Odi Productions
In this article, I’m going to share my HONEST Sony 1000X The COLLEXION review for those who are wondering whether they are WORTH IT. I’ll also be comparing the Sony 1000X The COLLEXION vs Sony WH-1000XM6, Apple AirPods Max 2, Sennheiser HDB 630, Momentum 5, Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2, and more!
I’m going to do my best to share whether these headphones are worth it, and ideally who these headphones are for.
I’ll be sharing my critical opinion with 10 years of experience as a professional music producer, audio engineer, and tech journalist.
Let’s dive right in!
Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION Headphones review in short
The Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION fixed everything wrong with the XM6 to create arguably the best “all-in-one” wireless headphone in the market currently when it comes to audiophile sound quality, world-class noise cancelling performance, comfort, and premium materials. Competes with the previous Sony WH-1000XM6, AirPods Max 2, Sennheiser HDB 630, Sennheiser Momentum 5, Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2, Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2, Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S3, and Focal Bathys.
Watch this Full Review on YouTube!
Have any QUESTIONS for me?
Leave it in the YouTube COMMENTS and I’ll do my best to get back to you 🙂
Pros and Cons
- Best in class noise cancelling
- Premium materials and finish
- Audiophile-friendly sound quality and tuning
- Incredible Spatial Audio for TV, movies, gaming
- Pricetag
- 24 hour battery life is below average
Order the LATEST VERSION for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):
Disclosure: These affiliate links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to keep this website 100% independent to ensure honest unfiltered reviews 🙂
Sound Quality
Initial listening notes…
First off, the Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION supports the hi-res codec of LDAC, developed by Sony and featured on other models like the XM6 headphones and earbuds.
To conduct this test, I used my Questyle QCC Dongle Pro to unlock aptX and LDAC support:
![Questyle QCC Dongle Pro [MFi Certified] USB-C Bluetooth Audio Adapter with LDAC,aptX Lossless&aptX-Adaptive,Low Latency Bluetooth 5.4 Dongle for PS5,Wireless Lossless Transmitter for PC/Headphones](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21jT-Cm5ZVL._SL500_.jpg)
If you’re an iPhone user, or if your phone doesn’t support aptX codecs, then I highly recommend you pick up the dongle above which will cover both LDAC and aptX Adaptive high-res codecs. It’s the only one of its kind that supports both, to my knowledge.
In addition to LDAC wirelessly, the 1000X Collexion supports lossless audio via wired connection.
The 1000X Collexion also has a custom 10-band EQ inside of the Sony app, similar to the XM6.
Sound Profile
I would describe the Sony 1000X COLLEXION’s sound profile as mid-forward and fairly neutral, perhaps a touch dark due to a very smooth, non-fatiguing treble.
Compared to the XM6, I surprisingly find the 1000X’s sound profile to be noticeably more refined across the frequency response, exposing the muddiness and slight sibilance in the XM6.
They are somewhat similar to an untrained ear, but the execution is much stronger on the 1000X due to the completely reworked drivers and audiophile tuning by mastering engineers.
Overall, the Collexion reminds me most of the Sennheiser HDB 630, but with a more rolled-off treble reminiscent of the newer Sennheiser Momentum 5.
Full Sound Test
I have a confession to make.
I went into this Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION test blind, and was fully expecting them to sound pretty much the same as the XM6 headphones.
I thought the point of these headphones was the new premium materials and improved comfort, along with its $200 upcharge from the XM6.
But even upon first listen, I was pleasantly surprised at a significantly improved sound quality and resolution compared to the mixed-review XM6. Where the XM6 is muddy and compressed, the 1000X has clearer separation, spacing, and imaging, with a much wider soundstage. The tonal balance is also very tastefully balanced between bass, mids, and treble.
I think untrained ears would be quick to say the 1000X is just a fancy XM6, but upon further research, Sony completely reworked the drivers and acoustic design of the 1000X.
You can see this clearly inside the earcup which has noticeably more space, but also angled where the older XM6 was flat parallel to the ears.
The result is a much-needed improvement to overall sound quality and soundstage compared to the XM6.
Everything is more detailed, natural-sounding, and with more clarity across the board.
The bass is really nicely textured, fast, but with some decent impact and quantity.
The mids are the star with full detail and a natural timbre. No more muddiness like the XM6.
The treble is very smooth and a bit too laid-back for my personal tastes, but this also means they are super non-fatiguing.
For pure sound quality, I still don’t think it’s quite in the top audiophile tier with headphones like the Sennheiser HDB 630, Focal Bathys, and Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2.
