Bowers & Wilkins - Pi8

I use my Devialet Gemini 2's the most... But for good sound and overall functionality (calls/anc), I use my AZ100's.. Gonna order the Nobel Fokus Rex5's here soon... FYI, don't waste your money on the Pi8's. I'm highly disappointed in them...

BEST sounding, are Nobel Audio Fokus Rex5 or Devialet Gemini 2... I also have the Status Audio Between 3ANC, Denon Perl Pro, Technics AZ100, and B&W Pi8... All of those are really great choices as well.

Didn't even mention my Rex5's or Pi8's.... I have an addiction...

The Rex5's are excellent. They only issue that I have, and it is a personal preference, is that at times, they can be too analytical... I listen to alot of hard rock/metal and the level of detail the Rex5's have really make the flaws in the recording/engineering stand out. For me, that can take away from the pleasure of casual listening. Also, the Rex5's are physically larger, and for me, can become uncofortable after a while. I personally don't think you can go wrong with either pair of buds. I forget where... I saw yesterday, someone (business) have the Rex5's on sale for $399.

The Technics don't get very loud at all... Pi8 gets loud, but I was/am sorely disappointed in them and their sound quality. The Rex5 gets plenty loud but, in my opinion, can be too analytical for casual listening. The Devialet are just plain awesome all the way around, once you get rid of the stock tips.

I have the MTW4 and the Pi8. The MTW4 have a very muddy low end and VERY veiled mids and highs, I would advise against them. The Pi8's aren't aweful, but I was sorely disappointed in them, I expected more from a company like B&W. There is no real customization to the touch controls at all. The low end seems thin, weak bass, the mids are great, the highs lack any real air or extension. I love how their app allows me to incorporate Tidal right in to it.I will say this though, they are the most comfortable pair of buds I own. I have no experience with the XM5. I would recommend the Pro X or maybe looking into the Gemini 2's.

Similar sound to the Pi8 with the 11mm driver. Better soundstage, tighter mid bass, and seems to hit lower with less muddiness than the Pi8.

My rankings based on what I own. My criteria are big soundstage, tight articulate bass, and comfort. 1. Noble FoKus Prestige 2. Master & Dynamic MW09 3. Devialet Gemini II 4. Noble Fokus Rex5 5. Denon Perl Pro 6. Technics AZ100 7. B&W Pi8

Pi8? The best sounding consumer tws earbuds imho. Ik this list is based off recommendations but it still baffles me how not here.

A vote for Pi8. I bought the Pi8 and was incredibly happy with its performance but kept reading that AZ100 and Gemini II had better bass response. This left me unsatisfied with my purchase so I ordered AZ100 and Gemini II while within my return window for Pi8. After in numerous AB tests between the three I have to say I am incredibly happy with the Pi8. The quality is on par with the other two, including in the bass response. When using the case as transmitter the quality surpasses the other two and any other. pi8 with the case transmitting sound, wipes the floor with the other two. The soundstage is insane. It’s like they are performing in front of you. Clarity and detail is crystal. Compared to the Pi8 the AZ100 sound a bit muffled and not the most clear in highs and mids. The low end is a bit muddy too. Similarly for Gemini II which are better in highs and mids but they are all over the place in lows. Still I wouldn’t recommend Pi8 or any other. What I realised is that one may fit for your ear better than the other. The Az100 is fat around the cushion and doesn’t fit into the ear canal. Pi8 is slim and slides right into my ear. It’s lightweight and hugs it snugly. No leaks. This was simply not the case with Az100 or Gemini. I strongly suggest buying atleast two, or even three and test it out yourself.

For me personally I felt the sound is better and above the other two brands. I like the clarity and the bass is very refined. It’s going to last me four to five years hopefully. To pay 100 extra for better sound for half a decade seems a good deal for me. The only thing AZ100 has going for it is the app. Its app is much better than B&w. But again, narrow it down to two and get both. Then AB it and return the one that doesn’t work for you.

Gemini 2 , Pixel Buds 2 pro, Pi8 and Bose Quiet comfort 2024.

I would not lean towards the pi8 just because everyone says so. Ask yourself first what type of music do you listen first. Because they clearly lack a substantial amount of bass compared to the competition. The only thing they have going great for them is the fit and details. I could not enjoy mine due to the lack of warmth in the sound and returned them. I would pick the denons or technics over them. Even the beoplay ex demolishes them on overall musicality.

If you can try Jlab Epic Lab Edition, bought them for 120eur, also have B&W Pi8 for 350, Jlabs are on the same level sound wise

Love the pi8s, I have had trouble pairing them, could be my 2 phones. Best sound of any earbuds I own, just missing features.

Pi8s have the transmitter case for this. Just a consideration. I personally hated the AZ80s and will never purchase technics again. Overhyped.

I bought , the B&W PI8 and in my ears it’s sounded too mellow and warm without a lot of depth. For the price they are asking they are not worth it in my Humble opinion.