Sony 1000X The Collexion headphones bring luxe noise cancelling
Sony’s new $649.99 1000X The Collexion headphones add studio-tuned sound, 12-mic noise cancelling and a premium vegan leather build.
By Bianca Rossi · Entertainment Editor
3 min read
Sony 1000X The Collexion headphones are now on sale online, bringing a $649.99 premium model to the company’s long-running 1000X line with studio-minded tuning and a dressed-up design.
Rolling Stone’s Tim Chan reported that Sony introduced the wireless noise-cancelling headphones earlier this year and is selling them in two finishes: an off-white platinum colorway and a deep black version. Each set comes with the headphones, a carrying case and a headphone cable.
What are the Sony 1000X The Collexion headphones?
The 1000X The Collexion is a premium wireless noise-cancelling headphone model in Sony’s 1000X family. According to Rolling Stone, Sony pitched the set as a new benchmark for sound, comfort and design within its audio lineup.
The big hook is the tuning. Rolling Stone reported that Sony worked with Grammy-winning mastering engineer Michael Romanowski, whose credits include Alicia Keys and Earth, Wind & Fire, and Grammy-nominated engineer Mike Piacentini, whose credits include Bob Dylan and Depeche Mode.
The aim, according to the engineers’ comments to Rolling Stone, was to keep music close to the sound of the original studio recording rather than relying on heavy bass boosts or flashy processing. Romanowski told the outlet that if consumer headphones present a track in a way that lines up with studio monitors and studio-grade headphones, that is when he is satisfied.
Piacentini told Rolling Stone that a balanced sound gives listeners room to adjust the experience to their own taste. Romanowski added that the goal is to help fans connect with the music rather than the technology behind it.
What features do they have?
Rolling Stone said the headphones use a new custom driver unit designed to create a wider and more realistic soundstage. Chan, who said he tested the headphones for three months after first trying them at Sony’s Tokyo offices, described the sound as detailed and clear, with a strong sense of where instruments were placed.
The headphones also include DSEE Ultimate, Sony’s AI-based upscaling feature. According to Rolling Stone, it analyzes compressed music in real time and works to bring tracks closer to high-resolution quality.
Sony’s 360 Reality Audio Upmix is also included. Rolling Stone reported that the feature turns standard stereo into a spatial-style listening experience and offers three modes: music, cinema and game.
Noise cancelling remains a headline feature. The report says the 1000X The Collexion uses 12 internal microphones to adjust noise cancellation in real time. Chan wrote that the system delivered a quiet experience during an 11.5-hour flight to Korea.
How long does the battery last?
Sony says the headphones can run for up to 24 hours on one charge, according to Rolling Stone. Chan reported that his testing came in closer to 20 hours with noise cancelling on.
A quick-charge feature is also included. Rolling Stone reported that five minutes of charging provides up to 1.5 hours of playback.
On design, the headphones are wrapped in soft vegan leather with a pared-back look, integrated metal buttons and microphones, and a carrying case with a magnetic closure, according to Rolling Stone. Chan also reported that the headphones felt lightweight and comfortable while wearing glasses, with earcups that sit around the ears rather than pressing into them.
This story draws on original reporting from Rolling Stone.