Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
Audeze MM-500
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
Audeze MM-500
The Audeze MM-500 headphones receive overwhelmingly positive feedback from verified buyers, who praise their exceptional clarity, detail, and accuracy for professional audio work like mixing and sound design. Many users note that the soundstage is narrower and dynamics are flatter compared to other Audeze models, making them less ideal for casual listening without EQ. Build quality is high and lightweight, but some find the ear pads small and the fit tight. Overall, these are highly recommended for audio engineers and producers, though the high price and specialized sound profile may not suit general listeners.
Pros
- Exceptional clarity and detail
- Accurate sound for mixing and production
- Lightweight build
- High-quality construction
- Revealing and engaging sound
Cons
- Narrow soundstage
- Flat dynamics
- Small ear pads
- Tight fit for some
- High price
Scores
Specifications
| Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 | Audeze MM-500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | over-ear | over-ear |
| Open/Closed | closed | open |
| Foldable | ✗ | — |
| Weight | 0.30 kg★ | 0.49 kg |
| Ear Cushion | Leather | premium leather |
| Headband | Aluminum, Leather | spring steel |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | planar magnetic |
| Driver Size | 40 mm | 90 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1★ | — |
| Freq Min | — | 5 Hz★ |
| Freq Max | — | 50 kHz★ |
| Impedance | — | 18 Ω |
| Sensitivity | — | 100 dB★ |
| 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 | 6.35mm |
| 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
Audeze MM-500
- Strong sound (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong build (76th percentile)
- Below average comfort (6th percentile)6th %ile
- Below average mic (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average anc (32nd percentile)
Pricing
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 offers 5.2x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 15 of 39 specs.
