Just purchased PX7 S2e’s for Black Friday and I’m blown away at the sound quality. I tested the Sony XM5’s, Bose Ultra’s, Beats Studio, and AirPod Max’s and there is ZERO comparison, when it comes to sound quality. I also watched probably way too many videos on which headphones to buy… I’m sticking with these!
Such a good review. Got px/s2es today in Ocean Blue and been watching every review before buying them. Yours is definitly one of the best and most detailed.
Good review :) one question, px7 S2e is loud if u put volume on max? Because i love loud headphones :) i have Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1bt is very loud, and bass is very strong, but i want some better :)
Thank you for the kind words. As for how loud they are… they’re plenty loud for me, but that’s not something I’ve tested: I realize it’s an important issue for a lot of people, but I’m big about protecting your hearing. I believe they can go up to 85dB. Unfortunately, B&W doesn’t publish the headphone’s sensitivity, which is what would tell you how loud they can really get outside of a volume meter. It has an impedance of 33 ohms which is about average for this type of headphone and speaker size (40mm).
I have loved my px8 headphones but the headband came off for the second time and don’t want to risk anymore and the place I bought from agreed to refund. I recently went to listen to focal bathys in the shop and loved the sound even more than px8 ( listen mainly jazz and classical) but before I drop that kind of money I would like to explore different options like ml 5909 and dali io12. Unfortunately I can’t find the shop to listen to these. Any advice? I heard Dali io12 are amazing. Bathys where I live cost £550, 5909 £500 and Dali io12 £850.
Unfortunately no advice. I haven't tried either the Dali or ML myself. I have the Bathys, which I love, and actually just returned the Px8 because, while they feel great, I actually prefer the tuning on the Px7 S2e. (I was going to do a video on them, but the Px8 just wasn't interesting enough. I definitely liked the Bathys better.) Maybe that's the advice, though: if you liked the Px8, the Px7 S2e might be just as good for you. I certainly didn't think the Px8 were worth the price jump: I only got them because they were about $250 off.
@@NorbReviews I owned both Px7 S2e and Px8. The Px7 S2e is better unless you care about two things above all else: 1. Bass. BaSs. BASS. The Px8 has this in droves. The rest sounds recessed. 2. Aluminum, Leather. I returned my Px7 S2es for the Px8s. I wish I hadn't.
Wow, thanks for the heads up. The bass doesn’t surprise me, but I tune it way down (-3) already on the S2e. If it’s that much more on the PX8’s then that’s an issue.
@@NorbReviews yes as a basshead I enjoyed them quite a lot still for *most* genres, but I have to be honest that they have a sound profile that will offend some listeners. The only genre that frustrated me on them was metal, where I just couldn't find a EQ setting where both bass and vocals didn't feel like one was overpowering the other. But it did all other genres well for my liking. I think of the Px8s as the most luxurious headphones for listeners that like Sony ULT Wear, the old Beats by Dr. Dre, and Skullcandy Skullcrushers. It definitely has more refined sound and clarity than any of those, but you just can't escape the bass on Px8.
Owning both I have a hard time imagining not liking one but do liking the other. They're so incredibly close for me I have to look at mine to see which one I'm wearing.
Different ears, I guess! The two sounded very different to me, largely because of the frequency response, even when EQ’d. The S2 sounded, for a lack of a better term, drab by comparison. Maybe it wasn’t a huge shift, but it was big enough that while the S2 was one of the worst headphones (for the price) for me, the S2e is one of my favorites.
Hello from istanbul, thanks for this video. I'm planning to buy this headphones, I have a few questions, I would appreciate it if you answer. : 1-) Are headband pads interchangeable things? (Like beyerdynamics headphones) 2-) You know, this headset has a built-in DAC. I am an iPhone 11 user and when I listen to music on iphones, it warns you when you want to listen to 24 bit/192 kHz, it says you need to use an external DAC, does it still make this warning when you plug in this headset, or does it accept the dac in the headset as an external dac and resolve the 24/192 sound? It would be very welcome if you answer, thank you in advance.
1. The headband cannot be changed. 2.the warning: Hmm… I’m not sure on the iPhone 11. I have the 15. The only warning I get from Qobuz (not the phone) are about space restrictions. The phone still delivers the sound at 24/192. Resolution on the headphones is good, but you it’s not the same as a similarly-priced wired headphone like the Meze 105 Aer, for example. I hope this helps.
