About B&W: A Brief History

Bowers & Wilkins, fondly recognised as B&W, are a British hi-fi company specialising in high-quality consumer and professional loudspeakers and headphones. Established in Worthing, UK, in 1966 by music enthusiast John Bowers, the company started their product journey with the P1 loudspeaker, a four-foot wooden column with an elliptical EM1 and two Celestion HF1300 tweeters.

Bowers’ passion for classical music and his proficiency in telecommunications engineering won customer trust, contributing to the brand’s early success. By the 70s, B&W produced all its loudspeaker components in-house, furthering its industry preeminence and creative freedom.

In 1993, this creativity culminated in the truly iconic flagship ‘Nautilus’ loudspeaker. Sidenote: If you aren’t familiar with this speaker, definitely check it out!

After more than a decade of product range expansions and asset procurement, the brand ventured into the headphone market for the first time, launching the P5 in 2009 which was available from early 2010. This showcased B&W’s commitment to delivering high-quality audio in more personal and portable forms.

The following years saw continued innovation and expansion with the launch of their first Bluetooth and smart speakers. After the acquisition by Sound United in 2016, a move that not only broadened their product portfolio but also kept them at the forefront of the rapidly evolving audio industry, their headphone range diversified to meet the various needs of their customers.

B&W Headphones Hit the Market

As a brand synonymous with superior sound quality, B&W’s venture into the headphone market was met with much anticipation. True to their reputation, however, they did not disappoint.

The company’s foray into headphones began with meticulous research into design and technology. This would ensure they channelled their decades of experience in world-class loudspeaker creation into their headphones.

Their first wireless headphones, the P5s, helped hi-fi lovers take their listening on the go with the luxe look and sound quality expected of B&W. This launch marked a significant shift from their traditional domain of home audio systems, nevertheless, the transition was seamless.

B&W Headphones To Date

Since their first venture into headphones, B&W have consistently upgraded and expanded their headphone lineup. Many have been award-winning and praised for both sound quality and physical design.

Here is a list of B&W headphone launches in chronological order. Please note that this list includes main releases and does not account for colour variants or special editions, other than those which introduced significant changes.

• P5 (2009) – B&W’s first-ever headphones
• P3 (2012) – A lighter, more portable on-ear headphone
• P7 (2013) – The brand’s first over-the-ear headphones
• P5 Series 2 (2014) – An update to the original P5 with improved audio performance
• P5 Wireless (2015) – The first wireless headphones from B&W
• P9 Signature (2016) – A premium over-ear headphone, released to celebrate B&W’s 50th anniversary
• PX (2017) – B&W’s first noise-cancelling headphones
• Px7, Px5, Pi3, Pi4 (2019) – A new range of headphones including over-ear, on-ear, and in-ear models
• Px7 Carbon Edition (2020) – A special edition of the Px7 headphones
• Pi7 and Pi5 (2021) – True wireless earbuds offering high-resolution audio and noise cancellation
• Px8, Px7 S2, Pi7 S2, Pi5 S2, Px7 S2e (2023) – The latest range of headphones, featuring over-ear models and in-ear buds with enhanced features

2023 B&W Headphone Launch

In 2023, Bowers & Wilkins once again raised the bar with their new range of headphones. This range included the Px7 S2, Px8, the in-ear buds Pi7 S2 and Pi5 S2, and then, later in the year, the Px7 S2e. This latest lineup aims to bring the brand’s signature sound to a wider audience, offering superior audio experiences whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the go.

The Px7 S2, Px7 S2e and Px8 over-ear models continue Bowers & Wilkins’ tradition of powerful, detailed sound reproduction. They are designed to provide an immersive listening experience, with advanced noise-cancellation technology that lets you focus solely on the music. These models are also suitable for wired gaming, expanding their versatility.

Meanwhile, the Pi7 S2 and Pi5 S2 earbuds have been re-engineered to offer increased Bluetooth range – up to 25 meters – and improved battery life. This boosts their convenience and usability, ensuring uninterrupted listening sessions no matter where you are. Despite their compact size, these earbuds deliver the full-bodied sound that Bowers & Wilkins are known for.

All models in this new range feature upgraded wireless connectivity, thanks to a redesigned antenna that provides stable, high-quality audio transmission. They also sport a range of premium finishes, adding a touch of luxury to your everyday listening.

Collaborations and Partnerships

In recent years B&W have cleverly built their brand through collaborations and enduring partnerships.

This year they have demonstrated their enduring commitment to collaboration by celebrating their partnership with McLaren Automotive, which began in 2015. The Px8 McLaren Edition headphones, inspired by the design aesthetics and spirit of McLaren’s supercars, are finished in elegant grey leather with Papaya orange details.

