The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 is a premium pair of over-ear noise-canceling headphones that offers a sophisticated design, excellent sound quality, and an impressive set of features. However, as with all rechargeable devices, the battery life of the PX7 headphones will inevitably degrade over time. When this happens, it can become frustrating to deal with short battery life, and you may start looking for solutions such as battery replacement.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about replacing the battery in your Bowers & Wilkins PX7 headphones. We’ll cover the basics, discuss why the battery might degrade, and guide you step by step through the replacement process. So, if you’re ready to restore your PX7 headphones to their former glory, read on!
Why Does the Battery in the Bowers & Wilkins PX7 Need Replacing?
The PX7 headphones are equipped with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which is designed to provide up to 30 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, depending on factors such as noise-canceling settings, volume levels, and whether you’re using additional features like Bluetooth. However, like all rechargeable batteries, the lithium-ion battery in your PX7 will lose capacity over time.
This degradation in battery life is a natural process known as “battery aging.” Every time you charge and discharge the battery, its capacity reduces incrementally. Eventually, the battery will not hold a charge as well, and you’ll experience significantly shorter usage times between charges. The lifespan of lithium-ion batteries is typically measured in charge cycles—one cycle is completed when a battery is charged from 0% to 100%. Most batteries can handle 300 to 500 charge cycles before their performance starts to noticeably degrade.
So, if you’ve noticed that your PX7 headphones are dying quickly or won’t hold a charge at all, it may be time to replace the battery.
Signs That Your PX7 Battery Needs Replacing
Before you proceed with the replacement process, it’s important to confirm that the battery is indeed the problem. Here are some telltale signs that your Bowers & Wilkins PX7 may need a battery replacement:
- Shorter Battery Life: One of the most obvious signs is a significant drop in battery life. If your PX7 headphones used to last for 30 hours on a single charge but now only last for a few hours or less, the battery is likely worn out.
- Battery Won’t Hold a Charge: Another common symptom is when the battery seems to lose power quickly after charging, or it won’t charge at all. If you notice that your headphones are consistently not holding a charge, this is a clear indication that the battery is no longer functioning properly.
- Headphones Turn Off Unexpectedly: If your PX7 headphones suddenly power off even when the battery is showing a reasonable charge, or they fail to turn on despite being plugged in, this is another indicator of a battery issue.
- Inconsistent Battery Indicator: If the battery percentage on the headphones fluctuates erratically or shows an incorrect charge level, there could be an issue with the battery’s internal circuitry.
Can You Replace the Battery Yourself?
When it comes to replacing the battery in your PX7 headphones, the answer is yes, but it’s not as straightforward as replacing a battery in your smartphone or other consumer electronics. Bowers & Wilkins headphones are meticulously designed, which means that disassembling the headphones and replacing the battery requires some technical skill and caution.
Here are the options you have for replacing the battery:
- DIY Battery Replacement: If you have experience with repairing electronics, you might feel comfortable attempting the battery replacement yourself. It involves carefully opening the headphone ear cups, disconnecting the old battery, and replacing it with a new one. However, this can be a tricky process, and it may void your warranty if done incorrectly.
- Professional Repair Services: If you’re not comfortable with DIY repairs, your safest bet is to send the headphones to a professional repair service. Bowers & Wilkins offers repair services, including battery replacements, through authorized service centers. There are also third-party repair companies that specialize in headphone repairs and can replace the battery for you.
- Contacting Bowers & Wilkins Customer Support: If your PX7 headphones are still under warranty, you should contact Bowers & Wilkins customer support. The company may offer to replace the battery or provide a refurbished replacement pair.
How to Replace the Battery in Your Bowers & Wilkins PX7
If you decide to replace the battery yourself, here is a step-by-step guide on how to go about it. Please note that this process can be delicate, and it’s important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your headphones.
What You’ll Need
- Replacement battery (ensure it’s compatible with the Bowers & Wilkins PX7)
- Small Phillips-head screwdriver
- Pry tool (plastic prying tool, or spudger)
- Anti-static wrist strap (optional but recommended)
- Tweezers
- Soldering iron (for advanced users)
- Replacement adhesive (if necessary)
Step 1: Power Down the Headphones
Before starting the disassembly process, make sure your headphones are powered off and disconnected from any devices. This is important to prevent any short circuits or damage to the electronics inside the headphones.
Step 2: Remove the Ear Pads
The first step to accessing the battery is removing the ear pads. You’ll need to carefully peel the ear pads off the ear cups. They are usually held in place with adhesive or clips, so use a plastic prying tool to loosen them gently. Be cautious when doing this to avoid damaging the ear pads or the headphone’s outer casing.
Step 3: Unscrew the Ear Cup Assembly
Once the ear pads are removed, you’ll need to unscrew the screws that hold the ear cup assembly in place. These screws are typically very small, so be sure to use the correct size Phillips-head screwdriver. Once you’ve unscrewed the ear cup, carefully detach the two parts.
Step 4: Disconnect the Battery
Inside the ear cup, you’ll find the battery and the internal wiring. Use a plastic prying tool to carefully disconnect the battery from the internal circuit board. Some models may have the battery connected with a clip, while others may require soldering. If soldering is necessary, ensure you have the right equipment and experience.
Step 5: Install the New Battery
Once the old battery is removed, carefully place the new replacement battery in the same position. Connect the new battery to the circuit board, making sure the connections are secure. If you had to solder the connections, take your time to ensure the joints are solid and there are no short circuits.
Step 6: Reassemble the Headphones
Once the battery is in place and securely connected, carefully reassemble the ear cup by reversing the steps you took to disassemble it. Make sure all screws are tightened properly, and the ear pads are securely attached.
Step 7: Test the Headphones
Before you use the headphones regularly, power them on and check the battery level. Make sure they charge properly, hold a charge, and that everything is functioning as it should.
Final Considerations
- Warranty: Replacing the battery yourself will likely void any warranty that’s still active on your PX7 headphones. Before performing a DIY repair, check the status of your warranty.
- Battery Quality: When purchasing a replacement battery, make sure it’s a high-quality part that’s compatible with the PX7. Cheap or incompatible batteries can cause further damage to your headphones.
- Professional Help: If you’re uncertain or don’t have the necessary tools, it’s always a good idea to let a professional handle the battery replacement to ensure that the job is done correctly.
- Bowers & Wilkins customer service: Contact customer service for help
Conclusion
The Bowers & Wilkins PX7 headphones are an outstanding pair of audio devices, but like all electronics, their battery will degrade over time. Replacing the battery can breathe new life into your headphones and restore their performance, but it requires some technical skill. Whether you choose to do it yourself or seek professional help, it’s important to follow proper procedures to ensure that your PX7 headphones continue to perform at their best for years to come.
