You know those products that you take out of the box and say “wow!”? Well, Sony’s new headphones are just this. Introducing the Sony 1000X The Collexion, a pair of high-end headphones that blend premium aesthetics with superb audio performance. After using them for several weeks, here’s my comprehensive review covering all the essential features, specifications, and price insights.
✅ Buy It If…
- You are looking for comfortable and aesthetically pleasing headphones for home use.
- You prioritize great sound and effective noise cancellation.
- You enjoy high-definition music and don’t mind using a wired connection.
❌ Don’t Buy It If…
- You are seeking an economical headphone option, as these are on the pricier side.
- You mainly listen to compressed music from platforms like Spotify or YouTube Music.
- You need versatile headphones that can be used outdoors or during sports.
The Essentials in 30 Seconds
The Sony 1000X The Collexion features an excellent premium finish that is surprisingly comfortable to wear. However, due to their delicate design, it’s advisable to limit outdoor use. Audio quality is exceptional, approaching the level of Sony’s renowned 1000XM6 series. While the noise cancellation capabilities are impressive, some software features like DSEE and Upmix are underwhelming in practice.
The battery life offers decent autonomy, though it doesn’t quite match the leading competitors. Despite some connectivity limitations for mobile use, overall, these headphones deliver a satisfying experience within their intended context.
9.1
Design 9.5
Sound quality 9.0
Noise cancellation 9.2
Ergonomics 9.0
Usage experience 9.25
Autonomy 8.7
Pros
- Exceptional noise cancellation performance.
- Top-quality materials offering a luxurious feel.
- Sound quality is comparable with the best in the market.
Cons
- Durability concerns due to the premium material.
- Functions like Upmix and DSEE don’t add significant value.
- High retail price compared to competitors.
Sony 1000X The COLLEXION Luxury Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Premium Noise Canceling, Hi-Res Studio Sound, and 360 Spatial Audio.
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Our Experience with the Sony 1000X The Collexion
Sony X1000 The Collection | Image
Beautiful Not to Take Them Out of the House. The aesthetic and design quality of the Sony 1000X The Collexion is unmatched, featuring premium materials like synthetic leather and stainless steel. Comfort-wise, they are arguably the most comfortable headphones I’ve encountered. However, their beautiful design might not withstand the wear and tear of regular outdoor use.
- Included is a high-quality fabric carrying case, though it could get dirty easily.
An Impressive Sound. The audio performance matches the price point of approximately 600 euros. The sound is crisp, with well-defined highs and a punchy bass. Whether you listen to Nu Metal or soothing jazz, the headphones meet expectations for extended sessions, providing an enjoyable listening experience.
Noise Cancellation. Sony excels in noise cancellation technology. When stacked against the WH-1000XM6, the 1000X The Collexion performs just under that level. They effectively mitigate both indoor and outdoor noise, making them ideal for various environments.
Sony X1000 The Collection | Image
Software Features. The headphones feature DSEE and Upmix functions, which were underwhelming in real-world use. The DSEE algorithm attempts to improve Bluetooth audio quality, while Upmix seeks to simulate a spatial audio environment. While these concepts sound promising, their execution leaves much to be desired.
- Management application available on iOS and Android: Sound Connect.
Battery Life. Sony claims an autonomy of up to 24 hours with active noise cancellation, which is decent but not the industry-leading figure. Comparatively, their 1000XM6 series offers 30 hours, making them a better choice if battery longevity is critical.
Technical Sheet of the Sony 1000X The Collexion
Sony 1000X The Collection | |
|---|---|
Architecture | Closed circumaural headphones |
Diaphragm | Unidirectional Carbon Composite Transducer, Diameter: 30mm |
Noise Cancellation | Active + Ambient Sound Capture Mode |
Microprocessors | Sony HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3 |
Frequency Response | 4 Hz to 40 kHz (wired connection) |
Sensitivity | 103 dB/mW (wired connection) |
Impedance | 48 ohms (wired connection) |
Connectivity | USB-C charging, 3.5mm jack |
Wireless Connectivity | Bluetooth 6.0 |
Bluetooth Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP, TMAP, PBP |
Audio Formats | SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3 |
Battery | Up to 24 hours (with ANC) |
Power Consumption (standby) | 0.5W |
Weight | 320 grams |
Others | DSEE Ultimate, 360 Reality Audio (Upmix), Touch Surface Control |
Price |
Sony 1000X The Collexion: Final Thoughts
Sony X1000 The Collection | Image
The Sony 1000X The Collexion is arguably a luxury product, priced at 629 euros. They offer remarkable design, comfort, and audio quality, which can certainly justify the premium tag. However, in a crowded market, they compete with stellar alternatives within the same price range, such as Sony’s own WH-1000XM6, which provides slightly better performance.
In conclusion, I appreciated the 1000X’s sound quality, noise cancellation, and overall comfort. However, features like DSEE and Upmix left me unimpressed, and the lack of USB Type-C connectivity felt like a missed opportunity. If you have the budget and value aesthetics, you may find these headphones rewarding. But many will find better value in Sony’s other offerings.
Images | Xataka