British audio brand Bowers & Wilkins just launched its most ambitious headphones yet - the $799 Px8 S2 wireless flagship that the company boldly claims is "the best headphone we have ever created." The timing is notable: this marks B&W's first major product launch since being acquired by Samsung subsidiary Harman earlier this year, signaling how the Korean tech giant plans to leverage its premium audio investments.
Bowers & Wilkins is making a statement. The British audio brand just unveiled the Px8 S2, a $799 wireless headphone that represents both a technical leap forward and a strategic signal under its new Samsung ownership. Available starting today in black and grey-beige colorways, these aren't just incremental upgrades - they're B&W's bid to stay relevant in an increasingly crowded premium audio market.
The specs tell the story of serious ambition. The Px8 S2 delivers 24-bit/96kHz resolution sound quality through aptX Adaptive and aptX Lossless codecs, putting it in direct competition with Sony's WH-1000XM5 and Apple's AirPods Max. But B&W is betting on build quality to differentiate - the aluminum and Nappa leather construction is now slimmer than the original Px8, with replaceable ear cushions and headband that address one of premium headphones' biggest pain points: long-term wearability.
"We are incredibly proud to launch the Px8 S2, the best headphone we have ever created," B&W brand marketing head Giles Pocock said in the company's press release. It's marketing speak, but the engineering suggests substance. Eight microphones per earcup handle active noise cancellation and call quality - two more than the previous generation - while dual connectivity options (3.5mm and USB-C) ensure compatibility across devices.
The battery life claims are aggressive: 30 hours with ANC enabled, plus fast charging that delivers seven hours of playback from just 15 minutes plugged in. These numbers matter in a market where convenience often trumps audiophile purism. The Px8 S2 needs to work as both a daily commuter companion and a critical listening tool.
Timing is everything in tech, and the Px8 S2's launch comes at a fascinating moment. B&W was recently acquired by Samsung subsidiary Harman alongside other premium audio brands, giving Samsung unprecedented reach across the audio spectrum. This isn't just about headphones - it's about Samsung building an ecosystem that can compete with Apple's integrated approach to premium consumer electronics.
