Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 and Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 - two new premium true wireless in-ear headphones

Foto © Bowers & Wilkins | Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 and Bowers & Wilkins Pi8

Bowers & Wilkins promises top-notch performance and outstanding features for the new Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 and Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 in-ear headphones.

It is the new definition of excellence, is how Bowers & Wilkins describes the new Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 in particular, but the new Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 is also said to represent the quality and functionality of an outstanding solution in the field of true wireless in-ear headphones. The two new models are closely modelled on the solutions that have so far been at the top of the Bowers & Wilkins over-ear headphone range, namely the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e and Bowers & Wilkins Px8, as the manufacturer reports. According to Bowers & Wilkins, the two new in-ear headphones come from the same developers and designers who also created the brand’s flagship products.

The two new models rely not only on drivers for the best sound quality, but also on the latest technology from specialist Qualcomm Inc. for reliable signal transmission. They are also designed to effectively tackle active noise cancellation with a variety of features that users with active lifestyles desire.

Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 – The entry into the premium segment

For the Bowers & Wilkins Pi6, the manufacturer states that in terms of sound quality, it is comparable to the Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 and that it relies on a newly developed driver with a diameter of 12 mm that uses a membrane made of biocellulose. It is said to have a sound signature that has been specially optimised for reproducing high-resolution content.

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 is equipped with a 24-bit DSP to ensure optimal signal processing. This serves, for example, as the basis for the active noise cancelling offered here, which, according to the manufacturer, is designed to impress with a particularly accurate mode of operation. For phone calls, the manufacturer promises excellent voice quality free of disturbing background noise.

The Bluetooth module from Qualcomm Inc., which complies with the Bluetooth 5.4 standard, transmits audio signals using the SBC or AAC codecs, but in the best case, aptX Adaptive.

Of course, a charging case is included with the in-ear headphones, which also functions as a power bank. The headphones alone provide up to eight hours of playback time, and the case can add a further 16 hours.

Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 – The reference

The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 also uses a driver with a diameter of 12 mm, but with a carbon fibre membrane, as can be seen from the data sheet of this new in-ear headphone. In terms of electronics, the same platform is used as for the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 to ensure the best possible reference-level performance.

Of course, a DSP is also used here for signal processing, but it works with 32 bits and an amplifier module from ADI is also available for optimal control of the drivers. While the Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 also uses the so-called Noise Rejection Platform of the Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 for noise cancellation, the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 uses the technology of the flagship over-ear headphones and thus the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 model. The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8’s improved noise-cancelling function includes a proprietary Bowers & Wilkins ANC algorithm that ensures optimal sound quality. Even during phone calls, impeccable voice quality should always be guaranteed.

Like the Bowers & Wilkins Pi6, the new Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 is equipped with a Bluetooth module from Qualcomm Inc. according to Bluetooth 5.4, but in addition to SBC and AAC, it also supports the codec aptX Lossless.

The charging case for the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 gives the in-ear headphones an additional 13.5 hours of playback when they need to be recharged after 6.5 hours of music playback. But that’s not all: the case offers even more advantages.

It acts as a central interface, so it can be connected to a wide range of sources via USB-C or 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack, with the case then taking over ‘wireless’ signal transmission to the earbuds of the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8.

Other practical features

It should also be mentioned that both models are designated as Made for iPhone (MFi) and will also support Google Fast Pair (GFP) via updates shortly after their market launch. Both models also support Bluetooth Multipoint Connection and the Bowers & Wilkins Music app is available for easy configuration and customisation, including a 5-band equaliser on the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 and bass and treble control on the Bowers & Wilkins Pi6.

The in-ear headphones are IP54 certified and therefore resistant to dust, splashes and sweat. This means that nothing stands in the way of using them for sports.

Convenient operation

In addition to the innovations already mentioned, the manufacturer says that the controls for the two new in-ear headphones have also been extensively revised. For example, a capacitive touch surface with modern sensors can be found on the top of each earbud, which improves the responsiveness and reliability of the touch elements. A new IR proximity sensor also ensures more reliable and responsive wear detection, as promised by Bowers & Wilkins.

“I am thrilled that our Bowers & Wilkins team has once again succeeded in setting new standards in terms of premium design, performance and quality in the headphone sector. Our new in-ear headphones Pi6 and Pi8 are truly special – and I am sure that they will be just as successful as our over-ear headphones Px7 S2e and Px8.”
Giles Pocock, Vice President of Brand Marketing at Bowers & Wilkins

Prices and availability

The new Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 and Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 True Wireless In-ear Headphones will, of course, be available in a range of different designs. The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 i is available in Cloud Grey, Storm Grey, Forest Green and Glacier Blue. The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 is available in Midnight Blue, Anthracite Black, Dove White and Jade Green. The Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 will be available from specialist retailers from the beginning of September 2024 at a price of € 249,-. The Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 is available now, priced at € 399,-.

Getting to the point

With the new Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 and Bowers & Wilkins Pi8, two new solutions from the Bowers & Wilkins brand are now available in the field of true wireless in-ear headphones, which, according to Masimo Consumer, are of the same high quality as for the two current top-of-the-range over-ear headphones, the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e and Bowers & Wilkins Px8, is how Bowers & Wilkins describes its intention in developing these two new products.