When it comes to premium wireless headphones, few models have earned the reputation of the original Bowers & Wilkins Px8. For many of us at Peter Tyson, they became the go-to benchmark — the headphones we reached for every day. Now, the Px8 S2 has arrived, taking everything great about the original and refining it to a new level of luxury, performance, and precision.
Refined Design, Inside and Out
At first glance, the Px8 S2 looks sleeker and more sophisticated. Bowers & Wilkins has subtly reshaped the earcups into a slimmer silhouette and introduced elegant new finishes in Onyx Black and Warm Stone. The construction combines Nappa leather, brushed aluminium arms, and tasteful exposed cable detailing — a premium aesthetic that feels as good as it looks.
But this isn’t just a visual refresh. Inside, the Px8 S2 features a newly engineered high-performance DSP with an integrated amplifier/DAC, working in harmony with custom-tuned 40 mm carbon-cone drivers. The result is a sound that’s more dynamic, more spacious, and even more precise than before.
True 24-Bit Audio and Smarter Wireless
The Px8 S2 supports aptX Lossless technology, giving you a true 24-bit connection over Bluetooth 5.3 — an upgrade over the previous generation. It delivers stunning resolution whether you’re listening to high-res streams from Qobuz or TIDAL, or Spotify's new Lossless format.
And for those who still prefer a wired connection, the Px8 S2 doubles as a USB-C DAC headphone — simply plug it into your laptop for even cleaner, punchier sound.
Advanced Noise Cancellation and Call Clarity
Noise cancellation has seen a serious boost. The Px8 S2 uses eight precision-placed microphones (up from six on the original) to eliminate background distractions while keeping your music’s energy and rhythm intact.
On calls, Bowers & Wilkins’ new PureVoice™ algorithm ensures speech comes through crisp and natural and impressively hides a substantial amount of background noise — ideal for Zoom, Teams, or Skype meetings.
Performance: Familiar, Yet More Refined
So, how does it sound? We’ve been testing the PX8 S2 for several weeks here at Peter Tyson, and the verdict is clear: it’s everything we loved about the original, but more refined.
Bass is powerful and punchy, midrange detail is expressive, and treble clarity is beautifully controlled. Some of us noticed that Bluetooth playback can sound a touch bass-forward on certain tracks — easily corrected with the new five-band EQ via the Bowers & Wilkins Music app. For most listeners, the balance will be spot-on straight out of the box.
Plugged in via USB-C, things step up another notch: cleaner transients, deeper bass extension, and more openness across the soundstage. These headphones reward quality sources and sound phenomenal with high-resolution audio.
Px8 S2 vs Px8: What’s New
Here’s how the new model stacks up against its predecessor:
• Sleeker design with slimmer earcups and new finishes
• Upgraded DSP and amplifier for greater clarity and control
• Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Lossless vs 5.2
• Eight-mic system vs six on the original
• New five-band EQ for more precise tuning
These updates may sound subtle on paper, but together they create a more mature, confident listening experience — the perfect evolution of an already exceptional headphone.
The Peter Tyson Take
Having spent time with them, we’d describe the Px8 S2 as refinement personified, with changes and improvements to the original Px8 where they matter most. The improved ANC is one of the key crowning achievements here. They’re stylish, robust, and deliver a sound that’s equal parts exciting and sophisticated. Whether you’re commuting, mixing, or simply enjoying a favourite album, they slot effortlessly into your day-to-day life.
As John from our YouTube channel put it:
“My new clear favourite all-rounder. Very talented, well-balanced everyday headphones. Work or pleasure — they’ll be there for you while you just get on with life.”
Watch John's take on the Px8 S2
Experience the Px8 S2 at Peter Tyson
The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 are available in Onyx Black and in an exclusive Mclaren Edition at Peter Tyson. Visit us at Peter Tyson Carlisle or Newcastle for a demo, or shop online to order yours today.