Introducing the 1000X The Collexion Headphones
Sony has launched a new addition to its acclaimed 1000X audio series, marking a decade of innovation in premium headphones. The 1000X The Collexion is positioned as a step above the flagship WH-1000XM6, offering a more refined design, enhanced comfort, and improved sound quality while maintaining the advanced active noise cancellation (ANC) technology found in its predecessor.
In addition to the new model, Sony has also introduced a fresh Sandstone colour option for the WH-1000XM6 lineup, adding more choice for consumers who appreciate a modern aesthetic.
Pricing and Availability
The 1000X The Collexion is priced at $649.99 globally, which is approximately Rs 62,700. It will be available in Platinum and Black finishes. Meanwhile, the WH-1000XM6 was launched at $449.99 (~Rs 43,500), and the new Sandstone variant of the XM6 is priced at $399.99 (~Rs 38,600).
However, as of now, there has been no official announcement regarding the availability of either the 1000X The Collexion or the Sandstone variant of the WH-1000XM6 in India.
Specifications and Features
The 1000X The Collexion features unidirectional carbon composite drivers, designed to deliver a richer, wider soundstage with clearer separation between instruments and vocals. Sony collaborated with Grammy-winning and nominated mastering engineers to ensure the headphones meet the creator’s intent in terms of sound tuning.
Internally, the headphones have undergone a revamp, including a newer V3 processing unit and an AI-powered DSEE Ultimate system that enhances audio quality. They support Bluetooth 6.0 and offer 360 spatial upmix modes for music, cinema, and gaming.
For noise cancellation, the headphones use the same core setup as the WH-1000XM6, featuring a 12-microphone system and Adaptive NC Optimizer support.
Design and Build
Compared to the WH-1000XM6, which primarily uses lightweight plastic materials, the 1000X The Collexion introduces stainless steel elements, faux leather finishes, and a more luxury-focused design language. The headband has been widened, and the padding has been thickened for better comfort during long listening sessions.
The earcups are slimmer on the outside but provide more internal space for larger ears. The headphones also feature more tactile buttons and clearer left-right indicators. However, the added materials increase the weight to around 312g-320g, compared to the XM6’s 254g.
Case and Portability
The 1000X The Collexion comes with a carry case that includes a magnetic clasp and an integrated handle, making it more stylish and easier to transport. However, unlike the WH-1000XM6, the earcups do not fold inward—they only rotate flat, similar to models like the Apple AirPods Max. This could be a drawback for some users concerned about portability.
Audio Performance
The upgraded unidirectional carbon composite drivers are expected to deliver cleaner treble, improved texture, and a noticeably wider soundstage than the XM6. The headphones also include upgraded processing hardware, Bluetooth 6.0 support, and DSEE Ultimate AI audio upscaling technology. There is a greater emphasis on spatial audio with dedicated Music, Cinema, and Game upmix modes.
Battery Life
The battery life of the 1000X The Collexion is rated at up to 24 hours with ANC enabled, which is slightly less than the 30 hours offered by the XM6. Additionally, the fast charging speeds are slower compared to the previous model.
Overall, the 1000X The Collexion appears to focus on delivering an immersive audio experience within a more premium design. It represents Sony’s effort to create a luxury-oriented flagship headphone that sits above the WH-1000XM6.
