Ten years ago, Sony introduced its MDR-1000X noise-canceling headphones, effectively taking on Bose's QuietComfort series. The 1000X series has since become a benchmark for exceptional noise cancellation and audio quality.
Marking a decade of success, Sony has launched a special edition of its flagship ANC headphones, named Sony 1000X The Collexion. Featuring a premium build, custom drivers, and expert sound tuning, these headphones are designed to distinguish themselves from the standard WH-1000XM6.
However, with a premium of $200/€200 over the XM6s, the question arises: are these luxurious leather-wrapped headphones the pinnacle of Sony's over-ear ANC lineup, or should you consider the more affordable “regular” XM6s instead?
Table of Contents:
- Design
- Features
- Performance
- Battery Life
- Verdict
Design
The “Collexion” (pronounced Collection) features a modified design that nods to the original WH-1000XM6, incorporating synthetic leather earcups reminiscent of the MDR-1000X.
While most of the exterior is composed of the same soft touch synthetic material, concerns about potential scratches and the leather's durability over time remain.
In comparison to the XM6s, the Collexion features slightly wider ear pads and a more spacious headband for increased comfort. The use of a stainless-steel hinge and surrounding material gives it a more premium appearance, feeling sturdier than the plastic design of the XM6s.
The fit is where the Collexion truly excels. The additional padding ensures a comfortable long-term wear experience, especially with the wider interior of the earpads.
The earcup profile has been slimmed down by about 5mm compared to the XM6s, adding to its sleek appearance but resulting in less space for components like the battery, which we will discuss later.
Weighing in at over 60 grams more than the XM6s, the Collexion is indeed heavier, but its improved comfort compensates for this slight increase.
The hinges rotate inward, akin to the WH-1000XM5, for portability. However, we prefer the more compact folding mechanism of the XM6s.
For transport, a solidly-built carrying case is included, featuring a convenient integrated handle. Although larger than average, it includes a magnetic flap and an internal compartment for the accompanying audio cable.
Sony 1000X The Collexion Carrying Case
Controls on the 1000X are familiar, with a power button and an ANC/ambient mode switch; a new third button cycles through different listening modes. Additionally, it has a 3.5mm port for analog connection and a USB-C port for charging.
Features
The features of the Collexion are largely similar to those found in the XM6s. For more detailed information, refer to our WH-1000XM6 review.
However, a notable addition is the V3 chip, which enhances sound processing and supports native DSEE Ultimate audio upscaling. This technology uses AI to recover lost frequencies across various bit depths and sample rates.
Sony has also included a 360 Upmix feature that converts stereo audio into a spatial audio experience. Three dedicated profiles for music, movies, and gaming can be accessed via the upmix button on the headphones.
Furthermore, the Collexion has upgraded to Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity, replacing the previous 5.3 version on the XM6s. Users can still enjoy dual device pairing and compatibility with SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3 codecs.
Performance
Audio Quality
Featuring 30mm drivers similar to the XM6s, the Collexion utilizes a soft edge dome made from carbon composite materials, which enhances bass reproduction and noise cancellation. The circuit board layout has been optimized to accommodate a thicker copper substrate, providing 1.5 times more copper foil for richer detail and a wider soundstage.
Sound tuning was a focal point, with contributions from top mastering engineers aimed at achieving smooth vocals, balanced instruments, and dynamic range. We noticed some subtle sonic differences compared to the XM6s.
The Collexion excels in its mid-range response, offering better instrument separation with more defined details. While this is a minor difference, it noticeably enhances listening experiences for familiar tracks. Contrasting the generally warm tuning of the XM6, the Collexion delivers a more refined sound with a reduced emphasis on bass.
The highs exhibit clearer detail, contributing to a more expansive soundstage that makes tracks feel livelier when compared to the XM6s. While the 360 Upmix profiles provide an enjoyable surround sound experience, they do not represent a revolutionary change.
Noise Cancellation
The Collexion utilizes the same Q3 ANC chip as the XM6s, equipped with twelve microphones across both sides. However, we observed slightly reduced noise cancellation effectiveness, likely due to the wider ear cup interior.
While the XM6s provide a snugger fit, the Collexion's looser design results in a weaker passive seal, allowing more ambient noise in. This difference is subtle but perceptible when comparing both models directly. Despite this, the Collexion still effectively blocks most external sounds, albeit not as effectively as the XM6s.
Low and mid-range frequency sounds are effectively suppressed, handling common irritants like HVAC systems, engine vibrations, and airplane noise well. Nevertheless, in a side-by-side comparison, the XM6s demonstrate superior ANC performance.
Call Quality and Connectivity
While the Collexion effectively picks up your voice and reduces background noise—even in windy conditions—its microphone quality trails behind competitors like Apple’s AirPods Max 2 or Sennheiser’s HDB 630.
During testing with an iPhone 17 Pro and MacBook Pro 14, connectivity remained stable throughout.
Battery Life
The slimmed-down earcup profile necessitated a reduction in internal space, leading to diminished battery capacity. We achieved just over 25 hours of playback with ANC active and streaming via AAC before needing a recharge.
This is a significant decline compared to the XM6s, which can easily exceed 30 hours of usage. This difference is an essential factor to consider for potential buyers.
Verdict
The Sony 1000X The Collexion can be seen as the fashionably enhanced counterpart to the WH-1000XM6, featuring a premium leather exterior and a robust stainless steel hinge. Despite feeling more luxurious than the all-plastic XM6s, the Collexion also stands out as the more comfortable option.
While both headphones share impressive core specifications, including excellent noise cancellation and appealing sound tuning, the Collexion does offer some advantages in sound quality and soundstage width right out of the box.
The addition of 360 Upmix support and related spatial audio profiles is a nice touch, although they do not fundamentally change the experience. Similarly, the DSEE Ultimate audio upscaling is an enhancement but not a revolutionary feature. However, it is crucial to note that the Collexion's battery life falls short compared to the XM6s, an important consideration given the significant price disparity.
Sony 1000X The Collexion
Ultimately, using these $650/€630 headphones for casual streaming during your commute may seem excessive. Nevertheless, for audiophiles who appreciate top-tier Sony products and seek the most advanced audio experience available, the Collexion certainly delivers.
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