Bowers & Wilkins Px7 wireless headphones.

These were a present to myself, during the Christmas of 2021. I’ve had a year and a bit with them.
So what do I make of them?

Disclaimer:
This is not a sponsored review.
I purchased the Px7’s in Space Grey for myself, & this is an unbiased, transparent review as a consumer.
The thoughts and views in this publication are honest & my own.

As far as I can see, the Px7 “Series 1” are not available on the Bowers & Wilkins main website, however they can be found on B&W’s Amazon shop.
At the time of this review they have been reduced and retail for £230.92 for the Carbon model, £227 for the Silver model, & £271.82 for the Space Grey.
However, you can still purchase accessories and download the manual from B&W’s website.

Bowers & Wilkins:
https://www.bowerswilkins.com/en-gb/

Follow the link below to purchase a pair on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bowers-Wilkins-Wireless-Headphones-Cancellation-Space-Grey/dp/B07WK5XT8T?th=1

Review equipment & software:
Bowers & Wilkins Px7 (Space Grey)
iPhone XS Max.
iPad Pro.
MacBook Pro.
Apple TV 4K.
Nintendo Switch.
Samsung Galaxy Note Ten+.
Samsung M5 Smart Monitor.
Astell & Kern AK70 (wired).
Qobuz Studio Premier.
Apple Music (lossless).
Mixcloud.
YouTube Music.
Apple TV Plus & other streaming services.
Various games on the Switch.
B&W companion app on all devices apart from the AK70, Switch, Apple TV & MacBook.

Music & other media:
I tried to use lossless media whenever I could, however, in some cases this was not possible.


What’s in the box:
B&W provide all that you would need or want, including the headphones of course.
Bowers & Wilkins PX7 True Wireless headphones.
USB charging cable.
3.5mm audio cable for wired use.
Hard-case.
Documentation.

Spec:

Product Dimensions ‎17.5 x 7.49 x 19.99 cm; 335 Grams 
Batteries ‎1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. (included) 
Item model number ‎FP39683 
Colour ‎Space Grey 
Compatible Devices ‎iOS, Android 
Connector ‎3.5mm Jack 
Hardware Interface ‎Bluetooth, USB, 3.5mm Audio 
Material Type ‎Leather and ballistic nylon 
Size ‎Standard 
Battery Type ‎Lithium Ion 
Hardware Platform ‎PC 
Power Source ‎Battery 
Item Weight ‎335 g

Build and finish:
These headphones are the first product I have bought new from B&W.
I’m not including my speakers which were bought used and modified.
I’ve spent a bit of time with various Bowers & Wilkins products at shows, or in shop demos and I have come to have a high regard for them.
I’ve also come to expect nothing but the finest quality & sound.
The PX7’s do not disappoint!
Build quality is premium throughout, and this goes for the included accessories as well.

Comfort:
I don’t know what B&W’s other headphones are like, however, if the PX7’s are anything to go by, then they are going to be extremely comfortable.
Easily managing a 4 hour or longer Listening session with no fatigue or discomfort.
The clamping force and adjustment is just right for my head and ears.
Bowers & Wilkins have used a very plush and form fitting leather on both the ear pads and the head band.

Software:
On most of the devices in the list above I installed the companion app.
On the other devices, The AK70, Switch, Apple TV & MacBook Pro, which don’t have an app, the PX7’s work really well, and the ANC is still accessible on the headphones using a side button on the left ear cup.
The app is really easy to use and quite intuitive. The ONLY 2 things that I have a complaint about in this whole review is the lack of EQ settings & another thing I’ll mention later.
I believe having EQ settings would make these headphones even better than they already are, & would quite possibly make them my absolute go-to for nearly every use case.
As for bluetooth pairing, it’s very straight forward and, I love that I can have these headphones paired to multiple devices without needing to unpair and re-pair each time I swap sources.

Sound:
I’ve mentioned that I wish there was the ability to use EQ.
This for me, would be in order to tweak the sound a touch when required.

However…
They really don’t need any EQ out of the box.
Before I confuse you further, let’s get into the sound and why I feel the need to tweak it.

Highs are super crisp, going as far as clinically sharp.
Lending a beautifully defined high end.

Mids are slightly subdued, but still manage to produce an organic, neutral presentation.

Bass…
This is where the EQ would be required in some cases.
The PX7’s are a powerhouse, which deliver a fast, hard hitting bass that doesn’t skip a beat.
They go low.
Listening to some bass test tracks was enjoyable to say the least, & impressive, very impressive!
But, I found when listening to some tracks or watching certain movies or episodes, they could be a touch on the heavy side. Otherwise, they pack a wallop and keep on packing!

