Sony 1000X The Collexion: A Luxury Upgrade in Noise-Canceling Headphones-News-SeeMyPhone-Search for smartphones and cell phones

Ten years ago, Sony unveiled its MDR-1000X noise-canceling headphones to compete with Bose's QuietComfort line. The 1000X series has since become synonymous with exceptional noise canceling and audio quality.

Marking a decade of success, Sony has launched a special edition of its flagship ANC headphones called Sony 1000X The Collexion. With a premium build, custom drivers, and sound tuning from mastering experts, these headphones clearly aim to differentiate themselves from the standard WH-1000XM6.

However, this luxury comes at a significant cost—a $200/€200 price premium over the XM6s. The question remains: are these leather-wrapped, stainless steel-hinge headphones the pinnacle of Sony's over-ear ANC lineup, or is it wiser to opt for the “regular” XM6s?

Design

The “Collexion” (pronounced as Collection) presents a modified version of the WH-1000XM6, embracing a design that pays homage to the original MDR-1000X with its synthetic leather earcups.

The exterior features soft synthetic material, though concerns linger regarding its susceptibility to scratches and how well it will withstand daily use over time.

In comparison to the XM6s, these headphones have slightly wider ear pads and an expanded headband for enhanced comfort. Sony has also integrated a more upscale aesthetic with a stainless-steel hinge, offering a more robust feel compared to the plastic-framed XM6s.

The fit of the Collexion is superb. The added padding allows for extended wear without discomfort. Notably, the ear pads' interior is more spacious, reducing pressure on the ears. The earcup profile is about 5mm slimmer than that of the XM6s, giving it a sleeker look, but this may compromise internal space, including the battery.

The Collexion is over 60 grams heavier than the XM6s, which is noticeable but not a dealbreaker due to its enhanced comfort.

The hinges swivel inward like the WH-1000XM5 for easier portability. We prefer the folding mechanism on the XM6s, which takes up less space.

A carry case with an integrated handle is included. While larger, it is well-constructed, featuring a magnetic flap and an internal compartment for the bundled audio cable.

Features

Overall, the Collexion shares most features with the XM6s. For detailed specifications, refer to our WH-1000XM6 review.

New features include the V3 chip for improved sound processing and native DSEE Ultimate audio upscaling, which utilizes AI to restore lost frequencies across bit depth and sample rate.

Additionally, the 360 Upmix feature converts standard stereo audio into spatial audio, with three dedicated profiles for music, movies, and games, selectable via a dedicated button on the headphones.

Another upgrade is the introduction of Bluetooth 6.0, allowing for dual device pairing and supporting SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3 codecs.

Performance

Audio Quality

The Collexion features 30mm drivers similar to the XM6s, but with a soft edge dome made from carbon composite material. This design is said to enhance bass reproduction and improve noise cancellation. Sony has also optimized the circuit board layout, accommodating a thicker copper substrate with 1.5 times more copper foil for richer detail and a wider soundstage.

Sound tuning benefited from collaboration with leading mastering engineers, promising “smooth vocals, clear instrument balance, and natural dynamics.” We noted subtle differences compared to the XM6s.

One distinction where the Collexion excels is in the mid-range, with improved instrument separation and crisper detail. While the XM6 offers warmer sound, the Collexion provides a more balanced presentation with less emphasis on bass.

The highs are clearer, and the soundstage feels wider, making tracks livelier compared to the XM6s. The additional music and game 360 Upmix profiles enhance the listening experience but may not significantly change the overall sound quality.

Noise Cancellation

The Collexion uses the same Q3 ANC chip as the XM6s, with twelve microphones for effective noise cancellation. However, we found the ANC slightly less effective, likely due to the wider internal diameter of the ear cups.

While the XM6s fit snugly, the Collexion's greater space around the ears results in a weaker passive seal, allowing some external noise to enter. This difference is subtle but noticeable when switching between the two models. Nonetheless, the Collexion effectively cancels most background noise, albeit less efficiently than the XM6s.

It excels in mitigating low- and mid-range frequencies, which often present the most common interruptions, such as HVAC, engine vibrations, and airplane cabin noise. However, in direct comparison, the XM6s provide stronger ANC performance.

Call Quality and Connectivity

Microphone quality is commendable, effectively capturing voice while filtering out background noise, even in windy conditions. Nevertheless, it does not match the sound clarity of competitors like Apple’s AirPods Max 2 or Sennheiser's HDB 630.

We tested the Collexion with an iPhone 17 Pro and MacBook Pro 14, noting uninterrupted connectivity throughout the review period.

Battery Life

The slimmer ear cup profile led to a reduction in battery capacity. With ANC activated and streaming using AAC, battery life barely exceeded 25 hours before depletion.

This marks a substantial decrease compared to the XM6s, which provide over 30 hours of usage. This difference is crucial to consider when deciding between the two models.

Verdict

Sony 1000X The Collexion headphones serve as an upscale alternative to the WH-1000XM6, featuring leather accents and a sturdy stainless steel hinge. They exude a more premium feel compared to the entirely plastic XM6s and offer superior comfort for extended wear.

Both models maintain similar specifications, delivering exceptional noise cancellation and impressive sound tuning. The Collexion does exhibit improvements in certain audio aspects, including a wider soundstage.

While the 360 Upmix support and corresponding spatial audio profiles are attractive features, they are not revolutionary, just as the DSEE Ultimate audio upscaling is a nice addition. Potential buyers should note the Collexion's reduced battery life compared to the XM6, which is a significant consideration given the considerable price difference.