Welcome to the new capital of Nordic cool!
The Wall Street Journal describes Oslo as the “latest capital of Nordic cool.” Located on Norway’s southern coast at the Oslofjord’s entrance, Oslo is renowned for its parks and museums. Many museums are situated on the Bygdøy Peninsula, including the Norwegian Maritime Museum, located by the water, and the Viking Ship Museum, which displays Viking ships from the 9th century. Holmenkollbakken is a ski jump with sweeping views of the fjord and also features a ski museum. It is whole bloom summer, and I hope I get your interest already 🙂 Because what better place to visit in the summertime than the Norwegian capital, where you can enjoy almost full daylight for 20 hours from 24, wandering around in a perfect 20-something degrees Celsius. Add your companion to be the newest Bowers & Wilkins wireless headphones, and you have the ideal recipe for a great two weeks, even if you travel for work.
In Norway, you only get about two months of summer, but those two months are truly perfect. Almost continuous daylight and ideal temperatures make outdoor activities, like walking all day, the natural way to spend your time. I mainly travel there for work, but the Norwegian way is to make the most of this short, incredible summer and enjoy every moment. In June, people typically start their work days around 7 AM, and many leave work by 3 PM. Because summer is so brief, it becomes even more precious. By July, everyone is already on their proper vacation. Even though Norwegians have the well-known saying, “There is no bad weather, there is just bad clothing” (for the weather), they still know how to enjoy and cherish this short summer.
This time around, I was fortunate enough to be offered a pair of Bowers & Wilkins‘ new Px7 S3 over-ear wireless headphones by our good friends from AVstore, one of the largest audio-video and serious hi-fi stores in Eastern Europe. And I was so happy, as I had recently stopped using in-ear headphones, especially during flights. There are significant problems and serious concerns associated with using in-ear headphones, especially in these cases; however, I find it too intrusive nowadays. The promise of Bowers & Wilkins’ pristine sound quality in over-ear headphones was a lovely proposition. And I took the B&W Px7 S3 to be my travel companion for two weeks in the beautiful city of Oslo.
The feature is bright, and it is wireless.
Yes, the headphones feature is wireless. We are still not there yet for the absolute summit high-end of the spectrum, but it is already here for the most down-to-earth audio headphones. And the wireless sound continues to improve with each iteration. The headphones are becoming increasingly innovative, user-friendly, and seamlessly integrated with your other devices, while also being more comfortable to wear for extended periods. The progress is outstanding, especially if you don’t jump on every new model and just let a few pass. I cannot compare it to the previous S2 generation, but there are plenty of reviews and comparisons about it online. I will try to tell you my story. It was a complex scenario as I used B&W Px7 S3 for my work in endless Teams meetings, in the plane with noise-canceling active or not, wandering the streets of Oslo listening to music, watching a few movies at my hotel, a full two weeks with it as my best companion.
I was very impressed with the B&W Px7 S3’s exceptional wireless performance. I can not wait for a dedicated chapter on the subject, and I must tell you how surprised I was when I transferred an ongoing meeting from my Windows PC to my iPhone. I did it naturally —unlocked my iPhone, opened the Teams app, and transferred the call to the phone. The moment I hit “Transfer the meeting to this device”, I thought I had made a big mistake. In my mind, there was no way that headphones connected via Bluetooth to my PC would automatically switch to my phone just by transferring the call in the Teams app. Even Apple AirPods didn’t manage that correctly. To my relief, however, the sound quickly followed, being transferred to the phone as well. Again, that was a dedicated Microsoft meeting app, a Windows PC, and an iPhone. And I experienced no dropouts, no glitches — just a seamless transfer of the call from one device to the other. I stayed for a few seconds with my finger in the air, not understanding how this was possible. Indeed, both the PC and the iPhone were previously paired with the B&W Px7 S3, and both devices appeared in the Bowers & Wilkins Music app on my iPhone. Still… I expected the phone to switch to speaker mode, the headphones to remain connected to the PC, and to have the awkward moment of everyone from the open-plan office looking at me in disapproval for the disturbance I created by holding my meeting on the phone speakers. Nope. Everything went smoothly and I had no second of interruption. Magnificent!
Yes, technological advancements are impressive compared to a few generations ago. Everything is smooth, elegant, and works exceptionally well. I have never had any issues with the wireless connection, and the sound quality continues to improve. Of course, a Lossless Bluetooth protocol is now available, but not on the iPhone. However, I didn’t feel limited by the sound quality, even with a compressed stream. The freedom of wireless connections is now a de facto standard in premium headphones, without any limitations.
Beautiful headphones!
