[Houstonnewbie]

Don't be sorry, I have the same feeling. I don't want to trash my P7 Wireless or these new headphones after a few years, it would seem odd to me to trash such a beautiful headphone for that reason. The battery is stored on the left earpiece, here is a link that reveals the internal images : https://electric.garden/b-w-group-2acix/wireless-headphones-px8

hopefully someone will write a guide on how to replace the battery too, don't want to have a headphone with this price tag last only 2-3years.
People say shouldn't worry about the battery diminishing but I had a pretty bad impression on AirpodPro, mine bought 2years ago
I'm only using it 3days a week for a 2hrs meeting per day, 2years later the battery lasting from 9hours to only 4, I never used them until the batteries dies, I always charge at around 50-70% yet this thing diminishing so quickly.

 

[jthomp72]

hopefully someone will write a guide on how to replace the battery too, don't want to have a headphone with this price tag last only 2-3years.
People say shouldn't worry about the battery diminishing but I had a pretty bad impression on AirpodPro, mine bought 2years ago
I'm only using it 3days a week for a 2hrs meeting per day, 2years later the battery lasting from 9hours to only 4, I never used them until the batteries dies, I always charge at around 50-70% yet this thing diminishing so quickly.

To be completely fair… The pros are in ears which have a much smaller battery in each pod to begin with so it’s it’s just more prone to battery degradation. I’ve been told that the smaller the cell the worst degradation is.

 

[MdJdB]

I made this small editing and there is a real link between the P7 wireless and the PX8, happy to see that B&W went back to its roots!

 

[jthomp72]

I made this small editing and there is a real link between the P7 wireless and the PX8, happy to see that B&W makes a return to the sources!

Lord I forgot how damn square the original ones were lol

 

[Benesyed]

I just don’t see how y’all have dead batteries in 2 years. It’ll be diminished, but at some point lithium degradation slows down massively. Where, I believe at around 75% it nearly stops.

Someone posted that their PX went down to an hour or two cbattery tome

That’s fine I guess, not a huge deal. Would be nice if they could get Apple Music to get on their app, but fat chance

I’ve simply forgotten about how the sensor worked on PX and Px7, but I didn’t keep those long at all. My wife will just have to hear my music then for a few seconds when I take them off as she frantically tries to get the attention of the deaf person ignoring the family.

Off to watch a movie to try it out also and get some more music hours in!

Your wife too eh?

 

[naqvc]

hopefully someone will write a guide on how to replace the battery too, don't want to have a headphone with this price tag last only 2-3years.
People say shouldn't worry about the battery diminishing but I had a pretty bad impression on AirpodPro, mine bought 2years ago
I'm only using it 3days a week for a 2hrs meeting per day, 2years later the battery lasting from 9hours to only 4, I never used them until the batteries dies, I always charge at around 50-70% yet this thing diminishing so quickly.

Airpods pro battery was never 9 hours anyway! The best I have had thus far is from WF-1000XM4 and even they only last about 7/8 hours with no noise cancelling.
So if you are getting 4 hours, I would say that is pretty good.

 

[vincenz]

With how tightly integrated portable consumer electronics are these days, their shelf life is inherently shorter, I feel. That and with how relatively quickly wireless tech in headphones are moving, you'd probably want to upgrade before the battery or ear cups need replacing anyway.

I haven't worn out a pair of headphones yet other than a pair of AirPods' batteries. Those lasted about 2.5 years of regular use before the batteries could no longer hold charge. For the fee Apple charges to replace them, you could get a brand new pair of the same model anyway (~$100). Headphones with bigger batteries will fare way better and if they're taken care of, I don't think batteries should pose an issue. New ear pads though, maybe, it's something to consider as the px7 s2 and px8 seem to be the first pair b&w have made without replaceable pads.

