Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
Focal Clear MG
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
Focal Clear MG
The Focal Clear MG headphones deliver exceptional sound quality with detailed mids, punchy bass, and a wide soundstage, especially after a break-in period. Users praise their comfort, build, and luxurious carrying case, but note that the included cables are low-quality and the price is high compared to alternatives like the Hifiman Sundara. Overall, they are considered a top-tier choice for audiophiles when paired with a good amp.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Detailed mids and highs
- Punchy bass
- Wide soundstage
- Comfortable fit
Cons
- Low-quality included cables
- High price
- Requires break-in period
- Needs good amp for best sound
- Bass not as tight as some alternatives
Scores
Specifications
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | Focal Clear MG | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | open |
| Foldable | ✗ | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.30 kg★ | 3.21 kg |
| Ear Cushion | Leather | microfibre |
| Headband | Aluminum, Leather | leather and microfibre |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm★ | — |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Impedance | — | 55 Ω |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, SBC | — |
| 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 | ✗ | — |
| Gaming Mode | — | ✗ |
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
Focal Clear MG
- Strong user sentiment (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong social proof (77th percentile)
- Below average comfort (3rd percentile)3rd %ile
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average connectivity (19th percentile)19th %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 16 of 37 specs.