{"id":34630,"date":"2026-08-09T14:40:36","date_gmt":"2026-08-09T09:40:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=34630"},"modified":"2026-08-09T14:40:36","modified_gmt":"2026-08-09T09:40:36","slug":"sony-1000x-the-collexion-review-the-1-reason-to-get-sonys-650-luxury-headphones","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/?p=34630","title":{"rendered":"Sony 1000X the Collexion review: The 1 reason to get Sony&#8217;s $650 luxury headphones"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><script>\r\n  atOptions = {\r\n    'key' : '644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6',\r\n    'format' : 'iframe',\r\n    'height' : 90,\r\n    'width' : 728,\r\n    'params' : {}\r\n  };\r\n<\/script>\r\n<script src=\"https:\/\/www.highperformanceformat.com\/644b717812d811d6a1c1fc5b6ccd6fa6\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"\">\n<h2 class=\"sr-only\" id=\"toc\">Table of Contents<\/h2>\n<aside x-data=\"tableOfContents()\" x-init=\"tableOfContentsInit([{&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Table of Contents&quot;,&quot;anchor&quot;:&quot;toc&quot;},{&quot;text&quot;:&quot;The Sony 1000X the Collexion at a glance&quot;,&quot;anchor&quot;:&quot;the-sony-1000x-the-collexion-at-a-glance&quot;},{&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Sony 1000X the Collexion performance&quot;,&quot;anchor&quot;:&quot;sony-1000x-the-collexion-performance&quot;},{&quot;text&quot;:&quot;The Sony 1000X the Collexion design and build quality&quot;,&quot;anchor&quot;:&quot;the-sony-1000x-the-collexion-design-and-build-quality&quot;},{&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Who should get the Sony the Collexion headphones?&quot;,&quot;anchor&quot;:&quot;who-should-get-the-sony-the-collexion-headphones&quot;},{&quot;text&quot;:&quot;How We Tested&quot;,&quot;anchor&quot;:&quot;how-we-tested&quot;}])\" class=\"block sticky top-0 z-20 order-first pt-8 mx-auto mb-4 w-full font-sans bg-white rounded-sm md:z-30 pgQSsticky font-brand\">\n<div class=\"group\">\n<div class=\"relative mx-auto w-full max-w-[736px] toc-div\">\n                <label for=\"table-of-contents\" class=\"hidden\">Table of Contents<\/label><br \/>\n                <select name=\"table-of-contents\" id=\"table-of-contents\" class=\"p-2 py-2 pr-12 m-auto -mt-2 w-full text-base font-bold tracking-wide bg-white rounded border appearance-none lg:text-sm focus:outline-none border-gray-lighter group-hover:border-gray-darkest\" data-ga-module=\"toc\" data-ga-item=\"toc-list\" data-ga-element=\"toc-link\" data-ga-action=\"toc-click\"><option x-show=\"isvalidLink('toc')\" value=\"toc\" data-position=\"1\">Table of Contents<\/option><option x-show=\"isvalidLink('the-sony-1000x-the-collexion-at-a-glance')\" value=\"the-sony-1000x-the-collexion-at-a-glance\" data-position=\"2\">The Sony 1000X the Collexion at a glance<\/option><option x-show=\"isvalidLink('sony-1000x-the-collexion-performance')\" value=\"sony-1000x-the-collexion-performance\" data-position=\"3\">Sony 1000X the Collexion performance<\/option><option x-show=\"isvalidLink('the-sony-1000x-the-collexion-design-and-build-quality')\" value=\"the-sony-1000x-the-collexion-design-and-build-quality\" data-position=\"4\">The Sony 1000X the Collexion design and build quality<\/option><option x-show=\"isvalidLink('who-should-get-the-sony-the-collexion-headphones')\" value=\"who-should-get-the-sony-the-collexion-headphones\" data-position=\"5\">Who should get the Sony the Collexion headphones?<\/option><option x-show=\"isvalidLink('how-we-tested')\" value=\"how-we-tested\" data-position=\"6\">How We Tested<\/option><\/select><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>When I started reviewing Sony&#8217;s most expensive consumer headphones yet, I naturally expected them to offer an elevated experience. I didn&#8217;t expect to hear the best spatial audio I&#8217;ve ever encountered. I say this, too, as someone who has been left completely unimpressed by spatial audio features time and time again.<\/p>\n<p>Be forewarned, though: the Sony 1000X the Collexion headphones clock in at a whopping $649.99 \u2014 putting them nearly $200 higher than the <a href=\"https:\/\/mashable.com\/review\/sony-wh-1000xm6-headphones\" target=\"_blank\" data-ga-click=\"1\" data-ga-label=\"$text\" data-ga-item=\"text-link\" data-ga-module=\"content_body\">WH-1000XM6<\/a>. The reason for the fanfare? The Collexions are the 10th anniversary celebration of the 1000X line (hence the&#8230;creative name). <\/p>\n<p>The brand certainly delivers on some of its best features in the Collexion headphones, but really, the experience for the high price point is only likely to appeal to a select few who prioritize sound and looks above all else.