Sony WH-1000X The ColleXion are here: Premium design at a premium price
Sony’s WH-1000X series over-ear headphones have become synonymous with high-end noise cancellation, and it all started with the MDR-1000X, which happens to be ten years old this year. To mark the occasion, Sony is launching a new flagship model – the Sony WH-1000X The ColleXion.
The Sony WH-1000X The ColleXion are the new top-of-the-line model in the WH-1000X series. Although they share key components and features with the WH-1000XM6, the new model offers several improvements, including higher-quality construction.
Sony has used synthetic leather for the earcups, creating a tribute to the MDR-1000X. Additionally, the ear cushions have been made deeper and wider, and the headband has been enlarged for greater comfort. The sides feature stainless steel hinges, and the same material is used on the headband.
Unfortunately, the new Sony WH-1000X The ColleXion headphones can no longer be folded, but only rotated inwards like the WH-1000XM5. Sony also includes a new carrying case with an integrated handle. The ColleXion also features three buttons, all located on the left earcup: In addition to the power and ANC/ambient sound mode controls, there is a new switch for surround sound mode.
Sony has added 360 upmix support with spatial audio profiles for music, movies, and games. You also get native support for DSEE Ultimate Audio Upscaling, which uses AI to reproduce lost sound frequencies.
Sony WH-1000X The ColleXion with new speakers
The Sony WH-1000X The ColleXion headphones feature the same 30mm speaker size as the WH-1000XM6. However, thanks to a softer edge seal, they are said to offer both improved bass and enhanced noise cancellation. Furthermore, Sony states that they have optimized the layout of the internal circuit board, allowing for the use of a thicker copper substrate. This is intended to result in greater detail, a wider soundstage, and enhanced sonic depth.
Sony also fine-tuned its new headphones in collaboration with mastering engineers from Battery Studios, Sterling Sound and Coast Mastering.
The Sony headphones also feature a total of twelve microphones, distributed across both sides, with adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC) and beamforming for precise voice pickup. They are equipped with the same QN3 noise-canceling processor as the XM6, but the ColleXion receives a new integrated V3 processor, which Sony claims offers improved ANC performance and sound processing.
According to the manufacturer, the battery life of the Sony WH-1000X The ColleXion is up to 24 hours with ANC activated and up to 32 hours without ANC. These figures are lower than those of the WH-1000XM6, which offers 30 hours of playback time with ANC activated and 40 hours without ANC.
Price
The ColleXion are available in black and white. It is offered at a price of €629/US$649/£549, making it €180/US$200/£150 more expensive than the XM6 at launch.
