This one was a tough review—one of my toughest. It took weeks of tuning, listening, and note-taking to get what I needed, but it was also fun. And it’s a good reminder: you don’t always need big bucks to play around with great sound.
What pulled me back into this rabbit hole was the Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2. I loved its sound (see my PX8 S2 review), and while digging into the driver tech I noticed the B&W PI8 in-ears use carbon drivers too. Curiosity triggered.
Then came the new AirPods Pro 3 and the wave of complaints about their tuning. Add a friend who was knee-deep in earbud testing and I jumped in—what started as a listen to the PI8 became a full comparison with a lot of tweaking: measurements (miniDSP EARS, good for trends), finding EQ settings that made sense for each set, and testing a pile of ear tips to get the best seal and sound.
In the end I compared:
B&W PI8, Technics EAH-AZ100, Devialet Gemini II, Apple AirPods Pro 3, and Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4.
Check out the video review here:
Specs
| Model | Drivers | Bluetooth / Codecs | ANC & Transparency | Special tricks | Battery (buds / total) | IP rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B&W PI8 | 12 mm Carbon Cone | BT 5.4; aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive, aptX, AAC, SBC | ANC + Transparency | Case audio retransmission (USB-C/analog → case → buds, via aptX Adaptive); wireless & USB-C charging | ~6.5 h (ANC on) + ~13.5 h case | IP54 (buds) (Bowers & Wilkins) |
| Technics EAH-AZ100 (AZ-100) | 10 mm dynamic + magnetic fluid | BT 5.3; SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 (LE Audio) | Adaptive ANC + Ambient/Attention | Dolby Head Tracking; 3-device multipoint; Qi charging | Up to 10 h AAC (ANC on) / 7 h LDAC (ANC on); 28 h/18 h with case | IPX4 (buds) (technics.com) |
| Devialet Gemini II | 10 mm titanium-coated dynamic | BT 5.2; aptX, AAC, SBC | Adaptive ANC + Active Wind Reduction | Smaller case; Qi charging | ~5 h per charge; up to 22 h with case | IPX4 (help.devialet.com) |
| Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 | 7 mm TrueResponse dynamic | BT 5.4; SBC, AAC, aptX / aptX Adaptive / aptX Lossless; LC3 (LE Audio & Auracast via FW) | Adaptive ANC + Transparency | Qi charging; battery-protect mode | ~7.5 h buds; ~30 h total | IP54 (Sennheiser) |
| Apple AirPods Pro 3 | Custom dynamic | BT (Apple stack); AAC/SBC (no LDAC/aptX) | Top-tier ANC, excellent Transparency; Conversation-style auto-transparency | Heart-rate sensing, Live Translation, camera-remote; sleep-aware auto-pause | ~8 h (ANC on) | IP57 (buds & case) (The Guardian) |
Besides the above table, I will leave a few notes worth mentioning.
Bowers and Wilkins PI8
Carbon Cone drive units
Reduced distortion and improved high-frequency detail capture nuances in your music that other headphone drive units miss.
My great run with the PX8 S2—and the fact that both use carbon drivers—pulled me straight to the PI8, and it was worth it. This driver is fast, with superb transient response, easy musical flow, and low distortion.
Smart charging case
Pi8 offer 6.5 hours of earbud life, fast charging and additional battery life in their charging cases. Connecting to an iPhone or Android device is simple, and the smart charging case’s retransmission feature allows you to connect Pi8 directly to your favourite audio source.
The case has a killer feature. I spent plenty of time listening straight over Bluetooth from an iPhone 16 Pro Max and 17 Pro Max, and that path doesn’t do the PI8 justice. The case has a built-in DAC/re-transmitter: plug it into a laptop, PC, or phone via USB-C and it sends a higher-bitrate feed to the buds. No extra dongles needed (though things like the Questyle QCC Dongle Pro can also help). Thanks to multipoint, the phone can stay connected at the same time for app control (EQ, ANC, etc.). In short: Bowers & Wilkins knew most phones are the bottleneck and put the fix in the box.
Oh, and before making fun of Iphone’s bluetooth…
No, Samsung phones do not currently support true lossless music streaming over Bluetooth.As of late 2025, Samsung’s latest flagship models such as the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S25 series support a range of high-quality Bluetooth codecs — specifically SBC, AAC, LDAC, Samsung Seamless Codec (SSC), and aptX/aptX HD/Adaptive depending on the model. However, aptX Lossless, the only codec that currently enables bit-perfect CD-quality streaming (16-bit/44.1 kHz) over Bluetooth, is not supported on any Samsung phone so far.
Bowers knows the limitations most phones have and offered a solution out of the box…oh wait…within the box?
Authentic Sound True to the Original
With an aluminum diaphragm and magnetic fluid driver, these earbuds ensure ultra-low distortion through precise stroke control. An ultra-thin free edge, enhanced with magnetic fluid, delivers rich bass. while the rigid aluminum diaphragm enables extended mid-to-high frequency playback for high resolution detaild and clarity.
