Sony 1000X the Collexion: Everything to know about Sony's 10th anniversary headphones

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Sony's WH-1000XM6 hit the market just over a year ago, and already, the brand is back with a new pair of noise-cancelling headphones.

This time, however, it's in honor of the 10-year anniversary of the iconic 1000X line. So how do you follow up one of the best headphone releases of the past year? If you're Sony, you release the 1000X the Collexion: an upgraded pair of headphones that prioritizes sleek design, comfort, and sound.

The upgrade doesn't come cheap, though. Sony is asking $649.99 for the new headphones, which is a $200 price jump over the $449.99 WH-1000XM6 headphones — and those had already increased in price from the $399.99 XM5 headphones.

My testing unit is still making its way to me, so I can't share any personal first impressions of how the 1000X the Collexion headphones stack up (and most importantly, if they're maybe worth the extra $200). What I can share is a breakdown of what to expect from the Collexion headphones, what's similar to the XM6s, and everything you need to know if you're looking to purchase the anniversary edition headphones. And stay tuned for a hands-on review when I do get the headphones in to test.

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In a press briefing, Sony reps made it clear that these headphones aren't necessarily intended to improve on the XM6 headphones in every way possible. That said, there are some notable improvements that drive up the price point.

Design and comfort prioritized

Sony headphones have never exactly skimped on design, but the 1000X series historically does opt for an all or mostly plastic approach. With the Collexion headphones, Sony flips the script, putting no plastic on the surface of the headphones. Instead, stainless steel and vegan leather make up the chassis, "to create a headphone that looks as elevated as it feels," according to the press release. For the on-ear controls, Sony uses metal buttons.

This design posits Sony in competition with the likes of Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2 headphones, which are comprised of a combo of die-cast aluminum and Nappa leather. (Those headphones, for the record, run for $799.)

Not stopping there, Sony also widened the headband of the headphones to more evenly distribute the weight of the headphones, and make for an all-over more comfortable wear experience. The brand states that the cushioning on the headband is about 40 percent thicker than the XM6 headphones, while the band is about 10 percent wider (from a top-down view). The ear cups are also slightly slimmer, losing about five millimeters of the profile from the XM6 headphones.

As the last major design change, the Collexion headphones also go back on an XM6 update — folding ear cups. After the XM5 headphones lost the folding ear cups feature of earlier 1000X headphones, I was happy to see them return on the XM6 headphones, but the Collexion headphones are back to the design of the XM5 ear cups.

Noise cancellation isn't quite as powerful

The XM6 headphones are one of the best noise-cancelling headphones of the past year, so it may come as a shock that Collexion's noise cancellation isn't quite as good.

It comes back to the comfort factor. Prioritizing comfort means that Sony didn't go for quite as snug a fit as the XM6 headphones. So while the XM6 and Collexion headphones have the same internal noise cancellation capabilities thanks to the 12 microphones, multi-noise sensor, and adaptive noise cancellation optimizer, less passive noise cancellation on the Collexion headphones means the XM6s will retain the slight edge on that front.

Improved sound quality

The Collexion headphones come with a bespoke driver system that uses unidirectional carbon fiber, which, according to Sony, allows for more clarity in separation for instruments and better high-frequency range expression.

The headphones also come with a V3 integrated audio processor, which helps power DSEE Ultimate, a feature that uses AI scale enhancement to provide the highest resolution listening experience possible. The Collexion is the first and only Sony headphones to feature the DSEE Ultimate tech.

Finally, the spatial audio mixer includes a music and game mode in addition to the existing cinema mode. There's also an on-ear button to power the different modes.

Slightly lower battery life

This change is pretty much as it's written on the box. Compared to the 30 hours of battery life found on the XM5 and XM6 headphones, the 1000X the Collexion headphones have 24 hours of battery life.

A new carrying case

Like the XM6 headphones, the Collexion headphones have a magnetic carrying case, but for the anniversary headphones, Sony has added a handle to the design.

Sony 1000X the Collexion: Just the specs

• Processor: Sony QN3 and V3

• Microphones: 12

• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3

• Battery: 24 hours with ANC

• Noise cancellation: Active noise cancellation

• Spatial audio: Yes

• Colors: Platinum and black

• Inputs: USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack

Sony 1000X the Collexion: Who's it for

Sony enthusiasts, folks who love a luxury look, and those who prioritize comfort above all else are the target audience for this Sony release. That said, $649.99 is a hefty price, even for premium headphones, so it wouldn't be surprising if these headphones only appeal to the more devoted Sony fans among us.

Sony 1000X the Collexion: Where to buy

As of May 19, the Sony 1000X the Collexion headphones are available at Sony, Amazon, and Best Buy for $649.99.