B&W PX7 S2E v. PX8 … and the winner is…
PX7 S2E.
Lighter weight, half the price, same sound (if not slightly better).
Sorry PX8 fans, I was hoping for my hard earned cash, the PX8 would win. They’re going back and I’ll stick with the PX7 S2E.
Maybe, just maybe, the PX8s have to break in after a few hours, but fresh out of the box, here’s my impression:
A/B tested using Qobuz through the BW Music App
App EQ set to 0db for bass and treble on both
Using BT (“AAC codec”) for more real world everyday use
Reference tracks from Lou Reed and Fleetwood Mac
My impression so far is that if I were to blind test, I would prefer the crispness and tightness of the PX7 S2E. But barely. I can hardly tell any difference.
The PX8 sounds like it could be a little more bass heavy, but it’s not like it’s a super tight and articulate bass, but rather one that extends up to the midrange and muddies it up a bit. With the S2e, I hear a clear distinction between bass, mods, highs.
Not sure why these PX8s are glazed so hard by everyone, but frankly, for the money, I’m more impressed with the PX7 S2E. They are without question, worth their current sale price.
There is no way I’d pay full retail for the PX8 after A/B listening to both.
Yes, the materials are technically better I guess. Real leather and some metal bits. But honestly, the S2E do not feel cheep, if anything they are just as nice to the touch, but a little lighter.
I don’t know, maybe I’m being too hasty and should do some more testing. I’ll let these things run for a few hours and try again…
But if anything, take this from this post… if you have the PX7 S2E and regret not springing for the PX8, do not feel bad. The S2E is awesome. Prob the best bang for the buck right now in the segment.