@@NorbReviews wait...does this mean that i don´t need an extra DAC for my iphone to use the full resolution from apple music with the s2e or even the px8 :O?
Thank you for your review, how do the px7 s2e sound compare against the focal bathys? which would be better for me to buy? Im looking for a relaxed headphones for r&b but that can give a punch when im hearing metal
As well as their bigger brother the PX8, these are tuned quite differently from Focal Bathys. The B&Ws sound richer and their bass is the best (in quality not quantity) in any ANC Bluetooth headphones. The Bathys excels on their treble detail and overall clarity, especially if you use their sound personalization function that tests your hearing to customize the sound. There is an openness to the sound of Bathys that I don't find in B&Ws. B&W sounds relaxed, Bathys sounds more sprightly, but both are equally engaging in their own right.
A decent review, which has raised a couple of concerns. I listen to classical or other instrumental music almost exclusively, and travel by plane at least a couple of times per year, including long bus rides to airports. I choose the S2e over Bose QC ultra because I didn't want any compromise (insofar as possible) to the sound/music quality; especially not having the option to turn ANC off. My headphones should arrive next week, and travel plans unfold early next month. I'll evaluate before, during and after my trip - my first ever with bluetooth/wireless, ANC headphones. I will of course use them both wirelessly and wired.
Best of luck. The Bose QC Ultra is one I quite enjoy, although I agree that the sound on the S2e is better. That said, if you plan to use them both wired and wireless, is it because you expect to use them wired to save battery? The S2e *must* remain on, which is a distinct disadvantage versus the QC Ultra. That said, have you considered the Momentum 4? Sound quality is on par with the S2e, arguably better, with the flexibility of the QC Ultra in being able to be used powered off (and like the S2e, USB-C audio is magnificent). Given what you’ve stated here, except for the inability to turn ANC/transparency completely off (although I guess you can sort of do it by putting transparency and noise canceling both to 0 in the slider in the app), it might be your best option: better ANC than the S2e, with sound that’s on-par, and better sound than the Bose. Plus a long battery. Anyway, best of luck on your decision. I don’t think you can go wrong with either, to be honest.
Sticking to wireless headphones: If you use the EQ on these and raise the treble some, I think they open up nicely and can serve that purpose just fine. My comments were for the default setting only, since getting into specific recommendations for specific genres becomes a matter of personal taste. I think the Sennheiser Momentum 4 might have a bit more treble right off the bat, though, along with the solid bass, while not being as warm, so that would be my immediate recommendation, especially with the Classical setting altered to give the default bass. (Actually, the older Momentum 3 might actually be great for this. I need to test that out.) Caveat: I haven’t tried the Heavys, which I suspect might actually be really decent for this, but I can’t say without first using them.
Totally safe, assuming it’s from B&W directly. It’s how I got my pair of S2’s. (Not the S2e’s). I only returned them because I didn’t love them, but otherwise it was like new. I recommend it.
I currently have some Sennheiser Momentum 4 which I don't like at all and I will return them. Even with a custom EQ, I don't feel any immersivness and the sound isn't crisp enough. Everything seems smushed together. They just have strong (but too much exagerated if you don't set them properly) basses. Now, just to make me completely disappointed, they start to connect-disconnect every 30 seconds and sometimes audio goes completely off unless I hard-reboot them. I come from AirPos Max that were awesome for me but broke after 3 years. How do you compare the sound from Px7 S2e to them? I won't get back the ANC back from the APM (I don't even consider the one from M4 since the passive one from APM was better that the active one from M4) but I hope they don't sound as bad as the M4. I would like to avoid spending less than Focal Bathys/AirPods Max price
Hmm. This is tough. I like the sound of the Px7 S2e better for myself-it’s slightly warmer, less bass heavy by default, though not by much-but I’m not sure it’s objectively better, especially because the Momentum 4 has that great EQ and sound personalization software. I find it more relaxing and easier to listen to all day, but again, it’s tough because the M4 is, from a technical perspective, no slouch. If you really dislike the M4, I’m wondering if you’d be better served by something with an entirely different sound signature, like the Master & Dynamic MW75. Or even the Bose QuietComfort Ultra with the EQ set to low bass? But if you’re willing to go older… have you considered the Momentum 3? It keeps all the detail with none of the bloat. I really love the sound on those. But it has terrible ANC compared to what’s available now.
