We’ve had an early listen to the very best headphones Bowers & Wilkins can offer and hang the cost – and we like them a lot.
Rarely does a set of flagship headphones on a coffee table induce double-takes across the TechRadar team, but then, the B&W PX8 is no regular flagship headphone – and Bowers & Wilkins is no regular audio outfit.
It would be easy on paper to regard the new PX8 as spruced up versions of the recently-released PX7 S2, but Bowers & Wilkins chose to stagger the releases and focus on each as very distinct, separate beasts – and now, we know why.
Ah-inducing looks aside, the star of the show here is actually the driver configuration, because the PX8 differ from any B&W cans that have gone before it. And oh… can we hear the difference.
But look at us getting ahead of ourselves! As a little precursor to our full star-rated review, what follows is our initial thoughts on the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 wireless over-ear headphones for build, features, price and of course sound quality.
(Spoiler alert: it’s good news.)
The Bowers & Wilkins PX8 are available from September 28. So if you’re reading this, they’re out now!
Prices? Naturally. £599 / €699 / $699 / AU$1150.
We know, but this is flagship B&W territory remember. Yes, that makes them more expensive than the Apple AirPods Max. But although it’s too soon to say for sure, we think they’re worth it…
First things first: these cans look and feel utterly glorious. The classy tan colorway is a new venture for B&W and one we like very much indeed.
These are headphones you’ll want to be seen in. Their ideal environment might be a business-class flight to Milan or the Maldives. The build here is all die-cast aluminum arms, diamond-cut bright metal detailing and Nappa leather trim. Think all that metal means they’ll be heavy? Actually no – the weight is perfect for us. While they feel secure, there’s no overly strong clamping force either.
But the big star is one that can’t be seen – except when you’ve got a photo of it, as we have.