Another day of these on and the music just flows into the background and I don't even notice the headphones are on, they are that comfortable. More thoughts-- The mids are fuller and richer than in previous b&w phones. The highs are smoother while still being clear and this is more pleasing and refined to my ears. The bass is finally precise and punchy a la B&W style again unlike the PX and Px7 which were slightly overbearing like they were trying to tune it to mass consumer bassheads. To me it means that it took them 3 generations of wireless headphones to be worthy successors to their original wired ones. If the Px8 are a slight step up from the Px7 S2, the latter should still be a good choice for the money I would think. Long time coming, but worth the wait

 

[jthomp72]

With how tightly integrated portable consumer electronics are these days, their shelf life is inherently shorter, I feel. That and with how relatively quickly wireless tech in headphones are moving, you'd probably want to upgrade before the battery or ear cups need replacing anyway.

I haven't worn out a pair of headphones yet other than a pair of AirPods' batteries. Those lasted about 2.5 years of regular use before the batteries could no longer hold charge. For the fee Apple charges to replace them, you could get a brand new pair of the same model anyway (~$100). Headphones with bigger batteries will fare way better and if they're taken care of, I don't think batteries should pose an issue. New ear pads though, maybe, it's something to consider as the px7 s2 and px8 seem to be the first pair b&w have made without replaceable pads.

Another day of these on and the music just flows into the background and I don't even notice the headphones are on, they are that comfortable. More thoughts-- The mids are fuller and richer than in previous b&w phones. The highs are smoother while still being clear and this is more pleasing and refined to my ears. The bass is finally precise and punchy a la B&W style again unlike the PX and Px7 which were slightly overbearing like they were trying to tune it to mass consumer bassheads. To me it means that it took them 3 generations of wireless headphones to be worthy successors to their original wired ones. If the Px8 are a slight step up from the Px7 S2, the latter should still be a good choice for the money I would think. Long time coming, but worth the wait

Yeah that tracks. Biggest positive I’ve had is that when listening to tight jazz (Dixieland) from preservation hall jazz band, the high clarinets keep their tone and smoothness while the brassy end sings in a different rough rich way. Most headphones I get great sound from one instrument group, not both.

 

[mainguy]

So I've had Bathys all day, and spent a good 3+ hrs listening.
I decided to sit down and compare it thoroughly to the P9, mainly to decide if I'm going to order PX8, and also because I'm planning on doing a video review of Bathys. A user here did mention the PX8 is reminiscent of the P9 in many ways, as it's name suggests, so I thought this may be useful for people considering both to get an idea of B&W vs Focal. Comparisons are split by genre. I usually listen to a minute at least of each track on the headphones back to back, comparing particular details and overall presentation.

Comparison done wired via DAC mode on Bathys.

Vocals

Radio - Lana del rey

Vocal is much fuller and more detailed on P9, more pleasant, more forward, instrumentals take a back seat and complement the main portions. Beat has moore oomph due to the magnitude of bass.

On Bathys details pop forwards more. The instrumental parts are more defined, however it is at the expense of the vocals which feel smaller, less detailed and present.

Warrior Aurora

Again, auroras vocal is fuller and more impressive on the P9, it has a real wow effect. it’s nice and clear on Bathys, and enjoyable, but it doesn’t have that fullness.

The Bathys impresses with a sense of clarity, the P9 with sheer force and body.

I’ll be honest, for vocals alone, the P9 is in another league. It is a more impressive and powerful performance.

Electronic
Grimes - various tracks

Electronic music full of beats and exciting effects.
The Bathys, due to the way it renders instrumentals adds energy and sharpness to electronic music which is impressive. It has more ‘energy’ than the P9 which at times sounds a little weaker in comparison, lacking the sharpness and definition that makes electronic music really pop.
At points I’d say the Bathys is rendering this type of music much better. I notice aspects of songs that really drift too far into the background on P9, while on Bathys they are fully present and adding to the song as they should.

The P9 is still a great listen here, but I’d give a firm nod to Bathys.

Chemical Bros - Catch me im falling

Details sound more seperated and defined on Bathys, beautiful seperation.

some effects on the bathys sound a tad harsh but on P9 they are not as harsh, especially the horns. P9 feels more cohesive, and I preferred how it dealt with this track overall.

Lorn - Anvil

Details sound exquisite on the Bathys on this track, they have a sharp edge to them that demands attention. Everything feels nicely balanced

P9 - Some details are more filled out, but they have softer edges.

