Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) has long been a name synonymous with high-end audio, and their latest Px7 S3 headphones continue that tradition. Launching into a crowded market dominated by Sony and Bose, the Px7 S3 don’t compete on noise cancellation alone; they prioritize superior sound quality and build refinement, targeting audiophiles who value clarity over absolute silence. The Px7 S3 build on the legacy of B&W’s first over-ear foray, the leather-clad P7 from 2013, blending modern features like aptX lossless wireless and noise canceling with a premium aesthetic.
Elevated Build Quality
The Px7 S3 immediately stand out through their construction. The headphones swap out cheaper plastics for machined aluminum, creating a robust feel that rivals Apple’s AirPods Max without the excessive weight. Though they lack magnetic earpads for easy replacement – a surprising omission – the faux-leather padding ensures comfort, though some initial clamping force may require a short break-in period. At 300 grams, they’re slightly heavier than competitors, but the solid build inspires confidence.
Physical controls, while not as intuitive as touch-based systems, become familiar with use. The right earcup houses volume and playback controls, while the left features a power switch and a customizable button for ambient mode. A USB-C port supports 24-bit/96-kHz audio, and the headphones boast a reliable 30-hour battery life with just two hours of charging.
Sound Signature: Detail and Clarity
At the heart of the Px7 S3 are upgraded 40mm bio-cellulose drivers tuned for enhanced detail and bass. The result is a sound profile that excels in clarity, making instruments distinct and removing unwanted background noise. The upper frequencies are slightly forward, adding brightness to acoustic guitars and strings. Bass is rich but can be dialed back using the five-band EQ in the accompanying Music app.
Listeners will notice a marked improvement in nuance compared to models from Sony or Apple. Complex textures, like woody percussion or distorted guitar tones, are rendered with precision, revealing details often missed in other headphones. The Px7 S3’s overall velocity is powerful, allowing for lower listening volumes.
Noise Cancellation: A Trade-Off
While the Px7 S3 offer hybrid noise cancellation, it doesn’t match the industry-leading performance of Bose or Sony. The suppression is adequate for everyday use but falls short in extreme environments. The headphones effectively reduce consistent low-frequency noise, but sharper sounds like hissing espresso machines or airplane drone bleed through more easily.
The Px7 S3’s noise cancellation is not their core strength. Rather, they prioritize sound fidelity and design. This trade-off is intentional, making them ideal for home or studio use where sonic quality outweighs absolute silence.
Final Verdict
The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 headphones deliver a refined listening experience centered around superior sound quality and build. While noise cancellation lags behind top competitors, the Px7 S3 excels in clarity, detail, and overall sonic enjoyment. They cater to discerning listeners who value aesthetics and audio performance over absolute isolation. If your priority is immersive sound and a premium feel, the Px7 S3 are a worthy investment.