At first I thought this was just brochure talk—the AZ-100 didn’t impress me out of the box. After measurements, EQ tweaks, and tip rolling, it clicked: this driver is superbly clean—one of the most transparent, low-grain sounds I’ve heard from a TWS. Notes start and stop with precision, decay is squeaky-clean, and micro-detail comes through without glare.
Tests / Tweaks & Measurements
Unfortunately, not all of these sound great out of the box and you have to tweak them to get the most out of them. PI8 and AZ-100 have awful tunning out of the box, but after some EQ tuning, we can make them sound great. AZ-100 and Devialet requires a step further, a swap of ear tips.
The eartips I have used for tests:
- AZLA SednaEarfit Crystal for TWS 3 Pairs/Galaxy Buds 2 (Size M/ML/L 3Pr)
- Fiio HS18 silicone tips
- Fiio HS19 silicone tips
- Fiio HS20 liquid silicone eartips
- Final Audio Type E – silicone tips – All sizes – 10 pieces
Source chain & codecs
Most phones don’t deliver lossless over Bluetooth, so I added external transmitters to hear each set at full tilt.
- FiiO BT11: Works well on MacBook and PC, but on iPhone it has no usable volume control (either mute or max). I don’t recommend it for iPhones.
- Questyle QC Pro (iPhone-certified) Bluetooth dongle: Worked flawlessly and consistently negotiated the best codec each earbud supports. Versus the iPhone’s default Bluetooth path, the improvement in clarity, dynamics, and overall polish was significant.
Measurement method (miniDSP EARS)
Measurements were taken on miniDSP EARS. It’s useful for relative trends on the same rig, but it isn’t lab-grade: IEM/TWS fits can introduce artifacts. On this coupler, narrow spikes above ~8–10 kHz and the deep dip near ~3 kHz often come from ear-canal/coupler geometry. Treat the curves as directional shapes, not absolute values.
Let’s start with B&W PI8.
After measurements and careful tuning, I the EQ I ended up using is:
Eartips & fit — B&W PI8
I tried a bunch of tips and kept coming back to the stock ones. The only aftermarket set I enjoyed was Final Audio Type E: they add a touch of clarity, but shift tonality toward the upper mids/treble, and I couldn’t correct that with EQ without hurting the overall balance.
A small curiosity on the stock tips: there’s a silicone band through the middle plus a thin foam layer under the mesh. Both likely act as mild filters. Removing the foam made the sound sharper and that showed up in measurements too—so I left it in.
Note on tuning: there’s a stock emphasis around ~3.6 kHz. It can be tamed, but not perfectly with the current EQ. I’d love to see a PI8 S2/PI9 address this while keeping the upper-mid energy.
App & EQ (PI8)
The Bowers & Wilkins app needs more EQ bands (and frequency readouts). Technics, Devialet, and Sennheiser offer more flexibility. A software update here would be an easy win.
To help in the meantime, I measured how each PI8 EQ band affects the response. For each band (1–5) I ran –6 / 0 / +6 dB with the others at 0. The plots below show the real frequency regions each band touches, so you can target the right area quickly.
Applying my EQ from above, got me quite a linear fr:
As you can see above, the thd is quite impressive.
Frequency response (FR).
Bass plots tight/controlled (no big shelf), mids rise gently into presence, then a coupler-typical dip around ~3 kHz, followed by a narrow peak ~10–12 kHz.
Read: bass comes across quick and punchy rather than boomy; vocals are lively without shout; treble has extra air/sparkle—the tall upper-treble spike is likely overstated by the rig.
Distortion (THD).
Low across the band (roughly ~0.2–0.4% through mids/treble), with the usual rise in deep bass.
Read: indicates a clean driver at normal levels, aligning with crisp transients and low grain.
Spectrogram / decay.
Fast decay through the mid/treble; a localized ridge in upper treble.
Read: snappy attacks and quick trails; the upper-treble ridge tracks the perceived sheen, but is likely partly measurement-driven.
Bottom line (measurements).
PI8 measures tight, clean, and fast, with a touch of treble air—in line with the listening notes on speed, slam, holography, and the occasional sparkle on bright masters.
Technics AZ-100
Fit & eartips — Technics AZ-100
It took some tweaking for these to click. Out of the box, the stock tuning didn’t work for me.
Similar to what I noted with PI8, the stock tips stack a driver mesh, a thin foam layer, and central silicone bands—all of which behave like mild filters between driver and ear and, with my fit, constrained the sound.
Tip-rolling helped a lot. The best match so far is the FiiO HS20 liquid-silicone eartip: a better seal and a more open, balanced presentation versus stock. The photos above show the HS20 mounted.
The one from below is with the stock eartip:
As you can see, that in the middle is foam.
Co-testing, tips & EQ — Technics AZ-100
A friend also tested these over the same period and handed me the key tips for unlocking the AZ-100. He swears by Symbio W eartips on the AZ-100 for better bass slam, and prefers FiiO HS20 for acoustic music where openness and nuance matter. Those eartips are on still on the way, as I have ordered a pair.
