OVER-EARS
Most of these head-hugging cans also offer active noise-cancellation, but now we’ve tuned our brains to sniff out pure sound quality rather than clever tech
BOWERS & WILKINS Px8
You might think technology would limit the amount of performance you could eke out of a pair of wireless headphones. You might think that value could only be added by using more luxurious materials or a better standard of finish, or by incorporating an elaborate control app. But B&W disagrees – and with the Px8 ’phones it’s shown what can be done within the confines of wireless streaming tech.
At a glance, these cans aren’t that different from the recently launched Px7 S2 model. But look a little closer and you’ll notice the diamond-cut earcup edges, the elegantly reflective company logo running down each one, and the indulgent texture (and smell) of the leather elements of the earcups and headband. The cast aluminium arm-structure and headband components feel almost as good as they look.