Sony’s WH-1000X series over-ear headphones have become a benchmark in noise-canceling technology, beginning with the MDR-1000X, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. To commemorate this milestone, Sony is unveiling a new pair of flagship headphones with an unconventional name.
The WH-1000X The ColleXion (pronounced 'the collection') stands out as the premier model within the WH-1000X series. While it retains key components and features from the WH-1000XM6, this new pair boasts several enhancements, including an upgraded, premium build.
The ear cup housing is made from synthetic leather, paying tribute to the MDR-1000X's design. Sony has also redesigned the ear pads, making them deeper and wider, along with a larger headband for improved comfort. The headphones feature stainless steel yokes (hinges) on the sides, which extend over the headband for added durability.
Unfortunately, the new headphones no longer fold; they only rotate inwards like the WH-1000XM5. However, Sony has introduced a new case that includes an integrated grip handle. The ColleXion features three buttons on the left ear cup: power, ANC/ambient mode controls, and a new spatial mode switch.
Sony has incorporated 360 Upmix support along with spatial audio profiles tailored for music, cinema, and gaming. Moreover, the headphones offer DSEE Ultimate audio upscaling, which utilizes AI to enhance lost sound frequencies.
The ColleXion features the same 30mm drivers as the XM6; however, Sony employs soft-edge drivers that promise improved bass and noise cancellation. Additionally, the internal circuit board layout has been optimized, allowing for a thicker copper substrate that enhances detail, widens soundstage, and deepens sound quality.
To ensure optimal sound delivery, Sony collaborated with mastering engineers from Battery Studios, Sterling Sound, and Coast Mastering during the tuning process of the new headphones.
Equipped with a total of 12 microphones, the headphones utilize adaptive ANC and beamforming technology for accurate voice capture. They also feature the QN3 Noise Canceling Processor found in the XM6, alongside a new V3 integrated processor that promises better ANC performance and enhanced sound processing.
Regarding battery life, the ColleXion offers up to 24 hours with ANC enabled and up to 32 hours without it. These figures are lower than the WH-1000XM6's 30 hours with ANC on and 40 hours with ANC off.
The ColleXion is available in both black and white and is priced at $649/€629/£549, which is $200/€180/£150 more expensive than the XM6 at launch.