But it’s now one of the top options from the “mainstream” tier amongst Apple, Bose, etc.
vs Sony WH-1000XM6
To my ears, the sound quality is significantly improved over the XM6 due to reworked driver architecture, improved acoustics, and more tastefully refined audiophile tuning.
I do think untrained ears will have a harder time picking up on the subtle improvements of the 1000X THE COLLEXION.
(One example, casual listeners may not even be using LDAC which does make a slight difference when splitting hairs at this level.)
Not to mention, the neutral sound of the 1000X is a bit of an acquired taste, but audiophiles will enjoy the better tonal balance between bass, mids, and treble.
The much wider and more open soundstage is my favorite improvement on the 1000X over the narrow, congested XM6. Spacing and imaging is much clearer from left, right, and center.
Bottomline, I think the XM6 needs both LDAC and full use of its 10-band EQ to be enjoyable for music listening, while the 1000X sounds great right out of the box.
vs AirPods Max 2
AirPods Max 2 has a very different sound profile to the 1000X, being neutral bright with much more forward treble.
The result is a much more energetic and “sharp” sound that is very detailed but not as smooth or warm as the 1000X, which is also more fatiguing over time.
In contrast, the treble is very laid-back and not sibilant at all on the 1000X, instead focusing on a rich midrange and solid bass.
Both headphones have nice bass and sub-bass response, that lean towards being fast, clean, and textured as opposed to boomy.
Overall, I give the edge in sound quality to the 1000X that has a bit more balanced and refined sound, and perhaps LDAC plus 10-band EQ gives it a further advantage.
vs Sennheiser HDB 630
It would probably surprise a lot of people that these two headphones actually sound a lot more similar than they are different.
If the HDB 630 is neutral, then the 1000X is just slightly neutral dark with an arguably smoother but less-detailed treble.
Or vice versa, the 1000X might be the more neutral, especially focusing on the mids, and the HDB 630 a bit more forward in the bass and treble.
Either way, these are two of the most tasteful “audiophile” tunings that are very well-balanced with not much to nitpick out of the box.
Although the 1000X is not offending, I do think the HDB 630 has the edge when it comes to overall sound quality in its resolution and detail.
The HDB 630 has more treble energy and open soundstage, while the 1000X is warmer, more relaxed, and perhaps even more natural in its timbre.
I still have the HDB 630 in a tier above the 1000X Collexion, but the gap is much smaller than the XM6 now.
vs Sennheiser Momentum 5
In terms of sound quality, I think the equally-new Momentum 5 is closest to the 1000X Collexion, at $250 cheaper to boot.
Now that’s not a diss to the 1000X in my book, but a compliment, as the Momentum 5 is excellent in its own right, and the best sound quality for its pricetag.
Sound profile is more similar than different between these two, with the Momentum 5 having a bit more bass-forward versus the flatter 1000X.
The 1000X is the more balanced of the two, which is why I find it surprisingly similar to the HDB 630.
Where I find these to be similar is both having quite a smooth treble with no sibilance or harshness at all.
In this sense, the 1000X is more like the Momentum 5 than the HDB 630.
Back-to-back, I give the slight edge to the Momentum 5’s sound quality which seems to just have the edge, especially in the treble.
Also, it may be preference, but I love the massive bass response on the Momentum 5 that is fuller than the 1000X.
vs Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
These two are different in both sound quality and sound profile.
I find the Px8 S2 to compete better with the Sennheiser HDB 630 mentioned above, along with Focal Bathys.
There is just a higher level of fidelity, soundstage, and resolution when you jump up to that tier.
That said, I would say the 1000X Collexion is just now “good enough” in sound quality to please audiophiles while being appealing due to its overall package, most notably noise cancelling and comfort.
Aside from sound quality, I think most consumers would prefer the livelier and more engaging sound profile of the Px8 S2 that is not as neutral, but is much more fun to listen to out of the box.
The 1000X is the smoother and flatter of the two, but it sounds relatively less interesting and more “boring” due to a more relaxed presentation.
vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2
One of the surprises for me has been the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2, which sounds surprisingly excellent with aptX Adaptive and its simpler 3-band EQ.
Out of the box, the Bose QC Ultra 2 is more consumer-friendly and energetic compared to the 1000X, but not as smooth or refined-sounding.
Overall, I find the 1000X Collexion to have a higher level of resolution, clarity, and timbre compared to the Bose QC Ultra 2, along with a cleaner bass response that doesn’t bleed into the mids.
I do prefer the detail and airiness of the forward treble on the Bose, but it’s also more fatiguing and not as accurate in its timbre.