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-sony-1000x-the-collexion-at-a-glance\">The Sony 1000X the Collexion at a glance<\/h2>\n<div class=\"eloquent-imagery-image\">\n<div class=\"flex justify-center\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"w-full\" src=\"https:\/\/helios-i.mashable.com\/imagery\/reviews\/01tKsfdKVLaHd9mwZOo4NFL\/images-1.fill.size_2000x1144.v1785115929.jpg\" alt=\"sony collexion headphones on green tile countertop\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1144\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/helios-i.mashable.com\/imagery\/reviews\/01tKsfdKVLaHd9mwZOo4NFL\/images-1.fill.size_800x458.v1785115929.jpg 800w, https:\/\/helios-i.mashable.com\/imagery\/reviews\/01tKsfdKVLaHd9mwZOo4NFL\/images-1.fill.size_1400x801.v1785115929.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/helios-i.mashable.com\/imagery\/reviews\/01tKsfdKVLaHd9mwZOo4NFL\/images-1.fill.size_2000x1144.v1785115929.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1408px) 100vw, 1408px\"\/><\/p><\/div>\n<p>\n            <span class=\"normal-case text-gray-1000\">These aren&#8217;t the 1000X headphones you&#8217;re used to.<\/span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"text-gray-600 credit\">Credit: Bethany Allard \/ Mashable<\/span>\n        <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>What I liked: <\/strong>These are the best sounding headphones Sony&#8217;s made, and the spatial audio with the 360 Upmix tech really highlights that. The lack of hard plastic usually found on Sony&#8217;s headphones makes the look more sleek and luxe, and the wear feels plush and comfortable. The <a href=\"https:\/\/mashable.com\/roundup\/best-noise-cancelling-headphones-2026\" target=\"_blank\" data-ga-click=\"1\" data-ga-label=\"$text\" data-ga-item=\"text-link\" data-ga-module=\"content_body\">noise cancellation<\/a> is still solid, too.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What I didn&#8217;t like: <\/strong>The fancy metal hinges mean no more folding ear cups, which was one of my favorite features on the XM6 headphones. The looser fit also means less passive noise cancellation, so the older headphones win out there as well. Finally, I expected the $190 price jump between the XM6 and Collexion headphones to mean upgrades across the board in the user experience, but beyond the improved sound and design, other features on the headphones went basically untouched.<\/p>\n<h3>Specs<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Drivers: <\/strong>Bespoke 30mm driver<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Spatial audio: <\/strong>Yes <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Noise cancellation: <\/strong>Active noise cancellation powered by V3 and QN3 processors<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Battery life: <\/strong>24 hours with active noise cancellation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Microphones: <\/strong>12<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>IP rating: <\/strong>None<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Connection: <\/strong>Bluetooth 5.3<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Codecs: <\/strong>SBC, AAC, LDAC, LC3<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Inputs: <\/strong>USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Weight: <\/strong>320 grams<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Colors: <\/strong>Black and platinum<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Pricing and availability<\/h3>\n<p>At $649.99, the Collexion headphones are undeniably on the high end of the consumer headphones market. They&#8217;re not the most expensive we&#8217;ve seen \u2014 that honor belongs to the <a href=\"https:\/\/mashable.com\/review\/bowers-wilkins-px8-s2-wireless-headphones\" target=\"_blank\" data-ga-click=\"1\" data-ga-label=\"$text\" data-ga-item=\"text-link\" data-ga-module=\"content_body\">Bowers &amp; Wilkins Px8 S2 headphones<\/a> \u2014 but they&#8217;re still $100 more than the <a href=\"https:\/\/mashable.com\/review\/apple-airpods-max-2\" target=\"_blank\" data-ga-click=\"1\" data-ga-label=\"$text\" data-ga-item=\"text-link\" data-ga-module=\"content_body\">Apple AirPods Max 2<\/a> and $200 more than the <a href=\"https:\/\/mashable.com\/review\/bose-quietcomfort-ultra-headphones-2nd-gen\" target=\"_blank\" data-ga-click=\"1\" data-ga-label=\"$text\" data-ga-item=\"text-link\" data-ga-module=\"content_body\">Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) headphones<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"flex relative flex-col p-6 max-w-3xl mx-auto mt-8 mb-16 font-sans border border-gray-100 pogoClear md:flex-row\" data-commerce-block=\"\">\n<div class=\"md:mx-0 relative md:w-1\/2\">\n                                                        <a