Sony is launching its WH-1000X headphones tomorrow, but a detailed leak has basically made the announcement redundant, revealing detailed official-looking product images as well as their key specs ahead of time.
The big takeaway is that the WH-1000X are being positioned as a higher-end offering than the WH-1000XM6, but it seems these aren’t their exact replacements.
The design from the previously leaked renders is corroborated in the new leak with the WH-1000X featuring a modified yoke (hinge), which features what appears to be a brushed metal material.
Sony WH-1000X The ColleXion in black
The same brushed metal extends to the outside part of the headband, while the inner side features plush leather-like material. The headband on the upcoming pair of headphones seems thicker and wider than the one on the WH-1000XM6. We can also spot three physical buttons on one of the earcups, which is one more button than the XM6s.
Sony WH-1000X The ColleXion in white
The ColleXion pair will be offered in black and white colors, and they will also receive a new carrying case, which features an integrated carrying handle. The case itself seems to be made from the same fabric material as previous generation WH-1000X series cases.
Sony WH-1000X The ColleXion case and accessories
The product images showcasing the headphones inside their case suggest they won’t fold like the XM6 generation but will go back to the swivel mechanism found on the XM5s. The headphones will be bundled with a 3.5mm audio cable and a USB cable for charging.
In terms of audio, the 1000X are said to feature “bespoke drivers”, co-tuned with mastering engineers from Battery Studios, Sterling Sound and Coast Mastering. There’s no exact info on the driver size for now.
Sony WH-1000X The ColleXion key specs
Elsewhere, the headphones will feature a total of 12 microphones split evenly between both sides with adaptive ANC and beamforming for precise voice pickup. The leaked info confirms they feature the same QN3 Noise Canceling Processor like on the XM6s, but the 1000X are getting a new V3 integrated processor, which could imply improved ANC performance and /or sound processing.
Sony WH-1000X The ColleXion key specs
The slides also claim 24 hours of battery life with ANC and up to 32 hours with ANC off. These numbers are actually lower than the WH-1000XM6’s claimed 30 hours of playback with ANC on and 40 hours with ANC off.
Last but not least, the WH-1000X are expected to launch at $649/€629/£549, which would make them $200/€180/£150 more expensive than the XM6s at launch.
