Matthew Jens listens to the very newest model of those standard noise-cancelling wi-fi telephones…
Bowers & Wilkins
PX7 S2e Over-ear Noise Cancelling Headphones
AUD $599 RRP
I’m the world’s largest Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 fan. For the reason that inception of the PX line, I’ve at all times appreciated the posh strategy the model has taken to its transportable noise-cancelling telephones. As an alternative of creating grim, plasticky, foldable journey companions that may disappear right into a bag, the British-born model has created a supremely comfy, aesthetically pleasing and stable providing that would seem extra at house in any flight’s enterprise (or first) class cabin.
This new advanced model (denoted by the E on the finish of the mannequin quantity) is a slight improve, however a welcome one. There is a new colourway, new tuning, and new DSP gadgetry. So, has B&W given the PX7 S2e sufficient of a makeover to warrant a brand new version being placed on cabinets?
Whereas Sennheiser has finished away with fancy stitching, premium supplies and svelte styling in its flagship Momentum 4 providing, Bowers & Wilkins has doubled down on the posh strategy. The identical leather-based pads, stitching, and lightweight weight stay – all of which have been a powerful drawcard for me for the unique PX7 S2 mannequin. But now, they arrive in a inexperienced color, too. Very like the colors that the unique S2 got here in, the paint has a clear matte end however remains to be vibrant sufficient to pop. It is neat and complicated and fits the headphones properly.
Regardless of the luxurious supplies and comfortable contact, these are surprisingly sturdy; when evaluating this model new S2e mannequin to my authentic S2 – now over a 12 months outdated – you would need to look intently to find out which one was model new. If it is not damaged, for the love of God, please do not attempt to repair it. Below the hood, the identical 40mm drivers are in place however have now inherited a few of the poised prowess of the flagship PX8 headphones within the type of DSP gadgetry and stellar tuning.
THE LISTENING
The distinction between the newest PX7 S2e and its predecessor is extra vital than anticipated – bass extension is significantly decrease, and the rumble is unimaginable. When doing a direct back-to-back comparability utilizing Grandma’s Range by Freddie GibbsI used to be shocked at how a lot sub-bass rumble they managed to squeeze out of those self same drivers.
The decrease midband sounds ever so barely subdued now, however not sufficient to be offensive. The overall stability is barely hotter and tighter, with somewhat further soundstage and element squeezed out. The string components in Candy Lies by Wilkinson have been a first-rate instance; whereas the feminine vocals remained entrance and centre between each variations, the bassline was a contact extra pronounced on the newer mannequin, with somewhat extra air between the samples.
The much-adored EQ has made a triumphant return, as nicely. For those who ever get a pair of those in your noggin, do your self a favour. Hearth up Antihero by Technimaticopen the Bowers & Wilkins Music app, crack out the EQ, and wiggle your finger over the bass adjustment from excessive to low. It is a drastic distinction, rumbling your head into subsequent week on one finish and sucking the life out of the music on the opposite, with twelve steps of adjustment between the 2.
Noise cancelling is respectable. Whereas the PX7 S2e is just not the strongest noise defeater on this worth bracket, it is nonetheless nicely above what I deem acceptable. Fortunately, the Holy Trinity of journey stays intact on this new iteration, particularly supreme consolation, respectable noise cancelling, and a seemingly everlasting battery lifetime of round 30 hours.
VERDICT
This one is a simple win for me. It is certainly one of my favorite noise-cancelling headphones, however with some 24-bit streaming performance added, some new DSP, nice new tuning and a brand new color, all for a similar worth as its predecessor. You do not see Porsche making sweeping modifications to its flagship autos yearly, nor do you see the iPhone’s latest fashions fully reinventing the wheel. Now, you may add the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S7e to the checklist of engineering feats that solely require a modest revision from time to time to stay excellent.