In practice, tips that don’t stack foam + a mid-shaft silicone band (between driver and ear) brought notably better clarity. With the right seal, the AZ-100 opens up.
The Technics app EQ helps, too—more bands and finer control make it easy to steer the tonality toward personal preference. After rolling tips and experimenting, I settled on the EQ shown below as my everyday setting.
Measurements — Technics AZ-100 (miniDSP EARS)
Method note: Measured on miniDSP EARS. Useful for relative trends, not lab-grade. With this fit there’s a coupler resonance around ~1–2 kHz; that tall spike doesn’t exist in real life and should be ignored. The plots below are for quick visual reference.
Stock frequency response (no EQ).
On this rig the AZ-100 shows a gently elevated low end, a clean but slightly lean midrange, the spurious 1–2 kHz spike (artifact), and a gradual rise into the top octave. In practice the default tuning didn’t work for me—too bright-lean and a bit uneven in the presence region—so I moved to EQ and tip-rolling (details below).
This is the fr response after I have tweaked it the eq:
The thd looks good, but I think mini dsp ears did not measure it correctly, especially between 1 and 2khz. It still looks great though.
Measurements — Technics AZ-100 (miniDSP EARS)
Method note: Measured on miniDSP EARS. Useful for relative comparisons, but not lab-grade; IEM/TWS fits can create artifacts. The tall spike between ~1–2 kHz shown here is a coupler resonance with this fit and should be ignored.
Frequency response (stock).
Gently elevated mid/upper-bass (~50–100 Hz), a slow downward tilt through the mids, the spurious 1–2 kHz spike (artifact), and a gradual lift toward 10–13 kHz.
Read: stock tuning leans clean/bright-edged with modest warmth;
Frequency response (with EQ).
EQ smooths the midband, anchors the low end a bit more, and tidies the top octave, while leaving the core clarity intact.
Read: response looks straighter and more balanced, matching the described transparent, low-grain presentation.
Distortion (THD).
Low across most of the band (typically ~0.1–0.3% above ~200 Hz) with an artificial bump around the 1–2 kHz artifact zone.
Read: indicates a very clean driver at normal levels; the THD “hill” near 1–2 kHz is measurement-induced on this rig.
Spectrogram / decay.
Quick decay through mids/treble with a mild, localized upper-treble energy ridge; no broad ringing.
Read: supports the impression of surgical attacks and super-clean decay without lingering splash.
Bottom line (measurements).
On this rig, AZ-100 measures clean, fast, and highly transparent. Stock FR trends bright-lean; the shown EQ nudges it to a more linear, balanced target while improving its excellent clarity.
Devialet Gemini 2
Fit, tips & EQ — Devialet Gemini II
A friend is in love with these, and at first that was puzzling—they simply sounded different to my ears. It’s a good reminder how ear-canal fit and tip choice can swing impressions.
Swapping the stock tips for AZLA SednaEarfit Crystal for TWS transformed the presentation: noticeably clearer, more natural, and more engaging. Bass tightened up, and the lower midrange filled in, so guitars and male vocals gained body instead of getting masked.
I also settled on a light EQ (shown below). The goal was to:
- Trim the bass shelf a couple of dB to avoid fatigue,
- Lift the lower mids (≈200–500 Hz) for body,
- Nudge 2–4 kHz for presence,
- Smooth 6–8 kHz only if a track gets hot.
Stock tuning can be fun but overpowering in the bass and a touch light in lower mids; with the AZLA tips and a gentle EQ pass, Gemini II snaps into a balanced, lively place.
The measurements had the same issue on mini dsp ears. The tall spike between ~1–2 kHz shown here is a coupler resonance with this fit and should be ignored.
The red graph is the default fr response, the purple one is the one after my eq was applied.
Superb thd:
Spectogram:
Measurements — Devialet Gemini II (miniDSP EARS)
Method note: Taken on miniDSP EARS. Good for relative trends but not lab-grade; IEM/TWS fits can create artifacts. The tall spike around ~1–2 kHz seen here is a coupler resonance with this fit and should be ignored. Narrow upper-treble peaks are often exaggerated on this rig.
Frequency response (stock).
Sub-bass is lifted (20–80 Hz), mids gently tilt down, there’s a mild scoop ~3–4 kHz, and treble rises with energy around 6–8 kHz plus a narrow peak ~11–13 kHz.
Read: strong low-end weight/slam with airy, lively treble. Vocals sit a touch behind bass/treble. A small treble trim and a nudge to 2–4 kHz typically bring a more balanced presentation.
Frequency response (with EQ).
EQ anchors the bass, fills the mids, and tames the top octave while keeping openness.
Read: noticeably straighter and more even—clarity through the midrange improves; treble stays airy without extra edge.
Distortion (THD).
Low overall (roughly ~0.1–0.3% through mids/treble), with the artificial blip near the 1–2 kHz artifact zone.
