Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e vs Sony XM5: Don’t pick the wrong one!

[@anger7556]

I currently have 5 sets: Bowers PX7 S2, XM5, Bose QC45, Momentum 4, Skullcandy Evo Crushers, and my beat around pair is the Soundcore Space One. The XM5s and the Space Ones actually sound almost identical, sadly the Space Ones might even sound better than the XM5. The M4 and PX7 X2s are by far and away the most enjoyable to listen to. At first, I wasn't sure about the S2s, but after giving them some time, they are my favorite. Each set has their purpose, but I wouldn't hesitate to only keep the S2s if I had to pick one. I did not think the S2e sounded much better than the S2 and they look and feel the same. Bowers and Wilkins hit a home run with this line. Thanks for your video review. Well done and very informative.

[@NorbReviews]

Thank you for the kind words! A few notes: - I haven't tried the Space Ones, but I've been meaning to, so good to know! I love the Q30's and have been looking for a good successor. (I have the Space Q45 and it just doesn't quiet do it for me.) - I agree 100% that B&W hit a home run with this line!

[@mbvburn]

My mum has kindly treated me to the B&W S2Es for Christmas. I wont have them until Xmas day, so I’ve not tried them yet. I currently have the Bose QC35s, so hoping these will be a nice little upgrade in the sound dept.

[@NorbReviews]

Oh, I think you’re in for a very merry Christmas!

[@BobbyBass-x6i]

Thanks for all of your comparative videos. I have tried the B&W PX7S2e and PX8 and the Sony 4 and 5. Both B&Ws sounded better for music. The Sony’s ANC was better but not as good as Bose IMO. I’ve tried all of the wireless cans except the Mark Levinsons, out of my price range. The Bose were best for ANC. The Bathys best for music. I kept the Bose and PX7S2e. The Bose for air travel. The PX7S2e were the best deal for music on the go for me. The better sound of the PX8 and Bathys didn’t justify the price difference for me And my old guy ears. I Also have the Sonos Ace since I have 2 Sonos Beam 2 with mini subs setups and they are good for late night movie listening.

[@NorbReviews]

You and I have very similar ears, and now I wan to try the Sonos Ace. Except for the Sonos, everything you've tried I've tried and I agree 100% with your assessment. I will say, about the Sonos, I've heard they're similar to the AirPods Max which I find great for movies.

[@BobbyBass-x6i]

@ The Sonos Ace link with a Sonos soundbar so you can transfer the sound from the bar to the cans. It silences the bar and the cans sound great. Highly recommend if you have a Sonos soundbar connected to a TV and want to listen without disturbing others.

[@derboris]

Testes both 2 weeks ago, got the B&W PX7 S2e. Sounded way better, felt more premium. Only thing is that they are heavier and you can notice it. But if music is the most important thing for you, I think that the B&W are considerably better. Separation was better while listening to music (I’m not an audiophile though)

[@NorbReviews]

Great analysis!

[@derboris]

By the way I really like your comparisons, please keep it up for the future, I will come back for more reviews! Greetings

[@NorbReviews]

Thank you!

[@divaua]

Thank you for new video, its always interesting) Could I ask you which is your favourite headphones of all the times ?)))

[@NorbReviews]

That is a HARD question and I might make a full video out of it. In fact, I wrote a really long answer, but I don't want to bore you, so instead I'm just going to narrow it down some: * out and about + gym - AirPods Pro 2 (well tuned!) * When I want something wired - Meze Alba (Best wired IEMs for me) * Traveling and relaxing at home - Focal Bathys (Incredible sound for a wireless headphone) * when I want to disappear into the music - Meze Empyrean (This is just luxury, full stop.) I say that, and yet my most used headphones are the AirPods Pro 2, the AirPods Max, the Px7 S2e, and the Bose QC Ultras. Go figure. Addendum: Now, for the heck of it, here's the annoyingly long answer. Basically, there are so many that I love that it's hard for me to say. For example: * The Focal Bathys - Amazing sound, great comfort, well built * AirPods Max - The most usable headphone (for Apple), FANTASTIC for movies. * Px7 S23 - I adore that sound and comfort * Bose QuietComfort Ultra - My travel partner. * Master & Dynamic MW65 - Amazing, amazing, amazing sound. * Sennheiser Momentum 3 - Not all that comfortable, but a nearly perfect sound signature. I wish Sennheiser went back to this. * JBL Tune 720BT - Something this cheap shouldn't sound this good. * Sennheiser PXC 550-II - It's my wife's favorite headphone and anything that keeps my wife happy is my favorite. For things OTHER than wireless headphones * AirPods Pro 2 - If I could only have ONE personal audio device, this might be it. * Sennheiser HD599 - These headphones taught me what good sound was, and they're what I use for work. * Focal Clear - Maybe the best headphone, dollar for dollar, period. * Focal Celestee - Oh, I just love this sound! * Hidizs M1-Galaxy - Super cheap, but GREAT sound. (Although it's between this and the Moondrop Chu II for the price.) * Meze Alba - Maybe the best IEMs for vocals. Incredible value. * Audeze LCD-X - The perfect sound. Period. I just wish it didn't weight 18 tons. I really want to try the LCD-5 but I'm afraid I'll immediately buy it. * Meze Empyrean - Possibly the perfect headphone for me, although I might consider trading it for an LCD-5. So yes, I'm terrible at this and sorry for the long, rambling response.

[@berizhafizovic134]

The Head Band Problem is a real issue. How often does this actually occur? And any ideas how to prevent that from happening? Got the Px8 and I love them but I am very hesitant to keep them because of this known problem.

[@NorbReviews]

That’s a good question and I don’t know. Honestly, fear of that issue is one of the reasons I kept the S2e instead of the Px8: I’ve heard much less about that with these than with either the S2 or Px8.

[@kirilch3274]

Still can’t decide between B&W px7 s2e or Bose qc ultra😢 which would you recommend for heavy music?

[@NorbReviews]

What do you mean by “heavy music”?

[@kirilch3274]

@@NorbReviews metal

[@jordanrw260]

I currently have both the s2e and Bose ultra headphones, it's almost impossible for me to decide which I prefer. Both sound really good and pleasing. Bose definitely has better anc and the immersive audio feature which does sound good for certain music. Bose is more travel friendly and lighter. S2e look and feel more premium. Each sound a little different but I can't really say one sounds better than the other, comes down to personal opinion. Bose I think sounds a little brighter with some more clarity and s2e is more relaxed.

[@awaknmyheart]

Norb also had a video on this! But, when it comes to me, the sound of the B&W is absolutely perfect! When I tested the QC ultra in store, I immediately noticed how 'muddy/blurry' the headphones sounded. The B&W has a clear sound. With its premium feel, fantastic comfortability (for me as a glasses wearer), and their price of 250€, The B&W PX7E definitely is the perfect fit for me. I recommend just trying both of the headphones out and returning the one you are less happy about. You only know what you like when you try it!

[@divaua]

As for me, BW would be better. Bose is….more about comfort, it’s great for work, meetings, flights, movies… but for music 😬 BW sounds way much better) (And there was a video-comparison on this channel)))