Full Breakdown
Sony Unveils 1000X THE COLLEXION: Luxury Upgrade Marks a Decade of 1000X Headphones
5/24/2026, 12:06:54 AM
Milestone Release and Core Specifications
In May 2026 Sony introduced the 1000X THE COLLEXION (model WH-1000XX), a non-folding over-ear set with the series’ V3 processor, 30 mm carbon-composite driver and adaptive noise cancellation. Prices range from US $649.99, UK £549, Israeli NIS 2,300 and Australian A$999.
Background: Ten Years of the 1000X Series
The MDR-1000X launched in 2016, setting a benchmark for wireless noise-cancelling headphones. Successive models, including the WH-1000XM6, refined sound and battery life. The COLLEXION marks the series’ ten-year anniversary as its most premium version.
Design, Materials and Build
Sony replaces plastic hinges with a sandblasted metal frame and hand-polished faux leather that feels like real leather. Reported weight ranges from 226 g to 320 g. The headphones ship in an oval “purse-like” case with magnetic closure.
Audio Performance and Feature Set
The carbon-composite driver improves high-frequency clarity and bass. V3 processing powers DSEE Ultimate upscaling and 360 Upmix with four listening modes (Cinema, Music, Gaming, Background). A hardware button switches modes; USB-C charges, and a 3.5 mm jack provides wired input.
Battery Life and Noise Cancellation
Sources list 24 h of playback with ANC; some report up to 30 h without ANC or 40 h in a no-ANC test. ANC uses the same 12-mic array as the XM6 but delivers a softer profile suited to home use.
Pricing and Market Position
At US $649.99 the COLLEXION sits above the WH-1000XM6 (US $449) and near Apple’s AirPods Max 2 (US $529) but below Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 (US $799). The price reflects luxury materials rather than a performance jump.
Criticism and Consumer Concerns
Reviewers note the higher price, reduced battery life versus the XM6, and ANC that is less aggressive. Software features such as 360 Upmix and Adaptive Sound Control receive mixed feedback, with some users calling the upmix “metallic” and the adaptive ANC “abrupt.”
Official Statements from Sony
Sony’s press release describes a “new carbon composite driver designed to keep instruments and voices distinct, reproduce subtle high-pitched sounds more clearly, and create a more spacious, immersive listening experience.” It also notes that the faux-leather finish required two years of development.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Here’s my two cents: If you care about premium design and comfort and are OK with springing for the higher cost for a more luxurious, premium-sounding pair of headphones, then yes, it is worth it.” — New York Post reviewer
- “THE COLLEXION are wonderful headphones, and constitute a "quiet luxury" version, like an Audi or Genesis car, which sums up beautifully the first decade of Sony's acclaimed headphone series.” — Jpost reviewer
- “I think the naming convention is ill-considered, though, irrelevant of the decade celebrations, marking out the 1000XX as too comparable to the lower-priced 1000XM6 – the latter offering better battery life and 'stronger' ANC delivery.” — T3 reviewer
- “Final verdict Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION headphones are a premium, beautifully crafted model with exceptional sound, world-class noise cancellation and all-day comfort.” — Gourmet Traveller reviewer
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Weight is reported as 226 g (Jpost), 256 g (NYPost) and 320 g (T3). Battery life ranges from 24 h (ANC) to 40 h (no-ANC). Prices vary from US $649.99 to $999.95.
What’s Next
Sony plans a Q3 2026 global rollout and firmware updates to improve Upmix and ANC.
