Sony WH-1000XM6: Overview
The latest addition to Sony’s flagship lineup, the WH-1000XM6 headphones, is generating significant buzz in the audio community. Priced at $450, these wireless headphones aim to improve upon their already acclaimed predecessors while maintaining an impressive standard in sound quality and noise cancellation technology.
Key Features and Specifications
- Price: $450
- Weight: 8.96 ounces
- Form Factor: Closed-back, over-ear
- Noise Cancellation: Yes
- Battery Life: 40 hours (ANC off), 30 hours (ANC on)
- Charging: USB-C
- Voice Assistant Compatibility: Native smartphone access and hands-free Google Assistant (Android only)
- Multipoint Connectivity: Yes
- Spatial Audio Capability: Yes (with head tracking, Android only)
- Hi-Res Audio Support: Yes (wired/wireless)
- Bluetooth Capabilities: BT 5.3 with AAC, SBC, LC3, LDAC
Design and Comfort
Sony has given the WH-1000XM6 a refreshing design upgrade. Unlike the previously praised XM5 model, the XM6 utilizes a new plastic formulation that mimics a synthetic stone texture, creating a more premium look and feel. The earcups are engineered as seamless and solid shells, featuring flush-mounted metal grilles that enhance the aesthetic appeal while reducing visual clutter.
The hinges of the headphones have been redesigned to allow for a more compact folding mechanism, similar to competitors but without sacrificing practicality. Furthermore, the headband is wider and better padded, enhancing comfort for prolonged use. Its asymmetrical shape also aids in easily identifying the correct orientation of the headphones during wear.
Controls and Connectivity
The control setup on the WH-1000XM6 remains intuitive. Users will find physical buttons on the right earcup for ANC mode and power functions, while the left earcup features touch-sensitive controls for audio playback and volume adjustment. A notable enhancement includes the ability to mute the microphone during calls through the ANC button.
Sony has also incorporated advanced connectivity features, maintaining their reputation for stable Bluetooth connections. The integration of Google Fast Pair simplifies pairing with Android devices, while multipoint connectivity allows simultaneous connection to two devices.
Sound Quality
One of the standout features of Sony’s headphone lineup is their consistently high sound quality. The WH-1000XM6 continues this tradition, offering precise and full-frequency sound performance, especially enhanced in the midrange frequencies. Users will notice subtle improvements in clarity, which contribute to a more refined listening experience.
The headphones support various EQ settings through the Sound Connect app, though many users may find the factory settings already more than satisfactory. The move toward a neutral audio profile enables clearer separation between different sonic elements, particularly beneficial for listeners who appreciate nuanced audio.
Noise Canceling and Transparency Modes
Sony has significantly upgraded the active noise cancelling (ANC) technology in the WH-1000XM6. Equipped with more microphones and improved processing speed, these headphones perform exceptionally well in canceling external noise. While the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones still excel in continuous noise reduction, the WH-1000XM6 can outperform them in environments with variable noise.
The transparency mode offers a near-perfect reproduction of ambient sounds. Users might prefer Sony’s approach, which slightly enhances higher frequencies associated with speech, making conversations clearer without compromising the overall quality.
Call Quality
Call performance on the WH-1000XM6 has seen improvements over its predecessors. Users can expect a more natural representation of their voice, with a reduction in sibilance for clearer speech. The inclusion of a microphone mute function enhances user control during calls, providing a convenient option to switch to transparency mode for better self-monitoring.
Battery Life
In terms of battery performance, the WH-1000XM6 maintains the same benchmarks as the XM5 headphones. Users can enjoy up to 30 hours of playtime with ANC activated and a full 40 hours without it. While charging efficiency remains at one hour of playtime for a minute of charging, an exciting new feature allows users to charge and listen simultaneously.
Additional Features
The WH-1000XM6 is the first model within Sony’s lineup to support Auracast. However, the setup process can be cumbersome and may not be user-friendly, especially for iPhone users, indicating an area where Sony could improve. Furthermore, the Adaptive Sound Control feature now allows users to set specific scenarios and locations for optimized audio settings based on their activities.
Conclusion
The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones represent a significant advancement over the WH-1000XM5 models, solidifying their status as top contenders in the over-ear wireless headphone market. Despite some limitations, such as the absence of USB audio and a somewhat awkward Auracast setup, they remain a remarkable choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike. For those considering their options, the XM5 model might offer a more cost-effective solution without sacrificing much in performance.
