Bowers & Wilkins Refreshes Flagship Noise-Canceling Headphones

Bowers & Wilkins bowed a Carbon Edition version of its flagship PX7 over-ear wireless headphones with Bluetooth aptX technology. The $399 cans, due next month, support hi-res audio up to 24-bit/48kHz streaming quality, Andy Kerr, director-product marketing, told a media briefing. They use B&W’s adaptive noise-cancellation technology the company developed last year. It’s based on four mics that analyze ambient noise in real time and identify the most effective noise cancellation solution, Kerr said. A pass-through feature allows voices to get through noise cancellation, he said. A proximity sensor automatically pauses music when an earcup is lifted and resumes when the cup returns to the ear. Users can launch Siri or Google Assistant voice assistants by pushing a button on the earcup. Battery life is 30 hours; a 15-minute boost provides five hours’ additional life, said Kerr.