Sony marks a decade of its acclaimed 1000X series with the introduction of the Sony 1000X The Collexion, a premium pair of noise-cancelling headphones. Priced at ₹59,990, The Collexion aims to elevate the user experience through enhanced design, superior comfort, refined sound quality, and advanced noise cancellation.
While not a direct upgrade to the existing Sony WH-1000XM6, The Collexion positions itself above it, competing with high-end models like Apple's AirPods Max 2. Our two-week testing period evaluated its design, audio performance, noise cancellation, battery life, and software experience to determine if this luxurious offering justifies its premium price tag for refinement over dramatic functional leaps.
Luxurious Design and Build Quality
The most striking difference in The Collexion's luxurious experience is its aesthetic. It features sandblasted stainless-steel arms complemented by a faux-leather finish, imparting a distinctly premium look and feel. Worn around the neck, these headphones could easily be mistaken for a high-end accessory rather than just an audio device.
Ergonomics are a strong point, with redesigned earcups offering plush cushions and ample room around the ears, ensuring comfort during extended listening sessions. The headband also contributes to overall comfort. However, the fit is not as tight as some other models, making them less suitable for intense physical activities like gym workouts or running. A notable omission is an IP rating, meaning the headphones lack protection against water and sweat, further reinforcing their unsuitability for strenuous exercise or exposure to the elements.
Weighing approximately 320 grams, The Collexion isn't the lightest, but its comfortable construction prevents it from feeling heavy on the head or around the neck. For travel, the headphones do not fold into a compact configuration, and their accompanying case occupies significant bag space. While Sony delivers a luxury package, these practical drawbacks regarding portability and durability should be considered by potential buyers.
Exceptional Sound, ANC, and App Support
The Sony 1000X The Collexion truly excels in sound quality, a key differentiator for its premium price point. Equipped with bespoke 30mm drivers and a new V3 processing system, the headphones deliver a bass-heavy yet refined listening experience. Across various genres of music, movies, and podcasts, the audio performance was consistently top-notch, characterized by crisp vocals and detailed instrument separation.
These headphones support high-quality audio codecs like LDAC and LC Bluetooth, alongside DSEE Ultimate processing, which leverages AI to enhance audio quality. An immersive spatial audio feature is also included, aiming to replicate a theatre or concert-like experience with dedicated modes for music, movies, and gaming. While it creates a wider, more surround-sound-like effect, the music upmixing feature did not always meet expectations for accuracy.
Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) capabilities are impressive, powered by Sony's QN3 noise-cancellation platform and multiple microphones, similar to the 1000X M6 variant. In real-world tests, The Collexion effectively muted low- and mid-frequency sounds. During air travel, cabin and engine noise were significantly blocked, and street noise in bustling environments was also effectively suppressed, providing a noticeably quieter listening experience.
Users can customize their listening experience via Sony's companion app, which features a clean user interface and easy-to-navigate controls. The app allows adjustments through a 10-band equalizer, various sound modes, and ANC levels, offering a personalized audio environment.
Battery Life and Charging
Sony claims up to 24 hours of battery life with Active Noise Cancellation enabled for The Collexion, extending to 32 hours when ANC is off. This is slightly less than the 30 hours offered by the less expensive X1000 M6 model with ANC on. Nevertheless, 24 hours is substantial, easily lasting a full day of use. Even with continuous listening for eight hours, the headphones can provide approximately 3.5 days of playback. However, our testing indicated that the 32-hour claim with ANC disabled might not be fully met in real-world scenarios.
Charging the Sony 1000X The Collexion takes over three hours for a full charge, requiring users to plan charging sessions accordingly. A quick five-minute charge, however, can provide up to 90 minutes of playback, offering a convenient boost when time is short.
The Verdict: Is The Collexion Worth It?
For those considering premium headphones under ₹60,000, the Sony 1000X The Collexion stands out in several key areas. It delivers on its promise of luxurious design, exceptional comfort, and a truly immersive listening experience. The sound quality, robust ANC, and comprehensive app support—featuring a 10-band equalizer, LDAC, DSEE Ultimate processing, and spatial audio—are top-tier.
The Collexion embodies a more luxurious personality compared to mainstream 1000X models, distinguished by its stainless steel accents, faux leather, and supremely comfortable ear cushions. However, this premium focus comes with compromises: a lack of water protection, a non-folding design for travel, and a looser fit that impacts suitability for active use. Therefore, the Sony 1000X The Collexion is best suited for discerning buyers who prioritize unparalleled comfort, sophisticated design, and an immersive, high-fidelity audio experience over ruggedness, portability, and a secure fit for strenuous activities.