Sony has unveiled the 1000X The Collexion, a new luxury take on its long-running line of wireless noise-canceling headphones that marks the 10th anniversary of the original MDR-1000X model.
The headphones, which carry a price tag of $650, do not replace the existing WH-1000XM6 but instead emphasize comfort and premium materials over the functionality-focused design of the earlier model, according to company statements.
Ten years ago Sony introduced the MDR-1000X headphones, which combined noise canceling, good sound, design, and comfort in a way that had not been widely seen before in wireless headphones, the review noted.
The new 1000X The Collexion features exposed metal headbands and ear cups wrapped in vegan leather for a more textured feel than the smooth plastic used on the XM6 ear cups, with the same material applied to the ear pads and headband cushion.
Both the ear cups and the headband cushion are more comfortable than those on the XM6, with the head cushion padding around 40 percent thicker and 10 percent wider, according to Sony.
The joints and headband support are made of stainless steel instead of plastic, and the headband frame sits on the exterior of the padding, giving the headphones a unified, streamlined design in white or black color options.
These design choices come with trade-offs, including increased weight from 253 grams on the XM6 to 320 grams on the 1000X, though this remains lighter than the 386 grams of the Apple AirPods Max 2.
Noise-canceling performance is not as strong as on the XM6 because the thinner ear cups reduce passive isolation, most noticeably in the midrange and higher frequencies, even though both models use the same QN3 processor and 12-mic system.
Battery life with active noise cancellation enabled reaches up to 24 hours, compared with up to 30 hours on the XM6, and fast charging is less efficient, delivering 1.5 hours of playback from a five-minute charge.
Sony says the 1000X use newly designed unidirectional 30mm carbon fiber drivers along with the company’s most advanced version of its DSEE sound processing and a new V3 integrated processor, resulting in clearer sound in the lower midrange and added sparkle at the high end.
The opening vocals on The Black Crowes’ “Sometimes Salvation” cut through the texture of the guitars more effectively on the 1000X than on the XM6, where they can sound slightly muffled, according to listening tests described in the review.
Sony added music and game 360 upmix listening modes to the 360 upmix cinema mode already found on the XM6, though the reviewer expressed reservations about the upmixing feature’s tendency to boost high frequencies.
The included case is similar in size to the XM6 case but features a cutout handle that makes it resemble a small bag, with a magnetic clasp that keeps the headphones secure.
The Sony 1000X The Collexion headphones are comfortable, stylish, well built, and sound great, though the reviewer questioned their target audience given the reduced noise-canceling performance and high price point.
“If you’re looking for comfortable, functional, and great-sounding headphones, I’d still get the 1000XM6,” the review concluded.