Sony adds 1000X THE COLLEXION to its premium headphone line

Sony has announced 1000X THE COLLEXION, a new premium addition to its 1000X series, as the company marks 10 years since the debut of the MDR-1000X in 2016.

The new model sits above the company’s established noise-cancelling headphone line with a stronger focus on materials, comfort, and sound tuning. Sony is also adding a Sandstone colour option to the WH-1000XM6, expanding the existing range to five colours.

A more design-led take on the 1000X series

1000X THE COLLEXION is positioned as a more refined expression of Sony’s 1000X headphone line, with a stronger emphasis on finish and long-wear comfort. The headband uses crafted metal with a matte sandblasted texture and hand-polished gloss, while the headphones use soft faux leather that Sony says took two years to develop.

The headphones will be available in Platinum and Black. Sony said the earcups have been designed to sit naturally around the ears to optimise contact and pressure, while a wider cushioned headband helps distribute weight more evenly during longer listening sessions.

The design also includes integrated metal buttons and microphone openings intended to keep the exterior clean and seamless. For accessibility, Sony has added a bag-like carry case with a magnetic closure, clearer L/R markings, tactile buttons, and QR guides.

Sound tuning adds DSEE Ultimate and expanded spatial modes

Sony is using a bespoke driver unit in 1000X THE COLLEXION, built with a soft edge and a high-rigidity dome made from unidirectional carbon composite material. The company said this is intended to improve separation between instruments and vocals, high-frequency detail, and the sense of width in the soundstage.

The headphone has also been tuned with input from GRAMMY award-winning and nominated mastering engineers. According to Sony, the tuning aims to deliver smooth vocals, balanced instruments, and more nuanced dynamics.

1000X THE COLLEXION is also the first headphone to feature DSEE Ultimate, which uses Edge-AI to upscale compressed digital music files in real time. Sony said the feature restores detail and dynamic range that may be lost during compression.

The model also expands 360 Reality Audio Upmix to three modes: Music, Cinema, and Game. These modes are controlled through the Listening Mode button, with customisation available through the Sony | Sound Connect app.

Noise cancelling follows the WH-1000XM6 platform

For noise cancelling, 1000X THE COLLEXION uses the same technology found in the WH-1000XM6. It includes Multi-Noise Sensor technology with 12 microphones and Sony’s Adaptive NC Optimizer, which adjusts noise cancelling based on the listening environment.

The headphones also retain several core 1000X series features, including call quality, intuitive operation, smooth connectivity, and up to 24 hours of battery life with noise cancelling and Bluetooth switched on. Battery life rises to up to 32 hours when noise cancelling is switched off.

Sony said approximately 25% of the plastic used in the product is made from recycled materials, while the packaging is plastic-free, depending on region and product specifications.

Sandstone joins the WH-1000XM6 range

Alongside 1000X THE COLLEXION, Sony is introducing a Sandstone colourway for the WH-1000XM6 wireless noise-cancelling headphones. The new option joins Platinum Silver, Sand Pink, Midnight Blue, and Black.

1000X THE COLLEXION in Platinum and Black, as well as the WH-1000XM6 in Sandstone, will be available in Singapore from June 2026. Suggested retail pricing is S$839 for 1000X THE COLLEXION and S$649 for the WH-1000XM6 in Sandstone.

Sony is also running a pre-order exercise for 1000X THE COLLEXION, with registration before 7 June 2026 for access to related perks.