Bassier sound overall, again, feels more impressive and ‘big’ overall. Vocal sections have more body.

Could go either way here.

Classic Rock

Led Zeppelin/Greta Van Fleet


The seperation on Bathys again lends more space to each instrument, it’s much easier to perceive them separately and pick them out in the stage. This is very nicely done.

The Les Paul has a bit more body to it on the p9, but a bit more grunt on the Bathys. Both really nice presentations.

Once again vocals sound slightly distant and lacking on Bathys in comparison. This is less pronounced with rock though compared to the vocal heavy songs mentioned earlier, due to the overall band having more presence in the mix.


Classical

Bach Cello Suites

Bathys shows the power of it’s superior instrument separation here. The air it lends instruments, the space, is more compelling than what the P9 can do. Because the latter emphasises low frequency regions a tad too much it sounds a bit busy, and doesn’t give the Cello the space it needs.

Both still deliver a wonderful performance, but the Bathys I think is a more sophisticated listen here.

Debussy - Claire De Lune

Not a great performance here from Bathys. On one level the air it gives the strings gives a lovely separation and space from the piano. But the strings sound harsh at moments, noticeably so.

The P9 doesn’t achieve the same level of separation of the strings and piano. However, the notes have more body, and it never enters a harshness that the Bathys does, making it a much more agreeable listen. I think this is largely due to the superior timbre of the P9 which can make or break classical.

Overall

I think overall the P9 is a better headphone, it has more impressive moments. It delivers vocals with more body, detail and better timbre. It also reproduces natural instruments with ease, and lacks the harshness Bathys conveys at points.

On the flipside, the performance of Bathys for electronic music cannot be understated. The seperation and definition it brings to effects really shines, and if you’re a lover of EDM, high energy music, DJ sets, I’d say Bathys are an absolute win.

When listening to Rock, the two blur a little and give a fairly similar performance.

I think this is a very impressive performance from Bathys, given its additional wireless capabilities over the P9. However if the PX8 can match or come close to the P9, then Bathys is looking less like a clear buy to me, as the P9 is overall a better headphone in my opinion. Yet this is genre dependent, audio I've found is very rarely clear cut. Given the artists and genres you like it could go either way. Nonetheless this comparison has inspired me to place an order for PX8, so a proper comparison will come then...

 

[jthomp72]

So I've had Bathys all day, and spent a good 3+ hrs listening.
I decided to sit down and compare it thoroughly to the P9, mainly to decide if I'm going to order PX8, and also because I'm planning on doing a video review of Bathys. A user here did mention the PX8 is reminiscent of the P9 in many ways, as it's name suggests, so I thought this may be useful for people considering both to get an idea of B&W vs Focal. Comparisons are split by genre. I usually listen to a minute at least of each track on the headphones back to back, comparing particular details and overall presentation.

Vocals

Radio - Lana del rey

Vocal is much fuller and more detailed on P9, more pleasant, more forward, instrumentals take a back seat and complement the main portions. Beat has moore oomph due to the magnitude of bass.

On Bathys details pop forwards more. The instrumental parts are more defined, however it is at the expense of the vocals which feel smaller, less detailed and present.

Warrior Aurora

Again, auroras vocal is fuller and more impressive on the P9, it has a real wow effect. it’s nice and clear on Bathys, and enjoyable, but it doesn’t have that fullness.

The Bathys impresses with a sense of clarity, the P9 with sheer force and body.

I’ll be honest, for vocals alone, the P9 is in another league. It is a more impressive and powerful performance.

Electronic
Grimes - various tracks

Electronic music full of beats and exciting effects.
The Bathys, due to the way it renders instrumentals adds energy and sharpness to electronic music which is impressive. It has more ‘energy’ than the P9 which at times sounds a little weaker in comparison, lacking the sharpness and definition that makes electronic music really pop.
At points I’d say the Bathys is rendering this type of music much better. I notice aspects of songs that really drift too far into the background on P9, while on Bathys they are fully present and adding to the song as they should.

The P9 is still a great listen here, but I’d give a firm nod to Bathys.