I assumed using the USB to USB would be better than the BT connection...nope nowhere near loud enough..lower than when usung BT same with USB to 3.5, volume is very low, i use Tidal and also when using either of the cables the B&W app doesn't work it only works with BT connection 🤔 i mainly bought them to use wirelessly so will keep them but as i said using them wired is very disappointing. I also own the P7's (wired) which are still fantastic headphones.
That's tough. The two are VERY different, with polar opposite sounds: AirPods Max is super crisp, whereas the S2e is very relaxed. My biggest issue with the AirPods Max is that I can't use them during flights: they give me headaches. But outside, the user experience with Apple products is unmatched. My biggest complaint on this front about the S2e is the noise canceling, which is just weak. I lean AirPods Max here because of usability, but the sound is so different that it's really up to your own ears and whether you find either more comfortable.
You'd be impressed with the PX8 even more, at least in terms of build and materials quality, not to mention the sound. Adjusting treble by +1 on the app makes the S2e adds a touch more detail and openness to the soundstage. And some may prefer to reduce the bass by up to -2 depending on the track/genre.
Funny you mention the tuning, because I had a section on what I do, but took it out since I also mention it during the Genre section. (I do +2.5 treble, -3 bass, which makes the sound a lot more refined for me in most cases.) As for the Px8, people keep telling me and I’m REALLY interested now. If I can find it at a really great price (I usually pay for my own stuff for this channel), I’ll pick it up: I’m dying to put it toe to toe with a bunch others. I’m also seriously eyeing the Noble Audio FoKus Apollo.
A review with great honest. I recently got the PX7 S2, but not the e version. Compared to PX7, it loses a lot about the dynamics. My big disappointment. As you mentioned, it is too relaxed like S2e. Biocellulose diaphragm in S2 reminds me of the sound of Sony MDR-e888 ear headphones. A sophisticated and detailed expression with extended high note representation. S2e sound can be assumed to be brighter by elevating the 2-5 kHz frequency response. Although it is not a good headphones, I keep it due to the nostalgia to E888. I just wonder that PX8 is worth to jump froM PX8 with a deeper base expression. I got QC ultra, and surprisingly it exceeds my expectation in terms of the high resolution sound overall without exaggerated base sound. I never thought that I can truly enjoy classical music with QC ultra cans. If PX8 does not differentiate from PX7 S2, I am now considering Dali IO12 as a big fan of DALI rubicon and epicon speakers. Thanks for your review.
Hey, first, thanks for the kind words and for watching! These are a LOT of good thoughts! I just ordered the PX8 myself to give it a try and compare it to the S2e. I happen to really like the S2e, much more than the S2, but I’ve never used the PX7. Best of luck with the Dali! It’s one I’ve kept my eye on and have been curious about.
@NorbReviews I've got my own Dali IO12 today. A few days ago, I had to return PX8 with my disappointment. The expectation to B&W PX8 was solved in IO12 sound pretty much. I used to enjoy the music from Dali's Rubicon and Menuet speakers in my house. But now I am so sad that my environment doesn't fit with the loud speaker system anymore. So I missed Dali's sound, and this works decently in that perspective. The sound signature is a little brighter in HIFI mode. But it is not too sharp. The sound stage is second to none in the closed headphones. It feels even wider than my open-back LCD-X cans. It is a very early listening experience. I am waiting for your impressions on these amazing wireless headphones. I can't tell this is better than Bathys, but it can't be compared to PX8. The price difference tells! Thanks for your great comment on my reply.
@@injaehwang5776 Ohhh... now you're tempting me. I've been using the Px8 for the past few days and, build/looks aside, I'm not sure I'm seeing a substantial improvement over the S2e: There's a bit more clarity and physicality, but it feels a bit too dark for my taste. The IO12, on the other hand... Well, one of my all-time favorite headphones is the Master & Dynamic MW65 (and I'll be getting the MW75 soon as part of the Neurable kickstarter I funded like 2 years ago). The IO12 sounds like it's along those lines, which is fantastic. Now to scrounge up... a lot more than the $450 I paid for the Px8...