Read: indicates a clean driver at normal levels; big bass impact isn’t coming from distortion.
Spectrogram / decay.
Quick decay across mids, with a localized upper-treble ridge and a small artifact near ~1–2 kHz.
Read: snappy attacks and fast trails; a hint of sustained sparkle up top, no broad ringing.
Bottom line (measurements).
On this rig, Gemini II measures sub-bass-weighted, airy on top, low in distortion, and fast in decay. A light EQ pass yields a more balanced curve while preserving the slam + air character.
Sennheiser Momentum 4
Won’t spend too much here, as I already reviewed them here. They are still offering good performance, especially for the price they are being sold today. Beware of the fakes that are now available on the market and chose trustworthy stores/sellers if you want to get them now. |
I have to mention that the sennheiser app does a good job in eq but also in the sound personalization process.
Measurements — Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 (miniDSP EARS)
Method note: Taken on miniDSP EARS—useful for relative trends, not lab-grade. Narrow peaks above ~8–10 kHz can be exaggerated on this rig.
Frequency response (FR).
Gentle bass lift into the lower mids, a downward tilt through the mids, a recessed 2–4 kHz region with a deep notch around ~5.5–6 kHz, then treble peaks near ~8 kHz and ~12–14 kHz.
Read: a natural/warm-leaning balance with laid-back upper mids—vocals sit a bit behind the mix. Treble adds sparkle, though the sharp peaks likely overstate real-ear brightness; staging tends to feel more intimate than the top contenders.
Distortion (THD).
Low across mids/treble (roughly ~0.1–0.3%), with the usual rise in deep bass.
Read: the driver is clean at normal levels; the softer sense of attack comes from tuning, not distortion.
Spectrogram / decay.
Midband shows quick decay; localized ridges appear around ~8 kHz and ~13–15 kHz.
Read: polite transients in the presence region with a touch of sustained sheen up top—consistent with the easy, relaxed presentation described in listening.
Bottom line (measurements).
MTW4 measures warm-natural, clean, and smooth, with set-back upper mids and a touch of upper-treble sparkle—matching its comfortable, long-listen character.
And a comparison between all headphones with my tunning applied to them. Disregard the big peaks for az 100 and gemini 2. ( Red is PI8, yellow/brown az100, purple gemini 2, blue, momentum 4).
I haven’t measured the the apple ipods 3, because mini dsp is not a good tool to measure them, since they adapt automatically to your ears.
Listening Impressions
Deliverance – Bear McCreary
I loved God of War Ragnarök—one of the best games I’ve experienced. A huge part of that is the legendary soundtrack, and this track shows it.
Overall preference: PI8 > AZ-100 > Gemini II > AirPods Pro 3 ≥ Momentum 4
Bowers & Wilkins PI8
I was genuinely surprised by how much this track fired me up. Dynamics and energy are superb. The drums hit hard and deep; the strings and brass feel alive; the vocals gave me chills. Everything moves with speed, giving the song a propulsive, engaging flow. It actually made me reinstall God of War Ragnarök on PC.
Technics AZ-100
Also great here, with a different presentation. The stage is a touch wider on the AZ-100, while the PI8 feels a bit deeper/taller, with vocals more clearly separated from the mix. The AZ-100 sounds very clean with good detail. Drums are a bit more natural on the AZ-100, but the PI8 hits a little harder. Strings have more bite on the PI8, which adds energy and drive. The AZ-100 is excellent, but I preferred the PI8 for that addictive liveliness, tactility, punch, and speed.
Devialet Gemini II
This track sounded good on the Gemini II. Bass and drums impress with strong punch and deep body. Instruments and vocals aren’t as textured or emotionally present as on the AZ-100 and PI8. The soundstage isn’t as holographic—less so than AZ-100 and especially PI8. Still, there’s decent bite to instruments and good overall dynamics, enough tactility to keep it fun.
Sennheiser Momentum 4
With heavier EQ, I could make this track exciting on the Momentum 4 as well. It’s not as detailed or as quick as the others above, but tonality, punch, and engagement are solid overall.
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Surprisingly, this track isn’t bad on the AirPods Pro 3. Detail is decent. Bass isn’t as impactful or defined as on the others, but it has acceptable weight and depth. Instruments aren’t as detailed or engaging as on the PI8, yet they carry good tactility and presence. Imaging and stage are presented well, with respectable separation, placement, and a hint of holography. Technically they’re not in the same league as PI8, AZ-100, or Gemini II, but they’re not far off the Momentum 4.
Die Nixen
Overall preference: AZ-100 ≥ PI8 > Gemini 2 ≥ Momentum 4 > AirPods Pro 3.
On this relatively simple song, each set brings something interesting. I enjoyed the chords’ vibration & energy, soundstage, and vocal texture on PI8; the clarity, detail, precision, and cleanliness of the plucks on AZ-100; the ticklish feel of the plucks and vocals on Gemini 2; the natural string plucks/decay of Momentum 4; and the overall vocal performance on Apple AirPods Pro 3.
