Bowers & Wilkins PX7 noise-cancelling over ear headphones

[starfly]

So actually I think I'm just going to send the S2 back. Compared to the PX7C it sounds better, but the PX7C is more comfortable, as they're roomier. And going back and forth I more distinctly notice the difference with my ears touching the pads and the inside on the S2. If the S2 would have been just as big (or bigger) as the PX7C, but retained all the other qualities it has (very comfortable earpads otherwise, perfect clamping pressure, great headband), it would have been a home-run comfortwise.

It'll take 2-3 weeks for those lambskin pads to arrive for the PX7C, right after I return from my trip. Will check them out then and see how comfort improves.

 

[acroyear]

So actually I think I'm just going to send the S2 back. Compared to the PX7C it sounds better, but the PX7C is more comfortable, as they're roomier. And going back and forth I more distinctly notice the difference with my ears touching the pads and the inside on the S2. If the S2 would have been just as big (or bigger) as the PX7C, but retained all the other qualities it has (very comfortable earpads otherwise, perfect clamping pressure, great headband), it would have been a home-run comfortwise.

It'll take 2-3 weeks for those lambskin pads to arrive for the PX7C, right after I return from my trip. Will check them out then and see how comfort improves.

I think you've made a good choice. I'm doing the same. I'm really curious about the Lambskin pads and whether the foam will be softer, ear holes larger, etc. A photo was posted here but it's so grainy I can't see anything really. Mine have shipped so I'll know in a couple weeks

 

[acroyear]

I hope that this picture of the them will give a good view of their fit and how much extra space it takes around the outside of the ear cups:

If you get a chance would you mind posting some more photos in bright lighting from different angles? Not many people have purchased those lambskin pads, and we'd all love to see them better. I ordered some but it'll take awhile to actually receive them. Side by side with the original pads would be very helpful. Thanks!

 

[acroyear]

Ok. These Px7 Carbon are exceptional. My third day with them and after the necessary headband stretching that only took a few minutes, they're very very comfortable. I was done listening to music and felt comforted by them, and just left them on my head for awhile. The pads are actually quite soft. The issue with these was clamping force which trust me, is easily solved. Could the pads be bigger? Yeah they could. But right now I'm very happy with these.

 

[TK33]

I was going to wait for the PX8 but got restless at work today and decided to swing by Audio46. Ended up walking out with the PX7 S2...

Only listened for a few minites in the store but as soon as I put them on, I knew I was walking out of there with them. Highs are crisp and not as bass heavy/muddy as I was expecting from my previous experience with B&W headphones (for my taste I do need to reduce it a notch or two). Sound signature, without EQ, was more balanced than the PI7s. B&W did a great job with tuning.

ANC was decent and not as strong as the Bose QC35 IIs but definitely much more effective than the weak ANC on my Aonic 50s. This is fine for me since I am very sensitive to ANC and the Bose give me a headache from the "cabin pressure" feeling. Sound was pretty consistent with ANC on or off. I like that you can actually turn off ANC AND pass-through, similar to the Aonic 50. I was also considering the Sennheiser Momentum 4 but passed on it because you cant turn off both ANC and passthrough/ambient.

Comfort was excellent and just the right amount of clamping force for me. Much better than my old P5s (still use P5 S2 for sleeping due to its small profile). Super comfortable and earcups were fine for me. They do touch a bit but I am used to it and I prioritize smaller form factor when it comes to bluetooth headphones. Comfort-wise, they are very similar to my Aonic 50s for me but obviously this depends on the person and my Aonic 50s are older and have more wear. Also, very happy B&W stayed with physical buttons.

The smaller size, lighter weight (although these are not exactly light), better ANC and the more puncher bass will make them much more suitable for commuting and travel vs. The Aonic 50, which is what I got them for.

Sound wise, they are quite different from my Aonic 50s, which I still love and will continue to use at home. The two headphones complement each other nicely. Wish I picked these up sooner and can't wait for them to fully charge.

 

[starfly]

I was going to wait for the PX8 but got restless at work today and decided to swing by Audio46. Ended up walking out with the PX7 S2...

Only listened for a few minites in the store but as soon as I put them on, I knew I was walking out of there with them. Highs are crisp and not as bass heavy/muddy as I was expecting from my previous experience with B&W headphones (for my taste I do need to reduce it a notch or two). Sound signature, without EQ, was more balanced than the PI7s. B&W did a great job with tuning.

ANC was decent and not as strong as the Bose QC35 IIs but definitely much more effective than the weak ANC on my Aonic 50s. This is fine for me since I am very sensitive to ANC and the Bose give me a headache from the "cabin pressure" feeling. Sound was pretty consistent with ANC on or off. I like that you can actually turn off ANC AND pass-through, similar to the Aonic 50. I was also considering the Sennheiser Momentum 4 but passed on it because you cant turn off both ANC and passthrough/ambient.

Comfort was excellent and just the right amount of clamping force for me. Much better than my old P5s (still use P5 S2 for sleeping due to its small profile). Super comfortable and earcups were fine for me. They do touch a bit but I am used to it and I prioritize smaller form factor when it comes to bluetooth headphones. Comfort-wise, they are very similar to my Aonic 50s for me but obviously this depends on the person and my Aonic 50s are older and have more wear. Also, very happy B&W stayed with physical buttons.

