I've recently bought a number of headphones, headphone amplifiers, a USB interface and cables to configure two serious-listening headphone configurations. It's been since the mid-1990s that I've really listened to headphones. I've learned enough since then to put together enjoyable set-ups.
At this point, the Bowers & Wilkins P3 Mobile Headphones are my favorite, even without a deep-sounding bottom-end; in fact the bass characteristic is very authoritative, with good slam factor for such a small pair of headphones; with a voicing that's very musical and relaxed. Very coherent resolution and overall enjoyable dynamics, with phat sounding PRAT, even a bit "bassy", but in a good way, which is where the midbass emphasis comes into play. The P3 sounds more like what a loudspeaker sounds, rather than like a pure signal without attention to how the voicing sounds, in a natural-sounding manner like the P3 sounds. I look forward to wearing them on an upcoming flight. Highly recommended as a Christmas gift.
These are truly as light as can be, with a very low-profile structure while still sounding good. The build quality is definitely that of Bowers & Wilkins, they sound a lot like my old-school B&W Matrix 805s which are known for being "good sounding" loudspeakers (just like I wanted). The 007 British Style of the Bowers & Wilkins P3 is outstanding; like a work of art. Frustration-free positioning on the ear; supremely comfortable. Top-shelf audiophile-quality eye candy.
Can't wait for a new pair of Bowers & Wilkins P5 in the mail. The design seems like the Bowers & Wilkins P3 on steroids, in a good way.
Cheers, Duster
