Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
Audio-Technica ATH-R70x
What Buyers Say
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
The Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2 headphones are overwhelmingly praised for their exceptional sound quality, premium build, and comfort. Users highlight the detailed, balanced audio, luxurious materials, and effective ANC, though some note that ANC is not the best in class and the price is high. A few minor complaints include the bulky case, control placement, and call quality, but overall, these are considered top-tier headphones for audiophiles.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Premium build materials
- Comfortable for long sessions
- Effective noise cancellation
- Good battery life
Cons
- High price
- ANC not best in class
- Bulky carrying case
- Controls placement awkward
- Call quality average
Audio-Technica ATH-R70x
The Audio-Technica ATH-R70x receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its neutral, detailed sound and exceptional comfort. Reviewers praise its precise imaging and value, often comparing it favorably to more expensive models like the Sennheiser HD650. Minor criticisms include the high impedance requiring an amp, slightly recessed vocals on some tracks, and a build that feels less luxurious. Overall, it is highly recommended for critical listening in a quiet environment.
Pros
- Neutral and detailed sound
- Exceptional comfort and lightweight
- Precise imaging and soundstage
- Great value for money
- Non-fatiguing treble
Cons
- High impedance requires an amp
- Slightly recessed vocals on some tracks
- Build feels less luxurious
- Small L/R markings hard to read
- Long cable may be inconvenient
Scores
Specifications
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | Audio-Technica ATH-R70x | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | open |
| Foldable | ✗ | — |
| Weight | 0.30 kg | 0.21 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | Leather | fabric |
| Headband | Aluminum, Leather | — |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | — |
| Driver Size | 40 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Impedance | — | 470 Ω |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | — |
| Codecs | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, SBC | Audio-Technica ATH-R70x Professional Open-Back Reference Headphones, Black |
| Surround | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Wireless Over-Ear Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling & Transparency Mode, High-Res Playback, 30H Playtime with Quick Charge Support, Bluetooth Headphones, Onyx Black | Bowers | — |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓★ | — |
| ANC Type | adaptive | — |
| Transparency | ✓★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3★ | — |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP | — |
| Multipoint | ✓★ | — |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 1.2000000476837158 m | — |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 30 hrs★ | — |
| Charge Time | 2 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 15 Minutes for 7 Hours | — |
| Charging | USB-C★ | — |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓★ | — |
| Mic Count | 8★ | — |
| NC Mic | ✓★ | — |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | — |
| Detachable Mic | ✓★ | — |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | Siri | — |
| Touch Controls | ✗ | — |
| App | Bowers & Wilkins Music | — |
| Volume Limiting | ✗ | — |
Pros & Cons
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
- Strong mic (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong sound (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong connectivity (98th percentile)98th %ile
Audio-Technica ATH-R70x
- Strong social proof (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong build (76th percentile)
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average sound (20th percentile)20th %ile
- Below average comfort (30th percentile)
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 15 of 36 specs.