Sony is launching its WH-1000X headphones tomorrow, but a detailed leak has basically made the announcement redundant, prematurely revealing their key features along with detailed official-looking product images.
Sony WH-1000X The Colaxion
The great thing is that the WH-1000X are being positioned as a higher-end offering than the WH-1000XM6, but it seems that these are not their exact replacements.
The design from the previously leaked renders has been confirmed in a new leak, with the WH-1000X showing a revised yoke (hinge) that appears to be a brushed metal material.
Sony WH-1000X The ColleXion in Black
The same brushed metal extends to the exterior of the headband, while the interior features a plush leather-like material. The headband of the upcoming pair of headphones seems to be thicker and wider than that of the WH-1000XM6. We can also see three physical buttons on one earcup, which is one more than the XM6s.
Sony WH-1000X The ColleXion in White
The ColleXion pair will be offered in black and white colorways, and they will also get a new carrying case, which will feature an integrated carry handle. The case appears to be made of the same fabric material as the previous generation WH-1000X series cases.
Sony WH-1000X ColleXion Case and Accessories
Product images showcasing the headphones inside their cases reveal that they will not fold like the XM6 generation, but will revert 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 is said to feature “bespoke drivers”, co-tuned with mastering engineers from Battery Studios, Sterling Sound and Coast Mastering. There is no exact information about the size of the driver right now.
Sony WH-1000X The ColleXion Key Specifications
Elsewhere, the headphones will have a total of 12 microphones split equally between the two sides, along with Adaptive ANC and beamforming for accurate voice pickup. Leaked information confirms that they have the same QN3 noise cancellation processor as the XM6s, but the 1000X is getting a new V3 integrated processor, which could indicate improvements in ANC performance and/or sound processing.
Sony WH-1000X The ColleXion Key Specifications
The Slides also have a claimed battery life of up to 24 hours with ANC on and 32 hours with ANC off. These numbers are actually less than the WH-1000XM6’s claimed playback of 30 hours 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 will make them $200/€180/£150 more expensive than the XM6s at launch.