When I tested the AirPods Max 2, the biggest feedback I got wasn’t about the sound, or the look, or the noise cancellation; it was about the price. I mean, $550 for wireless headphones?! And you know what? Anyone aghast over the price of AirPods Max is justified. By most people’s standards, $550 is a deal-breaking amount of money. That’s why, when Sony announced its even pricier $650 1000X The Collexion (WH-1000XX) wireless headphones, I was borderline incredulous. That’s more than MacBook Neo pricing!
It’s an absurd ask, but the fact is the WH-1000XX, just like the AirPods Max 2, aren’t for the masses; they’re for anyone with enough money to drop on an extra-special, extra-premium pair of wireless headphones. These aren’t just any old wireless headphones—these are how Sony is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its venerated 1000X line. Sony fan or not, though, if you’re lucky enough to be a person who has the cash to spare on luxury wireless headphones, then I can tell you that your dollars (however expendable) will be well spent. 4.0 Sony 1000X The Collexion If you can get past the sticker shock, Sony's 1000X The Collexion wireless headphones have amazing sound and ANC. Pros Amazing sound Great ANC Best touch controls on a pair of wireless headphones Cons Spatial sound features are a drag Upscaling technology didn't make a huge difference to my ears No lossless playback with cable via USB-C Call quality is $650 is an astronomical sum of money for most Sound is everything The second thing I thought about the WH-1000XX is the sound better be good. As it turns out, the sound is indeed very good. These wireless headphones are for those who look to Sony for their acumen in making superior-sounding personal audio products, and that reputation is furthered here.
