Bowers & Wilkins PI7 earbuds review: the magic trick these headphones have I've NEVER seen before!
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- čas přidán 29. 08. 2024
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Headphone wearers are divided into two camps: the in-ear fans and the rest. While some folks hate having something in their ear canal, for other’s its the only way to go when you want to be discrete-or if you’re trying to block everything out. I’ve recently gotten the chance to try out some headphones from Bowers & Wilkins, and this week I’m reviewing the new PI7 in-ear true wireless headphones. I’ll tell you what the fit feel and sound quality is like, about battery life, and if these have any special features.
Design
These headphones are quite attractive; the pair I got is black, and silver and the overall look is sleek and minimalist. Brushed metal elements give the PI7 a high end look and feel.
The earbuds are kind of bullet shaped, with brushed silver tops. They do stick out of the ear noticeably, but they feel secure. Different sets of ear tips in the box let you get a good fit.
These are IP54 waterproof and dust resistant meaning they should be very durable.
Sound quality
I was extremely impressed by the sound quality in these earbuds. They come across as very well balanced and allow a lot of nuance through in the music. The bass is strong and vibrant, and there’s no discernible lean towards either the high or low end. I checked out a variety of music on the PI7, from jazz to rap, pop to punk and everything sounded great. I really enjoyed the overall listening experience.
Streaming Connections/Audio Retransmission
These headphones will allow you to connect wirelessly to audio from other source devices, like a laptop, airplane audio outlet, or even a TV streaming box (if it has the right connection) and pipe it directly into your headphones. To do this you'll need to connect the included USB-C or 3.5 mm aux cable to the case and the source device.
The charging case for the PI7 acts as a streaming dongle, and will pipe whatever audio it’s physically connected to into your earbuds. I tried this with a TV and it’s remarkably effective. These headphones are an absolute gamechanger for anyone who doesn’t have a televsion with Bluetooth, but who wants to listen to the TV without distrubing others.
I haven’t had the chance to ever try out a feature like this before so I’m blown away by how effective and easy it is.
Noise cancellation and Pass-Through
These headphones have both noise cancellation, which is supposed to block out almost all sound using digital signals designed to listen for and cancel out exterior noise, and what's called Pass-Through which allows you to control some audio coming into the headphones. The Noise cancellation in these headphones is either on or off.
For me the truest test of earbuds like these is to use them without any audio playing; it lets you really see how good the noise cancellation is, since it’s not surprising that with music playing it’s easier to block out external sounds.
The noise cancelling on the PI7 is actually pretty good, and a bit better than the noise cancelling on the PX 7 headphones I tested previously. There is a bit more of a muting, and it’s possible to almost hear the low digital whisp of sound that helps cancel outside noise. OF course, the passive sound isolation from the earbuds’ tight fit also helps.
I’ve had the opportunity to test a lot of noise cancelling so I know its possible to have a perfect cone of silence (my top noise cancelling pick. Right now is Apple AirPods Max) I’d say the PI7 cancel out 80-85% of outside noise, while the AirPods Max get to about 90-95%.
Battery life & charging
The battery life in the PI7 is what I’d call average to low, and it’s here that they lose a few points for me. With just 4 hours in the buds and 16 hours in the recharging case, these aren’t breaking any records when it comes to longevity.
Overall review: Bowers & Wilkins PI7 true wireless earbuds
Overall I am blown away by these earbuds. The sound quality is outstanding, the looks and styling are beautiful, and the special features including the ability to stream audio from televisions and other devices is an absolute game changer. I can see these headphones being a must have for a lot of folks, simply for that media streaming ability alone. When they find out the PI7 are also amazing sounding, multiple charging options, noise cancellation and pass-through, and they’re comfortable, they’ll be wowed as I was.
So what are the downsides?
For me it's the battery life. While you're getting kind of an average battery in these headphones, I would like to see Bowers & Wilkins take it to the next level by delivering even more battery power in future generations.
Great review! I own B&W home audio speakers, so I'm familiar with their quality. I've been on the market for new earbuds and from a few features you covered, just sold me on making the purchase! Thank you!!!
That's great, thanks for sharing!
What all reviewers miss with the PI7 and PI& S2, is that the case transmits aptX to the earbuds. That means lossless transmission. No it's not LDAC, it's aptX!
Thanks Erin.
I found that if I stream from my DAC Line Out, using Case as the transmitter,they sound incredible.. and are About 30% louder
Excellent!
Hello. Will you be reviewing the Master and Dynamic MWO9 earbuds? Thanks
Hi! I have never checked out that brand, but I will put it on my list. My list gets longer every year😆
Dang, where were these buds a year ago? The aux feature is👍..if ihadnt already purchsed shares of a big Conglomerate fr california. Id check out those BW-buds..🤔. Thxs for the info.😎
Thanks for the comment!
You are getting better, great review..woohoooo!
Thanks so much!
I'd like to get some wireless earbuds but I'm afraid they might fall out of my ears at the worst time like drop into a hole in the ground
How far from say your phone can you get before they cut out
Well done to the stunt male ear mannequin too. :)
Which one is better Beoplay EQ or Pi7
Battery life EQ sound better PI7
Yes, but the Airpod Max are not in ear so how can you compare them??
Are they touch buttons or physical buttons?
Touch