Shure Aonic 50 vs. Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2: Premium Sound or Comfort?

The battle between sound quality and comfort in headphones is a tale as old as time—or at least as old as the first pair of over-ear headphones. In this journey through acoustic excellence and ergonomic design, we pit two giants against each other: the Shure Aonic 50 and the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2. Both claim to offer an unparalleled auditory experience, but which one deserves a spot atop your head?

Unboxing the Experience

Shure Aonic 50

The Shure Aonic 50 arrives in a package that whispers sophistication. Upon opening, the first thing that strikes you is the robust build. Crafted with high-grade materials, the Aonic 50 feels sturdy and promises durability. The headphones come with a sleek carrying case, a USB-C charging cable, and a 3.5mm audio cable for wired listening. Shure doesn’t skimp on the extras, and it shows.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

Meanwhile, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 greets you with elegance and modernity. The unboxing is akin to unwrapping a luxurious gift. The headphones are snugly tucked inside, accompanied by a fabric-covered carrying pouch, a USB-C cable, and a 3.5mm audio cable. The PX7 S2 exudes a premium feel that mirrors its price tag.

Design and Comfort: Wearing the Crown

Shure Aonic 50

The Aonic 50’s design borders on the utilitarian, yet it carries a certain charm. The oversized ear cups are enveloped in plush leather, providing a snug fit without squeezing your head like a vice. However, after several hours, you might start feeling a slight discomfort—it’s like your ears gently reminding you to take a break.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

In contrast, the PX7 S2 is designed with the modern audiophile in mind. The carbon-fiber composite arms lend it a lightweight yet sturdy feel. The memory foam ear cushions are a revelation in comfort, making long listening sessions feel like a breeze. If comfort were a crown, the PX7 S2 would wear it with ease.

Sound Quality: The Symphony of Sound

Shure Aonic 50

Shure has carved a niche in the audio realm with its focus on sound fidelity, and the Aonic 50 doesn’t disappoint. The sound profile is balanced, offering rich bass without overwhelming the mids and highs. The clarity is impeccable, making it perfect for audiophiles who crave precision. It’s like attending a live concert from the comfort of your living room.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

Bowers & Wilkins brings its legacy of sound excellence to the PX7 S2. The headphones deliver a dynamic soundstage with a slight emphasis on the bass. The mids are warm and inviting, while the highs are crisp, albeit sometimes bordering on sharp. For those who enjoy a more bass-forward sound, the PX7 S2 will be music to your ears—literally.

Noise Cancellation: Silence is Golden

Shure Aonic 50

The Aonic 50’s noise cancellation technology is effective, if not groundbreaking. It does a commendable job of drowning out ambient noise, making it suitable for commuting or working in noisy environments. However, it’s not the best in the market, and some background chatter might seep through, like a gentle reminder of the outside world.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

Where the Aonic 50 slightly falters, the PX7 S2 shines. Its adaptive noise cancellation is top-tier, creating a cocoon of silence that lets you immerse yourself in your music. Whether it’s the hustle and bustle of a city street or the constant hum of an airplane, the PX7 S2 handles it with aplomb.

Battery Life: The Long Haul

Shure Aonic 50

In terms of battery life, the Aonic 50 offers up to 20 hours of continuous playback. It’s decent, but in a world where competitors are pushing the boundaries, it feels slightly behind the times. Fortunately, a quick 15-minute charge gives you an additional 3 hours of listening, so you won’t be tethered to an outlet for long.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 boasts a more impressive battery life, with up to 30 hours of playtime. It’s a marathon runner in a sprint race, ensuring you won’t be left in silence during a long trip. The fast-charging feature is also a boon, providing 5 hours of playback with just a 15-minute charge.

Connectivity: Staying in Touch

Shure Aonic 50

The Aonic 50 offers Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, providing a stable connection and a range of up to 30 feet. It supports multiple codecs, including aptX, aptX HD, and LDAC, ensuring high-quality audio streaming. The connection is reliable, though occasional dropouts can occur—a minor hiccup in an otherwise seamless experience.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 also features Bluetooth 5.0, but with a slightly stronger emphasis on stability and range. It supports similar codecs, ensuring a rich audio experience across devices. The multipoint connectivity feature allows you to connect to two devices simultaneously, making it easier to switch between your phone and laptop without missing a beat.

User Interface and Controls: Navigating the Soundscape

Shure Aonic 50

The Aonic 50 employs a traditional approach with physical buttons on the ear cups. The tactile feedback is satisfying, and the layout is intuitive. However, in a world leaning towards touch controls, the buttons might feel a bit antiquated—like using a typewriter in the age of tablets.

Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2

The PX7 S2 embraces modernity with a combination of touch-sensitive controls and physical buttons. The gestures are responsive and easy to master, offering a seamless way to control your music without fumbling. It’s like having a magic wand for your ears.

Price and Value: The Cost of Excellence

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

In the grand orchestra of premium headphones, both the Shure Aonic 50 and the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 play their parts with finesse. If your heart beats for sound precision and you appreciate a classic design, the Shure Aonic 50 will be your steadfast companion. However, if comfort and adaptive noise cancellation are your top priorities, the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S2 makes a compelling case.

Ultimately, the choice boils down to your personal preference—do you prioritize sound or comfort? In either case, you’re investing in a high-quality audio experience that promises to elevate your listening sessions to new heights. Whether you’re an audiophile or a casual listener, these headphones offer a gateway to a world where sound reigns supreme.

Last Updated on March 10, 2025