Name: Bowers & Wilkins C5 Series 2
Brand: Bowers & Wilkins
SKU: 749C5IIB
Rating: 4.5 (26 reviews)

by Crutchfield's David Brown

In-ears that really stay in

Fit is crucial to any pair of in-ear headphones, and not just for comfort and stability. It also ensures the best sound quality while isolating your ears from outside noise. Bowers & Wilkins has gone to great lengths to ensure that their C5 Series 2 in-ear headphones stay securely in your ears. These headphones feature B&W's innovative Secure Loop that expands to gently nestle against the inner rim of each ear, holding the headphones firmly in place. The earpieces also employ a solid Tungsten sound tube that balances them towards your ears, which helps keep them stable. An assortment of silicone ear tips helps you tailor these headphones to your ears, so you can get the most out of their superb sound. You'll be hard-pressed to find a more elegant-looking pair of in-ear headphones that offer a custom-feel fit alongside such rich sound.

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The C5 Series 2 headphones stay in your ears thanks to their innovative Secure Loop.

In-ears that really stay in

Spacious, open sound

The original Bowers & Wilkins C5 in-ear headphones were widely acclaimed for their sound quality. Never one to rest on its laurels, B&W developed a new driver for their C5 Series 2 headphones, for sound that's more wide open and detailed, with more powerful bass response. The Mirco Porous filter on the end of each earpiece gives these headphones a distinctive look in addition to their role in delivering spacious, natural sound.

Remote and mic for Apple® devices

The C5 Series 2 headphones come with two miniplug cables: one straight cable, and one with a built-in remote and microphone. The three-button remote offers track and volume control for your iPhone®, iPad®, or iPod®. The microphone lets you take hands-free calls with your iPhone. The headphones also include a quilted zip-up carrying case for storage and travel.

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Product highlights:

in-ear design provides natural sound isolation
9.2mm dynamic drivers for open, detailed sound and powerful bass
three-button remote for controlling music playback and volume with an iPhone, iPad, and iPod
built-in microphone on remote for receiving calls on an iPhone
adjustable ear loop holds headphones securely in place
Micro Porous Filter system for added spaciousness
45" miniplug cable
includes assortment of silicone ear tips for optimum fit and sound quality
compact, quilted fabric storage case
frequency response: 10-20,000 Hz
sensitivity: 115 dB
impedance: 32 ohms
weight: 0.71 ounces
warranty: 2 years
MFR # FP35963

What's in the box:

Bowers & Wilkins C5 Series 2 owner's manual

In-ear headphones (45" cable with in-line remote and microphone terminated by a male 3.5mm connector)
4 Pairs of silicon single-flange ear-tips (XS/S/M/L)
Soft padded case
C5 Quickstart
Safety Instructions and Warranty booklet
Bowers & Wilkins product line booklet

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26 reviews

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Researched by Crutchfield's Mark G.

Features & specs

General
Fit Style	In-ear/Earbud
Earcup Type	Open
Earcup Width x Height	0.472" x 0.472"
Noise-canceling	No
Bluetooth	No
Bluetooth Version	---
Single-earbud Operation	---
Mic For Taking Calls	Yes
Voice Assistant Access
Amazon Alexa	No
Google Assistant	No
Siri	No
Connectors
3.5mm	No
1/4"	No
Lightning	No
4.4mm balanced	No
XLR4 balanced	No
2.5mm	No
Other	None
Specs
Frequency Response	10-20k Hz
Sensitivity	115 dB
Impedance	32 Ohms
Weight	0.71 ounces
Cord Length	45"
Parts Warranty	2 Years
Labor Warranty	2 Years

Product Research

Features

Overview: The Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) C5 Series 2 in-ear headphones combine ingenious design, improved drive units, and a comfortable fit to provide a natural, open, and detailed sound. The C5 Series 2s come with four sizes of ear tips to make sure you find the perfect fit. The headphones have an in-line remote/microphone that is optimized for iPhones, iPads, and iPods. A padded zippered case is included for easy storage.

Drivers: The C5 Series 2 in-ear headphones feature redesigned 9.2mm (0.4") dynamic drivers that deliver controlled, powerful bass and detailed highs, so the sound is more open and natural.

Micro Porous Filter: To create a spacious sound, B&W uses a Micro Porous Filter, made of hundreds of microscopic steel balls. These act as sonic diffusers, opening up the sound and making music feel rich and expansive.

Secure Loop Design: Each ear bud uses an adjustable wire loop that fits comfortably in the inner ridge of your ear and helps hold the headphones in place. The inner casing features Tungsten weights to ensure the headphones are balanced towards the ear, not away from it.

Comfort-fit Ear Tips: The C5 Series 2 comes with four pairs of soft silicone ear tips in a variety of sizes, guaranteeing a comfortable fit and optimal noise isolation.

