Overview
- Sony’s WH‑1000XX The Collexion, which debuted Tuesday, enters the top end of the over‑ear market at €630 to rival Apple’s AirPods Max.
- The headphone adds a V3 chip for spatial upmixing and a QN3 chip for noise canceling, with twelve microphones handling ANC and calls, and it includes Sony’s upgraded DSEE Ultimate audio upscaling.
- Build and comfort get a clear lift with metal parts, high‑grade synthetic leather, a fabric travel case, about 320 grams of weight, roomier ear cups, and touch controls alongside three hardware buttons.
- Early reviews split on sound character as FAZ and heise praise a clear, wide, lively stage, while Computer Bild hears a warm but less brilliant tone and notes that the upmix feature can sound echoey on standard stereo tracks.
- Sony lists about 24 hours of battery life, though one test measured nearly 31 hours with ANC and LDAC, and the company says this premium model does not replace the WH‑1000XM6, which continues as its ANC standard and adds a Sandstone color.