href=\"https:\/\/cc.mashable.com\/v1\/otc\/03bCs1jQxEftXGkZ7A6Km1e?merchant=05kie42h3YvHwjr4G1w80Qq&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0GW9MBZJ9&amp;template=review&amp;module=shop-card&amp;element=offer&amp;item=offer-image&amp;position=1&amp;element_label=image&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fmashable.com%2Freview-route-prefix%2Ftech%2Fsony-1000x-the-collexion-headphones-review&amp;product_uuid=04rXAohxpMKvZ77XULo8JS5&amp;offer_uuid=05DJeOOrrmOFamHR1lY8R5k&amp;object_type=review&amp;object_uuid=01tKsfdKVLaHd9mwZOo4NFL\" data-commerce=\"1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored\" data-parent-group=\"affiliate-link\" title=\"(opens in a new window)\" data-ga-click=\"1\" data-ga-element=\"offer\" data-ga-action=\"offer-image\" data-ga-item=\"offer-image\" data-ga-label=\"image\" data-ga-position=\"1\" data-ga-module=\"shop-card\" data-aps-asin=\"B0GW9MBZJ9\" data-aps-asc-tag=\"mashable-editpost-20\" data-aps-asc-subtag=\"05DJeOOrrmOFamHR1lY8R5k\" class=\"block overflow-hidden relative w-full border border-gray-100 aspect-square border-1\"><br \/>\n    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"object-contain absolute inset-0 p-12 w-full h-full\" src=\"https:\/\/helios-i.mashable.com\/imagery\/reviews\/01tKsfdKVLaHd9mwZOo4NFL\/images-2.fill.size_180x256.v1786124598.jpg\" alt=\"platinum sony 1000x the collexion\" width=\"180\" height=\"256\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><br \/>\n<\/a>                                        <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"sony-1000x-the-collexion-performance\">Sony 1000X the Collexion performance<\/h2>\n<h3>Sound quality<\/h3>\n<p>As these are <a href=\"https:\/\/mashable.com\/roundup\/best-sony-headphones-2025\" target=\"_blank\" data-ga-click=\"1\" data-ga-label=\"$text\" data-ga-item=\"text-link\" data-ga-module=\"content_body\">Sony headphones<\/a>, they sounded excellent, but the real star of the audio show was the spatial audio. <\/p>\n<p>To be clear, I usually feel neutral about spatial audio at best, finding that it often makes music sound hollow and unbalanced in an effort to make it sound live. With the Sony Collexion headphones, I could make some peace with the fact I didn&#8217;t grab Olivia Rodrigo tickets because her entire album sounded legitimately live and immersive with the 360 Upmix spatial audio tech, whether I was listening to the Cure-inspired (and Robert Smith featuring) &#8220;what&#8217;s wrong with me&#8221; or the pared down piano ballad &#8220;less.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>For the first time, I found myself actually <em>preferring <\/em>to toggle on the spatial audio. For gamers and <a href=\"https:\/\/mashable.com\/category\/movies\" target=\"_blank\" data-ga-click=\"1\" data-ga-label=\"$text\" data-ga-item=\"text-link\" data-ga-module=\"content_body\">movie<\/a> lovers, there are also modes specific to both formats. The non-spatial audio still stunned, lending music gorgeous balance and clarity, with Sony&#8217;s classic slate of equalizer settings and custom options to fine-tune the sound just so. <\/p>\n<h3>Noise cancellation<\/h3>\n<p>In the press briefing for these headphones, Sony&#8217;s team made it clear that they focused on comfort over noise cancellation with these headphones <a href=\"https:\/\/mashable.com\/review\/sony-wh-1000xm6-headphones\" target=\"_blank\" data-ga-click=\"1\" data-ga-label=\"$text\" data-ga-item=\"text-link\" data-ga-module=\"content_body\">compared to the XM6s<\/a>. They do feature the exact same tech as the XM6s, but the slightly looser fit means less passive ANC. In practice, I found that it did mean working in cafes was slightly more distracting, reducing chatter and the radio to a dull hum instead of fully immersing me in my own private listening bubble. <\/p>\n<div class=\"flex mx-auto mt-8 w-full max-w-3xl font-sans text-lg leading-normal md:text-xl md:leading-7\">\n        <span class=\"font-bold text-primary-400\">SEE ALSO:<\/span><br \/>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/mashable.com\/roundup\/best-noise-cancelling-headphones-2026\" class=\"flex items-center text-secondary-300\"><br \/>\n            <span class=\"ml-1\">The 11 best noise-cancelling headphones we use, love, and recommend<\/span><br \/>\n            <svg class=\"ml-1 w-4 h-4 font-normal fill-current\"><use href=\"http:\/\/mashable.com\/images\/icons\/spritemap.svg#sprite-arrow-right-thin\"\/><\/svg><br \/>\n        <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<p>By no means is it subpar ANC \u2014 it&#8217;s still some of the best, but I would have liked Sony to work a little more magic for $650. <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"the-sony-1000x-the-collexion-design-and-build-quality\">The Sony 1000X the Collexion design and build quality<\/h2>\n<div class=\"eloquent-imagery-image\">\n<div class=\"flex justify-center\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"w-full\" src=\"https:\/\/helios-i.mashable.com\/imagery\/reviews\/01tKsfdKVLaHd9mwZOo4NFL\/images-3.fill.size_2000x1125.v1786127073.jpg\" alt=\"sony 1000x the collexion on wood table top\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/helios-i.mashable.com\/imagery\/reviews\/01tKsfdKVLaHd9mwZOo4NFL\/images-3.fill.size_800x450.v1786127073.jpg 800w, https:\/\/helios-i.mashable.com\/imagery\/reviews\/01tKsfdKVLaHd9mwZOo4NFL\/images-3.fill.size_1400x788.v1786127073.