The Pi7 S2 and Pi5 S2 replace Bowers & Wilkins' first-generation models launched in April 2021 with two new designs that the company hopes will reaffirm their class-leading status thanks to retaining the hi-resolution sound of the predecessors while upgrading connectivity and battery life.

BOWERS & WILKINS Pi7 S2

Pi7 S2 features 9.2mm bespoke Bowers & Wilkins drive units and a high-frequency balanced armature driver. Each of the four drive units in the system is actively driven by its own amplifier. Pi7 S2 also offers Adaptive Noise Cancellation, which automatically monitors, analyses and adapts to its surroundings. That ANC system is paired with six microphones – three in each earbud – for crystal-clear calls.

As the flagship True Wireless model, the Pi7 S2 continues to support Qualcomm's aptX Adaptive, enabled by 24-bit/48kHz wireless transmission between each earbud. Because of this tech, B&W tells us that the Pi7 S2 is one of the few True Wireless earbuds able to support high-resolution audio from the source to your ears.

You still get Wireless Audio Retransmission from the Pi7 S2, a feature originally introduced in the first-generation model. This enables you to connect to an external audio source – such as an in-flight entertainment system – and then wirelessly retransmit audio to the earphones from that source via the Smart charging case. Clever stuff!

BOWERS & WILKINS Pi5 S2

The new Pi5 S2 sports TWS technology for robust, high-quality earbud-to-earbud synchronisation, coupled to a single 9.2mm bespoke drive unit in each earbud. Meanwhile, high-quality aptX wireless transmission of music from an aptX-compatible mobile device promises CD-quality audio.

Pi5 S2 also offers user-selectable noise-cancelling plus an ambient pass-through mode. Finally, each earbud has twin built-in microphones for high-quality phone calls.

UPGRADES

We're told that the Pi7 S2 and Pi5 S2 feature upgraded wireless connectivity via a re-engineered antenna design with Bluetooth range now quoted up to 25m, promising an even more stable, high-quality listening experience. Additionally, both earbuds boast five hours of listening time before they must be popped back into their charging case. Although, a quick charge function gives the buds two hours of life in just 15 minutes. The Pi7 S2's case holds 16 hours, while the Pi5 S2's offers 19 hours.

Both in-ear headphones are fully integrated with the Bowers & Wilkins Music App, which offers "a seamless user experience", complete with set-up, configuration of noise cancellation modes, and wear sensor adjustment. The Music App also supports hi-res streaming capability directly from your mobile device to your earbuds via Qobuz, TIDAL and Deezer.

The Pi7 S2 and Pi5 S2 introduce a wide range of new, refined finishes. Pi7 S2 is available in three new colours; Satin Black, Canvas White and Midnight Blue. With Pi5 S2, Bowers & Wilkins has introduced its widest range of headphone colours to date, available in Cloud Grey and Storm Grey and in new vibrant shades, Spring Lilac and Sage Green - the latter available from Spring 2023.

The Pi7 S2 (£349/ €399) and Pi5 S2 (£249/ €299) in-ear earbuds are now available from bowerswilkins.com and select retailers.

Visit Bowers & Wilkins for more information