We don’t have to tell you headphones have evolved well beyond mere audio devices. They’re now appreciated as much for their fashionability as their aural capabilities. It makes sense – worn over the head or around your neck, they’re pretty conspicuous. And who wants to wear something that detracts from your style while commuting or walking about? That explains why luxury audio brands like Bowers & Wilkins commit to refreshing color options as much as specs, as is the case with the newly unveiled Px8 noise cancelling wireless headphone dressed in a sophisticated colorway of Royal Burgundy Nappa leather and gold detailing.
We haven’t had experience yet with the Px8, but noting our affinity for the previous Px7 S2, we’re not going out on a limb believing the brand’s 2023 flagship wireless headphone will deliver anything less than optimal clarity, prime choices in materials, and long-wearing comfort characteristics of its predecessor.
The Px8 houses six microphones to improve the headphone’s noise cancellation and voice call performance.
In fact – and unsurprisingly – Bowers & Wilkins states the Px8 is engineered to “surpasses the high bar set by the Px7 S2.” This upgraded performance is credited to the Px8’s angled 40mm Carbon Cone drive units based upon technologies derived from the audio brand’s reference-quality loudspeakers. Throw in Bowers & Wilkins-developed DSP (Digital Signal Processing), the secret sauce that seasons these cans to deliver its specific 24-bit high-resolution B&W flavored sound, and the Px8s should sound as indulgent as they look/feel.
This new Royal Burgundy and Gold finish joins two other black or tan color options. What all three Px8 models share is their single cast-aluminum arm structure, arcing down to the ears, then punctuated by a diamond-cut bright edge across each elliptical logo plate. The combination of materials and colors make these Px8 headphones one of the more sophisticated headphone options from an aesthetic standpoint, perhaps snapping away the “crown” we anointed its more affordable sibling with.
The ear cups are outfitted with memory foam cushions, and the headband should rest comfortably thanks to its soft, luxurious Nappa leather.
The British brand has also upgraded all of their Px8 headphones on the inside, updating the headphone’s acoustic personality, turning up response while reducing distortion throughout the frequency range for more natural sounding playback.
Bower & Wilkins Px8 is available in Black, Tan, and Royal Burgundy for $699, joining a special McLaren and 007 editions (+$100 premium).
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