I own the Bose Ultras and they are terrific. I would still like to see all of the manufacturers add weather resistance to their headphones. Getting caught in the rain is often a possibility if you are on the go and shouldn’t need to worry about your headphones if that happens.
I agree 100%! I've seen some that are intended for working out that have some level of resistance -- like the older Plantronics BackBeat Fit 6100 -- but I really wish this was way more common, especially with these flagship headphones.
I really wanted the px7 s2e to be superior because of how nice they look and their materials; but I usually prefer sharper tones and would like some bass on it because I prefer classic rock and hip hop as the genres of my choice; would the customization of the bower’s allow that feel? I’ve looked into the Sennheiser M4’s and really I don’t think they would be a great fit. I’ve also heard that B&W sound superior to the others and I’m planning to wear them around home and school for multiple
Check out my review on the S2e, as I answer some of these. ruclips.net/video/tPEmjb0Wuys/видео.html But “sharper” is not what I’d associate with the S2e though I suppose Treble +6 might help. Bose has a better tuning for that. The B&W is still relaxed relaxed.
VERY tough question! I owned the Px8 and ended up returning them. They sound fantastic, mind you, but they have a darker tone than the already somewhat dark S2e. The build feels better in the hand, they look better, and the pads are more comfortable. But the ANC isn’t appreciably better from what I noticed, and how good the sound is to you depends very heavily on what you pay attention to most. There’s more low-level detail, but it’s darker. To get a similar tuning, you need to really turn the bass down and the treble up. All in all, I like the tuning on the S2e better, the technicals and build on the Px8, but I didn’t feel it was better enough to justify the additional cost.
@@NorbReviews I had the same experience though mine was in-store. The PX-8s are stunning to the eye and the hand. I could not hear the difference, though. This time, the subjectivity of sound favored the S2e's so I saved over 300 dollars. If money was no object I'd have loved the PX-8s as much as my S2e's.
First off thank you sooo much for this great review and comparison. I have two questions: Can the S2e reach the same level in base as the Bose? And what are the requirements to use the lossless sound feature, so I need to have a snapdragon chip?
The bass timbres between Bose and S2E are quite deeper. Bose seems to be closer to home audio sound. That means subbass and mid to upper bass are balanced. It is smoother than S2E. Meanwhile, S2E emphasizes upper bass. This might be a kicking and more punchier than Bose. It's a fun sound signature with a smooth texture. But sometimes it veils the middle area depending on the song. So these two are still quite different, although you tune the EQ.
Hey there, thanks for the kind words and for watching! 1. Bass - The comment from @injaehwang5776 is on point. 2. Snapdragon - From Bose: "To experience Snapdragon Sound, you need a Snapdragon Sound-certified device, such as a compatible Android mobile device. Once you connect the headphones, your device will automatically stream audio using the aptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec. For a list of Snapdragon Sound compatible devices, visit aptx.com."
Good video. I enjoy your detailed and balanced reviews. I own the QC Ultras and I agree with your approach with Immersive Audio (off for music). The QC Ultras give me a great pair of headphones with light weight, superior comfort, which is a huge factor for me.
I've tried out both, and for me the QC Ultra was simply the superior product. I got massive headaches using the s2e with like, 30 minutes of use, and no matter what I did, it just didn't work out. While I like the sound of the s2e a lot more, I can get 80% of the way there EQing the Bose, and I don't have to deal with headaches everytime I use it. Sound quality is important to me, but if I can't listen to music without feeling like my head is gonna crack in half like an egg, then I might as well not be listening to anything at all. With ANC also being better on the Bose, I would say the hype is justified.
Px7 S2e and QuietComfort Ultra. But I only don’t use the M4 due to ear heat, so if that’s not an issue, consider them. BTW, if you’re using them at the gym, get yourself a different set of gym headphones, something cheaper you can easily replace. The JLAB Lux would be my choice.
Thanks for this review, I was waiting for it! But I already bought my headphones))) I bought Bose because they are more comfortable on my head, it feels like there is nothing on it!! Honestly, it was a very hard choice, because BW sound a little better, they sound great, like a professional studio headphones! But after listening for an hour, I realized that my ears were a little tired. the sound is clean and detailed, but for long listening it is even too much! so based on my needs I chose QC Ultra. For work, movies, calls and music as part of this routine, and 5-6-7 hours of listening per day)))))) this is a really great option. Now I'm waiting for them to be delivered in my color 😇 P.S. I will test Immersive audio and add to my review later.)
