Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), a premium U.K.-based maker of high-performance loudspeakers, earbuds, headphones, and more, announced today a significant update of its premium earbuds line with the launch of the all-new Pi6 and Pi8 models. The company notes that these new models were crafted by the same design and engineering teams who were responsible for creating the well-received Px7 S2e and Px8 headphone models.
Learn more about the Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 & Pi8 premium earbuds
As is typical for B&W, these new models build upon the solid foundation of earlier generations but further pushes the envelope forward with new engineering for upgraded performance and features. In this case, that means a fresh industrial design as well as revised mechanical, electronic, and acoustic engineering.
The company says these updates mean that the “Pi6 and Pi8 are undoubtedly the most comfortable, fully featured and best sounding earbuds the brand has ever made.” A bold statement for sure, but one that B&W can almost always back up.
So what’s in these new works of art from B&W? Let’s have a look, shall we?
Pi6 – Superior Sound, Sumptuous Comfort, Sensational Value
The company notes that the Pi6 and Pi8 are built upon the same core platform with the Pi6 carefully constructed to offer great sound and comfort “at a more affordable price point.” I had to quote that from the release, because B&W is usually more performance-oriented rather than price-oriented. But for many users, this will be highly motivating to be able to access the company’s superlative engineering at a more affordable price point.
B&W says the Pi6 actually offers a performance very comparable to the outgoing Pi7 S2 model…the former flagship of the earbud assortment. Only in this case, Pi6 offers an advanced Qualcomm chipset for greater stability and connectivity reliability.
The Latest Quality Connectivity Standards
Pi6 also employs the latest Bluetooth 5.4 spec which ensures multipoint support for two devices. Also on board is aptX Adaptive wireless transmission at 24-bit/96kHz for mind-blowing sound quality on-the-go from compatible wireless sources.
This model incorporates a new 12mm bio-cellulose driver derived from the cones used in the company’s award-winning Px7 S2e over-ear headphones. This technology is said to ensure high-resolution audio in a smaller, more transportable form factor.
Pi8 – Reference Standard in Earbud Performance
Can it get any better than the Pi6? Meet the Pi8, the Pi6’s big brother with even higher level engineering for greater heights of performance. The Pi8 incorporates 12mm drivers featuring the company’s proprietary Carbon Cone technology – the same technology used in B&W’s award-winning Px8 over-ear headphones.
Pi8 also supports both aptX Adaptive at 24-bit/96kHz and aptX Lossless…the current state-of-the-art in wireless transmission technology. Engineers include a dedicated DSP (digital signal processing), DAC (digital-to-analog conversion), and amplification from ADI. The company says all of this technology combines to ensure users the highest possible resolution and accuracy for whatever you are listening to.
To All This Technology, Add Nuanced and Optimized Design
As you might suspect from a premium creator like B&W, both Pi6 and Pi8 feature premium-grade materials and elegant design flourishes for a high-quality, durable feel. They are IP54-rated for dust and water protection.
B&W conducted extensive scientific research into the many variations in human ear form. This research was across gender and ethnicity. The results from this research were used by B&W designers to create an all-new earbud shape that offers both exceptional comfort and fit, plus outstanding noise cancellation for the broadest possible range of users.
Multipoint Bluetooth, MFI, and GFP
The company has also delivered major improvements in both models for setup and user experience. Thanks to Multipoint Bluetooth and upgraded antennae, these models offer simpler connectivity from audio devices to the earbuds. Users can, for example, pair a second device to their Pi earbuds without having to remove the buds from their ears.
Thanks to MFI (made for iPhone) support, those users in the iOS world will have seamless integration with Apple devices, as well as effortless onboarding into the Bowers & Wilkins Music app. Google Fast Pair (GFP) support is just around the corner.
Total Tonal Control to Make the Sound Your Own
Pi8 users have access to a fully user-adjustable B&W five-band Advance EQ function to further fine-tune the sound of your earbuds to your specific taste. For those who prefer the True Sound of Bowers & Wilkins, this can be bypassed with the touch of a button. Pi6 users have access to bass and treble tone-control adjustments.
Other user interface (UI) upgrades include: 1) the top of each earbud is a large capacitive touch surface which, thanks to improved sensors, improves the responsiveness and reliability of touch-based interactions; 2) repositioned antenna and microphones to prevent accidental blockage of signals; and 3) a new IR proximity sensor for more reliable wear sensing.
Even the Charging Case Got a Design Upgrade
The company even redesigned the often overlooked or under-considered charging case. While often an afterthought from lesser companies, B&W has redesigned the cases for each of these new models, making them slimmer and easier to pocket. Yet at the same time, the company says these cases look and feel more premium compared to previous versions.
The Smartcase that comes with the Pi8 also supports wireless charging and the company’s unique Wireless Audio Retransmission technology. We first saw this cool feature designed for the predecessor Pi7 model, this case can actually retransmit audio to the earbuds wirelessly from connected analog or digital sources. The coolest example – connect the case to a jet aircraft in-flight entertainment system and hear the music channels or movie soundtracks wirelessly retransmitted in aptX Adaptive at up to 24-bit/96kHz quality in your earbuds.
Not Just Better Music…But Better Voice for Calls
You might think a company like B&W would be all about the music, but you’d be wrong. The company is about better performance and that includes noise free communications on calls so others hear your voice more clearly. Part of this is thanks to precise microphone position and part of it is due to the company’s proprietary active noise cancellation circuitry and algorithms. And less noise means a purer musical performance as well. It’s a win-win!
Battery performance has been upgraded as well. The Pi6 delivers up to 8 hours of listening from the earbuds and its charging case supports up to 16 hours of charge for a total of 24 hours of use in total. By virtue of its upgraded technology with added features, the Pi8 offers slightly less – but still impressive – battery life of 6½ hours, with another 13½ charge via the Smartcase for a total of 20 hours.
Those battery stats, by the way, are with ANC active. Both models also offer rapid recharge capability, with 15 minutes of charge delivering another two hours of use.
Four Finishes Available to Match All Your Outfits
The company says it is expanding its palette of finishes so the wealthy among you can match your earbuds to each of your four favorite outfits. The following list has the colors available for each model…
- Pi6 – Storm Grey, Cloud Grey, Forest Green, and Glacier Blue
- Pi8 – Anthracite Black, Dove White, Jade Green, and Midnight Blue
Pricing & Availability
The top-of-the-line Pi8 is available starting today from the Bowers & Wilkins website and at select retailers. It is priced at $399 MSRP.
The Pi6 will be available in early September on the B&W website and at select retailers. It will sell for $249 MSRP.
To learn more on these premium earbuds, as well as the rest of the company’s extensive line of high-performance products, visit bowerswilkins.com.
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