: 15 minutes of charge for 7 hours of playback
- USB-C charging and audio interface
- Fast-charging support
Accessories
- USB-C to 3.5 mm stereo jack cable: 1.2 m
- USB-C to USB-C cable: 1.2 m
- Charging case
Physical specifications
- Type: on-ear noise-canceling headphones
- Headphone weight: 0.31 kg
- Case dimensions: 177 mm (W) × 60 mm (D) × 234 mm (H)
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between aptX Lossless and other Bluetooth codecs?
aptX Lossless transmits CD-quality audio (16-bit/44.1 kHz) with no data loss, unlike traditional codecs that compress the signal with loss. This means every bit of the original file is preserved during transmission, delivering quality identical to a wired connection. Other codecs, even high-resolution ones like aptX HD or LDAC, apply lossy compression that, while highly efficient, slightly alters the original signal.
How does the TrueSound mode mentioned in the specifications work?
TrueSound mode disables all DSP processing and equalization to deliver a completely neutral rendering of the audio signal. This function lets you hear the music exactly as it was mastered, without coloration or artificial enhancement. It’s the preferred option for purists and professionals seeking an absolute reference for critical listening or audio mixing.
Is the 5-band equalizer accessible without the mobile app?
The customizable equalizer requires the Bowers & Wilkins Music app for configuration. Once the settings are saved, they remain stored in the headphones even without an app connection. The headphones also offer factory presets accessible directly, but fine customization requires the app interface to precisely adjust each frequency band.
Does multipoint connectivity work with all devices?
Multipoint allows you to connect two Bluetooth sources simultaneously, typically a smartphone and a computer. The headphones automatically switch to the active device (the one playing audio). This feature is compatible with most modern Bluetooth devices, but some older devices may require manual disconnection to switch between sources.
- Eco-contribution of €0.06 included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: FP45373
- GTIN / EAN: 714346347728
