Sony’s Luxury 10th Anniversary ‘ColleXion’ Headphones: A Decade of Evolution in Quiet

Sony has long dominated the premium noise-cancelling headphone market with its 1000X series. Launched in 2016, the line set new standards for wireless audio, battling Bose’s QuietComfort models in a rivalry that drove innovation in ANC, battery life, and sound quality. To mark the 10th anniversary, Sony unveiled the 1000X THE COLLEXION (often stylized as ColleXion or WH-1000XX) on May 19, 2026—a halo product that shifts focus from pure technical specs to refined craftsmanship, comfort, and “studio-grade” audio.

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The Collexion embodies “quiet luxury.” Unlike the mostly plastic XM6, it features premium stainless steel accents, soft vegan leather (faux leather), and no visible hard plastic on the exterior surfaces. The polished and sandblasted metal arms glide smoothly, while the earcups and wider headband offer plush, generously padded contact points. Sony widened the headband (about 10% broader) and thickened its cushioning by roughly 40% compared to the XM6 for even weight distribution. The earcups are slightly slimmer in profile (5mm thinner) yet roomier inside for better ear fit.

Available in Black (with matching dark metal) and Platinum, the headphones feel substantial yet lightweight at around 320g. They prioritize elegance over foldability—the earcups do not collapse like on some predecessors, making the sculpted carrying case (with magnetic latch and handle) essential for travel. This case matches the headphone color and adds to the premium unboxing experience.

Reviewers consistently praise the supreme comfort. The lighter clamping force, combined with deep earcup padding, allows hours of wear without fatigue—rivaling or exceeding Bose’s best. Controls feel refined: metal buttons on the left earcup for power, ANC, and modes; a capacitive touch panel on the right for playback and volume. The overall aesthetic leans minimalist and fashion-forward rather than overtly techy.

 

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Sony equipped the Collexion with a bespoke 30mm unidirectional carbon fiber driver, co-tuned with mastering engineers for balanced, detailed sound. It delivers rich lows without boominess, natural vocals, clear highs, and excellent instrument separation. A new V3 integrated processor powers DSEE Ultimate (AI upscaling for compressed audio), making it the first Sony headphone with this advanced tech—noticeably enhancing streaming from services like Spotify or Apple Music.

The soundstage feels spacious and nuanced, excelling with classical, jazz, and acoustic tracks where subtle details emerge. Bass is deep and controlled, mids warm and vibrant, highs sparkling without harshness. Out-of-the-box tuning leans refined and relaxed rather than the sometimes energetic XM6. A 10-band EQ in the Sony | Sound Connect app allows customization.

Spatial Audio with 360 Upmix adds Music, Cinema, and Game modes. Cinema and Game enhance immersion effectively; the Music mode is more divisive—many prefer straight stereo for fidelity. LDAC support (up to 990kbps on Android) ensures high-res wireless playback, alongside SBC, AAC, and LC3. Wired listening via the included 3.5mm cable is also possible.

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The Collexion uses the same QN3 HD Noise Cancelling Processor and 12 microphones as the XM6, with adaptive optimization. It excels at low- and mid-frequency noise (engine rumble, traffic) but offers slightly less passive isolation due to the looser, comfort-focused fit. Overall ANC remains excellent—among the best in class—but the XM6 edges it out for maximum quiet in noisy environments like offices or flights. Ambient mode is natural and effective.

Call quality shines with AI beamforming mics that deliver clear voice in wind or background noise. Battery life reaches 24 hours with ANC (32 hours off), with 5-minute quick charge yielding 90 minutes. Multipoint Bluetooth 5.3 connects two devices seamlessly. Additional perks include Speak-to-Chat, 360 Reality Audio support, and app integration for Google Gemini or other assistants.

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Vs. WH-1000XM6: The XM6 offers longer battery (30+ hours), marginally superior ANC, and foldable design at a lower price. The Collexion wins on build quality, comfort, and refined sound—ideal if luxury and nuance matter more than raw specs.

Vs. Competitors: It undercuts the B&W PX8 S2 while matching or exceeding in comfort and ANC. Against AirPods Max, it provides better ANC versatility and app features without the heavy weight or ecosystem lock-in. Sound purists may prefer its natural tuning.

Sustainability touches include 25% recycled plastic, replaceable earcups, and a serviceable battery—better than many luxury peers.

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This is Sony’s statement piece: not for everyone, but for enthusiasts who value emotional connection—premium materials, all-day comfort, and detailed, fatigue-free listening. At $650, it’s a splurge. If you already own an XM6 and seek incremental upgrades in feel and refinement, it justifies the premium. Casual users or value hunters should stick with the XM6.

Early reviews highlight its strengths in comfort and sound while noting the price and minor ANC trade-offs. As a 10th-anniversary celebration, the Collexion successfully evolves the 1000X legacy from innovative tech to wearable luxury. Whether it becomes a new benchmark or a niche collector’s item depends on whether buyers embrace “quiet luxury” for their ears.

In a market flooded with capable ANC headphones, Sony reminds us that sometimes the best listening experience comes from thoughtful design and masterful tuning. The Collexion isn’t just headphones—it’s a decade distilled into wearable elegance.

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