Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

Product Strengths

  • Stylish design and excellent comfort
  • Sound, ANC, and transparency are all good
  • TV Audio Swap is convenient, versatile, and suitable for gaming
  • Delivers high-quality noise cancellation
  • Dynamic, balanced sound
  • TV Audio Swap functionality is convenient

Product Considerations

  • TV Audio Swap was completely absent from Android at launch
  • TV Audio Swap handoff can be glitchy
  • Beam and Ray soundbars are unsupported for now
  • Headphones cannot be grouped with Sonos speakers
  • No true Wi-Fi features

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Ace looks like a hybrid of Sony's WH-1000XM5
  • Ace looks like a hybrid of Apple's AirPods Max
  • Bose still does better at silencing the outside world compared to the Sonos Ace
  • Ace headphones fold down flat but do not fully collapse like the QuietComfort Ultra

Takeaway: The Sonos Ace headphones are a stylish and comfortable option that delivers good sound quality, noise cancellation, and a unique TV Audio Swap feature. It is a solid first effort from Sonos and worth considering for those invested in the Sonos ecosystem.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

Sonos Ace

reviews

[{"title":"Sonos Ace review: was it worth it?","link":"https://www.theverge.com/24169086/sonos-ace-headphones-review","source":"The Verge","datePublished":""},{"title":"Sonos Ace Review","link":"https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/sonos-ace","source":"PCMag","datePublished":""},{"title":"Sonos Ace - Long term review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq1vo8E2Lb0","source":"Fredo Heavy","datePublished":"2025"},{"title":"Sonos Ace Vs Bose QC Ultra & Bose QC Headphones","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4PIn92Bz18","source":"GYMCADDY","datePublished":"2025"},{"title":"AirPods Max vs. Sonos Ace - Which is Better?","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4KELwZBDtA","source":"6 Months Later","datePublished":"2025"},{"title":"Sonos Headphones Review for 2024 - Sonos Ace","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQsgy0vFVL0","source":"","datePublished":""},{"title":"I Bought the Sonos Ace (Review)","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5vDhXObrWI","source":"Pete Matheson","datePublished":"2025"},{"title":"The New Sonos Ace Headphones are NOT Sonos Headphones - Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FI29Z3-fNOI","source":"yoyoTech","datePublished":"2025"}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Drivers: Custom-designed 40 mm dynamic driver in each cup
  • Microphones: Eight microphones for noise control and voice targeting
  • Height: 191 mm
  • Width: 160 mm
  • Depth: 85 mm
  • Weight: 0.312 kg
  • Colours: Black, Soft White
  • Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.4
  • Battery: Li-ion, 1060 mAh battery provides up to 30 hours of listening time or 24 hours of call time with Active Noise Cancellation or Aware mode enabled
  • Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C
  • WiFi: 802.11 WiFi technology when connected to a Sonos Home Cinema player
  • USB-C to USB-C cable Length: 2.46 ft (0.75 m)
  • USB-C to 3.5 mm cable Length: 3.94 ft (1.2 m)
Obsessively crafted and masterfully tuned, these headphones make you feel at one with the sounds that matter most to you.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Sonos emphasizes ease of setup, offering a streamlined process through its app that integrates with various streaming services and guides users in optimizing sound for their space.
  • Sonos ecosystem allows for scalable audio solutions, from a single speaker to a multi-room setup with wireless surround sound and a subwoofer, all controlled through a central app.
  • They've created a simplified home cinema approach with the "Beam (Gen 2)" which balances high-end cinematic immersion with user-friendly home integration.

Ray

  • Positioning: Entry-level soundbar, designed for affordability and compactness.
  • Description: Offers impressive sound quality in a compact form, making it ideal for small to medium-sized rooms. Features custom acoustics that balance high and mid-range frequencies, unlike the Beam and Arc which provide more advanced spatial audio capabilities. This makes it a great choice for budget-conscious users who want to enhance their TV audio without the need for HDMI connectivity.

Beam (Gen 2)

  • Positioning: Mid-range soundbar, offering a balance of performance and price.
  • Description: Delivers powerful sound with Dolby Atmos support, providing a virtual surround sound experience. Includes a faster processor and more audio paths than the Ray, making it suitable for larger rooms and users who want a more immersive audio experience.

Arc

  • Positioning: High-end soundbar, designed for premium home theater experiences.
  • Description: Offers a cinematic audio experience with Dolby Atmos and eleven internal speakers, including dedicated height channels for a multidimensional soundstage. It surpasses the Beam with its ability to fill oversized rooms with rich, detailed sound.

