Sony’s WH-1000X series of over-ear headphones have become synonymous with noise-cancelling technology, a reputation that began with the MDR-1000X. This year, the MDR-1000X celebrates its 10th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, Sony is introducing a new pair of flagship headphones. Do not expect a conventional name for these new headphones.
Sony’s WH-1000X The ColleXion (pronounced ‘the collection’) is the top-of-the-line model in the WH-1000X series. While it shares key components and features with the WH-1000XM6, the new pair offers several enhancements, including a more premium build. Sony has opted for a synthetic leather construction for the ear cup housing, paying tribute to the original MDR-1000X. Additionally, the new headphones feature deeper and wider ear pads, as well as a larger headband for added comfort. The sides feature stainless steel yokes (hinges) with the same material extending on top of the headband.
Unfortunately, the new headphones have lost the ability to fold and only swivel inwards, similar to the WH-1000XM5. Sony is also introducing a new case that includes an integrated grip handle. The ColleXion features three buttons, all located on the left ear cup housing, with the power and ANC/ambient mode controls joined by a new spatial mode switch.
Sony has added 360 Upmix support with spatial audio profiles for music, cinema, and gaming. Additionally, the headphones offer native support for DSEE Ultimate audio upscaling, which leverages AI to reproduce lost sound frequencies. The ColleXion features the same 30mm drivers as the XM6, but Sony is using soft-edge drivers, which are claimed to bring better bass and noise cancelling. In addition, Sony claims it optimized the internal circuit board layout, which allowed it to fit a thicker copper substrate, resulting in richer detail, wider soundstage and greater sound depth.
Sony also co-tuned its new headphones with mastering engineers from Battery Studios, Sterling Sound and Coast Mastering.
Elsewhere, the headphones feature a total of 12 microphones split between the two sides with adaptive ANC and beamforming for precise voice pickup. They also feature the same QN3 Noise Canceling Processor as on the XM6s, but the ColleXion is getting a new V3 integrated processor, which Sony claims will offer improved ANC performance and sound processing.
In terms of battery life, the ColleXion is rated at up to 24 hours of battery life with ANC on and up to 32 hours with ANC off. These numbers are lower than the WH-1000XM6’s 30 hours of playback with ANC on and 40 hours with ANC off.
The ColleXion will be available in black and white colours. They will retail for 649 euros, making them 180 euros more expensive than the XM6s at launch.