Flexibility.
Whether you want to utilise their full wireless capability, use them wired with say a portable source, or use them with the USB cable, utilising the onboard DAC,
Bowers & Wilkins have you covered, & there is no discernible difference in sound quality either way.

ANC, or, Active Noise Canceling:
ANC is something that has grown on me over the past few years. It was something I didn’t miss until I had it.
Now it always feels like a headphone or IEM is missing something when they don’t have ANC.
And throughout my time as a reviewer I’ve found that some brands hit the nail on the head, where others miss the mark entirely.
Bowers & Wilkins have well and truly hit the nail on the head.
The three levels of noise cancelling are perfect and when I activate the highest level, with the headphones having a great seal, I can hardly hear anything outside of the ear cups.
I’m also extremely happy with the transparency mode.
The only wireless device up until now with a really good transparency mode, has always been the Apple AirPods Pro.
The PX7’s transparency mode is phenomenal! I’d even go as far as saying it’s slightly better than the AirPods Pro.
In calls I’ve been told that the mic sounds really clear and cuts out a lot of background noise.
Listening to voice or video calls is a pleasure and each session has been crystal clear, and I’ve not had any experiences of interference or latency.

Final thoughts:
IF the PX7’s were waterproof, and had EQ settings, they’d be getting 5 stars across the board.
I’ve searched online, looked at the manual and emailed B&W, but found no evidence that mentions water proof.
Putting those two complaints aside, the Bowers & Wilkins are superb in every way and they sound every bit as pricey as the price tag.
When you include their flexibility and stability, along with a sublime aesthetic & premium finish…
They are a phenomenal pair of wireless headphones that are lively yet articulate.
And worth every pound, dollar, euro etc.
I look forward to reviewing further products from Bowers & Wilkins. I have well and truly caught “the bug”.

Thanks:
A big thanks to all of my readers, sponsors, partners and contributors.
Please, like, follow & share.

Many thanks.
Paul.


TRI x HBB KAI IEMs.

This is the latest IEM to be sent my way by Keephifi. Let’s see what they’re like…

Disclaimer:
I have not been paid or sponsored for this review.
The views and opinions in this piece are unbiased and my own.

Thanks to Vivian, Keephifi & TRI for being kind enough to send me the KAI IEMs.

The KAI is priced at $74.00 at the time of this review.

You can have a look and purchase by following the link below:
https://keephifi.com/products/tri-x-hbb-kai

Review gear & software:
TRI x HBB Kai.
Astell & Kern AK70.
FiiO X1.
Topping NX2.
iPhone XS Max.
Audioquest Dragonfly Black.
Qobuz Studio Premier.

Music:
A variety of genres in FLAC, DSD & 320kbps MP3, on the two portable players, & on Qobuz on the iPhone.

What’s in the box:
TRI x HBB KAI IEMs.
Silver OFC plated detachable 3.5mm cable.
6 pairs of assorted ear-tips.
Cleaning brush & cloth.
Leather (?) carry case.

Spec:
Impedance: 36ohms.
Sensitivity: 114dB@1kHz.
FR Range: 20~40kHz.
Driver: DLC Dynamic.
Dynamic Diameter: 9.8mm.
Type: In-ear Earphones.
Cavity material: Aluminum alloy.
Interface: 2pin 0.7mm.
Plug: 3.5mm gold plated.
Cable material: OFC plated with silver.
Cable length: 120cm + 3cm.

Build & finish:
These are the first IEMs I’ve had from TRI.
Straight out of the box, I’m impressed with the use of cardboard and paper in the minimal packaging.
Then we’re presented with a lovely carrying case which looks and feels like leather, however, I am waiting on confirmation of what material this actually is as it isn’t stated on the product page. Either way, it is manufactured to a high standard, & holds and protects its contents satisfactorily.
Inside you’ll find assorted ear tips, a cleaning brush AND cloth, & the IEMs themselves.
Quite a lot of accessories considering the price. And all are high quality!
We’re off to a great start here.
The IEMs are built solidly and have a gorgeous finish. They are a bit on the large size compared to some, but not offensively so.
TRI have gone all out with the cable, at this price I would actually expect less and be content with it, but no, they’ve made & included a really well-made, substantial and nice-looking cable which has impressed me. If TRI can do it at this price point, other brands making higher-tier IEMs have no excuse to not follow suit.


