Thanks! Exactly what I was looking for as I've listened to everything from B&W then (including the 9s which were horrible IMO) and was wondering if I should grab the PX8s or just give up. Sounds like the PX8 are the next step from the P7s
The nice thing about the Px8s compared to prior wireless headphones (except Px7 S2) are they have some basic EQ in the app, which is stored on the headphone itself (i.e. you don't need the app once you have everything set up the way you want).
As me, you both have and use the A50. I’ve only tested the PX8 for a few short minutes in a busy airport environment. So really couldn’t assess the improvements.
In short, should I upgrade? Why or why not?
It’s a zippered neoprene sleeve. I also use one on my A50. You can get it on AliEx for really cheap. I have a shaved head so it’s mostly for headband longevity and a little added comfort.
I actually think they complement each other well. For me, it is about different sound signatures and I really like the Shure Aonic 50 sound signature that I have seen many others call "anemic" or "boring" but I actually really enjoy. I dont take it personally since I know everyone has different preferences. I use Aonic 50 without EQ. If Px8 and Px7 S2 (since I have both) did not have EQ, I don't think I would have bought them but with a little EQ, they sound fantastic. More intimate and warmer/bassier sound vs. Aonic 50 but the differences in sound signature is why I have both. I never thought of the Px8 as an upgrade to my Aonic 50s because they each offer a completely different experience.
Aonic 50 - I am a fan of the Shure sound (in case you can't tell from my profile) so it was right up my alley and they are built like a tank. As you noted in another thread, Aonic 50 can run in passive mode while Px8 needs to be powered on (I personally dont use this feature but I know it is important to some). However, they are bulky and ANC is nonexistent so definitely not intended, not would I recommend it, for travel. I also like to listen to music before sleeping at night and I can't use the Aonic 50 while lying on my back due to its size. No issues sleeping with Px8's form factor. As you probably know, however, the Aonic 50 is more customizable in terms of EQ (also stored on headphone), passthrough/ambient level, etc. via the app, which just works really well.
Px8 - better overall package than the Aonic 50. Much more compact and decent ANC that is good enough for me to use on a plane or my commuter train. Very different sound signature and I used the EQ to tame the bass a bit but that was more because of my personal preference than anything sounding bloated or bleeding in to mids. Px8s actually have a very clean sound to me.
In my opinion, whether one or the other is better for you depends on preferred sound signature and whether you travel a lot. For me personally, the price difference wasn't a factor but I know that is also an important consideration for many people. In my ongoing efforts to declutter my desk, I recently packed my Aeon 2 Noires away as I have found myself using the Px8 and Aonic 50s more simply due to the convenience factor and the fact that bluetooth has really come a long way in terms of SQ.