Having owned Bose QuietComfort, QuietComfort Ultra, Px7 S2e, and Px8 (and my sister owning Sony XM4s), I'd say the Px7 S2es are the best in the premium ANC class ($300-$450). Haven't tried Momentum 4, which admittedly limits my experience and perspective, but the build quality on B&W is better than Bose, Sony. The sound clarity is more detailed and nuanced then either. Bose, Sony feel flimsy by comparison, and Bose is overpriced for the sound quality they provide. Bose, Sony > ANC B&W > Sound Detail B&W > Build Quality
@@NorbReviews Yes, I think when they said they took what they learned from Px8 and applied to Px7 S2e, they meant the bad and the good. The Px7 S2e benefits from the Px8s 24-bit DSP, but doesn't share it's frequency curve, so the bass boost and (some say bad) tuning on the upper end of the Px8 isn't present on the S2e. I'm not critical music listener or audio engineer, so I lack the resources to measure frequency responses of both, but I consistently see that press describe Px8 tuning as bizarre (if a positive review) or bad (if critical of the Px8). I liked both Px7 S2e, and Px8 (which I got recertified from B&W at $399), but even my untrained ear wouldn't find Px8's sound worth it's $699 retail price.
@ good I already own the momentum 4 since they were the best sound I am gonna give them to the wife, I’m planning on ordering another pair of momentum’s 4s but I wanna know if there is something better sound wise I want the next level
Ah. Hmm. Better… not sure. Different? Yes. The S2e is warmer, more relaxed. It’s not as detailed because it has a slightly lower upper range frequency response, but the mids are a bit more present. Of the two, I personally prefer the sound on the S2e because I find the M4 a bit exhausting. The S2e is just so relaxing! They’re both fantastic, and top of the class at this price. But from a technicals standpoint, the M4 might be better. (Side note: I find the S2e far more comfortable: the M4 gets too hot for my taste.) The M4 is more fun. The S2e is more relaxed. That’s the big takeaway.
@@NorbReviews recommond something that’s sounds better then the momentum 4? That’s still Bluetooth wireless I’m just looking for something that sounds better I just the s2e because that’s what I’m researching rn , I just want to find something with a better sound I was looking at the px8 and other but I can’t find a clear answer on which is better , I’m kinda a lil audiophile I like to hear music at its most perfect raw sound like they are playing right in my ears I want something that’s is better then the momentum 4 but if there is nothing I will buy the same pair in white
The s2es destroy Bose QC Ultra in every facet except for ANC. The QC Ultras quality control is garbage, creaking hinges, popping sounds in the cups due to loose/defective components, sub-par battery life, "immersive audio" is gimmicky and destroys any form of audio quality and it just feels like a cheap pair with plastic everywhere.
I agree, the S2e’s are fantastic. Probably my favorite except for when I travel: for that, the QCU’s are usually when I take. And I’m definitely not a huge fan of immersive sound, either.
Thanks for the clarification! This is a lot more obvious with the Px8 (which feel *PREMIUM*), but I just really wasn't sure with the S2e and couldn't find something that clearly stated the make of this part.
Just purchased PX7 S2e’s for Black Friday and I’m blown away at the sound quality. I tested the Sony XM5’s, Bose Ultra’s, Beats Studio, and AirPod Max’s and there is ZERO comparison, when it comes to sound quality. I also watched probably way too many videos on which headphones to buy… I’m sticking with these!
NGL, the more I use my S2e’s the more I like them. These had to grow on me at first, but when they did, they DID.
They don't last long!
Such a good review. Got px/s2es today in Ocean Blue and been watching every review before buying them. Yours is definitly one of the best and most detailed.
Thank you for the kind words!
Good review :)
one question, px7 S2e is loud if u put volume on max? Because i love loud headphones :) i have Pioneer DJ HDJ-CUE1bt is very loud, and bass is very strong, but i want some better :)
Thank you for the kind words.
As for how loud they are… they’re plenty loud for me, but that’s not something I’ve tested: I realize it’s an important issue for a lot of people, but I’m big about protecting your hearing. I believe they can go up to 85dB. Unfortunately, B&W doesn’t publish the headphone’s sensitivity, which is what would tell you how loud they can really get outside of a volume meter. It has an impedance of 33 ohms which is about average for this type of headphone and speaker size (40mm).
