Although Bowers & Wilkins has been developing audio systems for McLaren’s supercars since 2015, it’s only this year that they were finally named McLaren’s “Official Audio Partner.” The Bowers & Wilkins Px8 McLaren Edition celebrates that partnership while simultaneously making it accessible to folks who cannot experience a B&W sound system in a McLaren first-hand.
The Px8 McLarens are, in effect, a reskin of B&W’s superb standard Px8 cans and feature the same active noise cancellation technology, 30-hour battery life, and 40mm Carbon Cone drivers. The differentiator between the two versions is the McLaren styling: a Galvanic grey metallic finish and “papaya” orange earcup ring hearken back to Bruce McLaren’s early speedsters.
Put simply: the wireless Px8s will sound great and look even better – unless you’re an iPhone user. The headphones use Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec technology, which means Apple fans will need to buy a DAC/amp dongle, then connect to the headphones via the included 3.5mm-to-USB cable to use them. Have fun storming the castle! Style has its costs: audiophiles (and determined Apple users) can pick up a pair of McLaren Px8s for $799, a $100 premium over the standard version.
For more from Bowers & Wilkins, check out the Px7 S2 Headphones.