Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
Sony Signature Series MDRZ1R
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
Sony Signature Series MDRZ1R
The Sony MDR-Z1R is widely praised as a flagship closed-back headphone with exceptional build quality, comfort, and a unique sound signature that combines wide soundstage, controlled bass, and airy layering. Reviewers emphasize the need for a high-quality DAC/amp and balanced connection to unlock its full potential, and note that while expensive, it offers reference-level performance that rivals or exceeds competitors. A few mention a tight fit initially, but overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many considering it a masterpiece in headphone history.
Pros
- Exceptional build quality
- Wide soundstage for closed-back
- Controlled, deep bass
- High comfort with deep earpads
- Reference-level sound quality
Cons
- Very expensive
- Requires high-quality DAC/amp
- Tight fit initially for some
- Needs balanced cable for full potential
- Heavier than some open-back models
Scores
Specifications
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | Sony Signature Series MDRZ1R | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | closed |
| Foldable | ✗ | — |
| Weight | 0.30 kg★ | 1.35 kg |
| Ear Cushion | Leather | genuine sheepskin |
| Headband | Aluminum, Leather | genuine leather |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 70 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | — | 4 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 120 kHz★ |
| Impedance | — | 64 Ω |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codecs | AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, aptX LL, SBC | Sony MDRZ1R Signature, Hi-Res Headphone, 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 | 3 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
Sony Signature Series MDRZ1R
- Strong user sentiment (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong sound (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong social proof (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Strong build (75th percentile)
- Below average comfort (2nd percentile)2nd %ile
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
No current pricing available
Sony Signature Series MDRZ1R
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 14 of 38 specs.