I have loved my px8 headphones but the headband came off for the second time and don’t want to risk anymore and the place I bought from agreed to refund. I recently went to listen to focal bathys in the shop and loved the sound even more than px8 ( listen mainly jazz and classical) but before I drop that kind of money I would like to explore different options like ml 5909 and dali io12. Unfortunately I can’t find the shop to listen to these. Any advice? I heard Dali io12 are amazing. Bathys where I live cost £550, 5909 £500 and Dali io12 £850.
Unfortunately no advice. I haven't tried either the Dali or ML myself. I have the Bathys, which I love, and actually just returned the Px8 because, while they feel great, I actually prefer the tuning on the Px7 S2e. (I was going to do a video on them, but the Px8 just wasn't interesting enough. I definitely liked the Bathys better.)
Maybe that's the advice, though: if you liked the Px8, the Px7 S2e might be just as good for you. I certainly didn't think the Px8 were worth the price jump: I only got them because they were about $250 off.
Just purchased PX7 S2e in Forest Green for $229! 😃👍🏼
That’s and EXCELLENT find!
Did you buy the at recertified? I wanted to know if it’s worth buying in the recertified or If it’s better to spend the extra 60
@ indeed and everything is working properly! Looking like brand new and 100% scented too! 👍😃
@@JKT_SF thanks for responding! Will be giving it a try then
@ very welcome! 🙏🏽 😃 happy holidays! 🎄 🎅 🎉 🎁
I agree, although I have now upgraded to the PX8!
I gotta say, after this, I’m *VERY* interested in the Px8! Much more than I expected to be!
@@NorbReviews I owned both Px7 S2e and Px8. The Px7 S2e is better unless you care about two things above all else:
1. Bass. BaSs. BASS. The Px8 has this in droves. The rest sounds recessed.
2. Aluminum, Leather.
I returned my Px7 S2es for the Px8s. I wish I hadn't.
Wow, thanks for the heads up. The bass doesn’t surprise me, but I tune it way down (-3) already on the S2e. If it’s that much more on the PX8’s then that’s an issue.
@@NorbReviews yes as a basshead I enjoyed them quite a lot still for *most* genres, but I have to be honest that they have a sound profile that will offend some listeners. The only genre that frustrated me on them was metal, where I just couldn't find a EQ setting where both bass and vocals didn't feel like one was overpowering the other. But it did all other genres well for my liking.
I think of the Px8s as the most luxurious headphones for listeners that like Sony ULT Wear, the old Beats by Dr. Dre, and Skullcandy Skullcrushers.
It definitely has more refined sound and clarity than any of those, but you just can't escape the bass on Px8.
@@mhm35 that last paragraph says it all. Wow! Thanks for the info!
Owning both I have a hard time imagining not liking one but do liking the other. They're so incredibly close for me I have to look at mine to see which one I'm wearing.
Different ears, I guess! The two sounded very different to me, largely because of the frequency response, even when EQ’d. The S2 sounded, for a lack of a better term, drab by comparison. Maybe it wasn’t a huge shift, but it was big enough that while the S2 was one of the worst headphones (for the price) for me, the S2e is one of my favorites.
Hello from istanbul, thanks for this video. I'm planning to buy this headphones, I have a few questions, I would appreciate it if you answer. : 1-) Are headband pads interchangeable things? (Like beyerdynamics headphones) 2-) You know, this headset has a built-in DAC. I am an iPhone 11 user and when I listen to music on iphones, it warns you when you want to listen to 24 bit/192 kHz, it says you need to use an external DAC, does it still make this warning when you plug in this headset, or does it accept the dac in the headset as an external dac and resolve the 24/192 sound? It would be very welcome if you answer, thank you in advance.
1. The headband cannot be changed.
2.the warning: Hmm… I’m not sure on the iPhone 11. I have the 15. The only warning I get from Qobuz (not the phone) are about space restrictions. The phone still delivers the sound at 24/192. Resolution on the headphones is good, but you it’s not the same as a similarly-priced wired headphone like the Meze 105 Aer, for example.
I hope this helps.
@@NorbReviews wait...does this mean that i don´t need an extra DAC for my iphone to use the full resolution from apple music with the s2e or even the px8 :O?
