During my most recent vacation, used a pair of B&W PX8 S2 for playback. They exceeded my expectations performance wise.
So, decided to compare the PX8 S2 to the venerable Sennheiser HD 600 and HD 650. To my utter surprise, the PX8 S2 was clearly a step up sonically over either Sennheiser offering. Every aspect of playback was better with the PX8 S2. Dynamics, low level detail, tonal balance, you name it, it was better. The thing that really stood out was horns and woodwinds sounded a lot closer to real with the PX8 S2. Also used a questyle dongle for hi-res.
I’m wondering how much the carbon fiber driver plays into this. This has caused me to re-evaluate priorities regarding headphone listening, including costs to get high quality sound.
Why? We all hear differently. The opinions about headphones are all over the bloody place. Look at the alleged “expert rankings” of headphone tiers here and other sites and one sees a wide variance of opinions.
It’s not a knock against the Sennheiser that the B&W PX8 S2 wireless headphones sound excellent. There are plenty of reviews who rate the PX8 S2 very highly, whilst there are some who demur.
Personally, I find the PX8 S2 to be a marked improvement overall from the Momentum 4. The ANC on the Momentum 4 is slightly better, but for most air travel, the PX 8 S2 ANC is sufficient, and the enhanced sound quality makes them a better option for travel. I think the carbon driver may be the secret sauce that makes the PX8 S2 sound as good as it does. Makes me want to check out the HEDD D1, as it uses a similar type driver.