BW PI8
The opening plucks are addictive on the PI8—their echoes fade into a wide, holographic stage. When the voice enters, I get goosebumps: very present and well-textured.
Technics AZ-100
The chords have a bit more detail than on the PI8 and come through with exceptional clarity/cleanliness. Plucks, chords, and voice land with striking precision. The voice is clean and natural, with slightly more sibilance than on the PI8. It’s a tough choice between the two here.
Devialet Gemini 2
Also a great showing. The plucks aren’t as tactile as with the two above—more of a gentle tickle than full body—but it’s a pleasant effect. The voice is well presented with good texture and tonality, a touch more textured than on the AZ-100 and with slightly less sibilance. The soundstage isn’t as deep or holographic as on the AZ-100 or PI8, but it’s good overall.
Sennheiser Momentum 4
Pleasant surprise: the guitars sound very good on the Momentum 4. It splits the difference—PI8-like deep, holographic decay with Gemini 2’s ticklish tactility. I also hear more detail in the body of the plucks and a more natural decay than on the Gemini 2, giving instruments better weight. The voice, while a bit lower-focused, feels natural and very present.
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Guitar plucks show good decay detail but are a bit more relaxed in tactility versus the sets above. I like that the soundstage holds up for holography and depth—arguably a touch more natural than on the Gemini 2. The voice is a nice surprise on the AirPods Pro 3: good texture, presence, and tonality.
6 Introduttioni teatrali, Op. 4: No. 1 in D-Sharp Major: I. Allegro Locatelli: 6 Introduttioni teatrali • Fabio Biondi, Europa Galante • 15 May 2025
Preference: B&W PI8 ≥ Gemini II ≥ AZ-100 > Momentum 4 > AirPods Pro 3.
All have different presentations, and it was a tough call between Gemini II, PI8, and AZ-100. The strings on PI8 are alive—vibrating with energy. Gemini II brings excellent sparkle, detail, and air up top, while AZ-100 stays superbly clean with precise, clear edges. Thanks to a more consistent upper-mid/treble, Gemini II can be a bit more exciting on classical than the others.
B&W PI8
Instruments feel full of life, with vivid vibration and detail inside a natural, holographic stage—good depth and decent width. Strings are a joy here: textured, nuanced, and easy to follow.
Technics AZ-100
Detail and transparency are superb. I hear a touch more raw detail than on PI8, though strings/chords carry a bit more energy on PI8 overall. The presentation is impressively clean. The stage is natural and holographic, just a bit smaller and not as deep as on PI8.
Devialet Gemini II
A pleasant surprise. Loads of detail, plenty of air on top, and excellent upper-mid/treble definition, with good tonality and texture on instruments. It’s quite addictive. Gemini II manages both fine detail and that string “vibration”/texture I look for.
Sennheiser Momentum 4
Still good detail, with a tonality I enjoy. Precision isn’t at the same level as the sets above, but it extracts solid detail with a natural overall tone. The stage feels natural, just a bit more intimate.
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Another nice surprise. They pull good instrument detail and feel more open up top (upper mids/treble) than Momentum 4. I’d still give Momentum 4 the edge for lower-mid detail and presence, but the AirPods hold their own.
The New Four Seasons – Vivaldi Recomposed
Preference: Devialet Gemini II > B&W PI8 > AZ-100 > Momentum 4 > AirPods Pro 3.
The gap to the PI8 isn’t huge, but the Gemini II is more consistent in the upper mids/treble, pulling extra air and information from violins in the highest registers. It stays energetic and engaging—even through quiet passages.
B&W PI8
Strings are consistently amazing on the PI8—alive with texture, grit, tactility, and shimmer. The stage feels holographic and well layered, with good depth and decent width. Driver speed and precision are easy to hear.
Technics AZ-100
In quieter parts I found myself maxing the volume; when the music ramps up (e.g., “Summer 1”) 80–90% is enough. It doesn’t quite reach the same loudness headroom as the others. That said, you adjust—and lower volumes are healthier anyway. Set that aside and the AZ-100 sounds great: crystal-clear, squeaky-clean, with superb transparency. I might hear a hair more raw detail than on the PI8, but the PI8 gives the strings a touch more energy, texture, and “vibration.”
Devialet Gemini II
A real pleasure with violins. Upper mids and treble have strong presence and very good detail without getting sharp. Extension up top is excellent, and that linear, airy treble pulls out emotion and nuance. Gemini II balances fine detail with convincing string texture.
Sennheiser Momentum 4
Upper mids are the most distant of the bunch and, after hearing the others, a bit muffled by comparison. The stage is more intimate and can feel a touch crowded. Still, instrument tone is natural and detail retrieval is respectable—it’s just not in the same league as the top three here.
Apple AirPods Pro 3
More upper-mid presence than Momentum 4, with good instrument detail and a decent stage. Even so, violin tone doesn’t feel as natural or textured as the others and can edge into shouty at times.
