Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION - immersive audio, AI audio upscaling, and luxury comfort to match

Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION – immersive audio, AI audio upscaling, and luxury comfort to match

By Tom MarshallMay 22, 202612 mins read

Sony’s latest headphones celebrate 10 years of the 1000X series with upgraded comfort, immersive audio, and high-end design details built for long listening sessions.

For the past decade, Sony’s 1000X-series have become one of the biggest names in wireless listening. Ever since the launch of the MDR-1000X back in 2016, the range has blended strong active noise cancelling, powerful sound quality, and everyday comfort to become a fan favourite.

Now, Sony is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the series with the launch of 1000X THE COLLEXION, building on everything fans already love about the brand’s flagship headphones.

A premium design focused on comfort

Sony describes 1000X THE COLLEXION as the “pinnacle of Sony’s headphone design”, and it’s easy to see why. The headphones feature a refined construction, using a metallic and matte contrast to give the headphones a luxury feel across both colour options: Platinum or Black. The soft faux leather used took two years to develop, resulting in a cleaner and more seamless look.

Comfort is clearly a priority here too. The earcups have been designed to sit more naturally around the ears to reduce pressure, while the wider cushioned headband helps distribute weight more evenly, making them perfect for long listening sessions.

Even the carry case has seen attention, with Sony replacing the traditional zip with a magnetic closure and have added an easy-grip handle for easier access while traveling.

Exceptional sound as always

Sony’s X1000 range always delivers on sound quality, and 1000THE COLLEXION is no different. The headphones feature a new bespoke driver unit that allows for clearer separation between vocals and instruments, more delicate high-frequency detail, and a richer, wider soundstage.

On top of this, Sony worked alongside GRAMMY award-winning and nominated mastering engineers to refine the tuning of 1000X THE COLLEXION. Sony says their expertise helps deliver smoother vocals, better instrument balance, and more nuanced dynamics that preserve the intent of artists and creators.

While the WH-1000XM6 features Edge-AI audio upscaling, 1000X THE COLLEXION becomes the first model to feature upgraded DSEE Ultimate technology. In practice, this helps restore lost detail and dynamic range from compressed audio files in real time, helping streaming audio sound fuller and more detailed.

For immersive listening, Sony has expanded its 360 Reality Audio Upmix feature into three dedicated modes for Music, Cinema, and Game content. Controlled through the Listening Mode button, the feature transforms standard stereo audio into spatial audio experiences designed to feel more immersive and lifelike.

The same flagship active noise cancelling

Sony hasn’t held back on noise canceling either. 1000X THE COLLEXION boasts the same noise cancelling tech found in the WH-1000XM6 headphones, including Sony’s HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN3.

The headphones use 12 microphones alongside Sony’s Multi-Noise Sensor technology to analyse surrounding sound in real time and adapt noise cancelling performance based on your environment and fit. Plus, Adaptive NC Optimise technology automatically adjusts performance depending on outside noise and air pressure.

Connectivity and usability

Beyond music playback, Sony has packed in plenty of smart features aimed at everyday usability.

For calls, the headphones use a six-microphone AI beamforming system designed to isolate the user’s voice from background noise. The headphones also support head gesture controls, allowing users to answer or decline calls by nodding or shaking their head.

Elsewhere, features like Speak-to-Chat automatically lower music volume when the user starts talking, while Wear to Play pauses audio when the headphones are removed and resumes playback when placed back on. Sony’s Sound Connect app continues to act as the central hub for personalisation too, letting users customise EQ settings, spatial audio modes, listening shortcuts, and ambient sound controls. 1000X THE COLLEXION also supports Multipoint Bluetooth connection, Fast Pair for Android, Swift Pair for Windows devices, and Auracast compatibility.

Last but not least, the battery life on 1000X THE COLLEXION remains strong as well.

Battery life remains strong as well. The headphones offer up to 24 hours of playback with active noise cancelling enabled, extending to 32 hours with noise cancelling turned off. Fast charging is included too, with a five-minute charge providing up to 1.5 hours of listening time.

Sustainability and accessibility remain a focus

Sony is also continuing its wider sustainability push with 1000X THE COLLEXION. Approximately 25% of the plastic used throughout the headphones comes from recycled materials, while the packaging itself is completely plastic-free.

Accessibility has also clearly been considered throughout the design process. The magnetic carry case is designed to be easier to open for users with limited mobility, while tactile button shapes and clearer left/right markings improve usability. Sony has also included accessible QR guides to help users quickly find support and setup information.