Chemical Bros - Catch me im falling

Details sound more seperated and defined on Bathys, beautiful seperation.

some effects on the bathys sound a tad harsh but on P9 they are not as harsh, especially the horns. P9 feels more cohesive, and I preferred how it dealt with this track overall.

Lorn - Anvil

Details sound exquisite on the Bathys on this track, they have a sharp edge to them that demands attention. Everything feels nicely balanced

P9 - Some details are more filled out, but they have softer edges.

Bassier sound overall, again, feels more impressive and ‘big’ overall. Vocal sections have more body.

Could go either way here.

Classic Rock

Led Zeppelin/Greta Van Fleet


The seperation on Bathys again lends more space to each instrument, it’s much easier to perceive them separately and pick them out in the stage. This is very nicely done.

The Les Paul has a bit more body to it on the p9, but a bit more grunt on the Bathys. Both really nice presentations.

Once again vocals sound slightly distant and lacking on Bathys in comparison. This is less pronounced with rock though compared to the vocal heavy songs mentioned earlier, due to the overall band having more presence in the mix.


Classical

Bach Cello Suites

Bathys shows the power of it’s superior instrument separation here. The air it lends instruments, the space, is more compelling than what the P9 can do. Because the latter emphasises low frequency regions a tad too much it sounds a bit busy, and doesn’t give the Cello the space it needs.

Both still deliver a wonderful performance, but the Bathys I think is a more sophisticated listen here.

Debussy - Claire De Lune

Not a great performance here from Bathys. On one level the air it gives the strings gives a lovely separation and space from the piano. But the strings sound harsh at moments, noticeably so.

The P9 doesn’t achieve the same level of separation of the strings and piano. However, the notes have more body, and it never enters a harshness that the Bathys does, making it a much more agreeable listen. I think this is largely due to the superior timbre of the P9 which can make or break classical.

Overall

I think overall the P9 is a better headphone, it has more impressive moments. It delivers vocals with more body, detail and better timbre. It also reproduces natural instruments with ease, and lacks the harshness Bathys conveys at points.

On the flipside, the performance of Bathys for electronic music cannot be understated. The seperation and definition it brings to effects really shines, and if you’re a lover of EDM, high energy music, DJ sets, I’d say Bathys are an absolute win.

When listening to Rock, the two blur a little and give a fairly similar performance.

I think this is a very impressive performance from Bathys, given its additional capabilities over the P9. However if the PX8 can match or come close to the P9, then Bathys is looking less like a clear buy to me, as the P9 is overall a better headphone in my opinion. Yet this is genre dependent, audio I've found is very rarely clear cut. Given the artists and genres you like it could go either way. Nonetheless this comparison has inspired me to place an order for PX8, so a proper comparison will come then...

God I can’t wait for the comparison, but I would say on a positive note the separation is miles better on the Px8 then the P9, though I’m just going off memory on the tuning of the P9, although they stuck with me for awhile because I found the signature so interesting

 

[pbui44]

For B&W PX7 S2 and PX8 owners who want more headband grip and/or want to protect the headband from regular use wear, this one should fit perfectly:

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832830958745.html

 

[jthomp72]

For B&W PX7 S2 and PX8 owners who want more headband grip and/or want to protect the headband from regular use wear, this one should fit perfectly:

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2251832830958745.html

Wonder if this would distribute pressure more evenly or less lol

 

[pbui44]

Wonder if this would distribute pressure more evenly or less lol

To say the least, the headband cover will keep your headband from sliding back and forth as much. This might dial back the amount of clamping that you may need, but this is the PX8, so YMMV.

 

[rebbhosar]

So I've had Bathys all day, and spent a good 3+ hrs listening.
I decided to sit down and compare it thoroughly to the P9, mainly to decide if I'm going to order PX8, and also because I'm planning on doing a video review of Bathys. A user here did mention the PX8 is reminiscent of the P9 in many ways, as it's name suggests, so I thought this may be useful for people considering both to get an idea of B&W vs Focal. Comparisons are split by genre. I usually listen to a minute at least of each track on the headphones back to back, comparing particular details and overall presentation.

Comparison done wired via DAC mode on Bathys.