Comfort:
I stated earlier in the review that the KAI’s were a little on the large side, and unfortunately, it does have an impact on comfort.
The over-ear cable does help in this respect and finding the correct fitting tips also helps, but it did mean that I could only wear them for an hour and a half. After that, I had to take a break due to some discomfort.
I hope that in future iterations, TRI may be able to get the size profile dialled down a notch or two.

Sound:
Here’s where the magic really happens!
I really wasn’t sure what to expect at this price point and the fact that these are the first IEMs from TRI that I’ve had the opportunity to get some time with.

I was pleasantly surprised after some burn in time at how great they sound.
They have an aura of neutrality to them, yet they can pack a good punch at the same time.

The bass they produce is impressive, with fast paced performance matched with deep sub bass that doesn’t disappoint.
It doesn’t get muddied or confused with faster, noisier pieces of music like some others at this price point can.
It was one of the stand out features when having a good listening session with them.

Mids are neutral, not too forward, not rolled off. Airy and light come to mind when looking for words to depict what I hear. I know I tend to use these terms a lot in my reviews and perhaps I need to come up with better ways to describe what I’m hearing when reviewing gear. But more on that in another review perhaps.
The midrange of the KAI is easy on the ears with a delightful serving of clarity.

Highs…
Sharp, sparkling highs that come quickly and almost clinically, in the nice, revealing sense.

They manage surprisingly well with high resolution sources and lesser quality audio alike.

Summary:
Honestly, at $74.00 I can’t not recommend the TRI x HBB KAI.
For their low cost, these budget IEMs punch well above their weight in every department.
Ok apart from the large housings, they really are that good.
So who are they for? I would say that if you’re just getting into high end audio and have been looking for an affordable IEM to match your source, then the KAI might very well tick all of, if not most of your boxes.
However, they might just be a good choice, even for an enthusiast like myself.
Sometimes I like to take time out from my higher end audio gear, & get back to basics to remind myself that not all of us have a huge budget to spend on our listening passion. And that’s OK.
I still remember when I started out with a beat up, extremely used iPod, a DIY portable amp in an Altoids tin, some rough and ready cables I knocked up myself and a pair of old Sennheiser HD215s that I previously used as my daily DJ headphones.
It was a jerry rigged, beat up little portable rig, but it sounded great and it was my pride and joy for a good couple of years while I saved for something a touch more sophisticated.
So please take note, I review from the mixed perspectives of the Audiophile I am now, and the budding enthusiast I was back in the early 2000s.

Thanks:
To you, dear reader.
My sponsors, partners and contributors.
You all rock!

Paul.

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Airpulse P100X Bluetooth speaker.

It’s been a little while since I reviewed a device from Airpulse so it’s been great to have something new in to have a listen to and see what I think of it…

Disclaimer:
This review is sponsored by Airpulse.
Airpulse have been very kind and shipped me this Bluetooth speaker for review.
The P100X retails for £499.99.
Airpulse have a dealership section on their website with more information about where to buy globally.

I will note here that although this is a sponsored review by Airpulse. I have, as always, been honest and unbiased in my opinion. 

You can find the P100X and more on the Airpulse website.

Review equipment and software:
Airpulse P100X.
Astell & Kern AK70.
Cypher Labs Algorhythm Solo.
Audioquest Dragonfly Black.
iPhone XS Max.
iPhone 12 Pro Max.
Samsung Galaxy Note Ten+.
Qobuz Studio Premier.
Apple Music Plus.
Soundiiz.
All cables used in this review were custom built and supplied by Custom Cans.

Music:
FLAC & DSD files on the AK70.
Hi-Res demo playlists curated by The Audiophile Cafe on Qobuz.
Lossless music on Apple Music Plus ported through Qobuz via Soundiiz.

What’s in the box:
Airpulse P100X.
Infrared remote.
1x RCA to RCA cable.
1x RCA to 3.5mm cable.
1x mains cable.
Instructions.

Spec:
Tweeter: Airblade tweeter.
Mid-Woofer: 4.5″ aluminium cone Mid-Woofer.
Amplifier: Digital amplifier.
Power output: Tweeter – 10W+10W. Woofer – 40W.
Frequency range: 52Hz – 22kHz.
Signal-Noise ratio: L/R: >_ 90dB (A)
Input mode: Line in & Bluetooth 5.0.
Mains voltage: 100-240V AC 50/60Hz.

