If you’re into headphones, then you’re no doubt familiar with Sony’s WH-1000X series, which is easily one of the most popular wireless over-ear noise-cancelling headphones around. One could say that alongside the Bose QuietComfort 35, which started the trend, Sony’s 1000X series has been the most popular option for years. An achievement remarkably maintained even after many others, including Apple, joined the space.
Sony’s line of wireless over-ear ANC headphones turns 10 (wow), so the Japanese made something special to mark the occasion – meet the Sony 1000x The ColleXion (reads like collection). A more premium entry into the lineup, rather than succeeding and replacing the WH-1000XM6, this one will slot above it.
So what’s new? Let’s start from the outside first. The new headphones are nicer to the touch and to wear. The headband is wider. The cups are covered in premium synthetic leather, and there are stainless steel accents on the stems.
But the new headphones don’t fold like the XM6 but only swivel (like the XM5’s). The 1000X The ColleXion comes in either Black or this Platinum White.
Like the WH-1000XM6, there are 12 microphones for calls and active noise cancellation. The 1000X The ColleXion also shares the QN3 processor which is in charge of noise canceling. But the integral processor is a new, V3, which enables better sound processing and more advanced spatial modes.
There’s 360 Upmix tuned for music, cinema, and gaming, and the headphones have a dedicated hardware button to cycle between modes.
Sound quality tuning is also more (dare we say it) audiophile-friendly with emphasis on clear highs, and a wider stage. Sony has reportedly tasked high-profile acoustic engineers with the tuning of its new headphone.
It’s a clear sign that Sony wants to position the 1000X The ColleXion as a step away from the typically warm and bassy, consumer-friendly (some call it muddy) sound profile the WH-1000X series is known for.
The improvements aren’t limited to the processing inside the headphones but also to the new drivers. They use a “unidirectional carbon layered core composite,” which promises to improves treble detail, separation, and soundstage.
The 1000X The ColleXion comes with a new carrying case with a magnetic clasp and an integrated handle. There’s a 3.5mm cable in the case, just like previous models. We’ll update this article with the price as soon as Sony announces it.
The new carrying case with a handle