Vocals

Radio - Lana del rey

Vocal is much fuller and more detailed on P9, more pleasant, more forward, instrumentals take a back seat and complement the main portions. Beat has moore oomph due to the magnitude of bass.

On Bathys details pop forwards more. The instrumental parts are more defined, however it is at the expense of the vocals which feel smaller, less detailed and present.

Warrior Aurora

Again, auroras vocal is fuller and more impressive on the P9, it has a real wow effect. it’s nice and clear on Bathys, and enjoyable, but it doesn’t have that fullness.

The Bathys impresses with a sense of clarity, the P9 with sheer force and body.

I’ll be honest, for vocals alone, the P9 is in another league. It is a more impressive and powerful performance.

Electronic
Grimes - various tracks

Electronic music full of beats and exciting effects.
The Bathys, due to the way it renders instrumentals adds energy and sharpness to electronic music which is impressive. It has more ‘energy’ than the P9 which at times sounds a little weaker in comparison, lacking the sharpness and definition that makes electronic music really pop.
At points I’d say the Bathys is rendering this type of music much better. I notice aspects of songs that really drift too far into the background on P9, while on Bathys they are fully present and adding to the song as they should.

The P9 is still a great listen here, but I’d give a firm nod to Bathys.

Chemical Bros - Catch me im falling

Details sound more seperated and defined on Bathys, beautiful seperation.

some effects on the bathys sound a tad harsh but on P9 they are not as harsh, especially the horns. P9 feels more cohesive, and I preferred how it dealt with this track overall.

Lorn - Anvil

Details sound exquisite on the Bathys on this track, they have a sharp edge to them that demands attention. Everything feels nicely balanced

P9 - Some details are more filled out, but they have softer edges.

Bassier sound overall, again, feels more impressive and ‘big’ overall. Vocal sections have more body.

Could go either way here.

Classic Rock

Led Zeppelin/Greta Van Fleet


The seperation on Bathys again lends more space to each instrument, it’s much easier to perceive them separately and pick them out in the stage. This is very nicely done.

The Les Paul has a bit more body to it on the p9, but a bit more grunt on the Bathys. Both really nice presentations.

Once again vocals sound slightly distant and lacking on Bathys in comparison. This is less pronounced with rock though compared to the vocal heavy songs mentioned earlier, due to the overall band having more presence in the mix.


Classical

Bach Cello Suites

Bathys shows the power of it’s superior instrument separation here. The air it lends instruments, the space, is more compelling than what the P9 can do. Because the latter emphasises low frequency regions a tad too much it sounds a bit busy, and doesn’t give the Cello the space it needs.

Both still deliver a wonderful performance, but the Bathys I think is a more sophisticated listen here.

Debussy - Claire De Lune

Not a great performance here from Bathys. On one level the air it gives the strings gives a lovely separation and space from the piano. But the strings sound harsh at moments, noticeably so.

The P9 doesn’t achieve the same level of separation of the strings and piano. However, the notes have more body, and it never enters a harshness that the Bathys does, making it a much more agreeable listen. I think this is largely due to the superior timbre of the P9 which can make or break classical.

Overall

I think overall the P9 is a better headphone, it has more impressive moments. It delivers vocals with more body, detail and better timbre. It also reproduces natural instruments with ease, and lacks the harshness Bathys conveys at points.

On the flipside, the performance of Bathys for electronic music cannot be understated. The seperation and definition it brings to effects really shines, and if you’re a lover of EDM, high energy music, DJ sets, I’d say Bathys are an absolute win.

When listening to Rock, the two blur a little and give a fairly similar performance.

I think this is a very impressive performance from Bathys, given its additional wireless capabilities over the P9. However if the PX8 can match or come close to the P9, then Bathys is looking less like a clear buy to me, as the P9 is overall a better headphone in my opinion. Yet this is genre dependent, audio I've found is very rarely clear cut. Given the artists and genres you like it could go either way. Nonetheless this comparison has inspired me to place an order for PX8, so a proper comparison will come then...

Finally, someone who uses Lorn aswell to test; his work really tests the limits of dynamic range and bass depth and texture.

I've owned or tested the majority of the modern B&W and Focal cans. The thing is that the way they both typically render sound is very different and build quality (materials) is generally superior with B&W but lose out to Focals fit and comfort.

