Bowers & Wilkins: Pi8 vs Pi7 S2

With the new release of The Pi8Many Bowers & Wilkins listeners are probably wondering the same thing: is my product outdated? If you already have the Pi7 S2You might think you can wait for a newer model to come out before upgrading. But how do they differ? Today, we're comparing the two wireless earbuds side-by-side to see how they stack up against each other.

What comes in the box

There’s not much variation when it comes to what’s included in the box. A charging case, charging cable, and a 3.5mm to USB-C cable for DSP mode are all included in the charging case. The Pi8 is a step up, offering four ear tip sizes instead of three on the Pi7 S2, so you can find maximum comfort. Each comes with a quick start guide and warranty card with all the information you’ll need about the product.

Aesthetics and Functionality

The look of these earbuds share a lot of similarities, but they’re still pretty different. While they have most of the same color options, the Pi8 takes it a step further by reducing the size of the earbuds and charging case for a more compact design. They share the same metallic details, but the Pi8 keeps it a bit more subtle. Both charging cases are still small and simple enough to be lightweight for listening to music on the go.

The Pi7 S2 is a bit bulkier when it comes to the design of the earbuds, with the metal touch pads sticking out during use. The Pi8 is more compact and fits snugly in the ear for a subtle pop of color. The metal detailing is only on the outer shell, and instead of placing the brand name along the edge, they placed it directly on the face of the earbud. The Pi8 has a softer, more rounded design, and fits comfortably in the ear. The Pi7 S2 is more rigid and robotic when it comes to in-ear wear, which could cause discomfort for some. In my opinion, I liked the soft design of the Pi8, especially since it was small and compact and didn’t stick out from my ear.

The Pi8 doesn’t have a button on the charging case, which means the initial Bluetooth pairing process varies depending on the device. With the Pi7 S2, you can hold down the button until your phone picks up the signal, but the Pi8 requires the sensors to activate so the signal can be sent to your device. I’ve always preferred the physical part of pressing a button when pairing, but for the style and elegance, the Pi8 wins me over. Either way, both devices connected via Bluetooth to my device very easily, and there were no issues maintaining the connection while listening.

Technical specifications

If we compare the technology to each other, we will see that the drivers and other features are a bit different in the two earphones. In the case of the Pi7 S2, we will see that there is a smaller dynamic driver paired with a balanced armature driver. This gives the Pi7 a very powerful bass response, but also an exceptionally detailed treble response. The Pi8 only has the dynamic driver, but the carbon cone is something new that hasn’t been explored before. Without listening, a prediction can be made on how these two will differ in sound.

Aside from the differences in drivers, you get the latest version of Bluetooth on the Pi8 compared to the Pi7 S2. Both have a high-performance DSP, but the Pi8 goes a step further by including an amp/DAC in its charging case. You can also adjust EQ settings within the app with the Pi8, while the Pi7 S2 is limited to the factory settings unless you use third-party software.

Listening review

Soundstage and ANC

These two headphones have sound signatures that are quite different from each other. They share some similarities, such as the wide soundstage and the incredibly detailed frequency response. The Pi8 offers a soundstage that is very upfront yet immersive. You are instantly transported to what you are listening to, but everything remains primarily in front of you rather than enveloping your head. In contrast, the Pi7 S2 also gives you immersive listening, but in a soundstage that is expanded a bit more around you. Both have exceptional stereo imaging, and the precision makes any instrumental ensemble heard with complete clarity in front of you.

The active noise cancellation feature has definitely improved from the Pi7 S2 to the Pi8. On the previous model, noise cancellation was a feature that you could toggle on and off, but it wasn’t as effective as you might think. You could tell that noise cancellation was on, but it didn’t sound any different than when it was or wasn’t on. The Pi8 detected this flaw and responded. It was clear when noise cancellation was on, and when it was off, I could definitely hear more of my surroundings. Passthrough mode was very effective, and I could tell the microphones were in full use. It was great to see Bowers and Wilkins take the time to improve this feature.

Low frequencies

The low end is the most noticeable difference in these headphones. The Pi8 has such a strong bass response that it was the only thing noticeable when I first started listening to them. It’s powerful and a driving force that guides the rest of the frequencies to fall behind it. The sub-frequencies are boomy and tangible, something any bass lover will appreciate. For people who don’t like a lot of bass, the app’s EQ feature allows you to tailor the bass response to something a little less offensive. The Pi7 S2, on the other hand, keeps it more reserved. Don’t be fooled – the Pi7 S2 can still pack a punch, delivering a quality low end full of warmth and depth. However, it stays more in the background and serves as a foundation for the rest of the ranges rather than up front. The downside to this is that the Pi7 S2 doesn’t allow for EQ adjustments in the app, so you’re stuck with the default balance provided to you rather than being able to fine-tune it to your liking.

Midrange Frequencies

The midrange on both devices was clear and detailed. Instrument timbres had a place to stand out in the stereo field and I didn’t think anything was lost in any mix. Imaging was very accurate and I would say the Pi8 took that quality and fine-tuned it even further. I liked how wide the frequencies were in this range and how they were full of character across a lot of different genres. I enjoyed listening to some indie rock as well as singer-songwriter music and was able to enjoy the clarity and full color of the vocals in each.

High frequencies

The top end also shows some marked differences between the two earphones. Starting with the Pi8, it’s safe to say that the bottom end got most of the driving power and left little for the top end. It got a bit lost behind the boomy bass and needed some fine-tuning in application. Meanwhile, the balanced armature driver produces a crisp and detailed treble response that’s a great balance to the bottom end. Everything is very smooth across the board on the Pi7 S2; the Pi8 focuses mostly on the bottom end and leaves the top end fighting for a spot in the sound signature. Still, when the Pi8’s top end does come to the fore, it’s incredibly bright and colorful, bringing some airiness and light to your favorite songs.

Summary

As you can see, there are plenty of advantages to both Bowers & Wilkins products. There are also plenty of differences to consider. Both offer you a great level of detail and personality in your tracks, ensuring that your listening experience is comfortable and entertaining. The Pi8 is a fantastic step forward for bass lovers and people who like to fine-tune their listening. The active noise cancellation (ANC) is stellar and puts you in your own auditory world. The older Pi7 S2 may no longer be up to date, but it has a great natural balance between frequency ranges that is sure to make any track great.

To find out which one is best for you, I recommend trying them both together. Maybe you like the slightly bulkier Pi7 S2, or you're drawn to the powerful bass of the Pi8. Either way, everyone hears differently, so it's up to you to decide which one you prefer.

He Pi8 and the Pi7 S2 are available for purchase and demonstration at Audio46.