The smaller size, lighter weight (although these are not exactly light), better ANC and the more puncher bass will make them much more suitable for commuting and travel vs. The Aonic 50, which is what I got them for.

Sound wise, they are quite different from my Aonic 50s, which I still love and will continue to use at home. The two headphones complement each other nicely. Wish I picked these up sooner and can't wait for them to fully charge.

Yeah man, they're a great pair of cans. I was sad to depart with the S2s as they were my favorite SQ wise out of all the cans I tested, but the PX7C is more comfortable for me with my elephant ears. And agreed, the ANC is good enough.

Who knows when the PX8 will come out anyway. Enjoy the S2s!

 

[acroyear]

I was going to wait for the PX8 but got restless at work today and decided to swing by Audio46. Ended up walking out with the PX7 S2...

Only listened for a few minites in the store but as soon as I put them on, I knew I was walking out of there with them. Highs are crisp and not as bass heavy/muddy as I was expecting from my previous experience with B&W headphones (for my taste I do need to reduce it a notch or two). Sound signature, without EQ, was more balanced than the PI7s. B&W did a great job with tuning.

ANC was decent and not as strong as the Bose QC35 IIs but definitely much more effective than the weak ANC on my Aonic 50s. This is fine for me since I am very sensitive to ANC and the Bose give me a headache from the "cabin pressure" feeling. Sound was pretty consistent with ANC on or off. I like that you can actually turn off ANC AND pass-through, similar to the Aonic 50. I was also considering the Sennheiser Momentum 4 but passed on it because you cant turn off both ANC and passthrough/ambient.

Comfort was excellent and just the right amount of clamping force for me. Much better than my old P5s (still use P5 S2 for sleeping due to its small profile). Super comfortable and earcups were fine for me. They do touch a bit but I am used to it and I prioritize smaller form factor when it comes to bluetooth headphones. Comfort-wise, they are very similar to my Aonic 50s for me but obviously this depends on the person and my Aonic 50s are older and have more wear. Also, very happy B&W stayed with physical buttons.

The smaller size, lighter weight (although these are not exactly light), better ANC and the more puncher bass will make them much more suitable for commuting and travel vs. The Aonic 50, which is what I got them for.

Sound wise, they are quite different from my Aonic 50s, which I still love and will continue to use at home. The two headphones complement each other nicely. Wish I picked these up sooner and can't wait for them to fully charge.

They really are fantastic sounding headphones. I actually really liked the simplicity of the treble/bass sliders in the app. They're nice and low profile too. I miss mine a little, but I couldn't keep them AND the Px7 Carbons. Although I did consider it LOL

 

[pbui44]

If you get a chance would you mind posting some more photos in bright lighting from different angles? Not many people have purchased those lambskin pads, and we'd all love to see them better. I ordered some but it'll take awhile to actually receive them. Side by side with the original pads would be very helpful. Thanks!

Sure and I hope that this is enough light:

 

[starfly]

Sure and I hope that this is enough light:

Do you feel that these make the earcups deeper vs. the stock pads? Like does it push the drivers farther away from your ears?

And how does it affect ANC? Usually non-stock pads will negatively affect ANC, as ANC is tuned with the stock pads in mind.

 

[pbui44]

Do you feel that these make the earcups deeper vs. the stock pads? Like does it push the drivers farther away from your ears?

And how does it affect ANC? Usually non-stock pads will negatively affect ANC, as ANC is tuned with the stock pads in mind.

Here are my detailed impressions of the lambskin ear pads with the driver covers still on the drivers:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/bow...-ear-headphones.915539/page-129#post-17112710

 

[starfly]

Here are my detailed impressions of the lambskin ear pads with the driver covers still on the drivers:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/bow...-ear-headphones.915539/page-129#post-17112710

Alright, so in conclusion, the opening is a bit larger than the stock pads, so more space in height and width dimensions. And then the pads are a bit thicker, so more space in depth dimension as well.

Sound is essentially the same. But is ANC affected? I don't see anything in your post specifically mentioning to what extent ANC is the same, or worse.

 

[pbui44]

Alright, so in conclusion, the opening is a bit larger than the stock pads, so more space in height and width dimensions. And then the pads are a bit thicker, so more space in depth dimension as well.

Sound is essentially the same. But is ANC affected? I don't see anything in your post specifically mentioning to what extent ANC is the same, or worse.

IMO the ANC is not affected.

 

[acroyear]

IMO the ANC is not affected.

The lighting is great I really appreciate it but can you show the opening of the pads with them off your head? Thank you so much. I'm excited for these

 

[pbui44]

The lighting is great I really appreciate it but can you show the opening of the pads with them off your head? Thank you so much. I'm excited for these

Various camera angles from left ear cup to right ear cup. You want TMI, then you get TMI. I am not liable for your head exploding.

 

[starfly]

Various camera angles from left ear cup to right ear cup. You want TMI, then you get TMI. I am not liable for your head exploding.

OK, these pads don't have any fabric to cover the drivers? Or did you remove it?