I currently still own the Px7 (non-carbon, which I understand to be bassier) and the P9 signature. The P9's are not used so much, mostly due to the fit but also because of the inability to drive balanced. The Px7's have been left unused in the shadow of the Airpod Max (which are a truly nice surprise on many levels, especially when properly calibrated.)

When in doubt in general, I tend to err on the side of Focal (I've had the Elear, Elegia, Stellia and currently have the Clear MG and the Radiance). The crux of them being preferred is simply down to the exactitude of their punch, dynamics and imaging. You hit them with music and they hit back, hard - but this is at home, in a quiet room.

But B&W really have a great deal more experience with the unique sonic demands of wireless, portable headphone to be used in loud environs. They really tend to flourish with modern, bassy tracks, they are very full and grandiose. Something may sound overbearing or boomy when tested in a quiet room at home but suddenly make a hell of a lot more sense when on public transit or walking down a busy city street.

So your review was very helpful. I think it comes down to where you will use them and what kind of music you tend to listen to when on the go.

At home one may listen primarily to one type of music but during transit or mobile use/gym do might see a trend of listening to something else completely and that difference may inform ones choice.

 

[vincenz]

So I've had Bathys all day, and spent a good 3+ hrs listening.
I decided to sit down and compare it thoroughly to the P9, mainly to decide if I'm going to order PX8, and also because I'm planning on doing a video review of Bathys. A user here did mention the PX8 is reminiscent of the P9 in many ways, as it's name suggests, so I thought this may be useful for people considering both to get an idea of B&W vs Focal. Comparisons are split by genre. I usually listen to a minute at least of each track on the headphones back to back, comparing particular details and overall presentation.

Comparison done wired via DAC mode on Bathys.

Vocals

Radio - Lana del rey

Vocal is much fuller and more detailed on P9, more pleasant, more forward, instrumentals take a back seat and complement the main portions. Beat has moore oomph due to the magnitude of bass.

On Bathys details pop forwards more. The instrumental parts are more defined, however it is at the expense of the vocals which feel smaller, less detailed and present.

Warrior Aurora

Again, auroras vocal is fuller and more impressive on the P9, it has a real wow effect. it’s nice and clear on Bathys, and enjoyable, but it doesn’t have that fullness.

The Bathys impresses with a sense of clarity, the P9 with sheer force and body.

I’ll be honest, for vocals alone, the P9 is in another league. It is a more impressive and powerful performance.

Electronic
Grimes - various tracks

Electronic music full of beats and exciting effects.
The Bathys, due to the way it renders instrumentals adds energy and sharpness to electronic music which is impressive. It has more ‘energy’ than the P9 which at times sounds a little weaker in comparison, lacking the sharpness and definition that makes electronic music really pop.
At points I’d say the Bathys is rendering this type of music much better. I notice aspects of songs that really drift too far into the background on P9, while on Bathys they are fully present and adding to the song as they should.

The P9 is still a great listen here, but I’d give a firm nod to Bathys.

Chemical Bros - Catch me im falling

Details sound more seperated and defined on Bathys, beautiful seperation.

some effects on the bathys sound a tad harsh but on P9 they are not as harsh, especially the horns. P9 feels more cohesive, and I preferred how it dealt with this track overall.

Lorn - Anvil

Details sound exquisite on the Bathys on this track, they have a sharp edge to them that demands attention. Everything feels nicely balanced

P9 - Some details are more filled out, but they have softer edges.

Bassier sound overall, again, feels more impressive and ‘big’ overall. Vocal sections have more body.

Could go either way here.

Classic Rock

Led Zeppelin/Greta Van Fleet


The seperation on Bathys again lends more space to each instrument, it’s much easier to perceive them separately and pick them out in the stage. This is very nicely done.

The Les Paul has a bit more body to it on the p9, but a bit more grunt on the Bathys. Both really nice presentations.

Once again vocals sound slightly distant and lacking on Bathys in comparison. This is less pronounced with rock though compared to the vocal heavy songs mentioned earlier, due to the overall band having more presence in the mix.


