Design and Comfort: A Luxe Take on the 1000X Formula
Sony 1000X The Collexion is positioned as a celebratory model for the 10th anniversary of the 1000X line, and the design clearly reflects that ambition. Instead of the more utilitarian, matte-plastic look of the WH-1000XM6, The Collexion adopts a leather-like exterior with stainless steel reinforcement in the headband and hinges. This not only elevates the aesthetic but should also address long-term durability concerns seen on earlier 1000X models. The headband is about 10% wider with roughly 40% thicker padding, while the earcups are slimmer on the outside yet roomier inside, giving ears more space and reducing pressure on the drivers. Despite weighing more than the WH-1000XM6, the improved weight distribution and plush padding make these among the most comfortable premium wireless headphones you can wear for extended sessions.
Audio Performance and Noise Canceling: Shared DNA, Subtle Upgrades
Under the luxe exterior, Sony 1000X The Collexion leans on the proven acoustic platform of the WH-1000XM6, but it isn’t just a cosmetic re-skin. Sony uses a bespoke 30mm driver with a soft edge and a high‑rigidity unidirectional carbon composite dome. This design aims to deliver clearer separation between instruments and vocals, more delicate high‑frequency detail and a wider, more expansive soundstage than the WH-1000XM6. The V3 processor and Bluetooth 6.0 support help maintain a stable connection and refined digital processing. Active noise canceling is technically on par with the XM6, though the slightly looser passive seal from the redesigned earpads can make it marginally less effective in absolute terms. Even so, The Collexion remains firmly in top-tier territory for noise canceling headphones, combining strong isolation with a refined, engaging sound signature that will satisfy most audiophiles on the move.
Smart Features, DSEE Ultimate and 360 Reality Audio Upmix
Where Sony 1000X The Collexion tries hardest to justify its status is in digital processing and feature depth. Sony highlights that these are the first headphones to support DSEE Ultimate, an AI‑powered upscaling engine designed to restore detail lost in compressed music files, bringing streaming tracks closer to studio-grade sound. The Collexion also expands Sony’s 360 Reality Audio Upmix into three modes—music, cinema and game—so stereo content can be rendered with a more immersive spatial character tailored to what you’re listening to. There’s also support for spatial audio with head tracking, though that feature works only with certain Android devices. Call quality and general ANC behavior draw heavily from the WH-1000XM6 playbook, remaining excellent in daily use. The overall experience feels very much like Sony’s established flagship, but with a few extra digital tricks that will appeal to enthusiasts who value immersive processing.
Battery Life, Portability and Everyday Use
In everyday use, The Collexion’s biggest compromise compared with the WH-1000XM6 is battery life. The new unidirectional carbon drivers demand more power, so Sony rates these headphones at up to 24 hours of playback at moderate volumes, versus up to 30 hours on the XM6. Fast charging is also slightly less impressive: around 5 minutes for roughly 1.5 hours of playback, compared with the XM6’s ability to deliver about 3 hours from a 3‑minute top-up. Portability is tweaked rather than transformed. Like the WH-1000XM5, The Collexion folds flat but not inward, and it comes with a more structured case featuring a built-in handle and magnetic clasp. The case is a bit larger yet more stylish, giving the whole package a premium, fashion-forward vibe that’s easier to carry by hand or hang from a bag during commutes and flights.
Value and WH-1000XM6 Comparison: Is the Premium Worth It?
Sony 1000X The Collexion costs USD 649.99 (approx. RM3,050), putting a clear USD 200 (approx. RM940) gap above the WH-1000XM6. For that extra outlay, you get upgraded drivers with a more expansive soundstage, a more luxurious and reinforced design, DSEE Ultimate, expanded 360 Reality Audio Upmix modes and a higher-end case. You also accept trade-offs: shorter battery life, a marginal drop in ANC effectiveness due to the earpad seal, and no USB‑C audio. In pure performance-per-dollar terms, the WH-1000XM6 remains the sensible choice and the better value for most buyers. The Collexion makes sense if you prioritise design, build quality and incremental sonic refinement, and are willing to pay a steep premium for a more collectible, anniversary-grade take on Sony’s flagship noise canceling headphones.