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Top Pros
Top Cons
Reddit Reviews
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
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.
Love the pi8s, I have had trouble pairing them, could be my 2 phones. Best sound of any earbuds I own, just missing features.
I was surprised that it was so loaded with really expensive earbuds lots of Noble and the B&O Grace is $1500 (with free delivery). Would like to hear those top 5 expensive buds, probably never going to happen. I really like my Bowers and Wilkins pi8s but disappointed in the pairing and features but I know sound quality is what it is about with them. I guess it's good Bose and Apple dropped below the top 10, I have both and like both brands.
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.
Loved the Pi8s but the mic was awful! Sound stage was beautiful!
I recently went from Sony to Pi8, sound quality was a massive step up, however ANC not quite on a par. Depends what is important to you.
Rankings by Use Case
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Technics - EAH-AZ100
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Best for Meetings & video calls

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Best for Situational awareness (when running, cycling, parenting etc)

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Shokz - OpenFit Series