Build & finish:
This is the third product I have reviewed from Airpulse and the high level of craftsmanship I’ve come to expect is all here.
The weave on the front and rear speaker grills has a lovely retro aesthetic and feels very robust.
The new Airblade tweeters have the same build quality as their other drivers, no surprises there really!
The included cables are basic but made well and are more robust than what you would find in an aisle at your local supermarket.
One thing I think that Airpulse need to work on is the quality of remote that they provide, when taking into consideration the high cost.
Don’t get me wrong, the remote works well, but I’d really like to see something a touch more robust in the next iteration.
As for connectivity, I was disappointed to see only one line in and bluetooth 5.0.
For a product as premium as this I would have expected at least one more input, allowing for a bit more flexibility.
And finally, I found the LED indicator on the front panel that shines either blue or orange depending on which input is selected rather bright when bluetooth is selected. So much so, that I had to stick a blackout sticker over it as at night it was harsh and distracting.
Definitely a few improvements needed here in my opinion.
However, I did very much like the power switch, with its solid click and backlit orange glow. Very retro, very cool!
Setting the speaker up is easy and bluetooth pairing is quick and seamless.
We also get tone controls as well as the volume knob. These are the same knobs used on Airpulse’s other speakers and they work really well on the P100X, even complimenting its style.

Sound:
I’ve had a good 6 months or so with the P100X, giving it time to break in and find its sweet spot.
Like with other Airpulse speakers, in the beginning it lacks in the bass department.
However, with time this improves as the bass becomes more present and more defined.
So bear this in mind when you first start using this speaker.

Mids are forward and airy without sounding overwhelming or harsh.

Highs are fast and sharp.

Tweaking the tone controls doesn’t make a huge difference to the sound, yet allows just enough adjustment to tailor it to your preference.

Summery:
At £499.99 the P100X is not a cheap or affordable bluetooth speaker.
With this said, unlike others in this price range, it’s superior build quality and stunning finish set it apart from the rest.
Its sound is like a fine wine. You need to give it some time to mature, and when it does, you can expect a full bodied, robust performance.
A few things do let it down, in regards to the cheapy looking and feeling remote, and lack of inputs.
And please Airpulse, if you’re going to use blue LED’s in the front, please at least make it dimmable.
If using this in the bedroom as we eventually settled on, the blue light is harsh and distracting.
But, I will say that as far as negatives go, they’re really quite minimal when stacked up against every good quality the P100X has going for itself.
For £499.99 we get a lively and full sound with great looks that look great anywhere in the home.
The bluetooth connection is stable and doesn’t sound any less than the line input.

Would I recommend it?
Yes, if you can forgive the remote its looks and feel, and focus on the fact that it does what it needs to and does it well.
It sounds as a £500 device should, forgoing the usual fat, bloated sound of other similarly priced bluetooth speakers, settling instead for a sound that is more refined, yet still retaining some bounce and vibrancy!

Thanks:
A huge thank you to Rebecca & Kathryn at Bleat, Audrey and Kay at STAX and STAX, Airpulse & Edifier for their ongoing sponsorship & support of the blog and being exceptionally patient with me.

Jason and the team at Custom Cans, without whom, I wouldn’t have half the cables I need to make these reviews as controlled as possible. Thank you yet again!

Thank you to Qobuz, David and the team for their ongoing partnership, which makes my life a whole lot easier.

And of course a massive thanks to you, my readers. As always, your patience and time is always appreciated!
Please remember to like, follow, share etc as it all helps to get my numbers of readers up.

All my very best, Paul!

Happy New Year to you all.

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Custom Cans Charity Fundraiser.

Custom Cans are currently holding a charity fundraiser for The Music Works.

You can follow the link below for more details:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/customcans?utm_source=copyLink&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=customcans&utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_term=ce4dda311605409c8c0e26916177ef9e

JustGiving’s homepage

Jason’s Custom Painted HiFiMan Sundara Charity Raffle 

The Music Works

We transform young lives through music to help them reach their full potential

Charity Registration No. 1106979

Story

At Custom Cans, we believe that music is very important. 

We wanted to host a very special giveaway, for a pair of custom HiFiMan Sundaras, painted by Ed of Swarez Art.

We are raising funds to support local charity The Music Works. 

” The Music Works is a Gloucestershire based charity whose mission is to transform young lives through music. They work with over 3,000 young people a year from ages 8-30, in schools and community rehearsal spaces in Gloucester, Stroud, and the Forest of Dean, doing everything from helping young people get started in music, to supporting emerging artists and running festivals and events.”

Each £2 donation is 1 entry into our raffle, for the chance to win these very special headphones.