Arc Ultra

  • Positioning: Flagship soundbar, featuring the most advanced audio technology.
  • Description: The pinnacle of Sonos soundbars, featuring Sound Motion technology and 14 drivers for an exceptional audio experience. It offers double the bass output of the Arc and includes Bluetooth connectivity, setting it apart from other models.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
0
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
84
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
16
Founding Year
2002

Our take on the brand

Sonos pioneered multi-room wireless audio with their proprietary SonosNet mesh network, which ensures synchronized streaming across multiple speakers without relying on traditional Wi-Fi. Their products feature Trueplay technology that automatically tunes speakers to room acoustics, while supporting multiple voice assistants and streaming services across their platform-agnostic ecosystem.

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Brand Page

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What if you spend more?

Product image
Bowers & Wilkins
Px8
699
699
/
64
Reviews
Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Premium build quality and materials with luxurious Nappa leather detailing and a cast aluminum yoke
  • Comfortable for long listening sessions with soft earcups and a headband that provides even pressure distribution
  • Excellent sound quality with 40mm carbon cone drivers delivering ultra-fast response, low distortion, and a clean, smooth sound signature
  • Effective active noise cancellation (ANC) reduces low-frequency sounds and midrange chatter, with the Nappa leather providing a tighter seal
  • Realistic soundstage scale with tight, well-defined imaging, with the sound feeling more live and in front of the listener

Product Considerations

  • Multipoint pairing is not always seamless, and there might be occasional wind noise from the earcup due to software glitches, with wear detection being inconsistent and inaccurate
  • Limited app customization with only bass and treble adjustments, lacking a fully customizable EQ
  • Microphone pickup is good in quiet environments, but can be affected by heavy noise gating in noisy conditions, causing voice fade-in/out
  • Some emphasis on bass response, which may not appeal to everyone
  • There is concern about the Nappa leather being easily scratched

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the PX7 S2, the PX8 offers better sound quality with greater instrument separation and realism due to the carbon fiber drivers, and also features more premium materials
  • While the PX8 active noise cancelling does well, Sony still has better mic pickup
  • The PX8 provides a good alternative to the Airpods Max
  • The PX8 stacks up among some of the best wireless headphones along with the Focal Bathys

Takeaway: The Px8 is a premium wireless headphone with outstanding build quality and sound performance, which is perfect for audiophiles seeking a luxurious listening experience. It combines comfort, effective noise cancellation, and detailed audio reproduction, making it a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing sound quality and high-end materials.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Mark Levinson
№ 5909
999
999
/
36
Reviews

Lose yourself in your music with the first-ever headphones from Mark Levinson, a pioneer in high-fidelity audio for the past 50 years. Reference-quality sound meets luxurious comfort in a lightweight and durable set of headphones featuring Adaptive Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that’s perfect for travel. Reveal the hidden details in your music – at home, on the go, or anywhere you find a moment to listen.

Well-known in hifi for decades, Mark Levinson produces high-end solid-state amplifiers that rank among the best. They pioneered high-end audio with their LNP-2 preamplifier, proving that solid-state circuits could outperform tube electronics, and their ML-2 monaural power amplifier became a reference standard for its unparalleled sound quality.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Excellent sound quality with a balanced and refined signature, detailed mids, and smooth treble
  • Effective active noise cancellation (ANC) and ambient aware mode
  • Premium build quality with high-quality materials such as leather, anodized aluminum, and metallic paint
  • Comfortable for long listening sessions due to soft leather ear cushions and a well-designed headband
  • Comprehensive codec support (LDAC, aptX Adaptive, AAC) for high-resolution wireless audio

Product Considerations

  • High price point, making them inaccessible for many consumers
  • App is lacking in some features, such as fully customizable EQ and customizable ANC modes
  • On-cup controls are described as basic and not very intuitive to use
  • Some reviewers feel the design does not fully convey a sense of luxury for the price
  • Occasional reports of issues with the 'on-head detection' feature—causing connection problems

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Focal Bathys: The Mark Levinson 5909 offers a cleaner and more natural tonality with a smoother, more consistent, and detailed treble response than the Focal Bathys
  • Vs Apple AirPods Max: The Mark Levinson 5909 offers better sound quality, particularly in the bass frequencies, and is more comfortable than the AirPods Max
  • Vs Bowers & Wilkins PX8: The Mark Levinson 5909 measures better in audio quality

