Another day, another earbuds launch? Not when its Bowers & Wilkins – and not when it is the Pi6 and Pi8. Why? Because I've got a pair of the top-tier Pi8 in my ears, and let me tell you, they fit like a dream – but let's not get ahead of ourselves Bowers & Wilkins has long prioritized sound quality, and both new models – Pi6 and Pi8 – support aptX Adaptive up to 24-bit/96kHz for high-resolution sound quality. So what are the chief differences between the two propositions? Well, audiophiles will want to know that aptX Lossless support is reserved for the flagship Pi8, for CD-quality 16-bit 44.
1kHz lossless audio quality Also, while the Pi6 features new 12mm bio-cellulose drive units (based on tech used in the , B&W's 2023 upgrade to its really rather good ), the flagship Pi8 adds an upgraded DAC, DSP and amplifier components from ADI, so it effectively bypasses Qualcomm's solution within the chipset, plus the Carbon Cone drive unit technology first used in its excellent top-tier – so there's some thoughtful design correlation there. Also, with the Pi8 you get the case retransmission function first seen in the and January 2023-issue , which allows listeners to retransmit audio to their earbuds wirelessly from connected analogue or digital sources, (think in-flight entertainment systems, home computers, or newer USB-C-enabled iPhones). It's not the first case capable of such a thing – see the or for something similar – but B&Ws case can now retransmit in aptX Adapt.