Sony WH-1000XX headphones review: comfort and audio praised
The Story
The Guardian reviewed Sony’s special anniversary noise-cancelling headphones, the WH-1000XX the Collexion, priced at £549. The review states the headphones prioritise sound quality and comfort over the best noise cancellation, offering a luxurious design with plusher materials. The reviewer found them to be some of the most comfortable over-ear headphones they have worn.
Key Facts
- The WH-1000XX the Collexion cost £549 (€629/$649/A$1,000), above the £349 1000XM6.
- They feature 5.3mm thinner ear cups and a more slender headband, covered in high-quality pleather with polished stainless steel arms.
- Battery life is about 24 hours with noise cancelling active, up to 32 hours with it off; a five-minute charge adds up to 90 minutes of playback.
- Weight is 320g, with Bluetooth 6 and multipoint, 3.5mm jack, USB-C charging, and codecs SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3.
- Use the QN3 chip and noise-cancelling hardware from the 1000XM6, but noise cancelling is described as “similar but not quite as capable,” particularly on higher-pitch noises.
- Sound quality is highlighted as fantastic, with a new AI music upscaling tech called DSEE Ultimate powered by a V3 companion chip.
- Include a 10-band equaliser and spatial audio upmixing for movies and games.
- Call quality was very good in quiet and noisy environments.
- Made with 25% recycled plastic; replaceable ear cups and a replaceable battery.
- The headphones do not fold for travel and have no water resistance.
- Pros listed: fantastic sound, supremely comfortable, 360/spatial audio, Bluetooth multipoint and AAC/LDAC support, 24-hour battery life, great controls, good app, more repairable design.
- Cons listed: super expensive, no water resistance, do not fold, no USB-C audio, noise cancelling not as good as WH-1000XM6.
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
No open questions identified in the source article.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
No specific individuals named in the source article.
Sources: The Guardian