The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 features a stunning, elevated design. The smart use of materials, from fabric to metal, leaves no doubts about quality. The headphones are lightweight, sturdy, compact, yet large enough to fully cover the ears. I remember my first pair of Bowers & Wilkins headphones, the original P5 from 2010. I loved those headphones so much, even with their flaws. However, the sound was outstanding for its time, far ahead of its peers. The level of detail and resolution make up for the on-ear design, which can cause discomfort after hours of listening, and for the lack of bass. Of course, no wireless was available 15 years ago.
Today, the B&W Px7 S3 is not only 15 years newer than its predecessor, but it also performs at a very high level. No compromises stand out anymore; everything is top quality. There is no obvious use of cheap plastic; the mix of warm, organic materials with sturdy metal elements is done skillfully. The Px7 S3 comes in a durable travel case with a perfect cushion to hold the headphones securely. An internal compartment stores the accessories, including a USB-C cable for connection and charging, as well as a USB-C to stereo jack cable for physical connections to other devices. I have used other wireless headphones from well-known brands, starting with Apple and continuing with Sony, Sennheiser, and Bose (please don’t tell anyone). I would say, in fairness, that these Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 are the best headphones I have tried yet, from multiple perspectives – design and build quality, software integration, and, last but not least, sound quality.
It is clear that Bowers & Wilkins aims for high sound quality with a premium feel for their products. With a rich history dating back to the 1960s, Bowers & Wilkins is a well-respected name in high-end audio. Even the appearance of their speakers is unique and highly praised. The impressive design has always been a core aspect of the brand. Px7 S3 is available in Anthracite Black, Canvas White, and Indigo Blue. I received a pair of Anthracite Black for review, and although I found it a little boring at first, I will now choose the same color. There is no plain black, but a textured, very dark gray one, and there are nuances even in this color.
Comfort and also comfort.
Wearing headphones should feel natural on your head. It may sound silly, but it’s very important. If you don’t feel a sense of naturalness and comfort right from the first moment, it’s already a lost cause. After hours of wearing them, if you can endure that much time, even small discomforts can become a big problem. So the first feeling you have when you put it on is essential. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 feels at home from the first moment. It just cushions your ears, and in a few seconds, you barely notice you’re wearing anything. This is fantastic.
Memory foam cushions will instantly conform to your head, the headband will naturally adapt to your skin, and the earcups will comfortably settle around your ears without pressure. There is no contact with the drivers, and the headband effectively maintains comfort and proper pressure on the cups without causing discomfort. This isn’t just happenstance; it reflects years of research and development, as well as extensive experience. Designing something so comfortable that it can accommodate the diverse sizes and shapes of people’s heads is no easy feat. For example, I always felt there was too much pressure from Apple’s AirPod Max. I could never feel comfortable wearing them for long periods. With B&W Px7 S3, I could forget I was even wearing headphones. That feeling never happened with other wireless headphones. Yes, I’ve experienced the same feeling with costly high-end headphones, but that’s a whole different story.
The comfort of the B&Px7 S3 is a significant achievement. Add the stellar Bowers & Wilkins sound on top, and you have a recipe for success.
Some Technical Details.
I don’t want to copy here the entire technical detail characteristics of the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3, but I need to emphasize a few. The drivers are 40 mm Dynamic full-range bio-cellulose. An excellent choice for a fuller sound signature, with Bowers & Wilkins’ spectacular details and a fun soundhouse. The Px7 S3 supports aptX Lossless Bluetooth 5.3 with compatible devices (and all other standards – aptX™ Adaptive, aptX™ HD, aptX™ Classic, AAC, SBC). A 30-hour playback time is impressive and in line with the competition. What still sets it apart from others is its impeccable organic design, complemented by a fabric finish.
The headphones also incorporate a high-performance DSP for a true 24-bit audio connection and processing. The DSP will also manage a 5-band, customisable EQ + TrueSound mode. This last patent is the B&W key for a very natural sound signature.
Let’s not forget that Px7 S3 is also a noise-cancelling headphone. Eight microphones in total, four microphones per earcup (1 FB + 2 FF), will not only ensure a crystal-clear voice but will also provide the required surrounding information for better noise cancellation. There is also an upcoming Spatial Audio feature for the Px7 S3, which is equivalent to Dolby Atmos in Apple’s Music app. In the meantime, a bit-perfect connection, without any loss of transmitted data, can be established in wired mode using the USB-C to USB-C cable provided with the Px7 S3. I never felt the need to use a wired connection at any moment. Even with an Apple phone, the wireless sound quality is outstanding.
Set up with Direct streaming and control app.