Takeaway: The Mark Levinson № 5909 headphones offer excellent sound, comfort, and noise cancellation, making them a top-tier choice for those seeking a premium listening experience. With their high-end sound quality and comprehensive feature set, these headphones are a great option for audiophiles wanting the best wireless experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Well-known in hifi for decades, Mark Levinson produces high-end solid-state amplifiers that rank among the best. They pioneered high-end audio with their LNP-2 preamplifier, proving that solid-state circuits could outperform tube electronics, and their ML-2 monaural power amplifier became a reference standard for its unparalleled sound quality.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Dali
Dali IO-8
900
900
/
13
Reviews

Premium DALI IO-8 wireless Hi-Fi headphones with custom DALI driver technology bring you genuine Hi-Fi performance, while advanced audiophile active noise cancellation technology lets you enjoy the same genuine sound, wherever your are.True Hi-Fi PerformanceDALI IO-8 headphones are designed and engineered using the same sound principles as our full-size loudspeakers – they're true Hi-Fi speakers for your head.Audiophile Active Noise CancellationSilence the outside world with unique active noise cancellation technology tuned carefully by DALI to strip away the distractions without impairing the sound.35-Hour Battery LifeEnjoy up to 35 hours of peerless noise-cancelling playback.Dual Sound ModesTailor the performance to your own style with 'Hi-Fi' and 'Bass' sound modes.

DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
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Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Positive, detailed, and convincing sound makes music enjoyable, rather than academic
  • Exceptional build quality with premium materials, including brushed metal and tactile fabric, gives them an understatedly good look and feel
  • Can function as hard-wired passive headphones without battery power, offering flexibility and continuous use
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC) effectively reduces external noise without significantly impacting the sonic characteristics of the headphones
  • Balanced frequency response with smooth transitions and ample detail throughout the range

Product Considerations

  • The lack of a control app limits user customization options
  • The use of real leather in the earpads may not appeal to vegan customers
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC) is decent, but not class-leading compared to brands like Bose
  • The midrange can be a bit too relaxed for some users

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to Bowers & Wilkins PX8, the Dali IO-8 offers distinct sound
  • Compared to Sennheiser Momentum 4, the Dali IO-8 is heavier
  • Compared to Focal Bathys, the Dali IO-8 is lighter

Takeaway: The Dali IO-8 is a premium headphone that delivers high-quality sound with a focus on musicality and build quality. It's a great choice for listeners who value a balanced sound signature, comfortable design, and the flexibility of wired and wireless use.

Video review

Our take on the brand

DALI is a speaker brand known for its unique hybrid tweeter module that combines a soft dome and planar ribbon tweeter, along with proprietary Soft Magnetic Compound technology that reduces distortion. Their speakers feature distinctive wood fiber cones and are designed to be used without toe-in, which creates a broader, more even spread of sound across the listening area.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Focal
Bathys
699
699
/
13
Reviews
Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Excellent sound quality delivers a rich, full, detailed, and clear experience, rivaling higher-end wired headphones
  • Comfortable for long listening sessions due to soft earpads and good weight distribution
  • High-quality build with premium materials like magnesium yokes, aluminum band, and leather padding
  • Effective noise canceling is comparable to leading brands like Bose and Sony, and offers a transparency mode
  • Versatile connectivity with Bluetooth (aptX Adaptive), USB-DAC mode (up to 24/192), and analog 3.5mm

Product Considerations

  • Active noise canceling (ANC) isn't the absolute best on the market
  • Stock cables are considered basic and somewhat short
  • The app, while offering EQ and other adjustments, can be clunky and difficult to connect initially, and some users have reported firmware update issues
  • The headphones always need battery power to function, even when using a wired connection
  • Some reviewers found the bass a little too elevated in the lower mids

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Bathys has a more natural fit, a better mic, more connectivity options, and a companion app that allows for better sound adjustments, while the AirPods Max excels in noise canceling
  • The Bathys has more consistent audio delivery, a more robust EQ, and better overall noise isolation, while the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 is more comfortable and better built
  • The Bathys has similar noise isolation performance and similar USB-C and analog capabilities, but the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless has a more accurate treble response and better battery life
  • The Bathys has better sound, is more comfortable, and is better built than the Sony WH-1000XM5, while the XM5 has better battery and better noise isolation
  • The Focal Celestee is better built, more comfortable, and wired, while the Bathys has a USB-DAC mode for higher-quality audio and a companion app to adjust it

