WH-1000XM6

Sony has unveiled its premium wireless headphones, the 1000X The Collexion, marking the 10th anniversary of the first Sony MDR-1000X model. This special edition is not part of the 1000X series and does not replace the upcoming WH-1000XM7. Instead, Sony presents this new release as a collection of the expertise it has gathered over the past decade. The Sony 1000X The Collexion is positioned as the most expensive model, targeting the luxury market. The focus here is not on improving acoustic characteristics but rather on design and materials. Sony explains that the letter X in the middle of the name is a nod to the Roman numeral 10, and the full product name is a tribute to the entire series. The new headphones are 67 grams heavier than the WH-1000XM6, as Sony has moved from plastic to a new design featuring metal and eco-leather. The overall profile of the earcups has been reduced, making them less bulky. However, the internal volume and headband have been increased to enhance comfort. The headband padding has been thickened by 40%, which helps to reduce pressure on the head during prolonged use. Sony boasts about new unidirectional carbon drivers, which it claims boost high-frequency detail and expand the overall soundstage. However, most reviewers note that the sound quality is not as good as that of the WH-1000XM6. Critics also point out that the noise-cancelling (ANC) is less effective. Sony attributes this to the passive noise isolation of the earcups, stating that comfort was prioritised over maximum effectiveness. Among the drawbacks of the new model are its modest battery life and a design that does not allow for folding. Sony offers a new, bulky case with a built-in handle instead. The most significant downside, however, is the price: £649.99 (€749.99, $649.99), which is £200 more than the WH-1000XM6 and £100 more than the Apple AirPods Max 2. Source: electronics.sony.com