Zildjian ALCHEM-E ZXHP0022
Bowers & Wilkins PX8 McLaren Edition
What Buyers Say
Zildjian ALCHEM-E ZXHP0022
The Zildjian ALCHEM-E headphones receive high praise for their exceptional sound quality, robust build, and effective noise cancellation. Users appreciate the personalized hearing adjustment and long battery life, though some find the clamping force too strong for larger heads and the ear cups slightly small. The unique design and responsive customer service are also highlighted as major positives.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Effective noise cancellation
- Personalized hearing adjustment
- Long battery life
- Premium build quality
Cons
- Strong clamping force for large heads
- Small ear cup openings
- Occlusion effect when moving
- Gold knob design is tacky
- No transparency mode
Bowers & Wilkins PX8 McLaren Edition
The Bowers & Wilkins PX8 headphones receive overwhelmingly positive feedback for their exceptional sound quality, luxurious build materials like Napa leather and metal, and comfortable fit. Many users consider them a significant upgrade over competitors like Sony XM5 and Bose, praising the clear, balanced audio and effective noise cancellation. However, a few reviewers note issues with high price, heavy weight causing discomfort over long periods, a strong chemical smell initially, and subpar noise cancellation compared to Bose. One user reported a charging defect and returned the product.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Luxurious build materials (Napa leather, metal)
- Comfortable fit for long sessions
- Effective noise cancellation
- Clear and balanced audio
Cons
- High price point
- Heavy weight causes discomfort over time
- Strong chemical smell initially
- Noise cancellation inferior to Bose
- Charging defect reported
Scores
Specifications
| Zildjian ALCHEM-E ZXHP0022 | Bowers & Wilkins PX8 McLaren Edition | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.37 kg | 0.32 kg★ |
| Ear Cushion | leatherette | Leather |
| Headband | — | Aluminum, Leather |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | carbon cone |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | 7 Hz★ | — |
| Freq Max | 22 kHz★ | — |
| Impedance | 4700 Ω | — |
| Sensitivity | 94 dB★ | — |
| Hi-Res Audio | — | ✓★ |
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | Bowers & Wilkins Px8 McLaren Edition Over-Ear Wireless Headphones, Advanced Active Noise Cancellation, 30-Hour Battery Life, 15-Min Quick Charging |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | 2 Levels of Active Noise Canceling | proprietary |
| Transparency | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.3★ | — |
| Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP | — |
| Multipoint | ✗ | — |
| Wired Connector | 3.5mm | 3.5mm |
| Detachable Cable | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cable Length | 1.7999999523162842 m | 1.2000000476837158 m |
| Range | 15 m★ | — |
| Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 45 hrs★ | 30 hrs |
| Charge Time | — | 2 hrs★ |
| Fast Charging | — | 15 min for 7 hours playback |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Capacity | 680 mAh★ | — |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 1 | 6★ |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boom Mic | ✗ | ✗ |
| Detachable Mic | ✗ | — |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | — | Siri |
| Touch Controls | ✗ | ✗ |
| App | Zildjian | Bowers & Wilkins Music App |
| Volume Limiting | ✗ | — |
| Gaming Mode | ✗ | — |
Pros & Cons
Zildjian ALCHEM-E ZXHP0022
- Strong connectivity (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong sound (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong anc (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Strong battery (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average comfort (15th percentile)15th %ile
Bowers & Wilkins PX8 McLaren Edition
- Strong build (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong mic (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong anc (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong sound (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average comfort (15th percentile)15th %ile
Pricing
Zildjian ALCHEM-E ZXHP0022 offers 1.6x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 77 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 5 of 41 specs.