Same decision for me. Best NC on the market and very good sound on Ultra if tone down the bass by -2db. B&Ws too grippy on my head, too bright (digital like) sound. Smaller case for ultra for travelling too. Try the Christmas track O Holy night by Céline Dion from the album These are Special Times with immersive on Ultras. On Apple Music it’s in Dolby Atmos and shows the full quality from the Ultras as does Bob Dylan’s Man in a Long Black coat. The Dylan track was used by my specialist hifi dealer to set up my stereo speakers and dual sub kit. It’s astonishing on that (£3k of speakers). Ultras is immersive mode nearly substitutes for that set up when sitting in the same position as stereo set up. Amazing VFM. My ultras came direct from Bose and were only £232 on a Black Friday deal with a voucher from my son. Bargain. My QC2s were that back in 2006…and they still work …wired for planes etc.
Had both and the only real difference was the exceptional noise cancellation with the Bose, the B&W were nowhere near as good. Bose lighter and more comfortable. The B&W slightly sat on my right ear and caused pain after a couple of hours. Walking about the B&W seem to move about around your head more. Sound wise very little in it to be fair. Both great headphones all will depend on which fits your head and ears the best and whether your main tick box is immersion.
Possibly a stupid question: Would using PX7 S2e in wired mode with an external DAC make a difference in the sound quality with respect to the USB-c to USB-c wired connection with a Windows PC, considering there is a built-in DAC in these headphones? Or would the sound be the same? Thanks in advance!
Hi, and thanks for the question. The sound would be the same: with the b&w, everything happens in the headphone, so external sources don’t matter as much. (A better DAC would deliver a better source signal if you’re using the USB-C to 3.5mm cable, but it would be converted internally.) Using an external amp would mater with a headphone that could be used while turned off (like the Momentum 4).
@@NorbReviews Hi again, thanks for your answer. I have two follow up questions: 1) How good is the sound quality of S2e (wired) compared to a system of amp + DAC + passive headphones worth 350€ (of your choice)? Would there be a huge difference in terms of fidelty? 2) If you use S2e with wired connection, would you notice any difference between Spotify (Very high quality, no volume normalisation) and other music services that offers hi-res audio such as Qobuz? Personally I absolutely think they are the same, would a different headphone system change that opinion?
1. I’m assuming the whole stack is worth €350? Then maybe. Like, if I had an iFi Go Link ($60) and a HiFiMan Edition XS ($269 currently), then yes, I think this would be better than the S2e, but then you wouldn’t get wireless sound or ANC. If you want those, then the S2e is a better deal. 2. Assuming you’re listening to both wired, the difference between the two services using the S2e wouldn’t be all that big, if any. It might be some minor details here or there, depending how sensitive you are to specific elements, but I’m hard pressed to say, “yes, here is definitely where you’ll hear it.”
I’ve never noticed any appreciable lag. Someone more sensitive than me might, but I’ve never been bothered by what I see on my iPhone, iPad, or Mac. (Edit: I just realized that I’m literally wearing them as I’m writing this comment so I launched a video on my phone to check. It looks fine to me.)
I had it and returned it. Great build, but I wasn’t in love with the tuning (too dark, even when I EQ’d it heavily) and ultimately it didn’t offer enough of an advantage over the Px7 S2e to justify the cost. I might pick it up again-it’s at a good price now (and despite what I’ve said I *DID* like it), but it would mean selling my S2e.
I own the Bose Ultras and they are terrific. I would still like to see all of the manufacturers add weather resistance to their headphones. Getting caught in the rain is often a possibility if you are on the go and shouldn’t need to worry about your headphones if that happens.
I agree 100%! I've seen some that are intended for working out that have some level of resistance -- like the older Plantronics BackBeat Fit 6100 -- but I really wish this was way more common, especially with these flagship headphones.
this. everytime im wearing my b&w and it starts raining i put them away. dont want to damange them just after getting them.
