Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2: Not Quite Ready to Be the King of ANC

Oh, Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2, you had so much potential. You were born with great sound, an aesthetically pleasing design and active noise cancellation (ANC). You had all the ingredients to become an ANC king, yet there’s something holding you back from claiming the throne.

ANC Performance

Let’s start with the ANC. The Pi7 S2’s ANC does manage to generously muffle the ambient noise and some of the background interference, but it doesn’t quite block out all of the low frequencies, which are especially irritating on the train or on an airplane.

The good news is that you can still enjoy your music, but don’t expect to be completely isolated in your own little quiet bubble.

Design and Comfort

In terms of design, the Pi7 S2 is a real beauty. The headband and ear cups feature a premium soft leather and the aluminum accents make them look truly luxurious.

The downside is that their weight and the clamping force can make them somewhat uncomfortable after a while.

Sound Quality

Luckily, the sound quality is anything but uncomfortable. The Pi7 S2 provides a detailed and well-balanced sound reproduction with punchy bass and impressive clarity. Their soundstage is also impressive and if you manage to get a good fit, it really does come alive.

Verdict

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 may not be the king of ANC, but they sure are Princesses of Sound. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for good sound and ANC performance at an acceptable level.

Just remember to take breaks once in a while to keep your ears happy – otherwise, you could end up with a sore head and unhappy ears.

Pros:

• Great sound quality
• Beautiful design
• Decent ANC

Cons:

• ANC isn’t top-notch
• Uncomfortable after a while