Made for iPhone/iPad/iPod: The C5 Series 2 headphones have a 45" cord with an in-line remote and microphone that is compatible with Apple iPhones, iPods, and iPads. The 3-button remote can control volume with the two outer buttons and playback/phone control with the center button. A single click of the center button will answer or hang up a phone call, and toggle between pause and play. Two quick clicks will skip the playback to the next song, while three quick clicks skips back to the beginning of the currently playing song. The remote and mic are supported by iPhone 3GS or later, iPad (all models), iPod touch (2nd generation or later), iPod classic (all models), and iPod nano (4th generation or later). The remote is also supported by iPod shuffle (3rd generation or later).

Specifications:

Frequency Response: 10Hz to 20kHz
Impedance: 32 ohms
Distortion (THD): <0.2% (1 kHz/1 mW)
Max Input Power: 3 mW
Sensitivity: 115 dB/V at 1 kHz
Weight: 0.71 ounces

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2 questions already asked

Are these sweat- and weather- resistant by any chance? Don't know if I should get these or the Bose® SoundSportT in-ear headphones.

kyle Jun 09, 2015

5 answers

My Bose SoundSport in ear headphones have performed well in sweat environment, but I have not worn them in rain other than a drizzle. Great sound, handy package carrying case. Patrick T

patrick Jun 10, 2015

I have the Bose SoundSport ones. Yes I think they are weather resistant. I've had them for a year now, that stay put in your ear. I use them in hot and cold hiking in the parks.

john Jun 10, 2015

own the Bose. Definitely sweat resistent since I bought them after using the Bose QuietComfort 15 at the gym and having to require 2or 3 replacements when the ear located electronics rusted out. Have never used them outside in bad weather but would expect no problems. What

brian Jun 10, 2015

This is actually my second pair. The first pair lasted me about two years before they needed to be replaced. Since they have a two year manufacturer warranty they replaced them with a brand-new pair I work out with them on a daily basis and they have fantastic sound quality and a great seal. I'm not a runner though I use the stationary bike and elliptical. I used the Bose and could not get a comfortable fit. I returned them. Hope this helps.

james Jun 10, 2015

I'm pretty sure that the Bowers and Wilkins are not sweat resistant. I certainly wouldn't exercise with them although they are excellent.

fred Jun 10, 2015

I have the original C5 and really like the sound quality. However, they are much more difficult to keep in my ears than my Shure SE 535's with their foam inserts that expand. The conical shape of the C5 seems to want to eject itself from my ear and the wires slide in their channels, offering limited retention. I would appreciate feedback from anyone who has used both the original C5 and the C5 series 2, on the in ear retention. Is it the same, or has it been improved?

tillman Dec 13, 2014

10 answers

I have no problem with the C5-2 staying in my ears as a matter of fact they stay better than any other ear bud I ever used.

frank Dec 16, 2014

I've used both the original and the Series 2, and there is no appreciable difference between the two in terms of wearer comfort. The earbuds themselves are a little lighter, but the tips and the loop are identical. I'm one of the 3 people in the world the C5s fit perfectly, so I'm happy about this, but if the C5s didn't work for you, the Series 2 will be no different. Sorry!

daniel Dec 15, 2014

Same - I can't detect any real change to the form factor other than wire color...

mani Dec 15, 2014

Terrible. I sent them back.

todd Dec 15, 2014

The new C5 has the same design. It is a bit of a problem. Try lodging the wire loop under your ear ridge if you can. I make the loop as big as possible before insertion, then guide it under the edge of my ear ridge. I then push the ear bud in to get a good seal. If it's really a problem, consider using a small bit of moldable silicone earplug to temporarily secure the earpiece. Hope this helps. Dought T.

douglas Dec 15, 2014

I haven't used the original c5, but with the series 2 I was able to get it to fit after playing with the various size stoppers. It will not fit as perfectly as the bowers Wilkins website would have you believe, but they do stay snug with good isolation once you find the right buds.

mufaddal Dec 15, 2014

I have never used the original C5 but I do have a pair of the newer Series 2 version. I have had no issues with the earpieces staying in my ear and the wires seem to stay in place and their retention system seems to work quite well. I also like the balanced sound. Every ear is different so do your research. I did mine and so far I'm pleased.

donald Dec 15, 2014

I have not owned the original C5, however, the series 2 still becomes loose in the ear while moving around. Another issue that contributes to the problem, is the cable is too short and constantly needs to be adjusted.

james Dec 15, 2014

Tillman, I can't comment on the C5 as I've never used them. But from my experience with the series 2, I haven't had issues with them staying in my ear. The ear tips and the loop do a good job of securing it inside of my ear. The only time I find the earphones slipping out is when I'm working out. I think the sweat and constant running is a big part of that. But if you are just sitting or walking then you should have any issues with them staying in. You might want to try different tips to create a more secure fit. Also, I've heard from blogs that the series 2 ear loop is more malleable then the first release.

matt Dec 15, 2014

Hi, I used to have the C5 and now have the C5S2 and can not tell any difference in the fit or in rear retention

markus Dec 15, 2014

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