The B&W Pi7 S2 not only look brilliant, but they also have a special extra. The review tells us what that is and whether the in-ears sound good.
Overview
The Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 delivered a decent result in 2021 and offered a practical trick, which the noble manufacturer has incorporated again in the revised version Pi7 S2. The true-wireless headphones inherit many of the predecessor’s extras, but do the plugs offer any improvements?
Pros
- Finest sound
- Very comfortable to wear
- Bluetooth transmitter in case
Cons
- Bass sounds prominent
- Poor battery life
The best true-wireless in-ear headphones
Once again, Bowers & Wilkins uses a combination of high-quality materials. The round plastic body connects the driver’s arm with the chic metallic exterior. The manufacturer also adopts the shape, but the Pi7 S2 offer better wearing comfort than their predecessors. The plugs sit firmly in the ears and exert a slight but not unpleasant pressure. Music fans have a choice of three different rubber tips. This is sufficient in many cases, but three sizes are a bit meagre, given the price.
Functions
The free “Music Bowers & Wilkins” app (for iOS and Android) is also mediocre. Although the smartphone application offers a little more than its predecessor, it lacks essential functions such as an equaliser for adjusting the sound. At least the noise-cancelling can be switched, and the transparency mode can be adjusted in steps. The app also provides information about the current charge level of the in-ears. Users of Tidal, Deezer, Soundcloud or NTS can connect their account to the app and start their favourite tracks without changing programmes. However, streaming giant Spotify is left out, and Apple Music or Amazon Music Unlimited users are left out in the cold. The earphone controls work well, and commands such as “Play” or “Skip track forward” are implemented well. Unfortunately, the volume can only be controlled via smartphone.
Bass
Bowers & Wilkins remains at a high level in terms of sound, and the Pi7 S2 sound as good as its predecessors. The present bass colours the sound character, as do the clean voices and incredible detail. The finely resolved music reproduction is pleasing, but tracks with subtle lows have an advantage.
Fitting in
The Pi7 S2 are equipped with microphones that pick up ambient noise. Simultaneously, the in-ears send a counter-sound to the music fan’s ears. The wave superposition creates silence in the ear. This is similarly effective to the famous Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation). In addition, in “Auto” mode, the noise suppression strength adjusts to the ambient volume. If there is a lot of noise, the B&W shield the wearer more effectively. This works well, and deep, sonorous noises like train noise do not interfere with musical taste. Even voices are effectively quieter, but they do come through now and then. If you want to pay attention to your surroundings, you can switch to the “ambient pass-through” (transparency mode). In this mode, users can pay attention to train announcements, for example, as sounds can reach the ears unhindered if desired.
Equipment
There is no surprise in the battery life. At four hours and 46 minutes, the in-ears are just behind their predecessors. At least they are quickly full again, and a ten-minute rest in the charging case is enough for another four hours – excellent. The transport box has remained the same shape and size. Its 6x6x3 centimetres (HxWxD) is a bit bulky, but it has a special extra hidden inside: There is a Bluetooth transmitter in the box. It can be plugged into the headphone socket of a stereo system, for example, using the cable supplied. The audio signal from the hi-fi tower then reaches the in-ears via radio. The first version already had this practical function.
Conclusion
Is everything better the second time around? Unfortunately not. The Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 inherit the poor battery from their predecessors and the poor additional app. The earpiece controls are simple, although a volume control is again missing. B&W has improved the wearing comfort. The in-ears now sit more comfortably in the ears without losing support. As with the predecessor, the manufacturer relies on a finely resolved sound stage, where a powerful bass is particularly present. The clever noise-cancelling system adapts to the environment and effectively filters out annoying noise. The built-in Bluetooth transmitter in the charging box is efficient. It supplies audio sources with radio and brings the signal to the earpieces.
Bowers & Wilkins PI7 S2 Wireless True Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones with Bluetooth, aptX, 24-bit wireless connection, and 6 Built-in Microphones – Satin Black
Price History
Statistics
| Current Price | - | |
| Highest Price | £34,900,348.00 | February 27, 2024 |
| Lowest Price | £242.10 | March 20, 2024 |
Last price changes
| £269.00 | March 23, 2024 |
| £242.10 | March 20, 2024 |
| £314.10 | March 4, 2024 |
| £34,900,348.00 | March 2, 2024 |
| £34,900,348.00 | March 1, 2024 |
Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 In-Ear True Wireless Earphones, Dual Hybrid Drivers, Qualcomm aptX Technology, Active Noise Cancellation, Works with Bowers and Wilkins App, Canvas White (2023 Model)
Price History
Statistics
| Current Price | - | |
| Highest Price | $399.00 | January 3, 2024 |
| Lowest Price | $195.33 | January 14, 2024 |
Last price changes
| $399.00 | January 31, 2024 |
| $201.63 | January 27, 2024 |
| $207.94 | January 18, 2024 |
| $195.33 | January 14, 2024 |
| $209.51 | January 10, 2024 |