Takeaway: The Focal Bathys are a solid pick for wireless headphones that sound great and feel luxurious. Excellent sound quality with convenient features like active noise canceling make them perfect for enjoying music on the go.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Focal is a French hifi brand that makes their own drivers in-house, including their highly-regarded beryllium tweeters and unique slatefiber mid/bass drivers made from recycled carbon fiber. Their speakers and headphones feature distinctive technologies like their "W" sandwich cone design for optimal driver performance and Mimi Sound Personalization that adapts audio to individual hearing profiles.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Bowers & Wilkins
Px7 S2
399
/
Released
2022
Px7 S2's custom-designed 40mm drive units and 24-bit-capable wireless platform combine for a truly immersive listening experience that allows you to hear more of what the artist wants you to hear.
Check Amazon
Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • High-end design with premium materials (cloth and aluminum construction, aluminum accent rings, soft faux leather, stitch-free Nappa leather) gives a luxury vehicle feel and understated style
  • Comfortable for longer periods thanks to the redesigned form and shape, upgraded pressure-relieving memory foam, oblong earcups for better pressure distribution, and ample room inside the earcups
  • Superior sound quality is due to the revised custom 40mm Bowers & Wilkins driver with lower distortion biocellulose diaphragm and 20mm voice coil, carefully positioned and angled inside the earcups
  • Integration with the Bowers & Wilkins Music app allows customization of noise canceling levels, ambient pass-through, and EQ tone control
  • Improved clarity of voice on phone calls is due to the redesigned microphone pattern
  • USB-C socket is the sole input option, though adapters are included

Product Considerations

  • Some users may find the wear detection feature too sensitive
  • The app offers fewer features than some other headphone apps
  • The included cables are somewhat short

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to the previous PX7, the S2 has a completely different design, is smaller and easier to carry, and has significant technical improvements
  • The PX7 S2 offers a more balanced sound than mainstream offerings by Sony or Bose, which tend to exaggerate mid-bass
  • The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 stood out with a more distinguished appearance, a next-level build with nicer tactility, and sound quality is a toss-up—dependent on listening preference

Takeaway: The Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 headphones offer a great listening experience with excellent sound quality, beautiful design, and a comfortable fit. They are a solid choice for anyone who wants an upgrade over basic headphones and cares about both style and sound.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Bowers & Wilkins
Pi7 S2
259
/
Released
2023
What does it take to create category-defining True Wireless earbuds? High-resolution sound and crystal-clear voice calls, an industry-first wireless audio retransmission case, plus a choice of three elegant colors.
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Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Excellent sound quality with clarity and detail
  • The charging case doubles as a wireless transmitter, connecting to non-Bluetooth devices via USB or 3.5mm jack
  • Improved Bluetooth connectivity and an extended range of up to 25 meters compared to the original PI7
  • Premium design and comfortable to wear for longer durations
  • Excellent bass response

Product Considerations

  • The B&W app lacks EQ customization options
  • Transparency mode has noticeable hiss and is not easily accessible via the earbuds, requiring the app to activate
  • Noise cancellation is good, but not class-leading compared to some competitors
  • Some reviewers find them bulky and not very comfortable for prolonged use
  • No multi-point pairing

Takeaway: The Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 is a great choice for those who prioritize exceptional sound quality and appreciate the unique wireless transmitter feature. It provides an immersive and detailed listening experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Bowers & Wilkins
Px7 S2e
399
/
Released
2023
Px7 S2e is the latest iteration of our highly successful entry-level wireless headphones. The 'e' stands for 'evolved', as the Px7 S2e takes inspiration and learnings from our flagship Px8 wireless headphones, together with a re-tuned acoustic performance, to deliver the very best sound in its class.
Check Amazon
Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Superior sound separation compared to older models, noticeable even to non-audiophiles
  • The mobile app enhances usability by allowing users to adjust bass, treble, and noise reduction levels
  • Comfortable fit with ample cushioning and a design that's comfortable to wear around the neck
  • Premium build quality with attention to detail in design, materials, and hinge smoothness
  • The sound is balanced, with distinct highs and bass that booms without overpowering the mix

Product Considerations

  • Noise cancellation does not quite match up to Sony, with a small gap forming depending on head position
  • Volume up and down buttons take time getting used to, with accidental pausing occurring
  • The touch-sensitive earcup feature for pass-through audio from Sony is missed
  • Lacks an adapter for airplane screens
  • Some reviewers found the earcup size a bit awkward

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Sony WH-1000XM3: Px7 S2e offers superior sound separation
  • Vs Apple AirPods Max: PX7 S2e is closer to the sound quality of the AirPods Max than the Beats Studio Pro, but the AirPods Max is heavier and less comfortable for long-term use
  • Vs Sony WH-1000XM5: Px7 S2e has better sound quality, though the Sony has better ANC
  • Vs Bowers & Wilkins Px8: Px7 S2e is very close in sound quality for a much better price
  • Vs Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless: Px7 S2e has better midrange magic for music
  • Vs Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra: Px7 S2e balances ANC and music playback better