Thank you for your review, how do the px7 s2e sound compare against the focal bathys? which would be better for me to buy?
Im looking for a relaxed headphones for r&b but that can give a punch when im hearing metal
As well as their bigger brother the PX8, these are tuned quite differently from Focal Bathys. The B&Ws sound richer and their bass is the best (in quality not quantity) in any ANC Bluetooth headphones. The Bathys excels on their treble detail and overall clarity, especially if you use their sound personalization function that tests your hearing to customize the sound. There is an openness to the sound of Bathys that I don't find in B&Ws. B&W sounds relaxed, Bathys sounds more sprightly, but both are equally engaging in their own right.
I agree entirely with @robovirtuoso1354 on this. Great analysis!
A decent review, which has raised a couple of concerns. I listen to classical or other instrumental music almost exclusively, and travel by plane at least a couple of times per year, including long bus rides to airports. I choose the S2e over Bose QC ultra because I didn't want any compromise (insofar as possible) to the sound/music quality; especially not having the option to turn ANC off. My headphones should arrive next week, and travel plans unfold early next month. I'll evaluate before, during and after my trip - my first ever with bluetooth/wireless, ANC headphones. I will of course use them both wirelessly and wired.
Best of luck.
The Bose QC Ultra is one I quite enjoy, although I agree that the sound on the S2e is better. That said, if you plan to use them both wired and wireless, is it because you expect to use them wired to save battery? The S2e *must* remain on, which is a distinct disadvantage versus the QC Ultra.
That said, have you considered the Momentum 4? Sound quality is on par with the S2e, arguably better, with the flexibility of the QC Ultra in being able to be used powered off (and like the S2e, USB-C audio is magnificent). Given what you’ve stated here, except for the inability to turn ANC/transparency completely off (although I guess you can sort of do it by putting transparency and noise canceling both to 0 in the slider in the app), it might be your best option: better ANC than the S2e, with sound that’s on-par, and better sound than the Bose. Plus a long battery.
Anyway, best of luck on your decision. I don’t think you can go wrong with either, to be honest.
9:21 What headphones would you recomend for metal and symphonic rock?
Sticking to wireless headphones: If you use the EQ on these and raise the treble some, I think they open up nicely and can serve that purpose just fine. My comments were for the default setting only, since getting into specific recommendations for specific genres becomes a matter of personal taste.
I think the Sennheiser Momentum 4 might have a bit more treble right off the bat, though, along with the solid bass, while not being as warm, so that would be my immediate recommendation, especially with the Classical setting altered to give the default bass. (Actually, the older Momentum 3 might actually be great for this. I need to test that out.)
Caveat: I haven’t tried the Heavys, which I suspect might actually be really decent for this, but I can’t say without first using them.
Is recertified safe? Will they arrive well and good?
Totally safe, assuming it’s from B&W directly. It’s how I got my pair of S2’s. (Not the S2e’s). I only returned them because I didn’t love them, but otherwise it was like new. I recommend it.
Excellent review!
Thank you!
I just got the s2e...they are fantastic in my opinion
They are! Enjoy them!
I currently have some Sennheiser Momentum 4 which I don't like at all and I will return them. Even with a custom EQ, I don't feel any immersivness and the sound isn't crisp enough. Everything seems smushed together. They just have strong (but too much exagerated if you don't set them properly) basses. Now, just to make me completely disappointed, they start to connect-disconnect every 30 seconds and sometimes audio goes completely off unless I hard-reboot them. I come from AirPos Max that were awesome for me but broke after 3 years.
How do you compare the sound from Px7 S2e to them? I won't get back the ANC back from the APM (I don't even consider the one from M4 since the passive one from APM was better that the active one from M4) but I hope they don't sound as bad as the M4. I would like to avoid spending less than Focal Bathys/AirPods Max price
Hmm. This is tough. I like the sound of the Px7 S2e better for myself-it’s slightly warmer, less bass heavy by default, though not by much-but I’m not sure it’s objectively better, especially because the Momentum 4 has that great EQ and sound personalization software. I find it more relaxing and easier to listen to all day, but again, it’s tough because the M4 is, from a technical perspective, no slouch.