I really wanted the px7 s2e to be superior because of how nice they look and their materials; but I usually prefer sharper tones and would like some bass on it because I prefer classic rock and hip hop as the genres of my choice; would the customization of the bower’s allow that feel? I’ve looked into the Sennheiser M4’s and really I don’t think they would be a great fit. I’ve also heard that B&W sound superior to the others and I’m planning to wear them around home and school for multiple
Check out my review on the S2e, as I answer some of these. ruclips.net/video/tPEmjb0Wuys/видео.html
But “sharper” is not what I’d associate with the S2e though I suppose Treble +6 might help. Bose has a better tuning for that. The B&W is still relaxed relaxed.
Nice video. How do the PX8 compare to the PX7 S2e? Are the 8 better or a generation behind in terms of sound?
VERY tough question! I owned the Px8 and ended up returning them. They sound fantastic, mind you, but they have a darker tone than the already somewhat dark S2e. The build feels better in the hand, they look better, and the pads are more comfortable. But the ANC isn’t appreciably better from what I noticed, and how good the sound is to you depends very heavily on what you pay attention to most. There’s more low-level detail, but it’s darker. To get a similar tuning, you need to really turn the bass down and the treble up.
All in all, I like the tuning on the S2e better, the technicals and build on the Px8, but I didn’t feel it was better enough to justify the additional cost.
@@NorbReviews I had the same experience though mine was in-store. The PX-8s are stunning to the eye and the hand. I could not hear the difference, though. This time, the subjectivity of sound favored the S2e's so I saved over 300 dollars. If money was no object I'd have loved the PX-8s as much as my S2e's.
First off thank you sooo much for this great review and comparison.
I have two questions:
Can the S2e reach the same level in base as the Bose?
And what are the requirements to use the lossless sound feature, so I need to have a snapdragon chip?
The bass timbres between Bose and S2E are quite deeper. Bose seems to be closer to home audio sound. That means subbass and mid to upper bass are balanced. It is smoother than S2E. Meanwhile, S2E emphasizes upper bass. This might be a kicking and more punchier than Bose. It's a fun sound signature with a smooth texture. But sometimes it veils the middle area depending on the song. So these two are still quite different, although you tune the EQ.
Hey there, thanks for the kind words and for watching!
1. Bass - The comment from @injaehwang5776 is on point.
2. Snapdragon - From Bose: "To experience Snapdragon Sound, you need a Snapdragon Sound-certified device, such as a compatible Android mobile device. Once you connect the headphones, your device will automatically stream audio using the aptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec. For a list of Snapdragon Sound compatible devices, visit aptx.com."
Good video. I enjoy your detailed and balanced reviews. I own the QC Ultras and I agree with your approach with Immersive Audio (off for music). The QC Ultras give me a great pair of headphones with light weight, superior comfort, which is a huge factor for me.
Thanks for the kind words! I agree on the comfort!
I've tried out both, and for me the QC Ultra was simply the superior product.
I got massive headaches using the s2e with like, 30 minutes of use, and no matter what I did, it just didn't work out. While I like the sound of the s2e a lot more, I can get 80% of the way there EQing the Bose, and I don't have to deal with headaches everytime I use it. Sound quality is important to me, but if I can't listen to music without feeling like my head is gonna crack in half like an egg, then I might as well not be listening to anything at all.
With ANC also being better on the Bose, I would say the hype is justified.
Comfort is definitely priority one. You’re right, without that, nothing else matters. Glad you’re liking the Bose!
Great review
Thank you!
What headphones do you daily drive, whether it’s one of these 2, the Momentum 4, or other? About to make my Black Friday purchase 🫠
Px7 S2e and QuietComfort Ultra. But I only don’t use the M4 due to ear heat, so if that’s not an issue, consider them.
BTW, if you’re using them at the gym, get yourself a different set of gym headphones, something cheaper you can easily replace. The JLAB Lux would be my choice.
Thanks for this review, I was waiting for it! But I already bought my headphones))) I bought Bose because they are more comfortable on my head, it feels like there is nothing on it!! Honestly, it was a very hard choice, because BW sound a little better, they sound great, like a professional studio headphones! But after listening for an hour, I realized that my ears were a little tired. the sound is clean and detailed, but for long listening it is even too much! so based on my needs I chose QC Ultra. For work, movies, calls and music as part of this routine, and 5-6-7 hours of listening per day)))))) this is a really great option. Now I'm waiting for them to be delivered in my color 😇
P.S. I will test Immersive audio and add to my review later.)
