Sony has globally unveiled the new 1000X The Collexion headphones, marking the 10th anniversary of its popular 1000X audio series. This pair is positioned above the flagship WH-1000XM6, and brings a more premium build, improved comfort, and refined sound tuning while retaining the active noise cancellation technology from the XM6. Speaking of which, the company has also introduced a new Sandstone colour option for the WH-1000XM6 lineup.
Sony has priced the 1000X The Collexion at $649.99 globally (about Rs 62,700). Meanwhile, the WH-1000XM6 launched globally at $449.99 (~Rs 43,500). The Collexion is available in Platinum and Black colours.
The WH-1000XM6 is also getting a new Sandstone colour finish globally priced at $399.99 (~Rs 38,600).
The Indian availability isn’t announced yet for both The Collexion and the XM6 Standstone variant.
The Sony 1000X The Collexion features unidirectional carbon composite drivers designed to deliver a ‘richer, wider soundstage, clearer separation between instruments and vocals, more delicate high-frequency detail.’ Sony says Grammy-winning and nominated mastering engineers have collaborated with it in tuning these headphones to meet the creator’s intent.
The internal circuitry has been revamped, and it also comes with a newer V3 processing and AI-powered DSEE Ultimate processing system. Sony has also added support for Bluetooth 6.0 and 360 spatial upmix modes for music, cinema, and gaming..
For noise cancellation, the headphones use the same core setup found on the WH-1000XM6, including a 12-microphone system and Adaptive NC Optimizer support.
Design-wise, the headphones use soft faux leather, stainless steel railing accents, wider headband padding, and slimmer earcups. Sony says the redesigned design should improve long-term comfort, although the headphones are heavier than the XM6. The carry case has a magnetic clasp and an integrated handle for better portability.
Its battery life is rated at up to 24 hours with ANC enabled.
Design and build
While the WH-1000XM6 mainly uses lightweight plastic materials, the 1000X THE COLLEXION introduces stainless steel elements, faux leather finishes, and a more luxury-focused design language.
Sony has widened the headband and increased the padding thickness for improved comfort during long listening sessions. The earcups are slimmer externally but are said to offer more room internally for larger ears. The headphones also include more tactile buttons and clearer left-right indicators.
However, the added metal and leather materials increase its overall weight to around 312g-320g, compared to roughly 254g on the XM6.
Case and portability
The Collexion’s built-in handle and magnetic clasp should aid in travel and look more stylish.
However, unlike the WH-1000XM6, the earcups do not fold inward. They only rotate flat, similar to products like the Apple AirPods Max. This could be a problem to some in terms of portability.
Audio
The upgraded unidirectional carbon composite drivers are expected to deliver cleaner treble, improved texture, and a noticeably wider soundstage than the XM6, but we can be sure after testing only.
The headphones also gain upgraded processing hardware, Bluetooth 6.0 support, and newer DSEE Ultimate AI audio upscaling technology. There is greater emphasis on spatial audio with dedicated Music, Cinema, and Game upmix modes.
Battery
The battery life drops from 30 hours on the XM6 to 24 hours on the 1000X THE COLLEXION. The fast charging speeds are also slower.
So, overall focus appears to be on immersive audio experience in a more premium design. It appears to be Sony’s attempt to create a more luxury-oriented flagship headphone above the WH-1000XM6.
Keep reading Digit.in for similar stories.
Also Read: Motorola launches Moto Buds 2 in India with LDAC and 55dB ANC: Price and availability