Sony has yet to officially announce its upcoming headphones, but the internet is buzzing with excitement after actor Damson Idris was spotted wearing an unreleased pair of Sony over-ear headphones in New York City, just before the Met Gala. This sighting gives us an early glimpse of what is reportedly named the WH-1000XX or ‘The ColleXion’.
Set for an official unveiling on May 19, the leaked images have already stirred considerable anticipation (via NotebookCheck). If the rumored specifications come to fruition, the WH-1000XX is poised to challenge Apple’s AirPods Max 2, making it a noteworthy entry into the high-end headphone market.
What makes the Sony WH-1000XX different from what came before?
The design is the most striking difference compared to its predecessor, the Sony WH-1000XM6. This new iteration features a metal headband and a metal casing encircling the 3.5mm jack, offering a look that feels significantly more premium. Additionally, the earcup arms are engineered to sink into the cups instead of resting atop them, which enhances both aesthetics and comfort.
Another notable change is the return to a non-foldable design last seen with the WH-1000XM5. However, this design shift comes with trade-offs: reports indicate that these headphones will weigh around 312g, making them roughly 25% heavier than the WH-1000XM6.
What are the specs looking like?
@21MetGala / X
The WH-1000XX will reportedly be the first Sony headphones to incorporate DSEE Ultimate, the company’s premium AI-driven music upscaling technology. This feature promises to elevate your listening experience, offering studio-quality sound and 360-degree spatial audio with head tracking.
In terms of noise cancellation, sources indicate that these headphones will include 12 dedicated microphones—four more than Apple’s AirPods Max 2—allowing for enhanced ambient sound management. Battery life is also a highlight, expected to last around 24 hours with active noise cancelling activated, surpassing the AirPods Max 2 by four hours.
However, all these advanced features come with an increased price tag. The WH-1000XX ColleXion is anticipated to retail for $649, placing it $100 above the AirPods Max 2 and marking it as Sony’s most premium headphone offering to date.
Stay tuned for more updates as we await the official launch on May 19. For detailed insights and images, click Here.
Image Credit: www.digitaltrends.com