Sorry I couldn't get this done faster, but I'm glad you're happy with what you got! Looking forward to your review of the immersive audio!
@ no, everything is great) Thank you for so detailed and good reviews! I watched them both (BW and Bose) before choosing ;)
Same decision for me. Best NC on the market and very good sound on Ultra if tone down the bass by -2db. B&Ws too grippy on my head, too bright (digital like) sound. Smaller case for ultra for travelling too.
Try the Christmas track O Holy night by Céline Dion from the album These are Special Times with immersive on Ultras. On Apple Music it’s in Dolby Atmos and shows the full quality from the Ultras as does Bob Dylan’s Man in a Long Black coat. The Dylan track was used by my specialist hifi dealer to set up my stereo speakers and dual sub kit. It’s astonishing on that (£3k of speakers). Ultras is immersive mode nearly substitutes for that set up when sitting in the same position as stereo set up. Amazing VFM. My ultras came direct from Bose and were only £232 on a Black Friday deal with a voucher from my son. Bargain. My QC2s were that back in 2006…and they still work …wired for planes etc.
Had both and the only real difference was the exceptional noise cancellation with the Bose, the B&W were nowhere near as good. Bose lighter and more comfortable. The B&W slightly sat on my right ear and caused pain after a couple of hours. Walking about the B&W seem to move about around your head more. Sound wise very little in it to be fair. Both great headphones all will depend on which fits your head and ears the best and whether your main tick box is immersion.
What's your take on QC Ultra vs Momentum 4 vs XM5?
Just published that one!
Sennheiser Momentum 4 vs Sony XM5: Not Just Sound vs Silence
ruclips.net/video/zXpoDTAm-UY/видео.html
:-)
Possibly a stupid question: Would using PX7 S2e in wired mode with an external DAC make a difference in the sound quality with respect to the USB-c to USB-c wired connection with a Windows PC, considering there is a built-in DAC in these headphones? Or would the sound be the same? Thanks in advance!
Hi, and thanks for the question. The sound would be the same: with the b&w, everything happens in the headphone, so external sources don’t matter as much. (A better DAC would deliver a better source signal if you’re using the USB-C to 3.5mm cable, but it would be converted internally.)
Using an external amp would mater with a headphone that could be used while turned off (like the Momentum 4).
@@NorbReviews Hi again, thanks for your answer. I have two follow up questions:
1) How good is the sound quality of S2e (wired) compared to a system of amp + DAC + passive headphones worth 350€ (of your choice)? Would there be a huge difference in terms of fidelty?
2) If you use S2e with wired connection, would you notice any difference between Spotify (Very high quality, no volume normalisation) and other music services that offers hi-res audio such as Qobuz? Personally I absolutely think they are the same, would a different headphone system change that opinion?
1. I’m assuming the whole stack is worth €350? Then maybe. Like, if I had an iFi Go Link ($60) and a HiFiMan Edition XS ($269 currently), then yes, I think this would be better than the S2e, but then you wouldn’t get wireless sound or ANC. If you want those, then the S2e is a better deal.
2. Assuming you’re listening to both wired, the difference between the two services using the S2e wouldn’t be all that big, if any. It might be some minor details here or there, depending how sensitive you are to specific elements, but I’m hard pressed to say, “yes, here is definitely where you’ll hear it.”
@@NorbReviews thank you very much for your answer!
Thank you for the great question!
Does the QC ultra have high latency watching videos on iphone or mac?
I’ve never noticed any appreciable lag. Someone more sensitive than me might, but I’ve never been bothered by what I see on my iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
(Edit: I just realized that I’m literally wearing them as I’m writing this comment so I launched a video on my phone to check. It looks fine to me.)
Why didn't you test the PX8
I had it and returned it. Great build, but I wasn’t in love with the tuning (too dark, even when I EQ’d it heavily) and ultimately it didn’t offer enough of an advantage over the Px7 S2e to justify the cost. I might pick it up again-it’s at a good price now (and despite what I’ve said I *DID* like it), but it would mean selling my S2e.
S2e vs normal qc?
Haven’t tried the normal QC yet so I can’t say. (I hope someone else can, though.)