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Sony's Premium Anniversary Headphones

MacRumors •
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Sony's 10th anniversary headphones, the 1000X "The Collexion" Edition, have leaked online ahead of tomorrow's expected launch. The premium model arrives just a year after the WH-1000XM6 series, featuring thicker leatherette padding, larger ear cups, and redesigned headband stems in glossy black or chrome-on-white finishes. Touch controls have been relocated to the side and rear of each ear cup for improved accessibility.

Addressing durability complaints from the previous model, Sony has reinforced the headband stems with a single piece of polished metal instead of the previous fork design. Battery performance remains comparable to the XM6, offering up to 24 hours with noise-canceling enabled and 32 hours without. The five-minute quick charge provides 1.5 hours of playback. Sony collaborated with Battery Studios, Sterling Sound, and Coast Mastering for audio tuning.

The luxury positioning becomes clear with a $649 price tag—$200 more than the XM6 at launch and slightly above Apple's $549 AirPods Max. The premium package includes a purse-style carry case and headphone cable, though USB-C inclusion remains unclear. Sony appears to be targeting audiophiles and design-conscious consumers willing to pay a premium for anniversary aesthetics and build quality.