Schindler’s List Theme – Single
Preference: PI8 > AZ-100 > Momentum 4 ≥ Gemini II > AirPods Pro 3
B&W PI8
The experience was amazing from the start. The cello has incredible texture—so much emotion and life—that it brought tears to my eyes. To get this on wireless, noise-cancelling earbuds is stunning. The plucked strings are clean, tactile, and fast, adding a crystalline sheen on top. An absolutely remarkable showing I never thought possible from wireless earbuds.
Technics AZ-100
As expected, also very good, showing the drivers’ superb transparency. Here, the plucks grabbed my attention more than the cello. Both sound great, but the plucks are a bit more forward, while the cello isn’t as textured or present as on the PI8.
Devialet Gemini II
A good presentation, though it lacks the PI8’s cello emotion and the AZ-100’s crystalline plucks. The stage isn’t as holographic, and the guitar feels on the same layer as the cello. Still, detail retrieval is solid and the tonality natural. It’s quite enjoyable—especially if you stop comparing.
Sennheiser Momentum 4
The cello is great—good texture, detail, and body—showing how the M4 excels in the lower mids. Plucks have a natural decay, good extension detail, and convey the instrument’s body/material well. Overall, it plays to its strengths here.
Apple AirPods Pro 3
A decent showing. Cello has good lower-mid detail, but when the violin enters it can get a bit shouty and less natural than the others. Plucks aren’t as sparkly, natural, or detailed either. Still, overall the track sounds perfectly decent on AirPods Pro 3.
Take me down – Larry Carlton
Preference: AZ-100 > Gemini II ≥ PI8 > Momentum 4 > AirPods Pro 3
On this track I ended up preferring the AZ-100 for its wonderful transparency, superb detail, and natural tonality.
B&W PI8
The acoustic guitar has excellent tactility, with plucks that hit hard and decay fast and clean. The driver feels quick and precise—you hear it in the guitar’s transients. The harmonica is well textured and sits naturally in the scene, though on a few listens (when I was more tired) it edged a bit shoutier than on the AZ-100.
Technics AZ-100
Stunning on this song. The guitar plucks are amazingly clean and detailed, and the harmonica carries more breath. Overall I hear more information than on the PI8—spatial cues, the artist’s breath, chord or harmonica vibration, even subtle floor taps. A shining moment for the AZ-100.
Devialet Gemini II
I really enjoyed the opening plucks—strong, tactile attack with quick decay. The harmonica has good texture, presence, and balance, but it can get a touch shouty compared to the AZ-100, likely due to upper-mid presence. Transparency and detail still favor the AZ-100 overall.
Sennheiser Momentum 4
Classic Sennheiser tuning: good tonality and texture with decent detail. It isn’t as fast, detailed, or squeaky-clean as the sets above, but it’s a very good, if unspectacular, performance.
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Impressive amount of detail and a good sense of stage, but the harmonica can be a bit too shouty for my taste.
Allan Taylor – Nadine
Preference: AZ-100 > Gemini II ≥ PI8 > Momentum 4 > AirPods Pro 3
B&W PI8
Man, I love the guitar plucks on the PI8—they feel tactile and palpable. They push energy with superb speed, precision, and efficiency. Allan’s voice has wonderful presence, texture, detail, and tonality, sitting naturally in the song and the scene.
Technics AZ-100
Oh man, this is a track where the AZ-100 shines again. The plucks may not be as tactile or as hard-hitting as on the PI8, but they’re very detailed with a superbly clean decay. The voice is crystal clear. Overall I hear a bit more detail—more obviously—than on the PI8, with a sense of transparency/cleanliness that makes you want to “lick” the sound.
Devialet Gemini II
A nice surprise here: a blend of AZ-100 and PI8 strengths. Good dynamics and tactility, solid detail and transparency, and a wonderful vocal presence/performance.
Sennheiser Momentum 4
I love how natural some tracks can sound on the Momentum 4. There’s an abundance of detail at the start. Overall it doesn’t have as much detail/dynamics/tactility as the sets above, but it’s a very pleasant listen thanks to the natural tonality that keeps both guitars and voice sounding right, while still showing a good slice of technical ability.
Apple AirPods Pro 3
The music “opens up” when switching from Momentum 4 to AirPods Pro 3 thanks to better upper-mid and treble presence. I can see why someone might prefer the AirPods Pro 3 to the Momentum 4. For me, the guitar plucks highlight a bit too much upper-mid information—I prefer more body.
Noisia – Reptilians
Preference: Gemini II > AZ-100 ≥ PI8 > AirPods Pro 3 > Momentum 4
B&W PI8
Very engaging on the PI8—the bass hits hard and fast, goes deep, and sells that monstrous low end. Treble can show a touch of sibilance, but overall it’s a fun, high-energy listen.
Technics AZ-100
Bass feels a bit more detailed than on PI8, with clearer sub-bass nuances on each hit. Treble is less sibilant, and the lower mids are a hair more present, which makes the track more engaging. Overall, the AZ-100 is a bit more impressive here than the PI8.