Takeaway: The Px7 S2e headphones are a premium product that balances sound quality, comfort, and build. Great sound and a luxurious feel could make these headphones a perfect fit.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Bowers & Wilkins pioneered the use of Kevlar fibers in speaker cones and developed the Matrix cabinet design, which significantly reduces cabinet resonance and sound coloration. Their Nautilus speaker, introduced in 1993, features the distinctive Nautilus tube tweeter design that minimizes sound resonance, while their dedicated Steyning Research facility has produced breakthroughs like the Continuum cone for improved audio transparency.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Cambridge Audio
Melomania P100
233
/
Released
2024
Crafted in London by Hi-Fi engineers, P100 delivers immersive, high-fidelity musical audio with Class A/B amplification from 40mm drivers. With adaptive hybrid ANC and up to 100 hours of user-replaceable battery life, it's designed for boundless listening.
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Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in power amplifiers, a technology now widely adopted by high-end audio companies. The brand stands out for using premium amplification technology across their product range, from Class A/B amplifiers in their wireless earbuds to Hypex Ncore modules in their EVO series, while maintaining accessible price points between their CX and Edge product lines.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Outstanding battery life—offering up to 60 hours with ANC on and 100 hours with ANC off
  • Clean, open, reasonably detailed, energetic, informative, and convincing sound quality, with a balanced and neutral tonality
  • Classy design, with a pleasing, sturdy build with robust metal elements, and comfortable for long listening sessions
  • Features a user-replaceable battery and earpads, promoting longevity

Product Considerations

  • Active noise cancellation (ANC) isn't class-leading and can be bettered, and can have small glitches during use
  • Noise-canceling can produce a faint static sound when no audio is playing, and a popping noise with movement
  • Some reviews mention limited range in the EQ settings within the Melomania Connect app
  • Some reviews mention occasional software bugs and connectivity issues with devices
  • Do not fold away, and come with a travel case that may be too large for some users

Takeaway: The Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 headphones are a solid choice for anyone wanting great sound and very long battery life at a good price. They have a nice design and are built to last, making them a good value overall.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Cambridge Audio pioneered the use of toroidal transformers in power amplifiers, a technology now widely adopted by high-end audio companies. The brand stands out for using premium amplification technology across their product range, from Class A/B amplifiers in their wireless earbuds to Hypex Ncore modules in their EVO series, while maintaining accessible price points between their CX and Edge product lines.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
beyerdynamic
Aventho 300
399
/
Released
2024
Did you ever want to hear what your favourite artists heard while producing their music – no matter where you are? With the AVENTHO 300 headphones, you can. These wireless over-ear headphones use the same German-made drivers that provide the excellent sound quality found in our studio headphones. Thanks to Dolby Atmos with Dolby Head Tracking™ technology and the latest codecs, you can experience unparalleled 3D sound. Powerful ANC eliminates distracting background noise, while high-quality materials and superb comfort round out these top-tier headphones.
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Beyerdynamic is known for their Tesla driver technology, producing designs which are easy to drive with various sources and are commonplace in professional environments. The brand caters to both professional users and home listeners, with products ranging from analytical studio headphones to gaming headsets designed for precise sound localization.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Polished, almost studio-like audio quality with big bass
  • Has multipoint connectivity and lossless codecs
  • Very long battery life, up to 50 hours with ANC on
  • Exciting listen along with on-the-go features

Product Considerations

  • Ear pads are hard to remove
  • Touchpad for controls is a bit finicky and has inconsistent sensitivity
  • Clamping force is a bit strong, so stretching may be needed
  • The high end is also a little hyped, adding to the clarity
  • Although the bass bloats into the lower-mids, the rest of the midrange is nicely tuned

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e: The Aventho 300 brings studio sensibilities to its soundstage, while the Px7 aims for accurate linearity
  • Vs Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X and DT 900 Pro X headphones: Using the same drivers as the company's studio-oriented DT 700 Pro X and DT 900 Pro X, the sound quality will make one feel like they have taken a blanket off their music, especially when upgrading from a cheaper model
  • Vs Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless: They are only beaten by the Sennheiser Momentum 4 and the Marshall Monitor III

Takeaway: The Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 sound polished and are meant for the studio, but they still have a large bass response. For those seeking something different without sacrificing quality, these headphones offer a compelling combination of sound quality and features.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Beyerdynamic is known for their Tesla driver technology, producing designs which are easy to drive with various sources and are commonplace in professional environments. The brand caters to both professional users and home listeners, with products ranging from analytical studio headphones to gaming headsets designed for precise sound localization.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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