Installing the app on the phone and setting up the headphones was a breeze. The application found Px7 S3 instantly, and just a few taps later, I was ready to go with Tidal integration and the most recent playlist on my phone screen.
The app is user-friendly, and I appreciated that it isn’t cluttered with unnecessary features. You can quickly see the devices paired with the Px7 S3, access streaming services like Tidal, select the preferred noise cancellation mode, and adjust audio settings with the new five-band EQ. In my opinion, TrueSound dynamic sound control consistently delivers the best sound quality, whether you’re listening to music, watching movies, or playing games.
In just a few minutes, I fired up the newest album saved in my Tidal library – Ben Webster & Coleman Hawkins. And wow! I was truly surprised by such a dynamic and fuller sound signature. Cranking up the volume, I did not feel for a second any hint of brightness or bluntness. It is, without a doubt, the generous and fun Bowers & Wilkins sound signature. Thirty minutes later, I was still listening to the same album, wholly immersed in the sound.
Marcus Miller’s explosive sound.
From collaborations with Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Luther Vandross, Wayne Shorter, and David Sanborn, among many others, Marcus Miller, an American musician, songwriter, and record producer, is my favourite contemporary and electric Jazz artist. Miller was the principal songwriter and producer of three of Davis’ albums: Tutu, Music from Siesta, and Amandla. Miller won two Grammy Awards: for Best R&B song in 1992, Luther Vandross’ “Power of Love”, and in 2001, Best Contemporary Jazz Album, M2, his own seventh solo instrumental album.
I was fortunate enough to hear and see Marcus Miller live in Bucharest last week. I am a big fan of Mr. Miller and quite addicted to the powerful, explosive sound of his bass guitar and the quick, engaging drums. There is a liveliness, an exuberance, and a joy of rhythm in Miller’s compositions that was so well reproduced by the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3. With my mind on the future and excited about the upcoming concert, I played a lot of Marcus Miller albums. Px7 S3 never disappointed me, delivering the tight bass, the full bloom of the electric guitar, and clear cymbals. Full of details as we know B&W to be famous for, the sound was also meaty and coherent without any tilt or lightness. The bass impact is tightly controlled and full, without any mudiness in the mids, which are more substantial than I expected, with a hint of sweetness. It is an elaborate sound, grounded in transparency and physicality. The headphones go lower and are better controlled than I expected. The highs are vivid and very detailed, but smooth and forgiving.
Miles Davis’ “Tutu” is marked by a great deal of vivacity, courtesy of Marcus Miller, and was played with considerable substance and high engagement by Px7 S3. It is a fun sound with Bowers & Wilkins’ signature, expressive, energetic, and textured. It keeps you there, connected, wanting to hear more, and that is a rare treat. I was very impressed by the weight of sound from such small earcups; it was like listening to baby Bowers speakers. The Px7 S3 really shines in sound quality, boasting a correct timbre and substantial sound.
The soundstage is not one of the largest heard, but it has a certain intimacy that compensates for the closed-back design. Everything is very well-positioned, and the listener is quite immersed in the sound stage and not outside of it. It makes you feel more part of the music and less of a spectator. That intimacy, combined with the impact and the coherence, control, and good timbre, is quite addictive. You will want to hear more.
To be fair, after investing so much effort into a high-end headphone system for many years, I wasn’t expecting miracles from such all-arounders. I was wrong. The sound is so good and engaging that I had to check from time to time if the Px7 S3 was indeed the source of so much fun 🙂 I also know from experience how hard and costly it is to make a speaker system sound so good, even if it is a Bowers & Wilkins speaker-based one. The room and the choice of electronics will turn it into an endless battle. With these headphones, it’s so easy and affordable to achieve instant good sound quality. Clear sound without room flutter and echo, coherent without time alignment problems and refractions, with good timbre, not to mention bass control, which is notoriously difficult to master in a living room. So, yes, of course, large enough drivers made from natural materials with very good timbre, in a highly controlled environment inside the earcups and aided by digital DSP, following a genuine sound philosophy built over many decades, will sound instantly good and rewarding. Sharing the tremendous experience with other types of products, in what is a good sound, Bowers & Wilkins already had a successful card in their hands.
The “Full Nelson” track from Miles Davis’ “Tutu” masterpiece is a powerful example of a perfectly sounding track, which can become a total disaster in a speaker system. The bass is so powerful, full, and blooming with color. The sax and trumpet are bright enough to sound like real instruments, but never fatiguing. The details are enveloping and sparkly, and the midrange is colorful and meaty.
