Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 and Pi6 True Wireless Earbuds

[BenKatz]

My short review of the BT-W6 from Creative, using it paired with my B&W Pi8, in Aptx Lossless mode.

Sound quality:

I heard a lot about it somehow changing the sound quality, mostly in comparison with a BT transmitter from Fiio that I never used tbh.

All I can say is that in comparison with the sound I'm getting from my Xperia I V (also using Aptx LOSSLESS), the sound quality and signature is identical.

Microphone:

Works flawlessly from my Pi8 (it uses your headphone's onboard mic). Using the Pi8 as my main work headphones, TEAMS and ZOOM calls all day.

Bugs:

I found 2:

1) The maximum volume is slightly lower than on my Xperia - I'd say it's at 92-94% compared to when it's connected to my phone.

2) For the first ~2 seconds at the beginning of each song, the sound is almost silent (as if the volume starts at around 2-3% and then jumps back to the volume it's set at)

I tried playing around with settings in the app, nothing helps.

I also use it with no EQ or any other sound enhancements on. I left the bitrate on the standard setting 24bit 48khz.

Software version:

 

[BenKatz]

Am I the only one sick of reaching out to a pen or a toothpick to press the "reset" button on the base of the case? it seems every other day one earbud decides to stop working unless I reset the whole thing.

0 updates from B&W. Just sent them a message.

 

[TK33]

Am I the only one sick of reaching out to a pen or a toothpick to press the "reset" button on the base of the case? it seems every other day one earbud decides to stop working unless I reset the whole thing.

0 updates from B&W. Just sent them a message.

Have not had this issue with my PI8s. Didn't even know there was a reset button there. Was afraid to reply to you for fear of jinxing myself but seems like you may have a defective set. Knocking on wood now...good luck.

 

[galaxygrrl]

Hey all,

I wanted these to go on sale over the holidays, but alas they did not. There are a whole bunch on eBay for $260 new but without the box. I asked the guy where he got them and he said, he bought a pallet of electronics and there were a lot of earbuds on it. He swears they are authentic. FWIW

 

[ryanmatic]

Pi8 firmware update available now, FYI.

"Bug fixes and improvements"

 

[a4abt]

Pi8 firmware update available now, FYI.

"Bug fixes and improvements"

They are much quicker to connect when case is opened then before. The led used to take 4-5 seconds to light and now it’s instant!

 

[ryanmatic]

Volume steps seem a bit more gradual now, which is welcome. I can go about four or five clicks now whereas before three clicks (above silent) was too loud for me.

 

[pgravili]

Looks like the connection issues have been resolved, albeit limited. Great Tws! Hope my new Rex5s coming soon will be superior. Although it will be a tough fight at this point...

 

[TomBY]

I have two Pi8 (I lost one, and it was found, after I bought a second one). In the first update attempts, the Update process stopped a 5%, and afterwards new attempts caused an error. I had to reinstall the Bowers & Wilkins app to get the update to an successful end with one of my Pi8 (the black one) and needed a factory reset on my blue Pi8 to get the update done. So the update process seems to be not well implemented and very error prone.

 

[TK33]

I have two Pi8 (I lost one, and it was found, after I bought a second one). In the first update attempts, the Update process stopped a 5%, and afterwards new attempts caused an error. I had to reinstall the Bowers & Wilkins app to get the update to an successful end with one of my Pi8 (the black one) and needed a factory reset on my blue Pi8 to get the update done. So the update process seems to be not well implemented and very error prone.

I just updated mine with no issues using my Samsung Fold 5.

 

[zevedeos]

Pi8 firmware update available now, FYI.

"Bug fixes and improvements"

ok we have more updates than we had with 7's but still no clue what exactly has been fixed, example the issue with wireless charging has not been solved, so sad B&W still can't solve all the serious issues

 

[bms44974]

I have two Pi8 (I lost one, and it was found, after I bought a second one). In the first update attempts, the Update process stopped a 5%, and afterwards new attempts caused an error. I had to reinstall the Bowers & Wilkins app to get the update to an successful end with one of my Pi8 (the black one) and needed a factory reset on my blue Pi8 to get the update done. So the update process seems to be not well implemented and very error prone.

I got to 5% twice and 99% three times using iPhone 15. Factory reset was going to be my last resort. Wish me luck!

 

[pgravili]

I got to 5% twice and 99% three times using iPhone 15. Factory reset was going to be my last resort. Wish me luck!

It happened to me too. Do a factory reset and then you will see that it will be fine!

 

[pgravili]

I don't understand what the changes were though. The occasional connection problems are still there...

 

[bms44974]

Factory reset was not sufficient. I had to forget the Pi8 device in Bluetooth settings and go straightaway to the B&W app before the update finally installed successfully.