Yes amazingness. No it is not a real word, but it is the only way to describe the quality, build, comfort, and sound of the Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) P5 headphones.
Quality/build:
Here’s the rundown: memory-foam-padded earphones, sheepskin earcups, interchangeable cables, no exposed ports, detachable earpads (but there aren’t replacement pads available), magnetic coupling. The price is a steep $300, but the quality certainly equals the price. There is also an integrated in-line microphone, volume control, and remote for use with your iPhone and iPods (though over-the-ear headphones seem a bit bulky for me to air with my iPod on-the-go). If you don’t have a compatible iPhone or iPod there is also a shorter cable included, as well as 1/8 connector for home audio system or DJ equipment.
Technology/Sound:
There are two types on noise canceling headphone technologies available: active (Bose QuietComfort 3) and passive (the P5′s). The P5′s remove external noise by absorbing sound and fitting snugly against your ear. I find this to result in a truer reproduction of the sound, though certainly not as quiet as Bose headphones.
From a sound perspective, they were just as one would hope. As expected from B&W, lighter sample tracks such as Norah Jones, classical symphonies, and contemporary rock (The Fray, Straight No Chaser) all sounded great. The lyrics and accompaniments sounded great. My real challenge for the headphones was when I moved to bass heavy tracks from Akon and more complex rock (DMB, Coldplay). Surprisingly the lows were dead-on and left me extremely satisfied, while the high notes and mid-ranges were crystal clear … as expected
Overall:
From a speaker company that certainly knows a thing or two about sound quality, they have truely outdown themselves with there first entry into personal audio. Don’t believe me? Think I’m getting paid to say this? Head into a store and listen for yourself – the only money you’ll be hoping for is an extra $300 to grab a pair for yourself.
4.5/5
Product [Bowers-Wilkins]
$300 is worth for crystal clear mid ranges and for integrated in-line microphone, volume control and remote for use with your i Phone and i Pods is a great featured functionality.