Our favorite wireless headphones of 2022 were the Focal Bathys and Bowers & Wilkins Px8, which made it nearly impossible to choose a winner. Our video analysis last year offered a breakdown of the the details.
For 2023, both companies have chosen to offer software enhancements to further “optimize tuning,” while also introducing a new colorway. The Dune Bathys arrived less than two weeks ago, and today the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 in Royal Burgundy Nappa leather hits the market. Both are priced the same at $699.
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 is the company’s flagship wireless noise cancelling headphone originally released in black or tan Nappa leather finishes, which remain available. Customers who already own a Px8 can simply install the latest firmware update via Bowers & Wilkins app, which was quietly released last month without any fanfare.
Premium Design
All three Px8 models continue to feature a single cast-aluminum arm structure that references Bowers & Wilkins’ signature design language, plus a diamond-cut bright edge on each elliptical logo plate. The earcups, memory-foam cushions and headband are all trimmed in soft, luxurious Nappa leather for the ultimate comfort and a premium feel.
Improved Sound
The Px8 delivers its award-winning sound thanks to ultra-high-performance 40mm Carbon Cone drive units, based on technologies cascaded from the brand’s reference-quality loudspeakers. It combines these with powerful Bowers & Wilkins-developed DSP (Digital Signal Processing) to deliver 24-bit high-resolution sound quality from leading streaming services.
The company claims the Px8’s revised acoustic tuning ensures even more detail, giving an unparalleled combination of ultra-fast response plus exceptionally low distortion throughout the frequency range. The result is resolution, realism and dynamics that surpasses the high bar set by both the Px7 S2 and the new Px7 S2e.
We have all models in-hand, so expect in-depth reviews and comparisons very soon.
Price & Availability
The new Bowers & Wilkins Px8 in Royal Burgundy is available today (September 27, 2023) for $699 at bowerswilkins.com, Amazon.com, Headphones.com and other select retailers.
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