Given that “overreach” can, in response to Merriam-Webster, imply both “to reach above or beyond” or “to defeat (oneself) by seeking to do or gain too much,” it’s clear that context is every thing. That its new Px8 wi-fi over-ear energetic noise-canceling headphones characterize “overreach” on the a part of Bowers & Wilkins shouldn’t be actually up for debate. It’s actually the context of this overreach that’s a reside query.
The acclaim that met the Px7 S2 wi-fi over-ear energetic noise-canceling headphones when Bowers & Wilkins launched them again in the summertime of 2022 was near common. Certainly we found plenty to each like and admire. So in what can solely be a transfer both of supreme confidence or giddy company recklessness, Bowers & Wilkins has taken the Px7 S2 idea and tried to maneuver it upmarket.
At a look, these new Px8 may fairly simply go for his or her extra reasonably priced Px7 S2 sibling. Look a little bit nearer, although, and some important variations develop into obvious. And then contemplate the asking worth: Px8 abruptly turns into a really totally different proposition.
Though the Px8 shares the identical elementary silhouette with the Px7 S2, upgrades in supplies end in a headphone that appears, feels, and—let’s not be timid—smells significantly dearer. Which might be simply as nicely, given how way more costly it really is.
Px8 is accessible in a few totally different finishes: black leather-based, or tan and grey leather-based. The Nappa leather-based the corporate has specified is gentle, resilient, and fragrant, and it’s fitted to the memory-foam ear cushions and each the internal and outer parts of the headscarf flawlessly.
The arm construction and headband adjustment are of forged aluminum—the looks and the tactility of the steel parts of a pair of over-ear headphones has seldom appeared so excessive. The emblem plate on every ear cup has a diamond-cut edge, and the Bowers & Wilkins emblem itself varies in look as the sunshine on it modifications. They weigh in at a fairly trim 320 grams, and are comfy to put on for hours at a time, even for these of us who need to put on spectacles on the identical time.
It’s a high quality line between “sophisticated” and “flash” typically, but it surely’s one Bowers & Wilkins walks confidently. Certainly so far as look and all-around covetability are involved, the Px8 go a really good distance towards making their asking worth appear honest sufficient. Compare these headphones to, say, Mark Levinson’s acclaimed No.5909 wi-fi headphones (which promote for $999 / £999) and (a minimum of so far as showroom enchantment goes) the Px8 are streets forward.
Nice Dream Cones
Photograph: Bowers & Wilkins
Given that the energetic noise-cancellation platform fitted to the Px7 S2 is likely one of the absolute best round that doesn’t say “Bose” on it someplace, Bowers & Wilkins’ resolution to hold it over unchanged for the Px8 is comprehensible. Some customers could hanker after extra adjustability than the Px8 gives (you’re restricted to “on,” “off,” or “passthrough”), but it surely appears not possible anybody will hanker after extra noise cancellation than these headphones obtain. Certainly the drone of an plane, in addition to the drone of its passengers, is all however eradicated when ANC is switched on.
