Asspirin
500+ Head-Fier
The PI7 arrived. Here are my first impressions.
Tuning:
The PI7 have a relaxed v-shape signature, much like their bigger siblings PX7. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but personally, I like it.
Noise cancelling:
There is a distinct difference between ANC on and off. If you switch it on, bass gets comically boosted and the upper mids are sharpened to balance the whole thing. It's a bit too much for my taste and I would have preferred a more modest appproach to the changes in sound signature. It's still not terrible, but the Sony XM3 perform better regarding consistency.
Passive isolation is very good. In fact, the PI7 isolate much better than the XM3. I think it's safe to keep ANC off, except on flights and noisy public transport. The latter will be tested tomorrow.
Technicalities:
B&W's dual driver setup does a very good job. Treble is clear and very detailed, bass is tight and impactful, mids are decently transparent (as far as the v-shape allows). The PI7 are technically more proficient than the XM3, but I'd prefer the latter for critical listening. Sony's tuning is just spot-on with it's sweetened Harman-response and is a more transparent listening experience than the relaxed/fun-oriented PI7. Soundstage is freaking huuuuge for a TWS. No surprises here, B&W are well known for their spatial sounding headphones.
Volume:
I don't have any problems regarding volume. Paired with my Oneplus 9, the PI7 reach hazardous volume levels and can easily keep up with the XM3.
Fit:
That's the reason I'll definitely keep the PI7. Intense workouts, change of clothing or putting on/removing a face mask will make the XM3 fall out of my ears. The PI7 fit very securely and will be my gym/workout TWS from now on.
Connection:
Again, no problems. Connection speed is flawless, just as the XM3. Haven't tried out maximum distance, but it seems good, as well. I think having a recent smartphone featuring the latest codecs is an important factor here. With my former phone (Galaxy S20+), connection dropped out no matter which TWS I used. My Oneplus 9 sends pushes the signal into space and beyond. Or at least further than I'm comfortable being from my phone while music is playing.
To be continued.
Tuning:
The PI7 have a relaxed v-shape signature, much like their bigger siblings PX7. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but personally, I like it.
Noise cancelling:
There is a distinct difference between ANC on and off. If you switch it on, bass gets comically boosted and the upper mids are sharpened to balance the whole thing. It's a bit too much for my taste and I would have preferred a more modest appproach to the changes in sound signature. It's still not terrible, but the Sony XM3 perform better regarding consistency.
Passive isolation is very good. In fact, the PI7 isolate much better than the XM3. I think it's safe to keep ANC off, except on flights and noisy public transport. The latter will be tested tomorrow.
Technicalities:
B&W's dual driver setup does a very good job. Treble is clear and very detailed, bass is tight and impactful, mids are decently transparent (as far as the v-shape allows). The PI7 are technically more proficient than the XM3, but I'd prefer the latter for critical listening. Sony's tuning is just spot-on with it's sweetened Harman-response and is a more transparent listening experience than the relaxed/fun-oriented PI7. Soundstage is freaking huuuuge for a TWS. No surprises here, B&W are well known for their spatial sounding headphones.
Volume:
I don't have any problems regarding volume. Paired with my Oneplus 9, the PI7 reach hazardous volume levels and can easily keep up with the XM3.
Fit:
That's the reason I'll definitely keep the PI7. Intense workouts, change of clothing or putting on/removing a face mask will make the XM3 fall out of my ears. The PI7 fit very securely and will be my gym/workout TWS from now on.
Connection:
Again, no problems. Connection speed is flawless, just as the XM3. Haven't tried out maximum distance, but it seems good, as well. I think having a recent smartphone featuring the latest codecs is an important factor here. With my former phone (Galaxy S20+), connection dropped out no matter which TWS I used. My Oneplus 9 sends pushes the signal into space and beyond. Or at least further than I'm comfortable being from my phone while music is playing.
To be continued.