Sony's 1000X series of noise-canceling headphones has reached its 10th anniversary, and the company is celebrating the milestone with a premium model: the "1000X THE COLLEXION" (model number WH-1000XX), released on June 5, 2026, at 89,100 yen (tax included). Wrapped in metal and a newly developed synthetic leather, it is also the first model to carry the new integrated processor V3 and the first headphones to support DSEE Ultimate — a fitting culmination of a decade of engineering.
A 10th-Anniversary Model Positioned Above the WH-1000XM6
Since the original MDR-1000X debuted in 2016, the 1000X series has been a staple of the noise-canceling headphone market. The current flagship is the WH-1000XM6, but the 1000X THE COLLEXION is not its replacement. It is a commemorative product that brings together 10 years of the series' technology, and even its model number breaks from the usual numbering convention with the special designation "WH-1000XX."
It comes in 2 colors, Platinum and Black. The product was announced on May 20, 2026, and demo units have been on display at Sony Store locations across Japan (Ginza, Sapporo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Fukuoka Tenjin) since the announcement day. At 89,100 yen, the price is undeniably steep for a wireless headphone, but considering the attention paid to materials and sound tuning described below, it is priced as much for the satisfaction of ownership as for the spec sheet.
First Integrated Processor V3 and the First Headphones with DSEE Ultimate
The headline internal upgrade is the debut of the new integrated processor V3. Thanks to it, the 1000X THE COLLEXION becomes the first headphones to support DSEE Ultimate, which uses Edge-AI to upscale compressed digital audio toward high-resolution quality in real time. With streaming now the dominant way people listen, technology that lifts compressed sources matters more in daily listening than catalog specs suggest.
The driver unit was developed exclusively for this model, aiming for delicate treble reproduction and a wide soundstage with excellent separation between vocals and instruments. For the final sound tuning, Sony collaborated with world-renowned mastering engineers, targeting a natural balance that faithfully reproduces the artist's intent.
For spatial audio, the 360 Upmix feature — which converts stereo sources into a three-dimensional sound field — has evolved into a 3-mode configuration: Music, Cinema, and Game. A dedicated listening-mode button on the housing lets you switch sound fields easily to match what you are enjoying, from music to movies to games.
Blast-Finished Metal and Newly Developed Synthetic Leather, with "Seamless" Design as the Theme
The exterior craftsmanship may be this model's biggest draw. The headband exterior uses a matte, blast-finished metal, contrasted with hand-polished hinge parts. The surfaces that touch the skin use a new synthetic leather with a smooth feel, said to have taken about 2 years of development to complete.
Sony also minimized the visible seams around the USB jack and microphone openings, pursuing a "seamless" design both visually and to the touch. The ear pads are ergonomically shaped to fit naturally around the ears and distribute pressure, and the wide, well-cushioned ear pads and headband are designed to stay comfortable during long listening sessions. Because passive isolation and fit directly affect real-world noise-canceling performance, this investment pays off in sound as well.
12-Microphone Noise Canceling and Up to 24 Hours of Battery with NC On
The core noise-canceling system combines multi-noise-sensor technology using 12 microphones with an Adaptive NC Optimizer that automatically adjusts to how the headphones are worn and the surrounding environment. It uses the high-performance noise-canceling processor QN3 and inherits the silence-making expertise the 1000X series has built up over the years.
Battery life is up to 24 hours with noise canceling on — enough to get through commutes, business trips, or even a multi-day journey without recharging. Clear call quality and smooth connectivity, hallmarks of the series, carry over as well.
Among the accessories, the bag-style carrying case that opens and closes with magnets is a unique touch. Inclusive design details abound: L/R markings inside the ear pads and differently shaped power and NC/AMB buttons make the headphones intuitive to operate by touch alone. On the environmental front, about 25 percent of the plastic in the product is recycled plastic, and the individual packaging is plastic-free.
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ソニー(SONY) 1000X THE COLLEXION ブラック: ワイヤレスヘッドホン 高性能ノイズキャンセリング QN3 12マイク Bluetooth 最大約32時間再生 360 Upmix(Cinema/Music/Game) 専用切替ボタン 外音取り込み WH-1000XX
Also Announced: A New WH-1000XM6 Color and a Case Cover for the WF-1000XM6
Alongside the anniversary model, Sony added a new Sandstone color to the existing flagship WH-1000XM6 (released June 5). The natural, warm tone joins the existing Black, Platinum Silver, Midnight Blue, and Sand Pink as the 5th color. For the WF-1000XM6 true wireless earbuds, a dedicated case cover (in Black and Light Gray) that allows wireless charging while attached went on sale on May 29.
Summary
The 1000X THE COLLEXION distills 10 years of the 1000X series — the de facto standard in noise-canceling headphones — into a commemorative model spanning materials, sound, and design. With the first integrated processor V3, the first DSEE Ultimate support on headphones, a 3-mode 360 Upmix, and 12-microphone noise canceling, it is also technically the most advanced configuration in the lineup. At 89,100 yen it is not a casual purchase, but for anyone looking for a daily companion built to be owned and enjoyed for years, it is well worth considering.
