Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 vs STAX SR-007A: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 - Outstanding overall at around $799.

Over-Ear

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2

85Outstanding

$800

Full review data

Over-Ear

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 leads on 6 of 7 measures.

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
STAX SR-007A

HearWiki score

Sound

9.5

8.9

Noise cancelling

8.0

Battery

8.5

Calls

7.0

Value

5.5

6.8

Price (USD)

$800

$1,350

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Half a step newer

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 (2026) against STAX SR-007A (2018). The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 edges ahead on platform, but only just: ANC type Hybrid against None.

Px8 S220268 yr newer
SR-007A2018

What differsPx8 S2SR-007A

ANC type: Hybrid; None

Specifications

Px8 S2SR-007A

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $800; $1,350
HearWiki score: 85; 68
Released: 2026; 2018
Availability: Sold new; Discontinued
Driver: 2× 40 mm dynamic; electrostatic
Driver type: dynamic; electrostatic
Driver size: 40 mm; -
Drivers per side: 2; -
Frequency response: -; 6 Hz - 41 kHz
Impedance: -; 170000 Ω
Sensitivity: -; 100 dB/mW
Bluetooth: 5.3; -
Codecs: SBC, AAC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless; -
Multipoint pairing: Yes; -
Battery life: 30 h; -
Battery life (ANC on): 30 h; -
Quick charge: 15 min → 7 h; -
Wireless charging: No; -
Active noise cancelling: Yes; No
ANC type: hybrid; -
Transparency mode: Yes; -
Companion app: Yes; -
Custom EQ: Yes; -
Wear detection: Yes; -
Controls: buttons; -
Voice assistant: Yes; -
Weight: 310 g; 365 g
Foldable: Yes; -
Detachable cable: Yes; -
USB-C: Yes; -
Pad material: -; leather
Connector: USB-C; -
Microphones: 8; -

Specification comparison of Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 vs STAX SR-007A
Spec	Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2	STAX SR-007A
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$800	$1,350
HearWiki score	85 / 100 Outstanding	68 / 100 Good
Released	2026	2018
Audio
Driver	2× 40 mm dynamic	electrostatic
Driver type	dynamic	electrostatic
Driver size	40 mm	-
Drivers per side	2	-
Frequency response	-	6 Hz - 41 kHz
Impedance	-	170000 Ω
Sensitivity	-	100 dB/mW
Wireless
Bluetooth	5.3	-
Codecs	SBC, AAC, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless	-
Multipoint pairing	Yes	-
Battery
Battery life	30 h	-
Battery life (ANC on)	30 h	-
Quick charge	15 min → 7 h	-
Wireless charging	No	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	Yes	No
ANC type	hybrid	-
Transparency mode	Yes	-
Companion app	Yes	-
Custom EQ	Yes	-
Wear detection	Yes	-
Controls	buttons	-
Voice assistant	Yes	-
Design
Weight	310 g	365 g
Foldable	Yes	-
Detachable cable	Yes	-
USB-C	Yes	-
Pad material	-	leather
Connector	USB-C	-
Calls
Microphones	8	-

What reviewers said

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2

No summary yet - we haven't aggregated enough reviews.

STAX SR-007A

The STAX SR-007A is a premium electrostatic over-ear headphone that delivers an exceptionally transparent, fast, and natural sound with impressive bass for its class, along with a wide soundstage and excellent comfort. It requires a dedicated electrostatic amplifier and is wired-only, making it a specialized choice for audiophiles seeking top-tier performance.

Pro:Outstanding clarity and speed
Pro:Comfortable with a light fit
Pro:Strong bass for an electrostatic

Con:Needs a special energizer/amp
Con:Non-detachable cable
Con:Limited low-frequency weight

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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