Will the ColleXion replace or complement the WH-1000XM6?

They're clearly not meant to replace the WH-1000XM6, but instead act as a more premium alternative. The XM6 remains the primary choice for everyday users at a lower price point.

Will the ColleXion reach Middle East markets?

Sony typically makes 1000X headphones globally available shortly after launch. Arab markets usually receive products within a month of the global release.

Is $740 justified for Sony headphones?

Apple's AirPods Max sell at $549. The ColleXion at $740 competes in the luxury tier while historically offering superior noise cancellation from Sony and premium build materials over AirPods Max.

What is DSEE Ultimate technology?

DSEE Ultimate (Digital Sound Enhancement Engine) is Sony's AI-powered technology for upscaling compressed audio quality — rebuilding lost audio details in MP3, AAC, and Spotify streams in real time.

What's the difference between MT2855 and the XM5/XM6 chip?

The XM5 and XM6 use Sony's proprietary V1 chip. MT2855 from MediaTek signals a different partnership — the impact on audio quality and ANC performance will be revealed in the official review.

Sony 1000X The ColleXion — Luxury Headphones at $649-$740 Sitting Above WH-1000XM6

Sony 1000X The ColleXion — Premium Headphones for Special Occasions, Not a WH-1000XM6 Replacement

Fresh renders shared by OnLeaks in collaboration with Android Headlines offer a much clearer look at the headphones in multiple color options, revealing what could be Sony's biggest design shift for the series in years. Compared to the standard Sony WH-1000XM6, the new model adopts a more premium aesthetic.

Design — Metal Replaces Plastic

The renders show a metal headband structure with wraparound arms, thicker cushioning around the top band, and redesigned earcups that appear to swap the usual matte plastic finish.

A shift from the matte plastic finish seen on previous iterations to a more luxurious faux leather could be a key differentiating factor.

Fixing the Infamous Hinge Problem

Where the XM6 uses plastic, these headphones have a metal hinge. The hinge design on the XM6 has been a point of contention as it suffers from a fatal flaw that leaves the hardware broken. However, it appears users won't have to worry about that issue with these cans.

Leaked Technical Specifications

Premium over-ear wireless headphone with active noise cancellation, the MediaTek MT2855 system on a chip, and DSEE Ultimate audio processing.

Pricing — $300 More Than the XM6

€629 (~$740) in Europe — $300 more than the XM6 at €329.

Previous rumors claimed the ColleXion headphones would be priced at $649. They're clearly not meant to replace the WH-1000XM6, but instead act as a more premium alternative.

The 10th Anniversary — The Occasion Behind the Launch

The launch may celebrate the tenth anniversary of Sony's original MDR-1000X noise-cancelling headphones.

Sony launched its first 1000X headphones in 2016 and revolutionized the noise-cancelling headphone market.

Official Reveal — May 19, 2026

Sony officially teased a new audio product reveal scheduled for May 20, 2026 with the tagline "A masterpiece awaits."

Sony officially tweeted: "A masterpiece awaits... 5/19 at 9 AM PST."

Sony 1000X The ColleXion — Luxury Headphones at $649-$740 Sitting Above WH-1000XM6 — Official Reveal May 19