Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3

It’s been three years since Bowers & Wilkins launched the Px7 S2 and almost two since the refreshed Px7 S2e went on sale. Both were very well received, and so it’s no surprise the British brand, synonymous with excellent audio, has decided it’s time for a new version 

The Px7 S3 have been redesigned, inside and out. The headphones are slimmer, with a new headband and redesigned arm mechanism to ensure they don’t protrude as much when worn. Then there’s the redesigned drive units, which Bowers & Wilkins claims reduce distortion, along with a dedicated, discrete headphone amplifier (a first for the company;s over-ear headphones) that offers more scale and energy to the sound. That’s not all either, as the headphones now support both aptX Adaptive 24bit/96kHz and aptX Lossless - codecs that reduce latency and signal drop-outs in sound, as well as offering CD-quality sound over Bluetooth in the case of aptX Lossless. 

But what’s really got me excited is the active noise-cancelling, which Bowers & Wilkins says is its most powerful and effective to date thanks to additional microphones in each ear cup. Previously the noise-cancelling in the company’s headphones has never quite reached the same level as the majority of its rivals, so I can’t wait to try this out. 

Sound Quality 

Bowers & Wilkins has a reputation for impressive sound quality, and the Px7 S3 don’t let anyone down. The audio is warm and perfectly balanced, with an excellent level of clarity across all frequencies, and tiny details often lost in a mix are clearly audible through these headphones. On top of this, the expansive soundstage ensures each instrument and vocal is given space to shine. 

The top end is sparkling and bright without any harshness creeping in, and a broad range of lower notes are audible without overshadowing the treble or midrange.  There’s plenty of depth and fullness to the low frequencies too, which ensures bass-heavy tracks are reproduced tightly without any distortion or muddiness - and they never feel flat. 

But it’s the midrange that is really the star of this audio show, with plenty of clarity and eloquence in vocals creating a warm, full sound that’s consistent and endlessly pleasing to the ear.  

As I’ve already mentioned, the headphones support aptX Lossless, but to get the benefit of this codec the device you’re using to play music needs to support it as well. And while there’s a wealth of phones on the market that do support aptX Lossless, big names like Apple, Google and Samsung are missing from this list - so it’s not something I can put to the test, and that’s likely to be the case for many people buying these headphones in the near future, too.  

The noise-cancelling really has been improved, and the additional microphones mean the headphones do a much better job of blocking out external sounds and really hold their own against a busy high street on a Saturday morning. There’s also a pass-through mode that works well, ensuring I can enjoy music while still being aware of my surroundings.  

When it comes to calls, the noise-cancelling is effective at blocking out external sounds and even reducing the effects of wind, leaving both recipients with a clear, pleasing experience.

Living with the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3

The redesigned PX7 S3 are extremely comfortable to wear - in fact, thanks to the well- padded headband and pillowy soft ear cups, I almost forget I’m wearing them. The slimmer profile looks far less comical on my fairly small head compared to the previous iteration and, as you’d expect from Bowers and Wilkins, the headphones have a truly premium look and feel to them.  

Buttons on the earcups can start and stop the music, as well as adjust the volume and turn the headphones on or off. There’s also a ‘quick action’ button that can be used to adjust the noise-cancelling level or summon the voice assistant when connected to a smartphone. 

The ‘Music’ control app enables the customisation of this button, as well as offering the ability to adjust the noise-cancelling level and the sensitivity of the wear sensor, which detects when the headphones have been removed and automatically pauses the music (although they’ll automatically switch off after 15 minutes of inactivity). The app also offers the ability to tweak the sound to suit you with a five-band EQ, and the option to save the sound profile so it can be quickly accessed. 

The 30 hours listening time (with ANC on) is honestly more than enough, and the claim a 15-minute recharge is sufficient to provide up to seven hours listening time holds up too.

Conclusion

The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 are an excellent pair of over-ear headphones. They sound impressive, with a balanced presentation that’s clear and full of detail, along with a broad soundstage. The noise-cancelling almost rivals Bose when it comes to blocking out external sounds, they’re lightweight and comfortable to wear, and they have a long battery life. In fact, there’s not much else you can ask for in a pair of headphones - so unsurprisingly they come with a very hefty price tag.

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Listening Notes

Taylor Swift You Need to Calm Down 
The Px7 S3 make this pop anthem from Taylor Swift sound fresh and vibrant. The repetitive bass line is powerful while sounding full and rich, but without overpowering the electronic tones and Swift’s melodic vocals. 

Elton John and Brandi Carlile Little Richard’s BibleThere’s a lot going on in this track: crunchy guitars, boogie-woogie piano and mellow vocals - but thanks to the broad soundstage, every element is clearly audible and given room in the spotlight. It makes for a sublime listen that will have you up and swaying before you know it.

Michael Bublé It’s a Beautiful Day
Bublé’s soulful vocals, along with the rhythmic guitar, really shine in this infectious pop track. The low notes sound rich with plenty of depth, while still leaving enough room for the brass instruments making for a joyous experience.

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Those seeking a pair of impressive over-ear headphones with effective noise cancelling must consider the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3. There’s no denying they come with a hefty price tag, but in my eyes the broad soundstage, balanced audio, and level of clarity and detail make it more than worth it. The stylish design, level of comfort and the fact that parts such as the headband and ear cups can be replaced by Bowers & Wilkins themselves is just the icing on the cake.

To get the most out of the Px7 S3, you’ll need to pair them with a smartphone that supports aptX Lossless. However, as I’ve already mentioned, there’s not exactly a wealth of choice on the market right now. The latest launches from Moto, Xiaomi or Asus will serve you well here. Alternatively, use the iFi audio NEO iDSD 2 DAC and take the strain off your smartphone.