Sound Quality Score: 9.2 out of 10
Comfort
The Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION is heavier than average of the headphones we’ve tested:
- Bose QuietComfort (2023 model) – 236.1 grams
- Sony WH 1000XM5 – 245.9 grams
- Sony WH 1000XM4 – 251.6 grams
- Sony WH 1000XM6 – 252.8 grams
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st gen) – 254.4 grams
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) – 262.2 grams
- Beats Studio Pro – 268.6 grams
- Sennheiser Momentum 5 – 288.8 grams
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 – 292.9 grams
- Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S2e – 305.2 grams
- Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION – 311.2 grams
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 – 312.0 grams
- Sennheiser HDB 630 – 313.4 grams
- Sonos Ace – 318.1 grams
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 – 320.1 grams
- Bang & Olufsen H95 – 323 grams
- Focal Bathys – 350 grams
- Focal Bathys MG – 365.5 grams
- Bang & Olufsen H100 – 375.6 grams
- Dali IO-12 – 379.4 grams
- Apple AirPods Max 2 – 384.4 grams
Comfort was one of my biggest critiques of the Sony XM6, and it was a clearly-focused area of improvement based on Sony’s marketing material for the newer 1000X THE COLLEXION.
I’m happy to report that they fixed nearly everything that was lacking in the XM6’s comfort.
First off, the interior earcup space is now larger and angled inside, so my ears are barely touching the fabric.
In contrast, my ears are firmly pressing against the fabric inside the XM6 that is not angled at all, and parallel to your ears.
Next, the clamping force is more relaxed than the overly-strong clamp on the XM6 from the factory, that takes 1 month to loosen up, but is still noticeably present even 1 year later.
Then you add in more plush, deeper, soft vegan leather earpad and headband cushions, and the 1000X is a cloud compared to the XM6.
My only gripe is that the new premium materials added about 58 grams of weight over the XM6, and I do miss the lightweight factor.
This is one of the most comfortable wireless headphones we’ve tested, up there with Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 and Sonos Ace.
It’s just a tad heavy for my liking, but small price to pay for much more premium and durable materials.
Comfort Score: 9.0 out of 10
Features / Battery Life / Build Quality / Practicality
Features
The Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION was released in May 2026 and has the typical modern wireless ANC headphone features:
- Bluetooth 6.0
- LDAC, LC3 (LE Audio)
- Lossless Audio via Wired
- Multi-point connectivity
- Spatial Audio (“360 Upmix” with Music, Cinema, and Gaming modes)
- Touch controls on earcup
- Multiple built-in microphones for taking calls
- Active Noise Cancelling
- “Adaptive” mode
- Transparency Mode
- Includes compact premium hardshell case
Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION Battery Life
The Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION has 24 hours of battery life on a single charge.
- Marshall Monitor III – 70 hours (ANC on), 100 hours (ANC off)
- Cambridge Audio Melomania P100 SE – 60 hours (ANC on), 100 hours (ANC off)
- Audeze Maxwell – 80 hours (no ANC included)
- Sennheiser HDB 630 – 60 hours
- Sennheiser Momentum 4 – 60 hours
- Sennheiser Momentum 5 – 57 hours
- Dali IO-12 – 35 hours (ANC on)
- Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100 – 34 hours (ANC on)
- Focal Bathys MG – “Over 30 hours” (ANC on)
- Sony WH-1000XM6 – 40 hours (ANC off), 30 hours (ANC on)
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) – 30 hours
- Sony WH-1000XM5 and WH-1000XM4 – 30 hours
- Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 and Px8 – 30 hours
- Sonos Ace – 30 hours
- Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION – 24 hours
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st Gen) – 24 hours
- Apple AirPods Max 2 – 20 hours
- Apple AirPods Max – 20 hours
In my testing, I found this figure to be accurate.
Unfortunately, this is a slight decrease down from 30 hours on the Sony XM6, which makes the 1000X below average for the class.
The lessened battery life is mainly due to the improved driver architecture for sound quality.
It’s still 4 hours more than the AirPods Max 2, along with being able to fully turn OFF which reduces battery drain even further in my experience.
Build Quality
Build quality is arguably the biggest critique of the Sony XM6, and especially the XM5 before it, especially with the XM5’s broken hinge issue.
The Sony 1000X Collexion is proof that Sony was holding back with the XM6, as most of the marketing focus on the 1000X is about the premium material engineering and design.
We now have full stainless steel hinges that extend the material into the headband and yokes (yay).
The rest of the headphone is covered in a very soft, supple, and premium-feeling vegan leather.