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/helios-i.mashable.com\/imagery\/reviews\/01tKsfdKVLaHd9mwZOo4NFL\/images-3.fill.size_2000x1125.v1786127073.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1408px) 100vw, 1408px\"\/><\/p><\/div>\n<p>\n            <span class=\"normal-case text-gray-1000\">The metal accents gave the headphones an elevated look, but I was looking for more functionality.<\/span><br \/>\n            <span class=\"text-gray-600 credit\">Credit: Bethany Allard \/ Mashable<\/span>\n        <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The Collexion headphones look and feel notably elevated, with metal accents and faux leather wrapping the exterior of the headphones (as opposed to the hard plastic shell found on the rest of the 1000X line). <\/p>\n<p>They feel built to last, but again, for their price point, I wasn&#8217;t too thrilled about the finished result. Yes, the metal buttons were a nice touch, and the wider headband did add more comfort. However, I missed the folding ear cups from the XM6 headphones, which do legitimately help with toting them around town, and I didn&#8217;t find them more comfortable than the <a href=\"https:\/\/mashable.com\/roundup\/most-comfortable-headphones-earbuds\" target=\"_blank\" data-ga-click=\"1\" data-ga-label=\"$text\" data-ga-item=\"text-link\" data-ga-module=\"content_body\">Bose QC Ultra 2s<\/a> (the single most comfortable headphones I&#8217;ve ever worn). <\/p>\n<p>I can acknowledge that I&#8217;m being nitpicky, but I must mention the price again. For $650, I want the headphones to look impressive and <em>also <\/em>be oozing functionality in every aspect of the design. I found these more of a statement fashion piece than an ultra-functional pair of headphones \u2014 and if that&#8217;s the vibe that Sony&#8217;s going for, I want them to offer more than two colorways. <\/p>\n<h2 id=\"who-should-get-the-sony-the-collexion-headphones\">Who should get the Sony the Collexion headphones?<\/h2>\n<p>The Sony Collexion headphones have a weird name, a pretty design that doesn&#8217;t always rise to the occasion, and the best sound quality I&#8217;ve encountered on a pair of headphones. Truly, they feel like the very first to have finally unlocked undeniably good spatial audio. <\/p>\n<p>With that said, the price point will make them hard to stomach for most. If you&#8217;ve been dying for spatial audio and love that live sound, shelling out on these will get you the best version of it. That said, these headphones should be the best in category in more areas if they&#8217;re to be priced the way they are. A $550 or even $600 price point would have been far more stomachable, but maybe this one is ultimately for the super fans who want the anniversary edition headphones more than they want the best headphones available.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<script async=\"async\" data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"https:\/\/pl30214220.effectivecpmnetwork.com\/9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\/invoke.js\"><\/script>\r\n<div id=\"container-9ab3d4df8a7e1a6171e16ddbf732cc19\"><\/div>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents Table of Contents Table of ContentsThe Sony 1000X the Collexion at a glanceSony 1000X the Collexion performanceThe Sony 1000X the Collexion design and build qualityWho should get the Sony the Collexion headphones?How We Tested When I started reviewing Sony&#8217;s most expensive consumer headphones yet, I naturally expected them to offer an elevated&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":34631,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/helios-i.mashable.com\/imagery\/reviews\/01tKsfdKVLaHd9mwZOo4NFL\/hero-image.fill.size_1200x675.v1785116087.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-34630","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-real-trending-viral-news"],"brizy_media":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34630","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=34630"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34630\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/34631"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=34630"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=34630"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usnews-14267fa.ingress-comporellon.ewp.live\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=34630"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}