B&W has also unveiled special edition headphones to commemorate 60 years of James Bond, another British icon associated with quality technology and a luxurious lifestyle. The sleek navy and black Px8 007 headphones come with Bond branding and a license to thrill your ears.

As well as custom editions of their products, B&W have also collaborated with artists, Wolf Alice, on a promotional campaign endorsing the Px7 S2 headphones. The band are shown using the Px7 S2 headphones while recording in a studio.

And there’s more! B&W has also established a long-standing partnership with the legendary Abbey Road Studios, supplying studio-grade speakers and headphones for top-tier production work. If this isn’t a signal of the music industry’s faith in B&W technology then I’m not sure what would be!

Through these collaborations with luxury automakers, iconic film franchises, and emerging talent, B&W cements its place as a revered national treasure and reinforces its status as a premium hi-fi brand.

B&W Headphones: Product Breakdown

For a better idea of how B&W headphones look and perform today, here’s a summary of what make their four new launches such standout products:

Px8

The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Over-Ear Wireless Headphones are the top-end of the brand’s headphone line. With a completely redesigned and optimised acoustic system, these headphones offer the best sound quality of their headphone endeavors thus far. The Px8’s midrange is notably crisp and clear, superbly communicating vocal nuances. Additionally, they reveal an impressive amount of detail, ensuring you’ll be swept away and immersed in the sound.

• Active noise cancellation for uninterrupted listening
• Redesigned and optimised acoustic system for superior sound quality
• Ultra-high-resolution angled drivers for precise audio reproduction
• Premium materials for a luxurious feel and durability
• Smart features integrated into the Bowers & Wilkins Music app
• Available in Black, Tan and Royal Burgundy finishes as well as special 007 and McLaren editions

PX7 S2e

Released later in 2023, the Px7 S2e is positioned between the Px8 and Px7 S2 in price and performance. The ‘e’ stands for ‘evolved’, meaning the Px7 S2e is an evolved version of the Px7 S2. Advanced features from the Px8 have been added to give it that more evolved edge over the regular Px7 S2 headphones. You’ll find a 24-bit DSP for top quality streaming on the go as well as exceptional comfort, build quality, and active noise cancellation.

• 24-bit DSP with insights from the flagship Px8
• 30 hours playback or 7 hours from a mere 15 minute charge
• Active noise cancellation with six microphones, angled for detailed call quality
• Impeccable build quality and comfort with cushioning memory foam earcups
• Adjust EQ, ANC, transparency and more from the Bowers & Wilkins Music app
• Available in Anthracite Black, Cloud Grey and Forest Green

Px7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 headphones deliver an exciting, natural-sounding audio experience with a very wide soundstage. Compared to its predecessor, the Px7, the S2 offers a more refined listening experience thanks to its advanced features and improved design.

• Advanced noise-cancellation technology for focused listening
• Enhanced soundstage for a more immersive audio experience
• High-end performance suitable for wired gaming
• Improved design for better comfort and durability
• Integrated with the Bowers & Wilkins Music app for smart controls
• Available in Black, Grey, and Blue

Pi7 S2

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 earbuds are a testament to the brand’s commitment to bringing superior audio experiences to the realm of personal listening devices. Of the earphones in their range, these are the higher-spec choice. Despite their compact size, these earbuds deliver a full-bodied sound, and their re-engineered design offers increased Bluetooth range and improved battery life.

• Full-bodied sound in a compact, portable form
• Increased Bluetooth range up to 25 meters for enhanced usability
• Improved battery life for extended listening sessions
• Integrated with the Bowers & Wilkins Music app for easy controls
• Available in Canvas White, Satin Black, and Midnight Blue

Pi5 S2

Like the Pi7 S2, the Pi5 S2 earphones feature an improved design that increases the Bluetooth range and enhances battery life. These earbuds are perfect for those who prioritise both sound quality and convenience and are looking for B&W earphones at a more modest price point. Of the new launches, the Pi5 S2 earphones come in the most colour varieties. This is fantastic for those who like pastels and bold colours but a challenge for the indecisive. Which would you pick? It’s Spring Lilac for me.

• Reliable high-quality audio performance
• Extended Bluetooth range for seamless connectivity
• Enhanced battery life for long-lasting use
• Compact and lightweight design for optimal comfort
• Compatible with the Bowers & Wilkins Music app for easy controls
• Available in Spring Lilac, Cloud Grey, Storm Grey, and Sage Green

Final Thoughts

B&W’s evolution in the headphone industry, from their inception to their current position, is the manifestation of their commitment to quality and innovation. By bringing hi-fi headphones to market which are as well received as their loudspeakers, B&W stay true to their core values and retain their customers’ trust.

If reading this has piqued your interest, you can shop the 2023 product range in most colours at AV.com.