If you really dislike the M4, I’m wondering if you’d be better served by something with an entirely different sound signature, like the Master & Dynamic MW75. Or even the Bose QuietComfort Ultra with the EQ set to low bass? But if you’re willing to go older… have you considered the Momentum 3? It keeps all the detail with none of the bloat. I really love the sound on those. But it has terrible ANC compared to what’s available now.
Sounds like a defective unit lol I use mine no problems, to me I can hear where every instrument begin and end
@@lilmisery1643Maybe a bad personalized sound? Mine sounds spacious, and when I turn off personalization it sounds compressed.
I assumed using the USB to USB would be better than the BT connection...nope nowhere near loud enough..lower than when usung BT same with USB to 3.5, volume is very low, i use Tidal and also when using either of the cables the B&W app doesn't work it only works with BT connection 🤔 i mainly bought them to use wirelessly so will keep them but as i said using them wired is very disappointing. I also own the P7's (wired) which are still fantastic headphones.
I have an iPhone, would you still recommend the Px7 S2e over the Airpods Max?
That's tough. The two are VERY different, with polar opposite sounds: AirPods Max is super crisp, whereas the S2e is very relaxed. My biggest issue with the AirPods Max is that I can't use them during flights: they give me headaches. But outside, the user experience with Apple products is unmatched. My biggest complaint on this front about the S2e is the noise canceling, which is just weak.
I lean AirPods Max here because of usability, but the sound is so different that it's really up to your own ears and whether you find either more comfortable.
Just to confirm, so it is possible to turn off ANC in them, right?
Yes!
You'd be impressed with the PX8 even more, at least in terms of build and materials quality, not to mention the sound. Adjusting treble by +1 on the app makes the S2e adds a touch more detail and openness to the soundstage. And some may prefer to reduce the bass by up to -2 depending on the track/genre.
Funny you mention the tuning, because I had a section on what I do, but took it out since I also mention it during the Genre section. (I do +2.5 treble, -3 bass, which makes the sound a lot more refined for me in most cases.)
As for the Px8, people keep telling me and I’m REALLY interested now. If I can find it at a really great price (I usually pay for my own stuff for this channel), I’ll pick it up: I’m dying to put it toe to toe with a bunch others.
I’m also seriously eyeing the Noble Audio FoKus Apollo.
How do you compare this one to Sonos Ace?
I haven't tried the Sonos Ace, so I can't say.
@ thank you for your answer.
Amazing video! Would love the comparison with Sennheiser Momentum 4
I’ll be publishing that in a couple of days! (It’s done I just have to do the meta data and thumbnail.)
A review with great honest. I recently got the PX7 S2, but not the e version. Compared to PX7, it loses a lot about the dynamics. My big disappointment. As you mentioned, it is too relaxed like S2e. Biocellulose diaphragm in S2 reminds me of the sound of Sony MDR-e888 ear headphones. A sophisticated and detailed expression with extended high note representation. S2e sound can be assumed to be brighter by elevating the 2-5 kHz frequency response. Although it is not a good headphones, I keep it due to the nostalgia to E888.
I just wonder that PX8 is worth to jump froM PX8 with a deeper base expression. I got QC ultra, and surprisingly it exceeds my expectation in terms of the high resolution sound overall without exaggerated base sound. I never thought that I can truly enjoy classical music with QC ultra cans.
If PX8 does not differentiate from PX7 S2, I am now considering Dali IO12 as a big fan of DALI rubicon and epicon speakers.
Thanks for your review.
Hey, first, thanks for the kind words and for watching!
These are a LOT of good thoughts! I just ordered the PX8 myself to give it a try and compare it to the S2e. I happen to really like the S2e, much more than the S2, but I’ve never used the PX7. Best of luck with the Dali! It’s one I’ve kept my eye on and have been curious about.
@NorbReviews I've got my own Dali IO12 today. A few days ago, I had to return PX8 with my disappointment. The expectation to B&W PX8 was solved in IO12 sound pretty much. I used to enjoy the music from Dali's Rubicon and Menuet speakers in my house. But now I am so sad that my environment doesn't fit with the loud speaker system anymore. So I missed Dali's sound, and this works decently in that perspective.
The sound signature is a little brighter in HIFI mode. But it is not too sharp. The sound stage is second to none in the closed headphones. It feels even wider than my open-back LCD-X cans.