Devialet Gemini II
Oh my God—DAT BASS. It hits with tremendous force and depth; properly reptilian. It isn’t necessarily more detailed than AZ-100, but the slam is addictive. I did miss some of AZ-100’s lower-mid clarity; a small EQ lift helped. The bass is a blast in short bursts, though I ended up trimming it by a few dB in EQ to avoid fatigue.
Sennheiser Momentum 4
Surprisingly good vocals, but the bass isn’t as impressive as the sets above. It lacks both the monstrous impact and the fine detail.
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Better bass than expected—more impact, depth, and even detail in the extension. Overall, the AirPods do a respectable job on this track.
You Shook Me All Night Long
Preference: Gemini II > PI8 ≥ AZ-100 > AirPods Pro 3 > Momentum 4
B&W PI8
Oh, these babies can rock. The drums are a blast—fast, hard-hitting, and punchy. Electric guitars are full of energy, texture, and life, and the vocal sits naturally in a holographic stage. The PRaT is excellent, and I had a lot of fun with this track on the PI8.
Technics AZ-100
The guitars aren’t quite as “alive” as on the PI8, but they’re very detailed and well textured. Drums still land with strong impact, and the voice sounds a bit fuller and more natural than on the PI8. Overall I still preferred the PI8 here for its extra energy, but the AZ-100 is close.
Sennheiser Momentum 4
Bass hits decently, but it doesn’t have the impact, depth, or detail of the sets above. Vocals sound natural, yet the overall presentation is less engaging due to a slightly muffled upper mid/treble; the guitars don’t feel as electric.
Apple AirPods Pro 3
Drums hit better than on Momentum 4, with more detail and depth, and both the voice and guitars have more presence and life.
Devialet Gemini II
Those drums are superb on the Gemini II. As I’ve said before, Gemini II blends the best of AZ-100 and PI8: it carries the PI8’s energy and impact while keeping a more natural vocal tonality similar to the AZ-100.
Summary
Bass
- B&W PI8: Hits hard and fast, goes deep; very engaging slam. Not quite as nuanced as AZ-100 in the sub-bass, but absolutely grin-inducing.
- Technics AZ-100: Best bass detail here—clearer sub-bass nuances on each hit; tight, controlled, and articulate.
- Devialet Gemini II: Monstrous depth and impact—the most visceral slam (fun in bursts). Detail trails AZ-100 a touch; I sometimes shaved a few dB in EQ to avoid fatigue.
- Sennheiser Momentum 4: Decent punch, but less impact/depth/detail than the top sets.
- Apple AirPods Pro 3: Better bass than expected—more impact and reach than Momentum 4; respectable control for the class.
Midrange
- B&W PI8: Lively mids with present, textured vocals; strings carry energy and “vibration.” Lower mids a hair lighter than AZ-100 on some tracks.
- Technics AZ-100: Very clean, natural midband; easy to follow inner lines. A bit less headroom/loudness than others, but you adjust quickly.
- Devialet Gemini II: Consistent upper-mid presence; can sound a touch forward yet stays musical. Vocals not as emotionally loaded as PI8 on some pieces, but still strong.
- Sennheiser Momentum 4: Natural tone with a nudge of lower-mid weight; upper mids more distant vs the rest.
- Apple AirPods Pro 3: More upper-mid presence than Momentum 4; can edge into shouty on some violin passages.
Treble
- B&W PI8: Airy and detailed, occasionally a hint of sibilance on hot masters.
- Technics AZ-100: Crystal-clear top end; less sibilance than PI8; clean edges without glare.
- Devialet Gemini II: Extended and airy, surprisingly linear up top; lifts detail without getting sharp.
- Sennheiser Momentum 4: Modest treble energy; polite and easy, but not as sparkly or airy.
- Apple AirPods Pro 3: More treble presence than Momentum 4, but can be shouty/less natural at times.
Transients / Attack / Decay / Speed / PRaT
- B&W PI8: Fast driver, tactile plucks, snappy decay; excellent PRaT—very engaging.
- Technics AZ-100: Surgical attacks, super-clean decay; a touch less tactile “bite” than PI8, but faster to the microscope.
- Devialet Gemini II: Strong dynamics and quick hits; bass transients slam hardest.
- Sennheiser Momentum 4: Solid timing, but slower/softer than the top three.
- Apple AirPods Pro 3: Respectable snap; not class-leading, but keeps the groove together.
Transparency / Cleanliness
- B&W PI8: Clean and open; AZ-100 still feels cleaner on micro-stuff.
- Technics AZ-100: The cleanliness king here—“lick-the-sound” transparency, easy to hear micro cues (breath, floor taps).
- Devialet Gemini II: Good overall clarity; not quite as see-through as AZ-100, but no haze.
- Sennheiser Momentum 4: Natural but less “glass-clear” than the top tier.
- Apple AirPods Pro 3: Decent transparency for the class.
Soundstage
- B&W PI8: Holographic, layered, deep; width decent, depth stands out.