About the charity

The Music Works

The Music Works

We are a Gloucestershire based charity whose mission is to transform young people’s lives through music. We’re specialists in working with young people in challenging circumstances to help them reach their full potential in music, learning and in life. https://youtu.be/EVwBQQuea2s

Charity Registration No. 1106979Find out more about charity fundraising

* Charities pay a small fee for our service. Find out how much it is and what we do for it.

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    JustGiving’s homepageGiving.com trading as JustGiving is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under the Payment Service Regulations 2017.Registration number: 793668Contains OS and National Statistics data © Crown copyright and database right (2018). Contains Royal Mail data © Royal Mail copyright and database right (2018).Find us on

Periodic Audio review their IEM prices and update accordingly.

Periodic Audio Drops IEM Prices Raising Value Bar Through the Roof

November 7, 2022: Periodic Audio announces a price reduction for its line of V3 in-ear monitors launched earlier this year. The company will move to a direct model and as a result will pass distribution cost-savings to its loyal customers.  

“We feel so strongly that our line of IEMs represents significant value for the consumer,” said Dan Wiggins, co-founder of Periodic Audio. “We’ve spent years researching materials, acoustic geometries, mechanical architectures, and the relationships between them culminating to the new generation of products. After working hard to refine our manufacturing and material processes, our next logical step to reach a wider audience to eliminate additional operational overhead costs resulting in a direct sale model for North America.”

The V3 IEMs retain Periodic Audio’s critically acclaimed proprietary sound engines, all developed in-house. Their ultra-wideband, high-efficiency, low-distortion, dynamic speaker elements are designed to perform with maximum reliability.

The material of an In-Ear Monitor’s body plays a critical role in its sound quality, comfort, and reliability. Periodic Audio partnered with Eastman Chemical in what became a three-year project researching the optimal material for an In-Ear Monitor. The Periodic team found that Tritan—a new-generation copolyester used in many medical devices—provided the best measurable and audible improvements in sound, in terms of transient distortion and harmonic distortion, of any material the Periodic team has measured.

The failure point in wired headphones is almost always the wires themselves. The Periodic Audio team channeled lessons from the past to improve the future. Tip-ring-sleeve (TRS) and tip-sleeve (TS) connectors, invented in the 1800s, are still widely used today for their exceptional reliability. However, because no such connector is small enough to fit inside an In-Ear monitor, Periodic has designed the IDEEL connector. Measuring just 3.6mm wide, with a mounting depth of 9.5mm, the IDEEL connector fits a standard 2.5mm TS plug. Nearly indestructible, the IDEEL is strong enough to endure the rigors of daily attachment and detachment of cables. And if something does go wrong, your In-Ear Monitor investment is safe—you can simply replace the cables.

Periodic Audio also designs its own eartips, made from medical-grade materials. The eartips provided with each of Periodic’s IEM models are scientifically proven to fit more than 95% of human ear canals. Additional accessories include gold-plated ¼″ and airplane adapters, a 1.2-meter-long cable with single 3.5mm TRS to dual 2.5mm TS jack, and metal shells, all housed in a protective carry case.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Pricing

Mgv3 (was $199 now $99)—Transducer material: 96% pure magnesium (more details here)

Tiv3 (was $299 now $129)—Transducer material: Pure titanium (more details here)

Bev3 (was $399 now $249)—Transducer material: Beryllium (specs here)

Cv3 (was $499 now $299)—Transducer material: Lab-grown Diamond layer (8µm thick) on Periodic Audio’s proprietary high-temperature polymer substrate (more details here)

Periodic Audio In-Ear Monitors: Summary

  • All designed, engineered, and tooled in-house—Made in USA
  • All use a single 10mm dynamic transducer – all designed in-house
  • Custom-jacketed, reinforced, detachable cables
  • All IEM bodies are made of Tritan copolyester composite for superior strength, light weight, and minimal resonance
  • Proprietary medical-grade silicone eartips made in-house in three sizes
  • Five-year warranty against manufacturing defects

About Periodic Audio

Founded in 2016, Periodic Audio is obsessed with producing highly portable products that do not compromise on performance. The company is led by the seasoned team of Daniel Wiggins, Mike Kim, Zeke Burgess, and Ben Webster, who collectively have more than 140 years of consumer-electronics experience in electronic, mechanical, firmware, acoustic, and industrial design for a wide variety of brands, including Apple, Blue Microphones, Dolby, Event Electronics, Flextronics, Harman International, Mackie, Microsoft, and Sonos. For more information, please visit www.periodicaudio.com.