Classical

Bach Cello Suites

Bathys shows the power of it’s superior instrument separation here. The air it lends instruments, the space, is more compelling than what the P9 can do. Because the latter emphasises low frequency regions a tad too much it sounds a bit busy, and doesn’t give the Cello the space it needs.

Both still deliver a wonderful performance, but the Bathys I think is a more sophisticated listen here.

Debussy - Claire De Lune

Not a great performance here from Bathys. On one level the air it gives the strings gives a lovely separation and space from the piano. But the strings sound harsh at moments, noticeably so.

The P9 doesn’t achieve the same level of separation of the strings and piano. However, the notes have more body, and it never enters a harshness that the Bathys does, making it a much more agreeable listen. I think this is largely due to the superior timbre of the P9 which can make or break classical.

Overall

I think overall the P9 is a better headphone, it has more impressive moments. It delivers vocals with more body, detail and better timbre. It also reproduces natural instruments with ease, and lacks the harshness Bathys conveys at points.

On the flipside, the performance of Bathys for electronic music cannot be understated. The seperation and definition it brings to effects really shines, and if you’re a lover of EDM, high energy music, DJ sets, I’d say Bathys are an absolute win.

When listening to Rock, the two blur a little and give a fairly similar performance.

I think this is a very impressive performance from Bathys, given its additional wireless capabilities over the P9. However if the PX8 can match or come close to the P9, then Bathys is looking less like a clear buy to me, as the P9 is overall a better headphone in my opinion. Yet this is genre dependent, audio I've found is very rarely clear cut. Given the artists and genres you like it could go either way. Nonetheless this comparison has inspired me to place an order for PX8, so a proper comparison will come then...

A proper head to head! It sounds like the P9 are one of your faves and it's great to see another appreciate it also because I think it sometimes gets passed over for its very distinct sound signature. For me I have to be in a specific mood for it-- mostly when I have the time to sit down and give it my undivided attention.

I tried to avoid comparing it directly to the Px8 because I don't think it's entirely apples to apples because of what the P9 was. I do agree the P9 are not very good at electronic music, and also some pop and rock. The mids get muddied in them a bit sometimes when there's more going on because of the bass. But if vocals are the focus, it really does shine. And it does have that extra "body" that it adds to the music and that very "big" and "impressive" sound (it's what B&W were going for for sure). In that department it has a slight leg up over the Px8, and it does reach lower in bass also (Px8 reaches lower that P7W though), but again this doesn't work with all tracks, or even with any, depending on the type of music you usually go for. If you absolutely had to made me pick to live with one headphone, it would have to be the Px8 because it's more versatile to my ears, but it's a good thing we don't live in a world like that because I do enjoy the P9 also for what it is-- it's just special on its own too.

Given that you like the P7W and P9 so much though, I can't see how you'd be dissatisfied with the Px8 at all, but now I am looking forward to your head to head between the Px8 and Bathys anyway!

God I can’t wait for the comparison, but I would say on a positive note the separation is miles better on the Px8 then the P9, though I’m just going off memory on the tuning of the P9, although they stuck with me for awhile because I found the signature so interesting

So testing them side by side, I can't say I find either of them lacking in separation and can't really say I like one better than the other. I think if anything, how much better the Px8 are in the mids may give it a leg up, but for the longest time one of the best things I've liked about the P9 is the amount of separation I can pick out and so far with hours in with the Px8, I don't find them lacking. For me it's a toss-up and I enjoy the way separation is presented on both. I guess that is a testament to the Px8 also.

The thing about the P9 is that B&W were going for a certain tuning and wanted to showcase the low end, and my god could it ever. It has a very BIG sound, almost as if you're in front of a pair of their floorstanders. I've had tracks that the low end would reverberate through into my body-- I wouldn't actually hear the low end, I'd literally feel it instead. Haven't had another pair of headphones that could do that. I think it goes down to 2Hz or something insane. I remember the first time I found a test track for bass, it was some tribal drum music (I think either Hawaiian or Japanese? I can't remember, but I really really really wish I could find it again..) and I could feel as if I were in the seats in front of the stage while the drummers were drumming. I felt the frequencies in my chest it was so eery