Bowers & Wilkins⁣ Pi8 Review: Premium Wireless Audio Experience

Apple devices have long been criticized for not‍ supporting the high-end aptX ⁢codec, currently used in many Bluetooth headphones and earbuds. However, the Bowers & Wilkins ‌(B&W) Pi8 earphones offer an innovative solution, ⁤allowing Apple users to enjoy aptX‍ sound ⁤quality.

The‍ Pi8 earphones support ⁤both AAC⁢ and⁤ aptX adaptive, as well as the latest aptX ‌lossless. This means that Apple users can enjoy high-quality sound, previously unavailable⁢ on their devices. The ⁣earphones also feature a “smart” case that can charge the ​earbuds and act as an aptX transmitter.

The Pi8 has‍ a completely new design, with curved earcups for a‌ more ⁢comfortable fit and an angle ​adjusted to direct sound into the ear canal. The earcups are still large, but ‌B&W provides four sizes of⁣ tips ‍to help users⁤ get​ used to them. The headset has also gotten bigger, ⁤allowing for larger, higher-quality 12mm drivers and a larger battery.

The Pi8 can last 6.5 hours ⁤on a single charge with noise⁣ cancellation turned on, and up to ‍20 hours with the Smart Charging Case. The⁣ smart case also has a USB-C port that⁢ can be used to charge the internal‌ battery and receive wired audio ​input from ‍various devices.

B&W provides two cables ​for the Pi8, a ⁢standard ‍USB-C cable and a cable ⁣with a 3.5mm ⁣connector. The smart case can be connected to a ‌wired audio device, such as an in-flight entertainment system or​ a⁤ vinyl turntable, and can also transmit wireless radio waves to headphones using ​aptX instead of regular AAC.

Sound quality is excellent for both⁢ AAC and aptX. The Pi8 pairs well with high-resolution audio formats, such as The Beatles’ “Come Together” from Apple Music. The earphones⁢ also have ⁢good noise cancellation, particularly for low-frequency sounds.

Should I buy the B&W Pi ⁤8?

Given its high price,‌ the Pi8 will appeal mostly to audiophiles who want the best ⁤sound quality. However, the sound is great, ⁣and the ability to use the smart charging case‌ as​ an aptX transmitter for Apple ​devices and wired audio systems​ is ‍a real innovation.