This year marks 10 years since the original Sony MDR 1000X headphones were released. We’ve reviewed many versions of the Sony 1000XM over-ear headphones over the years. To celebrate the 10th anniversary, Sony has announced the 1000X THE COLLEXION headphones.
What are the 1000X THE COLLECTION Headphones?
The 1000X THE COLLEXION headphones from Sony are a luxury pair of noise-canceling headphones crafted from premium vegan leather and metal. The thinner ear cups give it a sleeker build. It’s available in two colors, platinum and black. The design is more comfort-focused, with a thicker headband and a bigger gap in the earcups.
Pricing and availability of the 1000X THE COLLEXION HEADPHONE
- 1000X THE COLLEXION is available from May 2026 in Platinum and Black with a suggested retail price of $649.99 USD / $849.99 CAD at Sony, Best Buy, and Amazon.
Marking the 10th anniversary of Sony’s legendary 1000X headphone series, 1000X THE COLLEXION model reflects a decade of continuous evolution in personal audio. Since the debut of the MDR‑1000X in 2016, the series has redefined listening by balancing uncompromising sound quality, intelligent noise canceling, and ergonomic design, bringing the artist’s intent closer to listeners wherever they go. 1000X THE COLLEXION builds on this legacy, emphasizing elevated design, next‑level comfort, and richly immersive sound tuning shaped by everything the 1000X series has learned over the past 10 years.
In addition, Sony is also announcing a new Sandstone colorway to its popular WH-1000XM6 noise-canceling headphones.
Luxury design and exceptional comfort
1000X THE COLLEXION represents the most refined expression of Sony’s headphone design, combining premium materials, refined craftsmanship, and exceptional comfort. Every detail is thoughtfully designed to create a headphone that looks as elevated as it feels.
The headband features premium-crafted metal accents with a matte sandblasted texture contrasted with hand-polished gloss, each piece individually finished by skilled artisans, delivering durability and quiet luxury. Soft, refined vegan leather, which took two years to develop, provides a tactile finish, while integrated metal buttons and microphone openings maintain a clean, seamless design that appeals to both sight and touch.
The headphones are available in Platinum and Black, each offering a modern, minimalist look accented by subtle metallic contrast.
Designed for exceptional long-lasting comfort, 1000X THE COLLEXION features an ergonomic structure that supports extended listening. Thoughtfully proportioned earcups rest naturally around the ears to optimize contact and pressure, while a wider, cushioned headband helps the headphones feel lighter during wear by spreading weight more evenly. Soft, stretchable leather adapts to the shape of the listener’s head, providing stable isolation with a relaxed, comfortable fit.
A New Benchmark in Sound Quality
1000X THE COLLEXION delivers a spacious, wide-range sound tuned to preserve the intent of artists and creators, delivering a relaxed, immersive listening experience.
At the heart of 1000X THE COLLEXION is a bespoke driver unit featuring a soft edge and a newly developed high-rigidity dome made from unidirectional carbon composite material, delivering clearer separation between instruments and vocals, more delicate high-frequency detail, and a richer, wider soundstage.
Sony has also collaborated with GRAMMY® award-winning and nominated mastering engineers to refine the tuning of 1000X THE COLLEXION. Their expertise ensures smooth vocals, balanced instruments, and nuanced dynamics that faithfully convey the emotion and intent of the artists and creators.
1000X THE COLLEXION is the first headphone to feature DSEE Ultimate™, which uses Edge-AI to upscale compressed digital music files in real time, restoring lost detail and dynamic range for a richer listening experience.
1000X THE COLLEXION expands 360 Reality Audio Upmix (360 Upmix) to three modes – music, cinema, or game – controlled using the Listening Mode button1. The new modes elevate stereo music, cinema, and game content into rich spatial audio experiences, offering vivid, lifelike soundscapes that create the sensation of truly being there.
Iconic 1000X series performance
1000X THE COLLEXION achieves legendary 1000X series noise canceling, using the same technology as the critically acclaimed WH-1000XM6.
Equipped with Multi-Noise Sensor technology featuring 12 microphones and the Adaptive NC Optimizer, also found in the WH-1000XM6, these headphones deliver powerful, precisely tuned noise canceling that adapts to any environment.
On top of this, 1000X THE COLLEXION retains the key features from Sony’s much-loved 1000X series, including great call quality, intuitive operation, and smooth connectivity with up to 24 hours of battery life2.
Sustainability and Accessibility in mind
Sony is committed to sustainability and accessibility. In this product, approximately 25% of the plastic used is made from recycled materials3, and plastic‑free packaging4 helps reduce environmental impact, reflecting Sony’s ongoing efforts to create products that are more environmentally responsible5.
Guided by inclusive design principles, including those with low vision or limited hand mobility, 1000X THE COLLEXION features a bag-like carry case with a magnetic closure to reduce effort when opening and carrying. Clear L/R markings, tactile buttons, and accessible QR guides make the headphones easier to use.
Pricing and availability of the 1000X THE COLLEXION HEADPHONE