It is very challenging to replicate the deep bass resonances of Miller’s “Boomerang” from the M2 album. The texture is there, it goes deep and powerful. The voices are never bloated and stand clear in the mix. This is a good sound, impactful, engaging, and refined. Unexpected from a Bluetooth headphone, even with a premium design. I must admit that technology has advanced rapidly, and the performance of these headphones is outstanding. The Px7 S3 successfully retains the best attributes of Bowers & Wilkins’ house sound, including a dynamic and engaging fun factor, clarity above all, and the top details of their diamond tweeters, which are rarely heard in other designs, with a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. This is the Bowers’ highly appreciated sound signature. And the Px7 S3 was replicated to a great extent in such a small form factor and affordable product. Highly impressive!
Crystal-clear calls.
The Px7 S3 isn’t just for listening to music, even though I was impressed by the performance. I used them for phone calls and endless boring meetings. The comfort made it all tolerable, and at least I didn’t have to struggle to understand everyone speaking English with a variety of accents, as often happens in any multinational and multicultural project. Sometimes it was a blessing.
The DSP will detect the type of sound, and TrueSound patented algorithm will adapt the sound to the specificity of the event. It is also about the Bowers & Wilkins clarity of itself, the specific sound signature that makes everything more transparent and highly intelligible. The end result is very good anyway, and you can wear the headphones during long calls without any problems or fatigue, with much better intelligibility.
The connection and disconnection between devices is flawless, almost unreal. The playback time is very generous. In case you forgot to charge it before the meeting, worry not! Connecting the USB-C cable to the computer will provide 7 hours of life with just 15 minutes of charging time.
Noise-cancelling & transparency mode.
I’m not a big fan of noise-canceling. Perhaps, on the plane, when you have a family with two toddlers in front of you and another child in the back. That could be a total nightmare if you have to fly for around 4 hours… And in this situation, I admit, the noise cancelling is a gift from God unless you have some unpaid Karma that will block it somehow 🙂
I can only compare the noise-cancelling performance with my Apple AirPods, and, of course, it is better, as the Px7 S3 are over-ear headphones that provide much better isolation in the first place without being as intrusive. I found it good and quite a blessing in the scenario, as mentioned earlier. I could have slept for 30 minutes, and I could have even watched some Netflix. It does its job very well, and I was grateful it was there.
I do not recommend being engaged when the primary focus is listening to music. It slightly degrades the sound quality. It is not recommended for use during takeoff and landing. The headphones themselves shall not be used during those procedures, which implies a high-pressure stress to the internal ears. Keeping the mouth open and allowing the ear to acclimate to the rapidly changing external pressure is what every doctor will recommend.
Transparency mode is also excellent if you need to navigate a busy street or office. It’s quite good that you can hear the surroundings while attending a call. I like it even more than the noise-cancelling feature. It seems more natural to me. With eight microphones, the Px7 S3 does an excellent job of replicating the surroundings.
World-class audio experience anywhere.
The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 are mainly designed for people who prioritize sound quality. This is where the Px7 S3 really outperforms the competition. Yes, it performs well in noise-canceling and transparency modes, but those are not suitable for true audiophiles or music lovers when they truly listen. Good to have in a premium package, but not definitive for Bowers & Wilkins. The sound, emotion, and purity of music are the rare qualities offered by Px7 S3. That unique clarity, perfect tonality, and fun factor of Bowers is something to be cherished here. That and the premium design!
You may find cheaper over-ear noise-canceling headphones, but none will even come close to the supremacy of Bowers & Wilkins sound quality. This is a rare treat. You may find better noise cancellation or transparency modes, but they will fall far short of the sublime pleasure offered by the Px7 S3 when listening to music. The Bowers sounds incredible and replicates so much of the beloved sound of generations.
The fact that it looks so lovely in such a small form factor, feels great to touch, and offers stellar comfort completely outshines the competition when you add it to the fabulous sound signature. I am now curious to listen to the Px8, top-of-the-line headphones from Bowers & Wilkins. There is a carbon driver instead of a bio-cellulose one, and my experience tells me that it might miss that sweetness and organic character of Px7 S3. I have the feeling that Bowers & Wilkins really hit the sweet spot with these.
Ultimately, it’s likely a matter of priorities. For me, sound quality, comfort, and design are the most critical factors. And Bowers & Wilkins makes all these aspects outstanding. For these reasons, I am pleased to present the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 with our “Highly Impressive” Award. Quite impressive, indeed.
I also want to thank our friends at AVstore for their openness and the opportunity they provided us. For Romania, you can find the very new and fantastic Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 on their online store. You can listen to it in the showroom, and now you can choose between the three available colors. For the rest of the world, follow the list of resellers on the Bowers & Wilkins website.
Thank you for following me. Let’s hear only The Best!
