Sony has announced 1000X THE COLLEXION, a new flagship addition to its long-running 1000X noise-cancelling headphone lineup.
The stylish new headphones are positioned as a premium, design-led product — distinct from the more performance-focused WH-1000XM6 — and carry a price tag to match at HK$4,999. The launch coincides with the 10th anniversary of the 1000X series, which began with the MDR-1000X in 2016.
What Makes 1000X THE COLLEXION Different?
Rather than replacing the WH-1000XM6, Sony is pitching 1000X THE COLLEXION as a separate tier — one that prioritises materials, aesthetics and comfort alongside audio performance. The headband is constructed from metal with a matte sandblasted finish and hand-polished gloss accents, with each unit individually finished. The ear cushions use a faux leather that Sony says took two years to develop. Available in Platinum and Black, the design is understated by Sony’s usual consumer-facing standards.
Comfort has received particular attention. The earcup geometry and a wider, cushioned headband are designed to distribute weight more evenly for extended listening sessions — a consideration that will matter to users who wear headphones for hours at a time.
The product also incorporates accessibility features, including a magnetic-closure carry case, tactile L/R buttons, and QR-linked accessibility guides — thoughtful additions that are still rare in the premium headphone category.
Sound and Tech Specs
On the audio side, Sony has fitted 1000X THE COLLEXION with a new bespoke driver unit. The dome is made from unidirectional carbon composite material, which Sony says improves instrument separation, high-frequency clarity and soundstage width. Tuning was done in collaboration with GRAMMY-winning and GRAMMY-nominated mastering engineers — a credible partnership that suggests the sound profile has been shaped with professional input rather than consumer preference curves alone.
Notably, 1000X THE COLLEXION is the first Sony headphone to feature DSEE Ultimate, an Edge-AI-powered upscaling technology that processes compressed audio files in real time to recover lost detail and dynamic range. For listeners who primarily stream at standard quality, this could be a meaningful improvement in day-to-day listening.
The headphones also expand Sony’s 360 Reality Audio Upmix to three distinct modes — Music, Cinema and Game — offering spatial audio processing for a wider range of content types.
Noise cancelling is handled by the same system found in the WH-1000XM6: Multi-Noise Sensor technology with 12 microphones and the Adaptive NC Optimizer. Battery life is rated at up to 24 hours with noise cancelling active, or 32 hours with it switched off.
Sustainability
Sony has used recycled plastic for approximately 25% of the headphone body and carry case materials, and the packaging is plastic-free. These are incremental but consistent steps in line with the company’s stated environmental commitments, though the premium price point may limit how broadly these materials choices are appreciated.
WH-1000XM6 Gets a New Colour
Alongside the COLLEXION launch, Sony is adding a Sandstone colourway to the WH-1000XM6, making it the fifth colour option for that model. It will be exclusively available at Sony Store and Fortress outlets in Hong Kong at a promotional price of USD395 from the same date. No changes to the hardware or feature set are included with the new finish.
Verdict
1000X THE COLLEXION is a coherent product — Sony has identified a gap between its mainstream noise-cancelling headphones and the true luxury segment, and this is a deliberate attempt to occupy that space. Whether the premium materials and comfort improvements justify nearly USD640 will depend on the buyer. Audiophiles and everyday commuters may still find the WH-1000XM6 a more practical choice.
But for those who want premium build quality, DSEE Ultimate upscaling and a design sensibility closer to high-end audio gear, 1000X THE COLLEXION makes a reasonable case for itself.
