It’s easy to be cynical about the Bowers & Wilkins P9. It costs $900, far more than many great-sounding headphones we’ve heard in the past. Where most of its competitors have utilitarian, futuristic design, the P9 looks unserious and reminiscent of the past. Instead of a minimalist, performance-driven chassis, the P9 has leather in places that don’t touch the head for what B&W describes as “luxurious” experience. It’s easy to assume that the P9 is just another “lifestyle” product aimed at people with money to burn, where sound was an afterthought. After some time with the P9, we found that it’s also easy to be wrong. The P9 is a fully developed over-ear headphone that earns its price tag with exquisite build quality and great sound.{/exp:char_limit}
