Sony WH-1000X The Collexion headphones feature a bass-heavy sound profile and premium build quality

The Sony WH-1000X The Collexion headphones, a special edition released for the 10th anniversary of the 1000X series, offer a distinct, bass-heavy audio profile and a premium build compared to the standard XM6 model. The headphones feature metal hinges and a more comfortable, spacious ear cup design that measures 44mm wide and 34mm deep. While the device includes support for SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3 codecs, it lacks a charging cable in the box, a cost-saving measure that contributes to its $649.99 price point. The headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation enabled, or 16 hours during continuous communication. The audio performance is characterized by significant sub-bass and mid-range emphasis, which may be perceived as muddy by some listeners. Despite the high price, the custom EQ options are limited, preventing users from adjusting specific frequency bands to mitigate the bass and treble spikes. The headphones include features like 360 Reality Audio Upmix, multipoint connectivity, and touch-based controls for noise cancellation and playback management.

Tech4K StaffVideo report

The Sony WH-1000X The Collexion headphones, a special edition released for the 10th anniversary of the 1000X series, offer a distinct, bass-heavy audio profile and a premium build compared to the standard XM6 model. The headphones feature metal hinges and a more comfortable, spacious ear cup design that measures 44mm wide and 34mm deep. While the device includes support for SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3 codecs, it lacks a charging cable in the box, a cost-saving measure that contributes to its $649.99 price point. The headphones provide up to 24 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation enabled, or 16 hours during continuous communication. The audio performance is characterized by significant sub-bass and mid-range emphasis, which may be perceived as muddy by some listeners. Despite the high price, the custom EQ options are limited, preventing users from adjusting specific frequency bands to mitigate the bass and treble spikes. The headphones include features like 360 Reality Audio Upmix, multipoint connectivity, and touch-based controls for noise cancellation and playback management.

The Sony WH-1000X The Collexion headphones feature a premium build with metal hinges and more spacious ear cups than the standard XM6 model. The headphones offer a bass-heavy sound profile with significant sub-bass and mid-range emphasis that may be perceived as muddy.

The device supports SBC, AAC, LDAC, and LC3 codecs for high-quality wireless audio playback. Battery life is rated for up to 24 hours with active noise cancellation enabled or 16 hours during continuous calls.

The headphones lack an included charging cable, which the manufacturer notes is a cost-saving measure. Users have limited control over the sound profile, as the custom EQ does not allow for adjustment of the specific frequency bands where the bass and treble spikes occur.

Chapter guide

Unboxing and initial impressionsThe video begins with an unboxing of the special edition Sony WH-1000X The Collexion headphones, highlighting the included documentation and accessories.Build quality and designA detailed look at the physical construction, including the metal hinges, padding, and ear cup dimensions.Controls and featuresAn overview of the physical buttons, touch controls, and noise cancellation modes.360 Reality Audio UpmixExplanation of the spatial audio processing feature and how it affects different types of media.Codec support and battery lifeTechnical specifications regarding codec compatibility and battery performance for music and calls.Frequency response analysisA breakdown of the headphones' sound profile using frequency response data and a comparison to listener preferences.Custom EQ limitationsA demonstration of the custom EQ settings and the inability to adjust specific frequency bands.Market comparison and conclusionA comparison of the headphones' price and performance against other models like the AirPods Max and Momentum 5.

Worth noting

  • The headphones reviewed are a special reviewer package and may not reflect the exact retail packaging for all customers.
  • The frequency response data is based on specific measurement fixtures and may vary based on individual ear anatomy and fit.
  • The video includes a paid sponsorship segment for LTT Forever Socks.

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