It is a very early listening experience. I am waiting for your impressions on these amazing wireless headphones. I can't tell this is better than Bathys, but it can't be compared to PX8. The price difference tells!
Thanks for your great comment on my reply.
@@injaehwang5776 Ohhh... now you're tempting me. I've been using the Px8 for the past few days and, build/looks aside, I'm not sure I'm seeing a substantial improvement over the S2e: There's a bit more clarity and physicality, but it feels a bit too dark for my taste.
The IO12, on the other hand... Well, one of my all-time favorite headphones is the Master & Dynamic MW65 (and I'll be getting the MW75 soon as part of the Neurable kickstarter I funded like 2 years ago). The IO12 sounds like it's along those lines, which is fantastic.
Now to scrounge up... a lot more than the $450 I paid for the Px8...
Having owned Bose QuietComfort, QuietComfort Ultra, Px7 S2e, and Px8 (and my sister owning Sony XM4s), I'd say the Px7 S2es are the best in the premium ANC class ($300-$450).
Haven't tried Momentum 4, which admittedly limits my experience and perspective, but the build quality on B&W is better than Bose, Sony. The sound clarity is more detailed and nuanced then either.
Bose, Sony feel flimsy by comparison, and Bose is overpriced for the sound quality they provide.
Bose, Sony > ANC
B&W > Sound Detail
B&W > Build Quality
Even better than the Px8? I’ve been keeping an eye out for those!
Great write up and comparison, thank you!
@@NorbReviews Yes, I think when they said they took what they learned from Px8 and applied to Px7 S2e, they meant the bad and the good. The Px7 S2e benefits from the Px8s 24-bit DSP, but doesn't share it's frequency curve, so the bass boost and (some say bad) tuning on the upper end of the Px8 isn't present on the S2e.
I'm not critical music listener or audio engineer, so I lack the resources to measure frequency responses of both, but I consistently see that press describe Px8 tuning as bizarre (if a positive review) or bad (if critical of the Px8).
I liked both Px7 S2e, and Px8 (which I got recertified from B&W at $399), but even my untrained ear wouldn't find Px8's sound worth it's $699 retail price.
Compared 2 momentum 4???
Comparison upcoming. Editing now.
@ good I already own the momentum 4 since they were the best sound I am gonna give them to the wife, I’m planning on ordering another pair of momentum’s 4s but I wanna know if there is something better sound wise I want the next level
Ah. Hmm. Better… not sure. Different? Yes. The S2e is warmer, more relaxed. It’s not as detailed because it has a slightly lower upper range frequency response, but the mids are a bit more present.
Of the two, I personally prefer the sound on the S2e because I find the M4 a bit exhausting. The S2e is just so relaxing! They’re both fantastic, and top of the class at this price. But from a technicals standpoint, the M4 might be better. (Side note: I find the S2e far more comfortable: the M4 gets too hot for my taste.)
The M4 is more fun. The S2e is more relaxed. That’s the big takeaway.
@@NorbReviews recommond something that’s sounds better then the momentum 4? That’s still Bluetooth wireless I’m just looking for something that sounds better I just the s2e because that’s what I’m researching rn , I just want to find something with a better sound I was looking at the px8 and other but I can’t find a clear answer on which is better , I’m kinda a lil audiophile I like to hear music at its most perfect raw sound like they are playing right in my ears I want something that’s is better then the momentum 4 but if there is nothing I will buy the same pair in white
only 2 band eq????
Yep. That’s it.
They soon fail! We have two pairs and the cheap plastic covering has split along the seams on all four ear pads. Clear design fault!
The s2es destroy Bose QC Ultra in every facet except for ANC. The QC Ultras quality control is garbage, creaking hinges, popping sounds in the cups due to loose/defective components, sub-par battery life, "immersive audio" is gimmicky and destroys any form of audio quality and it just feels like a cheap pair with plastic everywhere.
I agree, the S2e’s are fantastic. Probably my favorite except for when I travel: for that, the QCU’s are usually when I take. And I’m definitely not a huge fan of immersive sound, either.
There 279 Black Friday
100% worth it.
The outer cups are made of aluminum 😉
Thanks for the clarification! This is a lot more obvious with the Px8 (which feel *PREMIUM*), but I just really wasn't sure with the S2e and couldn't find something that clearly stated the make of this part.