Ethan Carter
Detailed Overview
In reviewing Sony’s most premium consumer headphones to date, I anticipated an extraordinary auditory experience. The reality exceeded my expectations, delivering the finest spatial audio I have ever experienced. This comes from someone who has often found spatial audio features disappointing.
It’s important to note that the Sony 1000X Collexion headphones are priced at an impressive $649.99, nearly $200 more than the WH-1000XM6 model. What’s the hype about? The Collexion headphones commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 1000X series, which is reflected in their unique branding.
While the Collexion headphones showcase some of the finest features from Sony’s portfolio, the steep price tag will likely attract only those who value superior sound quality and aesthetics above all else.
Exploring the Sony 1000X Collexion Headphones
These headphones redefine what you expect from the 1000X series. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable
Highlights: The sound quality is exceptional, marking these headphones as Sony’s best offering yet. The spatial audio, enhanced by 360 Upmix technology, truly shines. The absence of hard plastic, which is typically associated with Sony’s headphones, gives these a more refined and luxurious appearance, while the overall comfort is plush. Noise cancellation remains impressive as well.
Drawbacks: The premium metal hinges eliminate the ability to fold the ear cups, a feature I appreciated in the XM6 model. the looser fit results in diminished passive noise cancellation, giving the XM6 an edge in that area. The $190 price increase from the XM6 to the Collexion headphones implied a comprehensive upgrade in user experience; however, apart from improved sound and aesthetics, many features remained unchanged.
Specifications Overview
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Drivers: Bespoke 30mm driver
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Spatial audio: Yes
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Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation with V3 and QN3 processors
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Battery life: 24 hours with active noise cancellation
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Microphones: 12
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IP rating: None
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Connection: Bluetooth 5.3
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Codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3
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Inputs: USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack
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Weight: 320 grams
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Colors: Black and platinum
Pricing and Availability Insights
At $649.99, the Collexion headphones are certainly positioned at the upper end of the consumer headphone market. While not the most expensive available— that title goes to the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 headphones— they are still priced $100 higher than Apple AirPods Max 2 and $200 more than the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) headphones.
Performance Review of Sony 1000X Collexion
Audio Quality Examination
As expected from Sony, the audio quality is excellent, but the standout feature is undoubtedly the spatial audio.
Typically, I have a lukewarm stance on spatial audio, often feeling it renders music hollow and unbalanced in its attempt to emulate a live sound. With the Sony Collexion headphones, I was pleasantly surprised; listening to Olivia Rodrigo’s album felt like attending a live concert, thanks to the immersive nature of the 360 Upmix spatial audio technology, whether I was enjoying the Cure-inspired track “what’s wrong with me” or the stripped-down ballad “less.”
For the first time, I found myself actively choosing to enable the spatial audio feature. Gamers and movie enthusiasts will appreciate the specific modes tailored for those experiences. Even in non-spatial audio mode, the sound quality remained impressive, providing beautiful balance and clarity, bolstered by Sony’s extensive equalizer settings and customization options.
Noise Cancellation Performance
During the press release, Sony’s team emphasized their focus on comfort over noise cancellation compared to the XM6 model. While the technology remains unchanged, the looser fit results in reduced passive active noise cancellation. In real-world scenarios, this looser fit meant that working in cafes was slightly more distracting, transforming background chatter and music into a muted buzz rather than creating a personal listening oasis.
While the active noise cancellation remains top-notch, I expected Sony to enhance this feature further given the $650 price tag.
Design and Build Quality of the Sony 1000X Collexion
The metallic accents of the headphones enhance their visual appeal, yet I sought greater functionality. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable
The Collexion headphones exude a premium feel, featuring metal accents and faux leather enveloping the exterior, contrasting with the hard plastic typically found in the 1000X series.
They appear durable; however, for their price, I was not entirely satisfied with the outcome. While the metal buttons add a touch of class, and the wider headband improves comfort, I missed the foldable ear cups present in the XM6 headphones, which significantly enhance portability. In comparison to the Bose QC Ultra 2 headphones, known for their exceptional comfort, these did not offer a superior experience.
While I acknowledge the potential for being overly critical, the price point remains significant. At $650, I expect headphones that not only look impressive but also deliver functionality in every design aspect. To me, these headphones felt more like a fashion statement than an ultra-functional audio device. If Sony aims for this aesthetic, they should consider expanding their color options beyond just two choices.
Is the Sony Collexion Headphones Right for You?
The Sony Collexion headphones come with a peculiar name, an attractive design that doesn’t always meet expectations, and the finest sound quality I’ve experienced in a headphone model. They truly feel like the first to have mastered the art of delivering exceptional spatial audio.
The price may be a barrier for many consumers. If you’re passionate about spatial audio and desire a live sound experience, investing in these headphones will provide you with the best of that quality. Nonetheless, the headphones should excel in more categories given their price. A price range of $550 or $600 would have been far more reasonable, suggesting that this model caters primarily to dedicated fans eager for an anniversary edition rather than those simply seeking the best headphones on the market.
Daniel Mercer