Both from a visual and touch perspective, the 1000X Collexion is so much more luxurious than the very-plasticky XM6.
This puts the build quality more in line with headphones like the Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2, Focal Bathys, Bang & Olufsen H95 and H100, etc.
Practicality
The XM6 was already one of the best daily drivers due to its light weight and noise cancelling performance, but the 1000X Collexion takes it even further by improving the comfort and build quality.
The 1000X takes a slight step back due to its decreased battery life, heavier weight, and not being able to fold, but the hardshell carrying case is not much larger than the XM6.
Features / Battery Life / Build Quality / Practicality Score: 9.5 out of 10
Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION Noise Cancelling Performance
The Sony XM6 was already one of the best-in-class options for noise cancelling, only recently surpassed by the newer AirPods Max 2.
And even then, it’s still pretty competitive depending on the frequencies you’re dealing with.
At the core of the 1000X COLLEXION is the same “QN3” processing chip that powers the XM6’s excellent noise cancelling performance.
In my testing, I found the noise cancelling to be very similar to the XM6 with only slight differences.
First, there is a different physical seal due to the new heavy materials and earcup design of the 1000X.
Second, based on my research, the 1000X opts for slightly less aggressive noise cancelling in the high frequencies to preserve maximum sound quality.
Either way, I still find the noise cancelling to be one of the best in this class, alongside the XM6, but slightly below the AirPods Max 2.
If it truly were slightly below the XM6, then it would be on par with Bose QC Ultra 2 and Sonos Ace.
Noise Cancelling Score: 10 out of 10
Value
The Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION retails at a whopping $650 USD, a number that sparked a lot of controversy and interest.
If you asked me before reviewing these headphones whether they had a chance to be worth it, I would tell you “no”.
But after spending 1 week with the 1000X, it has jumped up to the top of my personal “if I could only have one headphone to do it all” list.
Make no mistake, there are better dollar values in wireless audio, especially for just pure sound quality.
But add in noise cancelling performance, comfort, and build quality, and the 1000X stands nearly alone… for now.
Value Score: 8.0 out of 10
Is the Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION Worth it?
For the sake of our wallets, I hate to say it, but the Sony 1000X THE COLLEXION is worth it.
For context, I currently use the previous XM6 on a near-daily basis, mostly due to its noise cancelling and excellent Cinema Mode for consuming everything BUT music.
But the 1000X has fixed everything wrong with the XM6, and has bumped up that sound quality to just “good enough” now for audiophiles. Add in premium materials, much-improved comfort, the same level of world-class noise cancelling, and even improving the Spatial Audio with 360 Upmix, and the 1000X is now the one to beat in my book.
Also, if you’d like to support 100% independent unbiased reviews, consider using my affiliate links to shop and even save money! Thank you.
Some very Strong Alternatives in this class of noise cancelling headphones are:
- Sony WH-1000XM6
- AirPods Max 2
- Sennheiser HDB 630
- Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2
- Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen
- Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S3
- Sonos Ace
- Focal Bathys MG
- Dali IO-12
- Focal Bathys
- Sennheiser Momentum 4
- Apple AirPods Max
Some Relevant Comparisons in this class of noise cancelling headphones are:
Overall Scoring Breakdown
Sound Quality (50% of score): 9.1 / 10
Comfort (10% of score): 9.0 / 10
Features / Battery Life / Build Quality / Practicality (10% of score): 9.5 / 10
Noise Cancelling (20% of score): 10 / 10
Value (10% of score): 8.0 / 10
Overall: 9.2 / 10
Order the LATEST VERSION for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail):
Disclosure: These affiliate links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to keep this website 100% independent to ensure honest unfiltered reviews 🙂
How We Tested and Our Methodology
RecordingNOW.com is a 100% independent publisher with over 10 years of experience testing and reviewing consumer electronics and headphones.
We currently purchase almost all of the products we test with our own money, and are not paid by any company or manufacturer to influence our opinions or decisions.
After purchasing the product, we conduct up to hundreds of hours of detailed hands-on testing in a controlled, acoustically-treated environment. Noise cancelling performance is tested in the real-world, primarily on airplane flights, coffee shops, and walking around large metropolitan city environments.
ODi Productions is our resident expert and author of this article, with 10 years of experience as a professional music producer, tech journalist, and audiophile.
Read Next
Best Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (40+ Tested!)
AirPods Max 2 vs Sony WH-1000XM6
Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen Review
AirPods Max 2 vs Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 Comparison
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 Review
Bowers and Wilkins Px7 S3 Review
Focal Bathys MG vs Dali IO-12 vs Bang & Olufsen H100
