review: Bowers & Wilkins P5 Mobile Hi-Fi Headphones

The rise of in-ear earbuds has full-size headphones feeling like something of a lost art when it comes to mobile devices. But the right headphones can bring your iPhone or iPod audio experience to a level that no earbuds, no matter how well designed, can pull off. This year a number of premium headphones came to market which fit that description. After spending time with the various candidates, the the P5 Mobile Hi-Fi Headphones from Bowers & Wilkins is our winner.

Three factors came into play here, each with significantly different levels of impact on our decision. The overriding factor, of course, is audio quality: the word that comes to mind is “unbelievable.” The three dimensional sound space created around your head gives your music such new life that in some cases it’s like listening to your favorite songs again for the first time.

The second factor is the combined svelteness and comfort level of the P5. It looks too small to sound this amazing, which is a good thing, and the flat pads are surprisingly more comfortable than cup-style headphones. Finally, in the “et cetera” category, the P5 comes with the three-button setup you’d more typically find on high earbuds, for volume and playback control.

rating: five stars out of five • Bowers-Wilkins.com

About Bill Palmer

Bill Palmer is Editor in Chief of Beatweek Magazine. His editorial contributions include interviews with musicians and iPhone industry coverage.