Sony 1000X the Collexion review: spatial audio is the $650 pitch
Mashable says Sony’s anniversary headphones shine with 360 Upmix sound, but the price hike brings portability tradeoffs.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
3 min read
This Sony 1000X the Collexion review comes down to one feature: 360 Upmix spatial audio. Mashable’s reviewer said it delivered the best spatial-audio experience they had heard, making sound the clearest argument for paying $649.99 for Sony’s anniversary over-ear headphones.
That is a steep jump from the WH-1000XM6. Mashable puts the gap at roughly $190 to $200, and says the higher-priced model will make most sense for buyers who put audio quality and a more upscale look ahead of other upgrades.
Is the Sony 1000X the Collexion worth $650?
For listeners chasing Sony’s most ambitious sound treatment, Mashable’s answer is potentially yes. The reviewer described the Collexion as the best-sounding Sony headphones they had used and singled out the spatial-audio effect from 360 Upmix.
Those are personal listening impressions, not controlled measurements. The review also says many elements of the user experience were largely unchanged from the WH-1000XM6, so the premium is a narrower proposition than an across-the-board replacement.
The Collexion is Sony’s 10th-anniversary edition for the 1000X line, according to Mashable. Tech Spurt likewise described it as a celebration model focused on design and improved audio, rather than a sequel to the WH-1000XM6.
What changes from the WH-1000XM6?
The tradeoff is easiest to spot in the hinges. Mashable says the Collexion uses metal hinges, but its earcups no longer fold. Tech Spurt also reported that the cups rotate 180 degrees without folding up, a potential drawback for people who pack headphones into a bag.
Mashable’s reviewer also found the fit looser than the older model’s. They said that meant weaker passive noise isolation, even though active noise cancellation remained solid in their experience. The reviewer praised the reduced use of hard plastic, plus a plush and comfortable fit, as part of the redesign.
In short, Mashable’s buyer-oriented conclusion is that the Collexion’s audio and styling are the upgrades worth considering, while portability and the physical seal may favor the XM6 for some shoppers.
What are the Sony 1000X the Collexion specs?
Mashable lists bespoke 30 mm drivers, spatial audio, and active noise cancellation powered by V3 and QN3 processors. The headphones have 12 microphones and an estimated 24 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation enabled.
- Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
- SBC, AAC, LDAC and LC3 codec support
- USB-C and 3.5 mm audio inputs
- 320-gram weight
- Black and platinum color options
- No IP rating listed by Mashable
That leaves a clear buying split. The Collexion’s case rests on the reviewer’s standout response to its sound, particularly 360 Upmix. Buyers who need folding earcups or place greater value on passive isolation have a reason to compare it carefully with the WH-1000XM6 before spending the extra money.
This story draws on original reporting from Mashable.