- Technics AZ-100: Feels a touch wider than PI8 but not as deep; still natural and 3D.
- Devialet Gemini II: Good stage, but less holographic/deep than PI8/AZ-100, but taller than AZ-100
- Sennheiser Momentum 4: More intimate; can feel a bit crowded compared to the others.
- Apple AirPods Pro 3: Surprisingly competent stage and separation; at times a hair more “natural” than Gemini II on simpler acoustic tracks.
Tonality
- B&W PI8: Energetic and lively; mostly natural, with occasional treble heat.
- Technics AZ-100: Neutral-clean and crystal; easy to live with.
- Devialet Gemini II: Slightly upper-tilted air that helps strings/violins; still balanced enough not to glare.
- Sennheiser Momentum 4: Natural/warmish, lower-mid friendly; relaxed top end.
- Apple AirPods Pro 3: Upper-mid forward; can sound less natural on strings but fine on many tracks.
Details
- B&W PI8: High detail, boosted by speed/tactility; trails AZ-100 slightly on micro-info.
- Technics AZ-100: Top of the pile for micro-detail—breath, spatial cues, instrument mechanics.
- Devialet Gemini II: Strong detail especially in upper mids/treble; not quite AZ-100 level in micro minutiae.
- Sennheiser Momentum 4: Respectable detail, but clearly behind the top three.
- Apple AirPods Pro 3: Good for the class; roughly in Momentum 4 territory, sometimes a step behind.
Textures
- B&W PI8: Excellent texture on strings and vocals; “string under the fingers” feel.
- Technics AZ-100: Clean, finely etched micro-texture; slightly less body than PI8.
- Devialet Gemini II: Convincing string vibration and vocal grain; a nice blend of air + texture.
- Sennheiser Momentum 4: Good body texture (cello, guitars); not as etched as the top sets.
- Apple AirPods Pro 3: Decent textures; can feel simpler on difficult strings.
Vocals
- Apple AirPods Pro 3: More presence than Momentum 4; can edge into shouty on some material.
- B&W PI8: Chills—present, textured, and sits naturally in the mix.
- Technics AZ-100: Crystal-clear, often a touch fuller/more natural than PI8; easy intelligibility.
- Devialet Gemini II: Good presence and tone; not always as emotionally saturated as PI8 on some tracks, but strong overall.
- Sennheiser Momentum 4: Very natural vocal tone; just less resolving/textured than the others.
Conclusion
If I had to pick one on sound alone, Bowers & Wilkins PI8 still takes it—by a hair. It brings the speed, slam, and holography that keep pulling me back, with strings and vocals that feel alive. Very, very close behind sits the Technics AZ-100: the cleanest window into the music with microscope-level micro-detail and an easy, natural tonality. A breath behind those two, Devialet Gemini II adds visceral bass and airy treble that light up a lot of tracks. Sennheiser Momentum 4 is a natural, relaxed listen and a strong value right now. Apple AirPods Pro 3 are capable, but upper-mid/treble tonality bumps them to last in this group.
Order on sound: PI8 → AZ-100 → Gemini II → Momentum 4 → AirPods Pro 3
A few practical extras that matter
- PI8’s case is a cheat code. It doubles as a DAC/re-transmitter: plug your phone into the case via USB-C (or use analog sources), and the case sends a higher-quality link to the buds (aptX Adaptive/Lossless when available). That neatly sidesteps an iPhone’s AAC 256 ceiling or weak Bluetooth on some devices. Subjectively, it’s a clear step up in clarity and dynamics versus streaming straight AAC from the phone; great for flights, TVs, game controllers, or older laptops.
- Gemini II’s wireless tech is older. It’s Bluetooth 5.2 with standard aptX—no aptX Lossless, no LDAC, no LC3/LE Audio—so peak bitrate/feature support and future-proofing trail PI8/AZ-100. Sonically it’s still a blast, but that tech gap helps explain why it finishes third.
- Momentum 4 is good value—buy smart. Beyond the easy, natural tuning, price is very attractive these days. Beware of fakes, though: buy from a trustworthy store.
Quick picks
- PI8 → want the most consistent excitement (slam, tactility, deep layered stage) + that relay case when your source is the bottleneck.
- AZ-100 → want transparency/cleanliness and the best micro-detail without fatigue.
- Gemini II → want big slam + airy sparkle; accept older BT/codec support.
- Momentum 4 → want a natural, comfy tuning and strong value (just watch for fakes).
- AirPods Pro 3 → solid in Apple world, but tonality keeps it behind here.
Non-sound note on AirPods Pro 3: I still enjoy them a lot for the superb ANC, the best Transparency I’ve used (Conversation Awareness that lowers volume and opens Transparency when I start speaking), auto-pause (even when I doze off), very good comfort, and reliably good call quality.
Final word in sound quality: My heart says PI8, my head often says AZ-100, and my fun side nods to Gemini II. The gaps are small at the top—choose what you value most: feel, clarity, or slam.
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